Bruce gets political

[Autotune]

The fact that a BB's political opinions made the news, somehow, is indicative of the new high profile of the band. Bruce has been making political statements forever.

[Pretty Funky]

Can a video of a conversation from a private source such as a iphone be called a 'statement'?

[Chris Brown]

The fact that a BB's political opinions made the news, somehow, is indicative of the new high profile of the band. Bruce has been making political statements forever.

That's very true, I was shocked to read about it on TMZ of all places.

[runnersdialzero]

Can a video of a conversation from a private source such as a iphone be called a 'statement'?

The iPhone created autotune, which caused Bruce to say "asshole" instead of "fine young man", as well as "fucked" instead of "fun in teh sun, dawg."

[Ziggy Stardust]

"Wait until Obama doesn't have to try anymore, you're fun in teh sun, dawg."

[Zach95]

I never imagined Bruce to say something like that, I always thought he was so soft spoken 

[grillo]

    I thought Obama was a corporatist/fascist war monger demagogue... did I miss something?
And Rocky, why do you care what Bruce says about a guy (Obama) who literally could not care less about you, your family, or anyone else on earth that does not directly benefit him, a guy who, like all 'rulers' before him, has far more in common with the political elite of the worst tyranical state than he does with you.
    I'm sure Bruce is Republican which is as tragic as those who align themselves with any political party, so what's the big deal? If Brian had called Dubbya out on being a war criminal you'd probably think it was awesome.
I also like your whole You-have-a-right-to say-things-but-you-shouldn't angle. Very broad-minded of you.
If a guy's beliefs bug you do you really think that means he shouldn't speak his mind?

[Zach95]

I really hope this doesn't delve into a political discussion, but I guess its unavoidable.  I just, I guess I wish he hadn't said it in such a crude manner. Ya know?

[southbay]

this was discussed here all day. It did turn into such a heated  political thread that the Mods moved the topic to the Sandbox...

[bcdam]

There's an interview with Al Jardine from around 1980 where he blasts liberals for ruining the country. I would imagine Bruce, Mike and Al are all pretty hardcore Republicans. I would also imagine that Carl and Dennis were not, but that's just a guess (or maybe hope)...

[southbay]

There's an interview with Al Jardine from around 1980 where he blasts liberals for ruining the country. I would imagine Bruce, Mike and Al are all pretty hardcore Republicans. I would also imagine that Carl and Dennis were not, but that's just a guess (or maybe hope)...

So, like I said, the Bruce Johnston/Political debate thread was moved to the sandbox today. I really don't think the point of that was to start another one an hour later.  It is still open for discussion...in the Sandbox

[Bean Bag]

Gross.

What's gross to me is, there's like a half dozen posts on here about Bruce being a white guy.  Or an old guy.  Or a rich guy.  WTF peeps!?!  Damn!

Throughout history, bigots have never been able to resist revealing themselves.  No need to call them out.  Just put their hated "type" on display (and that includes the self-haters) and like fly on stink -- here they come.  That's so wrong.

And if I can't appeal to your heart...let me appeal to your gray matter.  Think about it.  Bruce was caught (more or less in a private conversation) disagreeing vehemently and frankly with some politician's policies.  And believing that politician therefore to be an donkey.  Strong language.  That's it.  So freakin' what -- he thinks Obama's a punk.  Disagree with him.  Man up.  He didn't hate on Obama for any other reason.  Just his actions, yo.  That's cool.

Some of you all need to get serious and chiggity check yoslef?

[bcdam]

There's an interview with Al Jardine from around 1980 where he blasts liberals for ruining the country. I would imagine Bruce, Mike and Al are all pretty hardcore Republicans. I would also imagine that Carl and Dennis were not, but that's just a guess (or maybe hope)...

So, like I said, the Bruce Johnston/Political debate thread was moved to the sandbox today. I really don't think the point of that was to start another one an hour later.  It is still open for discussion...in the Sandbox

OK, sorry. Missed your post. I will move my conversation into the sandbox. (sulks away and shoves knife into throat)

[Shady]

Did O'Reilly mention this?

[Justin]

I've never been in the Sandbox...this is weird!

All this over-the-top drama about the tour being marred or thinking this has now derailed the all the good hype is ludicrous.  Today, the old adage, "Any press is good press" is how things work today.  The story has some legs to live on for a few days and then it will fade away. You guys are making Bruce to be Ted Nugent or something.  Let's all get a grip!

[Ron]

I won't comment on whether I agree with what he said or not, because what's the point?  I will say though, that I've always felt that politics and music don't mix.  Music, and in a larger way Art (ecompassing for instance, actors, entertainers, etc.) in my opinion is the closest connection we have to God, and politics are necessarily created by men to control other men.  So you're taking the greatest thing on earth (God given & inspired art) and using it to promote some of mankind's most corrupt and wicked behaviors.  (Again, I think politics are necessary, they just don't mix with art). 

I know a lot of people think though that art isn't good unless it pisses somebody off.  You're basically pissing off half your audience, though, so it really doesn't make any sense, whether it's Bruce, or George Clooney, or whoever on either side. 

[Wirestone]

I won't comment on whether I agree with what he said or not, because what's the point?  I will say though, that I've always felt that politics and music don't mix.  Music, and in a larger way Art (ecompassing for instance, actors, entertainers, etc.) in my opinion is the closest connection we have to God, and politics are necessarily created by men to control other men.  So you're taking the greatest thing on earth (God given & inspired art) and using it to promote some of mankind's most corrupt and wicked behaviors.  (Again, I think politics are necessary, they just don't mix with art). 

I know a lot of people think though that art isn't good unless it pisses somebody off.  You're basically pissing off half your audience, though, so it really doesn't make any sense, whether it's Bruce, or George Clooney, or whoever on either side. 

Ron, I'm with you on this. Spot on.

(There is decent political art, but little of it survives the times in which it's made. That which does is more about struggling for and against arbitrary power than any specific ideology.)

[Mikie]

Gross.

What's gross to me is, there's like a half dozen posts on here about Bruce being a white guy.  Or an old guy.  Or a rich guy.  WTF peeps!?!  Damn!

Throughout history, bigots have never been able to resist revealing themselves.  No need to call them out.  Just put their hated "type" on display (and that includes the self-haters) and like fly on stink -- here they come.  That's so wrong.

And if I can't appeal to your heart...let me appeal to your gray matter.  Think about it.  Bruce was caught (more or less in a private conversation) disagreeing vehemently and frankly with some politician's policies.  And believing that politician therefore to be an donkey.  Strong language.  That's it.  So freakin' what -- he thinks Obama's a punk.  Disagree with him.  Man up.  He didn't hate on Obama for any other reason.  Just his actions, yo.  That's cool.

Some of you all need to get serious and chiggity check yoslef?

Yo, G!  What it is, funky dude? Happy, happy black and nappy, ain't too proud to bitch, my momma loves me but she could be jivin' too!  What's goin' down, dog?  Sounds like you be sufferin' from da Ebonics plague?  Sheeeeiit, foo, I be doin' dat shiiit too!  Don't be a hater and diss da peeps here, you dig brotha?

Peace out, Beaner Bag!

[MBE]

I agree that I'm not particularly into politics and music mixing, but stuff like early Dylan or The Beatles "All You Need Is Love" is more about universal things anybody can relate to. When you tell someone who to vote for though I'm not for that. Bruce has a right to feel like he does, a lot of people do and a lot don't, but I don't really think it's important for us to know.

[Jason]

Gross.

What's gross to me is, there's like a half dozen posts on here about Bruce being a white guy.  Or an old guy.  Or a rich guy.  WTF peeps!?!  Damn!

Throughout history, bigots have never been able to resist revealing themselves.  No need to call them out.  Just put their hated "type" on display (and that includes the self-haters) and like fly on stink -- here they come.  That's so wrong.

And if I can't appeal to your heart...let me appeal to your gray matter.  Think about it.  Bruce was caught (more or less in a private conversation) disagreeing vehemently and frankly with some politician's policies.  And believing that politician therefore to be an donkey.  Strong language.  That's it.  So freakin' what -- he thinks Obama's a punk.  Disagree with him.  Man up.  He didn't hate on Obama for any other reason.  Just his actions, yo.  That's cool.

Some of you all need to get serious and chiggity check yoslef?

You didn't get the memo. If you don't support the President you're a racist. Get it right!

[Ron]

My favorite that 'walked that line' and was pretty brilliant was Chuck Berry's "The Promised Land".  It's clearly about the freedom rides of the 60's... but instead of taking a side (although one side was clearly right, and one was clearly wrong) he brilliantly just acts like he was on the bus. 


Of course we're just talking about Bruce running his mouth, not making music with a message, but still the point is: Many of my musical heroes were very careful not to even divulge their political leanings out of respect for their audience.  People in general don't want a singer telling them what to think, it's just a little bit more irritating when you DON'T agree with them, than when you do

[MBE]

Actually now that I see Bruce attacked both sides I'm kind of OK with this. Honestly as far as uniting the country it's been decades since we've had anyone both parties will willingly work with or even respect. I bemoan that myself as I simply wish we had someone who brought all sides together.

[Wirestone]

You have to be willfully ignorant of this country and its history to believe that the outright contempt directed toward this country's president -- a man who received more that 69 million votes (more than his predecessor achieved in two previous elections) -- has no racial component.

[Pretty Funky]

From the 'Meeting The Band' thread yesterday.

Bruce is almost a split personality. He has been both the absolute most friendly, outspoken, most engagaing person in the group and other times  a very unpleasant fellow. Both on multiple occasions. I suspect, like everyone else in life, he has good days and bad days. Imagine that. I have had more positive experiences with him than negative.

....guess it was a bad day!

[MBE]

That's who Bruce is. He can be the biggest jerk in the group and he can be the kindest. He does have a kind of split personality. I thought that was pretty well known.