springsteen

Because we've talked about performers and politics, let me mention Bruce Springsteen's op-ed in today's Times.
There....mentioned. Here are some sound bites:

Through my work, I've always tried to ask hard questions. Why is it that the wealthiest nation in the world finds it so hard to keep its promise and faith with its weakest citizens? Why do we continue to find it so difficult to see beyond the veil of race? How do we conduct ourselves during difficult times without killing the things we hold dear? Why does the fulfillment of our promise as a people always seem to be just within grasp yet forever out of reach?

I don't think John Kerry and John Edwards have all the answers. I do believe they are sincerely interested in asking the right questions and working their way toward honest solutions. They understand that we need an administration that places a priority on fairness, curiosity, openness, humility, concern for all America's citizens, courage and faith.
...
Like many others, in the aftermath of 9/11, I felt the country's unity. I don't remember anything quite like it. I supported the decision to enter Afghanistan and I hoped that the seriousness of the times would bring forth strength, humility and wisdom in our leaders. Instead, we dived headlong into an unnecessary war in Iraq, offering up the lives of our young men and women under circumstances that are now discredited. We ran record deficits, while simultaneously cutting and squeezing services like afterschool programs. We granted tax cuts to the richest 1 percent (corporate bigwigs, well-to-do guitar players), increasing the division of wealth that threatens to destroy our social contract with one another and render mute the promise of "one nation indivisible."
It is through the truthful exercising of the best of human qualities - respect for others, honesty about ourselves, faith in our ideals - that we come to life in God's eyes. It is how our soul, as a nation and as individuals, is revealed. Our American government has strayed too far from American values. It is time to move forward. The country we carry in our hearts is waiting.

Why do I quote Bruce's lines? He's a performer, eh?
Here is an end to the spectrum of performer/politics wherein I can imagine no argument: an opinion article written to the Times. And quite well done. Springsteen has always been passionate about certain issues, while not getting involved for particular candidates. It isn't suprising to see his thoughtful lines. Had they been on the opposing side of politics, it would be likewise un-arguable as reasonable and worthwhile political involvement--hence, I would regard an objection based on his being a performer unreasonable. Object, if you do so, on its substance, not the delivery.

If that is established- where is the line wherein performers get unreasonable with their politiking? (I'm not sure there is one- but I know a many of you find the performer/politiker unreasonable.)