No musician should ever talk about politics. Nobody should ever talk about politics. Whenever you hear someone talking about politics you should automatically know they are an asshole and vow to have nothing to do with the pitiful piece of crap.

Anyone who has access to the public’s ear should use that ability to teach and to make sure they are knowledgeable to teach. They hae that right, and I think, that responsibility. Go for it.

Musicians and actors should keep their fucking mouths shut when it comes to politics. Jack White is absolutely correct. Everyone wants to be Bob Dylan. If you don’t have your nose burried in every policy, from every politician, all day long, than shut the fuck up because you don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.

esp. when many of the artists who like to make known their views barely (or never) finished high school. people in this country will listen to anyone who is a celeb. it’s great.

Pop singers definitely don’t have an obligation to speak out about politics. To be honest it’s not especially welcome anyway. Sometimes we want to be provoked for debate, sometimes we want to bop our heads to the latest smash hit single from the White Stripes, but we should be able to get one without the other if we want it.

You never see politicians on C-SPAN singing us a song they wrote just because they’re on TV. Well sometimes you do, but you’re never happy about it.

I think what a human does is his business, if he doesn’t feel comfortable pressing his view’s on others like a mormon or a johovah’s witness then why should he, and who are we to condemn. Shame on anyone who pressure’s someone to be something they’re not. Sometimes music is just music, not everyone has to be Bono.

I never have understood how someone’s musical talent and/or charisma made them qualified or required to take political stands. Because their talent happens to be in a field that get public attention doesn’t mean they should or should not speak up about issues any more than the rest of us that may or may not be ignorant on a topic.

I am a law student, someone who is suppousedly very well educated. I am being trained in a craft that lends itself to making governmental decisions and analyzing law. All that being said, I’d just as soon listen to what Bruce Springsteen as to say as my Harvard and Yale Educated professors. Politicians, lawyers, doctors, and other people who Fox News thinks it’s ok to have political views are as full of shit as anyone. The question is whether people are thoughtful when approaching complex questions and if they are their opinion is generally as valuable as anyone else’s.

While artists aren’t obligated to send political messages out, it is very much welcome if it is coherent and based on their true feelings.

I don’t agree at all with Nugent’s politics, but he does (sometimes) explain it coherently, which contributes to the public debate. Toby Keith, however, seems very evasive when pressed about his political views. That doesn’t contribute well to a debate.

In a nutshell, I strongly disagree that artists should be forbidden to express their political views. Not only is that a slap in the face to the framers of the Constitution, but it relegates music to little more than a mere diversion. However, artists should be able to keep their views to themselves if they wish.

Everyone has access to the public’s ear. Everyone has access to the radio. This is America, chose your own station. Let’s keep music and politics separate, after all, music is for enjoyment, not education, music is not paid political advertising.

When I go to a show I expect to hear music. I don’t want to hear what the lead singer’s view on a certain policy. Most the rock stars today have little to no education, abuse drugs/alcohol, and are sex addicts. They are in no place to tell thousands of people what to think.
If a musician wants to speak out politically then they can stand on a street corner, write an op-ed piece, or form a seminar.
I am ok with musicians saying small things at a concert but when Eddie Vedder mentions the war/bush between ever song it takes away from the music.

My view is that if you are going to speak up about politics at least do something about it. Pearl Jam is a great example of this.

As much as I love Bloc Party and consider them to be on of the better bands out there right now, I have to strongly disagree with Kele. Too often, entertainers feel that because they make absurd amounts of money and have direct access to the media they have the “duty” to not only drop their two cents, but tell others how wrong they are if they don’t agree with the entertainer’s view. The sad thing is, many people in this country will listen to the likes of Barbara Streisand, Bruce Springsteen or even Alec Baldwin because they like their music or movies but ignore people with actual knowledge and experience in foreign policy. Sure entertainers have the right to voice their opinion just as everyone else does. I don’t think they should do so at concerts where people spend upwards of $50 a ticket to hear music, not some college dropout stand on a soap-box and riff on how to solve the ills of the world. Alice Cooper was right, rock stars aren’t necessarily the sharpest crayons in the box and if you’re basing your political decisions off of what they say, you’ve got some serious issues. Here’s to Jack White and his realization that he is an entertainer and not a foreign policy expert.

hey seth–
just because somebody barely finished high school/didn’t finish it at all doesn’t make them any less qualified to share their views. the fact is that i know many very ‘educated’ people that have graduated from college and/or grad school–and they’re really fucking stupid. stupid people come in all shapes and sizes etc… and yes, many americans will listen to anything a celeb has to say. i cry myself to sleep at night thinking about that. i know this chick who would vote for whichever candidate britney spears would endorse (and she’s going to graduate college this spring…sad? yes. scary? yes. but this is america, people are allowed to be stupid. but don’t worry, natural selection will eventually take care of them.

I agree with both of their point of views to be honest. I know why musicians and actors do speak out, then again I can’t say jack White is wrong. It’s a draw. And what do you guys think of the new Bloc Party album? I don’t love it. That is for sure.

Um, even as a left wing liberal-type, I think it is plainly the artist’s choice whether they choose to use their public platform to speak out strongly, infer something, or just keep quiet if they want to. Seems like Kele wants to pick a fight to raise Bloc Party’s profile. If Jack White wants to just rock out…let him!

Any person has the right to say what they feel, but as the public and fans also have the right to ignore them.

Bravo Jack White! In all honesty, I hear too many entertainers speak politically and they really aren’t articulate, educated, or objective. I believe that if a said entertainer really does have the smarts to talk, they will do more than just talk they will actually go and speak with politicians and try to get things done. I have zero respect for most of these entertainers because they think they are courageous speaking on stage; whereas true courage would go speak to politicians on political turf and dialogue intelligently with more than the politicians that spout their opinion. Bono is an outstanding of a real activist entertainer. Most of the rest are shams, who seem more interested in selling their band then actually making a difference. The courage Bono has shown is inspiring. Anyone can shake Bill Clinton’s hand and smile, but not everyone could sit down with George Bush and Bill Clinton and be able to respect both men. That is maturity, and the quality that most entertainers lack.

Musicians aren’t always simply entertainers…they’re sometimes also inspirations. (By simply stating an opinion, they’re NOT telling people what to think. Just as they have the freedom to say what they want, we have the freedom to not listen.) A musician might inspire an apathetic skeptic to actually participate in our democracy and make a positive difference in this world. What a concept! I respect a musicians’s choice to just rock out; but I also respect a musician who puts themselves out there and tells me something personal about themselves.

simple – there’s no obligation for any artist to address politics in their work. a lot of times it’s better that they don’t, ‘cos it’s easy to sound preachy, over-serious, hypocritical (rich famous dudes singing about poor oppresssed people?), stupid (’cos most people don’t know what they’re talking about) and it can really serve to date your work, too. a good example is dylan: some of his early stuff endures as anthems/slogans to the point of cliche, but he progressed away from such direct statement to an advanced poetic symbolism, and his music & words (especially) became much more interesting and diverse after that change (’my back pages’ is him making fun of his too-arch, old-young self). anyway, jack white rocks, his accuser seems a fool. sorry for the long-ass post. have a great day.

“I was amazing when Jack White said it wasn’t his job to be critical about foreign policy because he was being paid to be an entertainer.”

Unless this is an actual word-for-word quote, I say it’s time to start waging war on Elizabeth Goodman again.

If you can write a good song that incorporates your views, so be it. If the listener chooses to groove only to the sounds, so be it. If the listener decides to dig deeper into the lyrical meaning, good for them.

Do not, however, slam your “I’m right you’re wrong” views down someones throat. That is the quickest way to turn someones ear aside.

Kele better keep his mouth shut, we all know what Jack can do when his integrity has been questioned.

He is being paid to be an entertainer. The last time I checked, Jack White is not a politician.

I know Jack has his own political views (”The Big Three Killed My Baby”) but he would rather show it in a song than in an interview. I find this to be more respectable than just mouthing off to the press (especially when you have a crap new album coming out and need all the press you can get).

political correctness and vague anti-establishment ideals are the hiding place of bad music. has ding-dong bloc-head ever heard ‘van lear rose’? not political, only eternal.

Reddmasters said:

“Everyone has access to the public’s ear. Everyone has access to the radio. This is America, chose your own station. Let’s keep music and politics separate, after all, music is for enjoyment, not education, music is not paid political advertising.”

This isn’t necessarily true. If you want to make music out to be nothing more than club bangers used to induce euphoria, then cool. But I, for one, have gotten into a lot of bands based upon their taking a side on something that pervades pop culture (a/k/a – The Iraq War these past several years). The lines between politics, pop culture and music were blurred a generation ago (two generations for some of the younger people here) and I believe, with that, came a responsibility for entertainers to be up on what’s happening and be able to proffer a public opinion on it. Millions of people look up to these celebs and there’s great responsibility in that. Too bad that most of these don’t even come close to living up to that responsibility.

I stand by Jack White’s morals. Who the hell do entertainers think they are half the time? I agree most of them should shut their mouths and be happy we’re paying for their albums and contributing to their salaries. What i’m not interested in is hearing half-baked opinions on how we should run the country…after all, if that’s the reason they got into this business, I think they should be thinking long and hard about their career decisions.

1st, who is Kele Okereke????

Thank you Jack for not pretending to be a foreign policy expert. 90% of the entertainers who try to join the political debate make a mistake because (1) They have no idea what they are talking about and (2)their fans are on many sides (there are not just two) of the issues.

There are records I did not buy and tours I did not see because I knew that they would get unnecessarily political (Fogery, Steve Earl…but I did go to Green Day…so I am a hypocrite too!)

I’m sure when interviewed, Jack would tell you his thoughts, but he does not need to be part of a post-boomer VH1 moment of political enlightenment

…also, screw Scientology

Jack is amazing, let him do his thing.

Being politically involved and letting your voice be heard is not just the resposibility of celebrities, but of all citizens.

Democracy isn’t a spectator sport and, to function properly, requires the attention and participation of all.

Jack White isn’t required to speak on politics, but by not participating, he is failing his country. No more so, tho, than the 50% of Americans who don’t vote and the 75% of Americans who think political discussion/participation has no place in polite society.

Oh, and whenever you hear someone dis on people who are politically inclined/involved (my man lobster down there), you know your talking to an apathetic idiot who’s passively endorsing American imperialism and oppression both at home and abroad.

Okereke’s “with us or against us” attitude isn’t terribly helpful. If an entertainer chooses to express his political opinions, that’s ok, but the last thing that anyone needs is more grandstanding and dick-swinging coming from the music world.

Jack is a dick, his “music” is hackened noise does anyone recall what melody is?

Artists should speak whatever they want to, and if that means politics, than it’s politics. How else can you define a generation? Teenage angst can cross over to any time, but not DEFINE a generation. Songs like For What It’s Worth, How Many Roads, and Gimmie Shelter were definitive war protest songs. Keep on speaking out!

…not to say that I disagree with Okereke’s sentiments. The delivery is the negative part.

If you don’t consider yourself especially well-informed about political matters, but you know that if voiced, your opinion will afect a great many people irregardless of your lack of knowledge, you probably should keep your mouth shut.

SPEAK OUT

Okereke is a twat

If someone in the public eye wants to spark debate on social or political topics, great – as long as they know what they are talking about. For example, Christian Evangelicals talk about evolution and biology like they have spent years studying it…but that is rarely, if ever, the case. But millions listen to them and ignore people who spend their life devoted to that field. If Jack White thinks he knows nothing about foreign policy, maybe its a good thing he keeps quiet. We should only listen to people who look at both sides of an argument, instead of those of push one-sided propaganda – left or right. Everyone can then formulate their own well-informed arguments and REAL debate can occur. Besides, art can address topics other than politics – I’m pretty sure love has been a popular topic over the last 50+ years of rock.

Musically speaking, Bloc Party pales in comparison to Jack White’s ability and vision. The idea that a person cannot be fully realized without being politically engaged is a modern philosophical fallacy.

Good on Jack White. Shut up and play!

I think billie joe armstrong is just what america needs, he is a brilliant pollitition

kudos to bloc party. one shouldn’t let the fact that they are an entertainer stop them from being political. use your fame and influence for something good. your music, photos,films, paintings, etc. have more power. if politics are in your heart, sing about it

I’m really getting tired of this “more outraged than thou” attitude flowing from the Hollywood eliete. I’m no fan of our national policy at this point, however, I’m not about to sideswipe a car with a “support our troops” sticker. It is one thing to have a position, however, fascisim is when you believe you must force you’re narrow view down everyone elses throats. I hope White sticks to his principles and doesn’t bow to political posers and carpetbaggers out there. Hile Okere.

Who cares if a musician wants to speak out on political issues or not? It is not my place or anyone elses for that matter to tell them otherwise. Jack White is exactly right he is an entertainer, NOT a politician. I don’t listen to White Stripes albums to get informed on foreign policy, I listen cuz I like their music. At the same time if an artist wants to speak out, that is his/her right as well, Thnkfully we have that right in this country! I also like John Mellencamp, but I am not buying albums because he criticizes the current administration. I also think it is hilarious that RS only mentions Ted Nugent, the right-wing “lunatic” to warn against artists “provoking debate.” They obviously have no problem with the Dixie Chicks, Springsteen, Pearl Jam, etc… “provoking debate.” If Kele had had come out against Nugent or Toby Kieth, etc. we would be reading about how insightful he is on this topic. People need to remember, just because a celebrity speaks, YOU DON’T have to listen!

I think its absolutely essential for any artist to follow his heart, but this Kele dude is doing exactly what most of us hate, imposing his beleif/opinion. By doing that, yes he is speaking his mind (great, whatever) but he also pigeonholing himself and possibly alienating his fans. I give big ups for those with true integrity, but what integrity is there in being the same preacher which you claim to rise up against? Rebellion for the sake of is cliche and passe. New rebellion comes from the mind. Everyone wants to be quirky and cool now without being so. How about protesting that. BTW why do people like these douchebags (Bloc Party) so much, they suck!

Especially now more than ever we need “PUBLIC ENEMY”!

I hate the idea put out by some people that musicians and actors have no right to speak thier opinions. That line of thought is as asinine as saying plumbers can’t speak their opinions because they only know plumbing, or any other profession. Part on being a citizen in this country is the fact that you are allowed to weigh in on politics and issues that may effect you even if don’t specialize in that field.

That being said, Jack White has no obligation whatsoever to speak on political issues. At some point an issue may arrise that Mr. White feels that he could help and then he may start speaking politically on that issues behalf, much in the same way Michael J. Fox has stepped up for stem cells. Jack White doesn’t even have an obligation to vote if he so chooses. In fact if you have no idea about any candidate, you shouldn’t vote. My neighbor back in 2000 voted for Bush because she liked his hair better than Gore, and didn’t understand the difference between the candidate or even their parties. She has since become an evironmental activist and deeply regrets voting just because she felt obligated to.

I also feel that Mr. Okereke should not try to rationalize why Jack White doesn’t speak out on politics. He is guessing that Jack is afraid of loosing record sales, but that may not be the case. It is impossible for him to know what is going on in someone elses head, and arrogant for him to think he can.

wow grand, you’ve managed to say what everyone else has already said, congradulations

I hate what is going on with our current international policy right now, but even worse are those politically carpetbagging posers that see being anti-war as another publicity stunt. It is funny that Okerke alleges White isn’t blab mouthing because it is good for record sales when I have observed the opposite. Look at Greenday. Before american idiot, they had faded into the margins, but overnight, they are the hottest over the hill poser punk band in the country. No Okerke, it is you looking to play the capitalist game by following the formula of what is most popular at the moment. Better for White to be accused of being a capitalist than an overly self-righteous, belief forcing fascist like Okerke.

Kereke is a twat. What the hell kind of criticism is it to say that something is “complicit with the capitalist society”? Last time I checked, all of us who work, earn, spend, pay taxes and buy Bloc Party music are complicit with capitalist society. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

Democracy is freedom of choice.
Freedom to play music, freedom to voice opinion.

We must stop being so divisive in this country, with respect to each other’s opinions.

It is the freedom of choice, that makes this country so great. That freedom is also worth dying for, if you believe strongly enough.

I say shut up and play music if I cared about your opinion I would read your blog.

Anyone who gets their political views from a rock band is a complete dope,maybe if Bloc Party spent more time trying to write some decent songs people might listen to them,instead they’re a bunch of poncey pretentious college students who think the world revolves around them and their shit music and dumb political views.At least Jack White is humble about it.

If artist want to speak out then fine, if they don’t then that’s fine too. This isn’t a big deal.

i have never read such an apathetic flock of comments – good GOD! is this what listeners are listening to music for, nowadays? hey – dopers – get off your bong for a sec and take a look at the world around you. you might actually see a need to get involved instead of wasting away an existence just ‘grooving to a catchy hook’. any IDIOT can write a catchy hook. they key is to incorporate some sort of higher awareness thru your composition, NOT in an overdone way or in a ‘down your throat’ manner, but in a way that gears respect both in the worldwide music and extended artistic community. i don’t think jack white is an asshole – he’s a good musician. but i also don’t think okerke should be OSTRICIZED for having a viewpoint on societal needs and values. im not a bloc party fan but FUCK people…
all the monolithic musicians and influences of our time have all had some sort of political/societal
viewpoint being portrayed, whether covertly or overtly – Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Pink Floyd, early Rap music (Grandmaster Flash to Run DMC). Frankly, I’m sick of all the useless ‘oh my heart was broken by a girl/guy, I can’t fucking go on’ bullshit that eminates modern popular music. Think about it.

Anyone who does not talk about politics is in denial, as politics affects our lives and pocketbooks so directly.
further…
Any artist who doesn’t express their politics is an absolute liar.

You don’t have to be a in-your-face douchebag about it, but it is nice to know where someone, anyone, stands so you can better understand their overall position, and whether or not you want to waste your time.

Personally, I have yet to be impressed by anything created by a Conservative. Their’s is a mindset out of sync with honesty and the creative spirit.

I guess it’s easy to tell one’s politics by whether their art sucks or not.

I believe silence is still condoned under Freedom of Expression.

People write music to express feelings, opinions, their own point of veiw – if someone happens to feel very strongly about politics of the day, it’s their prerogative to write and sing about that. If they have the opportunity to talk about that subject in the public eye, then hell, why not? However, I do not believe that they (”they” being the entertainer) in any way have an OBLIGATION to force their political opinions down the throats of people ( in fact, no one has that right, but that’s a whole other topic). Okereke says that “Selling more records is the only thing that’s important to him,” but couldn’t it be said that all that’s important to him is making music? Is politically motivated music more important than that that discusses heartache or love and if so, who the hell decided that? I think Bob Dylan said it best: you don’t to be political to believe in something.

Green day does it best

I think Kele is out of line. Sure musicians are in a great position to spread awareness about certain issues, but why do you HAVE to? Just because you have a gun does that mean you HAVE to kill someone?! who died and made him president of the musicians club?

Jack White is a corporate whore that would do ANYTHING for money? Has anyone here seen his Coca-Cola ad yet? He wrote a song to be used in a Coca-Cola commercial, look for it on Youtube

Jack White is completely full of apathy, & not in a “cool” way – His lyrics show theres never ANY serious thoughts going on in his head, he’s a POP star, he’s no different than Jessica Simpson in substance.

All he cares about is his bank account.

Show me a rock star other than Tom Morello who is actually capable of knowing what they are trying to say and not just repeating something they were told from some special interest group. I have a huge dislike for Morrellos viewpoints but at least he is not some drop out trying to explain to me the dangers of something he might not know anything about. God bless Jack White

I could care less about anyones stance on politics, religion, or morals. I like to think for myself. I’m not going to be influenced by someone who’s deemed “worthy” because they sell records or make movies. Who gives a shit! What makes them so superior ethically? I like Jacks response -nothing. He doesn’t dignify the comment with a response, kudos.

altough Kele’s bashing of Jack White isn’t necesarry musicians who do have opinons should share them because they can influence people but if they don’t have any they should say just that and be done with it. I just hope there is no beef brewwinf cause i love the music they both make, by the way Ted Nugent is an animal slaughtering jackass and he should keep his friggin mouth shut from now until the end of time

i think it is cool if they do or if they don’t it is there personel choice. just because they are an artist and famous that does not mean that they have to do or not do anything. remember in the mid-sixties when bob dylan decided he did not care any longer about speaking out about politicts, that did not mean that his bank account was all he cared about

i’ll give you a theoretical amen judy.

If you rely on rock stars to form your political opinions, you probably shouln’t vote. It’s nice to have a rock star that focuses fully on music rather than influencing people, not to mention Jack White is more talented than block party in every concievable way.

Should musicians speak their minds about everyday politics? Is this a good thing? I mean, people like Dylan and Lennon may have been outspoke about their political opinions, but did they CHANGE anything? No. It’s interesting to hear another person’s opinion, but not ever singer, guitarist, or drummer needs a soapbox. No one gets into music for political reasons. If they wanted a job in politics they would have become…a POLITCIAN! Oh and by the way, musicians need to be worried about their pocket books as, y’know, music is their primary source of income. And how many of you actaully speak out about your political convictions at your daily job or school? I’m guessing it’s a rare occurance. So, yeah.

And besides…do we really need to know Jessica Simpon’s opinion about the Iraq War? Does Snoop Dogg’s views on Darfur affect our lives? Oh well, i guess a lot of people need their idols to tell them what to believe. And that’s cool, i guess. It’s your choice y’know. But don’t think that an ENTERTAINER needs to be a POLITICIAN. After all, music is music. And despite all of your idealistic beliefs, music will not change the world.

gavin, you think you’re better than us, you think you’re special, who are you? as a matter of fact F%&K you, you @$$hole. Who is anyone to judge someone’s beliefs of actions. Who gives a shit if Jack does or doesn’t speak up. The point is that bloc party suck and they singled out someone who sells records so that they can get fame and record sales. From what I see here is that thier getting plenty of PR from you idiots.

Anyone that has posted a comment here against musicians speaking out on politics that isn’t a government official is a hipocrite. Why are you speaking out with your opinion? Being a musician is their occupation, just as you may be a pizza guy or a banker. Just because people may care what they say and don’t give two shits what you think doesn’t make them any less entitled to share their political beliefs. Besides, no one says you have to agree with someones politics just because you like their music and vice versa. Anyone who buys someones albums based on their political opinion is an idiot anyway, or at least a republican!!

Long live Ted Nugent! Down with Tom Morello!

for REAL rock, see:
http://www.myspace.co m/som ebody talked

http://www.myspace.com/somebodytalked

I think we need more political songs, like “Prince of Gas.” That’s fucking poetry that will last generations. And that Jack White joke of a song about wanting a chick to like you? No one will be able to relate to that in twenty years. Just look at that Elvis Presley character. No one even remembers him.

Jack White can do what he wants. Who the hell cares about Bloc Party? But, I am so happy Rage Against The Machine is gonna play Coachella. Why isn’t there any Rage news. Everytime, I go to this website, I read about what Fallout Boy eat for breakfast or what brand of pantyhose Panic At The Disco like to wear. Where is the damn Rage news?

Oh yeah, and Ted Nugent sucks ass. I don’t really care about his political views. I can easily ignore them if I like. He just makes awful, braindead music.

Guys, i think that its anyones business what they wish to share their opinions about and what they wish not to. A musician or an actor are no different from anyone else. Saying a musician shouldnt be outspoken when supporting his or her beliefs is the same as say you or I shouldnt. It is equally crazy in my opinion to say that someone is required to share their beliefs, just because they are well known. Remember, these people are telling how they feel but it is us who listen. If you dont like what someone has to say, dont worry about it. If you still like their music, listen anyways. I try not to let my political veiws or any other views affect what i listen to, and i think its a good policy.

The second Kele and Bloc Party write a song as fucking beautiful as “I’m Lonely (But I Ain’t That Lonely Yet),” or “We’re Going To be Friends” is the day he will understand why it isn’t Jack White’s responsibility to state his opinion on politics. Carlos D form Interpol subscribes to the same belief as Jack too, in fact even Elvis Presley was silent about his political views- but the second he belted out “If I Can Dream” you pretty much knew where he was coming from, how he saw the world. Jack White speaks through his art, like all good artists, not through some 200 word NME article. And perhaps Jack’s lyrics aren’t as politically orientated as Bob Dylan, but I’m pretty sure Kele would have to be an imbecile not to listen to “Little Acorns” or “Apple Blossom” and not innately understand what the writer of that song would say about foreign policy or the war or life in general.

The second Kele and Bloc Party write a song as fucking beautiful as “I’m Lonely (But I Ain’t That Lonely Yet),” or “We’re Going To be Friends” is the day he will understand why it isn’t Jack White’s responsibility to state his opinion on politics. Carlos D form Interpol subscribes to the same belief as Jack too, in fact even Elvis Presley was silent about his political views- but the second he belted out “If I Can Dream” you pretty much knew where he was coming from, how he saw the world. Jack White speaks through his art, like all good artists, not through some 200 word NME article. And perhaps Jack’s lyrics aren’t as politically orientated as Bob Dylan, but I’m pretty sure Kele would have to be an imbecile not to listen to “Little Acorns” or “Apple Blossom” and not innately understand what the writer of that song would say about foreign policy or the war or life in general.

Hey Kele Okereke! If Jack White doesn’t want to talk politics, he doesn’t have to! That doesn’t mean that all he cares about is selling records!!! Don’t diss Jack.

So – is Bloc Party giving away music for free now, or doing concerts for free? If you exchange your art for money, then you are being “complicit with the capitalist society.” LONG LIVE JACK WHITE.

Music is the expression of emotion. If you feel no emotion towards something, you don’t have to sing about it.

Nobody should ever talk about politics? Wow. I dont mind hearing people’s views, its just that people like Dave Matthews and Billy Joe don’t know what the fuck they are talking about and make asses of themselves. Not that the republicans are any better. i wouldnt want to hear an idiot review the new Beck CD, and i wouldnt want to hear Beck review the new Iraq plan.

Just another bit in the long line of Rolling Stone rants. Yeah, go ahead and point out that Nugent is a right wing nut. I suppose you couldn’t use a left wing nut job could you. The more things change the more they stay the same. Thanks for the bias, I was just about out. Oh, but your magazine and writers don’t play favorites and have no agenda. I’d like to see them be critical of one lefty musician or actor. What a freaking joke.

jack white can’t do anything wrong.
seriously.

if bloc party wants their daily dose of politics,
they should just watch colbert or something.

For anybody who wants to sing, win money and get discovered, go to http://www.SingingCoyote.com

I love it.

Sarah B. Vogelnacht
Sarasota, Florida

this is obviously a P.R. stunt by Bloc Party to get attention to their new album, just another loser dissing Jack White to get lots of free publicity for themselves. And I guess its working, but mostly to a negative extent, it seems. Mr. Okerere should have maybe read the “Jason Stollseimer Story” first…

Another RollingStone circle jerk for III. Mind you, we are talking about one of this generation’s most distinct talents, I’d probably even take the facial myself. And look at all us feeling the right to post our opinions, just like it is for Kele and Jack to have their’s. Jack has his on politics as well. Ask him what he thinks of Kwame Kilpatrick. Either way this circle jerk is just that.

that kinda looks like norah jones smokin’ a cig…

part of jack’s success lies within NOT talking about politics, and there are many others who do the same thing; led zeppelin, sammy hagar and aerosmith for example – some of the biggest bands are big precisely because they avoid wedge issues like politics…

but there are also those like bono and lennon and geldof etc who do the opposite and still remain popular – the real trick is in supporting humanity-based issues, because after all; you are selling music to people…

then there is audioslave…

Are you kids still bickering? Let me boil it all down for you – Conservatives are stupid and Liberals are crazy. There.

Oh! I forgot to say “Now, please, get out of my house!” at the end of my “Conservatives are stupid, Liberals are crazy” post. It’s a Tommy Chong quote from “That 70s Show” I use to annoy my coworkers. What can I say, I’m a stupid Conservative.

Nobody is gonna read this, but might as well add my two cents.
The best artists express their emotions through their craft, and if they have strong emotions about political issues, it would probably make a better song to write about it. On the other hand, it’s stupid to assume everyone should do that.
Someone mentioned using your art for good, problem is how many of them do that? Most just rant their OPINIONS and that’s that… Bono is a good example of a positive influence. He’s never ranting, he’s encouraging EVERYONE to work together. He doesn’t bash one way or the other in his music. That’s how it should be, but again, whatever adds to the art. Just don’t get upset if you lose some fans over it. I personally can’t stand hearing an under-educated rock start tell me how things should be, but I respect the emotion and art.

I wouldn’t vote for Dixie Chicks, then again I wouldn’t buy a George Bush album.

While I generally agree that Conservatives are stupid, or more accurately, ignorant, I really don’t understand the comment that Liberals are “crazy”?
You don’t get much crazier than the religious right, the neocons, and the current administration and ALL OF ITS BACKERS/VOTERS. These are the mindless tools that would follow Hitler into hell just because he said to.
That’s about as crazy as you can get, if you ask me.

Yes, and let’s not forget what happens when “fanatical left-wing lunatics take it upon themselves to provoke debate”. You end up with a bunch of twits running amok thinking they know something about the real world trying to tell us all how to think and vote. No thanks, comrades!

“fanatical left-wing lunatics telling you how to vote” you are truly a lost human.
If you only had a brain, you would see just how f*cking stupid you really are. Number one, by supporting a right wing agenda, you are MOST responsible for the death in Iraq, the destruction of the Earth(global warming), the policies of greed, and overall impetus for terrorism against the USA. YOU, my ill friend, are the UGLY Americans.

I have a stanky snatch.

stop comment terrorism!

I was born a man.

How pridefully ignorant you are, Judy. You are a prime example of the mindless-sheep attitude you so criticize. Nobody dares think for themselves these days.
Besides the point, I cote no more comments if it blatently ignores the premise of the article. Does every blog have to turn into political ignorance?

P.S.- Right or wrong, Rolling Stone is, for the record, rediculously one sided in it’s political opinions. But, I’ve known that for some time. Oh well.