Celebrities And Politics

When did it become okay for celebrities to talk about politics? I believe in the first amendment right to free speech and everyone has a right to voice their opinions, but the increase in the number of celebrities who are speaking about politicians in a hateful manner is just about enough for me. Just because someone disagrees with you in terms of which direction this country should head doesn’t give you the right to ridicule or criticize them in a way demeaning or demoralizing. Just because you have a platform (by being famous) doesn’t mean you should abuse the privilege by promoting hate speech.

Furthermore, what I have found is that most of these people have no idea what they are talking about. They talk in generalities and use misstatements to back up what they are saying. If you are going to voice your opinion, at least get the facts straight and know what people stand for. Don’t just go off of sound bites on the news or internet. Do your research and understand what you speak of. Otherwise, please keep your opinions to yourself so you don’t clutter up what is really news. I am tired of reading articles about what you say. All it does is make you look stupid and increase animosity towards you.

Moreover, these people should stay out of the family arena all together. Don’t attack someone’s mothering skills because she chose a life of public service. Would anyone question the decision of a mother who chooses to go and fight in Iraq for this country? No. So what’s the difference in elected office? Obviously, women decide every day what is right for their family and their career and that is not for us to debate or question. Only you know what is right for your family. Please just stick to the positions and stances of these candidates and don’t denigrate innocent relatives or personal decisions.

I wish some of these people would ask the question, “What would Jesus do?” even if they aren’t religious. You can substitute any deity or religious belief in place of Jesus for this question if you wish. Did Jesus pass judgment on people? Did Jesus hold hatred towards those who were enslaving his people? No. Did Jesus hate those who crucified him? No. Did Jesus talk bad about them? No. Instead, Jesus spoke of love and compassion for his oppressors. I’m not saying that you have to love your political opponent. However, bring compassion to the dialogue and understand that they are espousing what they believe in their hearts is right for this country and it is okay if you don’t agree with them. That is why you can exercise your right to disagree in the voting booth. This is how the founding fathers intended the political process in this great country of ours. This is why we have the first amendment, Bill of Rights, and all of the other foundations of democracy in place.

To celebrities and anyone else who spews hate: please don’t rage war in the public arena. You are only hurting yourself and others. It is okay to have intelligent, useful dialogues on candidate’s positions. In fact, this is healthy for the political process. However, once you cross the line of healthy and enter the realm of hatred, you are doing no one any favors and are causing more harm than good.n