Anti Iraqi War Celebrities

There have been numerous celebrities that have been outspoken in their view against the war in Iraq, U.S. policy, and president Bush. They claim they have the right as Americans to express their opinions openly and freely as any other person in this country. Well, first of all, they are not the average person. By being a celebrity, they have far greater access to the media and are almost guaranteed that their opinion will be broadcast around the world. In spite of that, my opinion is that they certainly do have a right to say whatever they want, as long as it does not endanger lives. In the cases I know of, they did not endanger lives and they can express their views freely. What they forget is that we also have rights. I have a right not to like what this celebrity is saying. I have a right to distance myself from this person and their opinion. I have a right to boycott products such as records and movies. This is my form of freedom of speech and expression and I intend to use it. I urge you all to do the same. This is a tangible way of expressing your displeasure with any celebrity’s opinion. Believe me, if enough people do this, they will hear you all too well. Make them understand their open access to the media comes with a price. Watch what you say or it may come back and bite you. …..Chuck Straub 4-11-03