Ronstadt, Raitt, Etc: Where Is the “Intimidation”?

Though I agree the Dixie Chicks were inordinately dumped on for their anti-Bush statements last year (not the least of which by opportunists like Clear Channel with agendas of their own that had little or nothing to do with “patriotism” or “supporting the troops”), those who have continued to claim that those who oppose the war or the Bush administration are somehow suppressed or inhibited from expressing their views are either hallucinating or are not paying attention.

Here’s just the latest in the ongoing celebrity Bush bashing orgy:

Just days after getting booted from the Aladdin Hotel Casino for praising Moore as “patriot” and dedicating her encore song, “Desperado,” to him, Ronstadt is already entertaining offers of a comeback.

On Wednesday, one of the prospective new owners of the Aladdin, Robert Earl, issued a statement of support for Ronstadt.

“We respect artists’ creativity and support their rights to express themselves,” Earl said. “We were very sorry to hear about the unfortunate circumstances of this past Saturday night and want to make it clear that Planet Hollywood has never, in our 13 year history, restricted any artists’ right to free speech and we will continue with that policy once we take ownership.

“Upon the assumption of ownership, and with a new management team in place, we would like to offer the use of the Theatre of Performing Arts to Linda Ronstadt for a second concert and further to take Michael Moore up on his offer to join her on stage to introduce her and sing a song,” Earl continued. The group Earl represents (a division of Planet Hollywood) expects to take control of the hotel as early as September.

Neither Ronstadt nor Moore immediately responded to the presumptive invite.

And Ronstadt’s not the only artist to find a sympathetic ear for her political commentary.

On Tuesday, Bonnie Raitt dedicated the Isaac Hayes-penned classic “Your Good Thing (Is About to End)” to President Bush (news – web sites) on stage at the Stockholm Jazz Festival in Sweden.

According to published reports, Raitt swooned, “We’re gonna sing this for George Bush because he’s out of here, people!” to raucous applause from the audience.

….It’s not just older white singers jumping on the Bush-bashing bandwagon, either. Rapper Jadakiss’ record, Kiss of Death, recently skyrocketed to number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 due in part to controversy surrounding the single “Why,” which asks the question: “Why did Bush knock down the towers?” [E! Online]

Again, as stated here, the list of celebrities who have stated their opposition to the war and/or Bush is nearly endless, the list of supporters is very small. Who is intimidated? What are the consequences?