By Lori Bredemeyer, Managing Editor
Think of your favorite celebrity. It can be anyone-the star of the newest movie, a professional sports player or the mayor of your town.
My favorite celebrity right now is probably one of the Olympic athletes, someone like Kerri Walsh (beach volleyball), Carly Patterson (gymnastics) or Natalie Coughlin (swimming).
Now think of that person on TV or in the tabloids telling America whom they support for president. Does that really matter to you?
I’d have say to all of them, “Who cares?”
Celebrities this year have spent much time and money making sure their fans know exactly who they support for the presidency. Some have made Internet commercials, some have performed at the national conventions, and some have attended rallies and sponsored fund-raisers for their favorite candidate.
Although many of them use their celebrity status to raise money for the campaigns, their announcement of who they will or will not vote for doesn’t matter to me.
Several actors and musicians have joined a political action committee called MoveOn that has created Internet ads against President Bush and even has a concert tour, according to MoveOn.org. Matt Damon, Scarlett Johanssen, Kevin Bacon, Rebecca Romijn and Martin Sheen have performed in the ads. Artists on the tour include Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, R.E.M., Dave Matthews and the Dixie Chicks.
The artists’ goal, according to the Web site, is to “make a change in the direction of our country. We share a belief that this is the most important election of our lifetime. We are fighting for a government that is open, rational, just and progressive.”
Who cares?
Few celebrities are openly supporting President Bush; I could only find two: Kelsey Grammer and Stephen Baldwin.
But more singers took to the stage for that side of the election and sang at the Republican National Convention last week. Those of note were Jaci Velasquez, Third Day, Nicole C. Mullen and Michael W. Smith-all Christian performers. While Kerry’s supporters are touring the country with a busload of popular musicians, the GOP seems to be looking for the Christian vote.
Even two ACU celebrities participated in the RNC, according to a press release. Max Lucado, a well-known minister from Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, who graduated from ACU in 1977, gave the benediction on the first night of the convention. Ted Poe, a former Harris County judge who graduated from ACC in 1970 and is running for office in District 2, spoke Monday to other congressional candidates.
It’s neat that two ACU alumni took part in the convention. But the use of celebrities to influence the country’s opinion is futile. Who really cares what they have to say? More superstars supported Al Gore than Bush in 2000, and Gore is not our president now.
I can’t really let myself, and I hope no one else will allow themselves, to listen to and believe a famous person who has someone else make decisions for them all day. These people have personal assistants who make their appointments, apply their makeup, order their food, choose their clothes and draw their bubble baths every day. Now all of a sudden, they seem to be able to make a decision about politics and want to share it with anyone who will listen.
In this world of uncertainty and immorality, don’t rely on these celebrities to tell you who to vote for; they’re no more informed about politics than you can be. Form your own opinion of the candidates and cast your ballot this November based on what you believe.
