Bruce gets political

[pixletwin]

Dave seems like a Ron Paul guy to me.

(I have nothing to base this one) 

[HeyJude]

I think Mike's politics are rather more complex than that, and Brian's rather less so. Mike certainly made some comments in the 90s that suggested he didn't like Clinton, and seems to be rather socially conservative (and he doesn't seem the type who's particularly keen on taxes, either), but he was also a strong supporter of the Natural Law Party while the Maharishi was alive, and he's a *very* strong supporter of environmental causes, which are not normally a Republican strong point, and he made some comments which were mildly against the Iraq war a few years back. I've no doubt he *votes* Republican, but I suspect he probably thinks of himself as an independent.

Brian, on the other hand, has never really given the slightest indication of having any actual political opinions. I think he said he voted Republican in the last couple of Presidential elections, but he also took part in a webcast to raise funds for Barbara Boxer in the late 90s. I suspect that he's someone who doesn't give politics a great deal of thought and who votes based on the candidate's personality rather than anything else.

I think back in 2000, Brian, or someone posting under his name on his website, made a comment after the election/recount/supreme court debacle, something to the effect that the supreme court shouldn't pick the president, etc. Certainly not a firm indication of a political leaning, but unforuntately few people could objectively comment on that case. It seems most people who voted for the guy who won supported that supreme court case, and those who voted for the other guy were against it.

Again, that may have spoken more to the political leanings of whoever typed that stuff back in 2000. Remember that was the early days of "who is actually posting under Brian's name?" debate on that "Blue Board."

[stack-o-tracks]

So nobody thinks going on (multiple) taxpayer funded multimillion dollar Hawaiian vacations while the economy is in shambles and thousands of families have lost their homes is something a selfish asshole would do?

[Amy B.]

I'm a liberal Democrat, but in general I don't stop listening to someone's music or going to their movies if their political views differ from mine. I think celebrities have just as much of a right to talk about politics as the rest of us. Plus, it's no surprise to me that Bruce is a Republican. I don't think it was any secret.

That said, his choice of words and his timing are way, way off. As has been stated here, calling Obama a Socialist is completely off the mark and just indicates that he has been drinking the Fox News Koolaid. And of course, he could have avoided calling the President of the United States an a**hole on camera, or even just to a few fans. Think before you speak, Bruce.

Bruce has always seemed out of touch to me. As pretty as it is, Disney Girls pines for a world that only existed for upper middle class and rich white people. And the same thing is happening here, when Bruce says not to support Obama "unless you're not interested in having any money." Because Obama wants to raise taxes on the rich and put the benefits more toward the poor and middle class. And that would hurt Bruce, but not your average fan. But Bruce is seeing it from Bruce's world.

Still going to the show in NJ in June. If Bruce starts spouting off about Obama on stage (which I doubt), I won't walk out. I'll just roll my eyes. I still love the music.

[Wirestone]

So nobody thinks going on (multiple) taxpayer funded multimillion dollar Hawaiian vacations while the economy is in shambles and thousands of families have lost their homes is something a selfish asshole would do?

Stop it. The man is from Hawaii. It's his home, the same way Texas is George W. Bush's (and taxpayers paid for his brush-clearing excursions there).

Whatever the case, this thread isn't the place to get into fire-breathing political argument.

[stack-o-tracks]

So nobody thinks going on (multiple) taxpayer funded multimillion dollar Hawaiian vacations while the economy is in shambles and thousands of families have lost their homes is something a selfish asshole would do?

Stop it. The man is from Hawaii. It's his home, the same way Texas is George W. Bush's (and taxpayers paid for his brush-clearing excursions there).

And that makes it right? There's a reason this country is so f***ed and it's because the people let elected officials get away with whatever they want.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

I'm going to move this over to the Sandbox, and also try to stay out of this debate before I get shot

Oh, and they're ALL selfish assholes. Democrat? Republican? They're the same.

Obama? Romney? Just say no. Vote Wilson/Love in  2012.

[Heysaboda]

So nobody thinks going on (multiple) taxpayer funded multimillion dollar Hawaiian vacations while the economy is in shambles and thousands of families have lost their homes is something a selfish a#####e would do?

Well, of course, our current president is not a wealthy landowner as W. and earlier RepubliKans were, so even a dim bulb should understand that BHO would need to vacation at a resort/compound that can be made secure, from Ted Nugent.  BTW, You are aware that Bush spent 65% of his so-called "presidency" on "vacation"?

You Republikans keep trying tho'.

[SMiLE Brian]

I'm going to move this over to the Sandbox, and also try to stay out of this debate before I get shot

Oh, and they're ALL selfish assholes. Democrat? Republican? They're the same.

Obama? Romney? Just say no. Vote Wilson/Love in  2012.

agreed, president Brian Wilson.

[stack-o-tracks]

So nobody thinks going on (multiple) taxpayer funded multimillion dollar Hawaiian vacations while the economy is in shambles and thousands of families have lost their homes is something a selfish a#####e would do?

Well, of course, our current president is not a wealthy landowner as W. and earlier RepubliKans were, so even a dim bulb should understand that BHO would need to vacation at a resort/compound that can be made secure, from Ted Nugent.  BTW, You are aware that Bush spent 65% of his so-called "presidency" on "vacation"?

You Republikans keep trying tho'.

And that makes it right? There's a reason this country is so f*cked and it's because the people let elected officials get away with whatever they want.

I am not excusing George Bush or any of his predecessors from using taxpayer money to fund their vacations. They knew what the job entailed before they volunteered for it and completely do not deserve multimillion dollar vacations with the wretched jobs they have done/are currently doing running this country.

Absolutely no reason he has to vacation at the furthest possible spot in the country away from his current home in Washington, DC. They have Camp David for a reason and it costs BHO and his entourage a helluva lot less money to travel to Maryland.

[Heysaboda]

So nobody thinks going on (multiple) taxpayer funded multimillion dollar Hawaiian vacations while the economy is in shambles and thousands of families have lost their homes is something a selfish a******e would do?

Stop it. The man is from Hawaii. It's his home, the same way Texas is George W. Bush's (and taxpayers paid for his brush-clearing excursions there).

And that makes it right? There's a reason this country is so f****d and it's because the people let elected officials get away with whatever they want.

Seriously S-O-T, you must be aware that the US economy was losing, in the final months of 2008, between 200,000 - 300,000 jobs every month, that's EVERY MONTH.  But somehow BHO is responsible?  Your comments make no sense at all.  Put the pipe down.  You want BHO to vacation on the Moon perhaps?

[Heysaboda]

arhgg

I agree w/ the earlier poster:

a fine mess:

[Dave in KC]

In my opinion, this thread should not have been moved to the sandbox. It's hardly off topic. And the best is yet to come if my prediction is correct, that this comes up on Bill O'Reilly's show tonight. Bill is salivating over this one for his Pinhead or Patriot segment. I think it's pretty well known here that he's a huge BB fan.

[joshferrell]

Mike:What another fine mess you gotten us into...(while hitting bruce with his hat)
Bruce:(Crying) I'm sorry Mikey...
 

[Shady]

In my opinion, this thread should not have been moved to the sandbox. It's hardly off topic. And the best is yet to come if my prediction is correct, that this comes up on Bill O'Reilly's show tonight. Bill is salivating over this one for his Pinhead or Patriot segment. I think it's pretty well known here that he's a huge BB fan.

Yes!

Can this please be moved back to the main section, at least for a few more days

[stack-o-tracks]

So nobody thinks going on (multiple) taxpayer funded multimillion dollar Hawaiian vacations while the economy is in shambles and thousands of families have lost their homes is something a selfish a******e would do?

Stop it. The man is from Hawaii. It's his home, the same way Texas is George W. Bush's (and taxpayers paid for his brush-clearing excursions there).

And that makes it right? There's a reason this country is so f****d and it's because the people let elected officials get away with whatever they want.

Seriously S-O-T, you must be aware that the US economy was losing, in the final months of 2008, between 200,000 - 300,000 jobs every month, that's EVERY MONTH.  But somehow BHO is responsible?  Your comments make no sense at all.  Put the pipe down.  You want BHO to vacation on the Moon perhaps?

Point out where I said he was responsible for the economic collapse? He's responsible for being irresponsible and frivolously spending taxpayer money at times when that money would be much better off being cycled back into the American economy. Yes, Bush also did the same thing.

What I'd like is for the president to not take any more vacations outside of the Washington, DC area, the place he currently calls home, until he can figure out a way to right the economy and cut government spending. Same goes for any president who comes after him, but unfortunately due to the ineptitude of the Republican party, we are stuck with a completely ineffective leader with absolutely NO creative solutions for ANY of our problems for another 4 years.

To me it has nothing to do with political affiliation. I'm sure McCain would be in the same spot Obama is currently in. And that spot is really not much better off than it was in 2008. Judging by the rest of the world, maybe it's worse?

[Dave Modny]

Personally, I think where Bruce crossed the line was in using the "a-hole" term. Regardless of one's political leanings, and mine are about as far away from Bruce's as one's can be, there's a difference between simple policy or ideological disagreement and totally disrespecting the office of President.

It never ceases to amaze me how far we've fallen as a society in recent years in terms of discourse. Free speech is one thing. Acting like a crass, pumped-up, senile idiot is another. Call our Presidents bumblers, incompetent or even flat-out wrong if it suits you, but always respect the office and the enormity of the job. I doubt most of us here would be able to handle it. Referring to OUR President as an a**hole just makes us look like a country of myopic, slack-jawed simpletons.

The thing we always have to remember is that...even in our differences...there's still probably *more* things that we agree upon than not. Sadly, it's the other stuff that always seems to define, rile and divide us. Hey, anyone who knows me knows that I'm passionate about politics, too. I can get riled-up as well. But, passion and stupidity don't have to walk in lockstep. And Bruce made a very public, very stupid move. Unfortunately, it's our lazy media that seems to feast on these "gotcha" moments...while never missing a beat in feeding the "rile-up fire."


And yes, I know certain public figures used the same profane terms against Bush, too. Even worse. Still doesn't make it right.


IMHO of course.

[Heysaboda]

Personally, I think where Bruce crossed the line was in using the "a-hole" term. Regardless of one's political leanings, and mine are about as far away from Bruce's as one's can be, there's a difference between simple policy or ideological disagreement and totally disrespecting the office of President.

Basically, I agree with this.  Well said.  And better said than I did.

While hoping not to pis$ everyone here at Smiley Central too much, I just think Bruce needed to show more r.e.s.p.e.c.t. to the current POTUS.  Since the majority of "the kids" in the BB's audience probably VOTED for the guy in 2008, I think Bruce's "pithy" comment would not be appreciated.  Seriously people, what you do expect?  Bruce was excluding, not including.  I'll give him a Mulligan tho'.  Especially if he was drunk.

Other people want to go all nuts and talk about how BHO shouldn't vacation in his home state, well that's fine but I just think that's a little nuts too.  Sorry if I offended anyone.

[Amanda Hart]

Just caught the segment about this on the TMZ TV show. They gave equal time to the fact that he called both Obama and Romney assholes. That's what I'm more concerned about than anything; outlets running away with a "Beach Boy Calls Prez an A-Hole" story. Calling them both assholes helps him save face a little. I don't actually think this is a big deal. In fact, most people probably do think they're both assholes. This story will blow over pretty quickly, and for now it gets them face time and exposure on outlets they may not usually get. As they say, any press is good press.

[filledeplage]

There is room enough for all sides of the political debate to have a say, whether recorded at a podium, a rally, or a fan meet-and-greet.  Bruce has as much right to say what he said there as anyone else in the industry, I give him credit no matter how much I may agree or disagree. It's the folks who would say Bruce was out of line because they don't agree politically with his comment, and therefore should not have said it, that would be more troubling than what Bruce said.

Given that any comments are coming from a 60's-70's era rocker, it looks like "a tempest in a teapot" as they say.  Both the Prez and VP know and have used that word that can be a noun, verb, participle, etc.  Even old Country Joe did a Woodstock Spelling lesson circa 1969.  

Romney is in deep do-do with this high school past back to haunt him and the template for Obamacare came from Romneycare.  It was a Republican model. Now he wants to distance himself from it.  One is the same as the other in many respects.  I will say for Obama, that the US is less hated as a result of his bridge building, and like it or not, Biden speaks his mind, and tells it like it is.  So what.  It is what I like best about him. Go Joe! Reagan spoke his mind as well.  

People are human.  Politicians and Rock Stars.  And Music - a mirror that is held up to society.  

See Steve Stills.  Uncensored and hunky as ever.  During the show.  Not off-stage.  

The solution!  A White House lawn Beer Summit! 

Bruce can bring the American beer! 

[endofposts]

Didn't the Beach Boys play at least one, if not more, Republican conventions?  Brian was with them for at least one of them, and landed in county jail for some infraction or other. 

I'm also now remembering that Bruce has some kind of organized crime connection via his adopted family.  He even alluded to it himself at one point.  Does anyone have details on that?  Not that it has anything to do with his political leanings, at least not for certain.   

[Rocky Raccoon]

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beach-boys-bruce-johnston-blasts-obama-20120511

While he has a right to share his political opinion, it's a bit out of line to tell his own fans they're "f***ed" if they vote for Obama.  Encouraging words, Bruce, thanks. 

[runnersdialzero]

ootpoov

[Moon Dawg]

 Who would have guessed that BRUCE would be the Beach Boy most likely to make a controversial political statement on the reunion tour??? Not me.

 I would be quite happy if the group kept political BS of any stripe out of what has been a wonderful reunion thus far, even if it is an election year. Go file your absentee ballots Bruce, then be ready to play your toy keyboard.

 Presidential administrations spanned by The Beach Boys: JFK, LBJ, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush II, Obama. Wow.

 BTW- Barack Obama was born around the time Brian & Mike got together to write "Surfin." Double wow.

 

[endofposts]

I watched the video, and Bruce mentions that Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill were "something-something," implying they were the last "good guys" in politics.  Since O'Neill was a Democrat, I think he was sort of trying to be non-partisan while saying he didn't like or respect Obama, and also said that Romney was an a-hole as well.  Bruce sounded really drunk.  I'm sure he regrets it, but I also suspect he wasn't thinking about a video camera being present catching him in a casual, drunken conversation with a fan.  In fact, the video camera shot is at a low angle, so whoever was holding the camera may have been taping in such a way that Bruce wasn't even aware he was being taped (even if he had been sober).  I give Bruce a pass on it and it's too bad the media blows such things out of proportion.  I wouldn't put it up there with a Mel Gibson rant or anything, and it was certainly not as tasteless as what a sober Ted Nugent said about Obame a few weeks ago.