Eddie, VH1, and Conservatives

VictoryGin

RainDog wrote:

And I am being sincere. I don't know what else he "should" do.

Maybe some are waiting to hear him say: "You know, you're totally right. Reagan was the best president in the history of the universe."

hippiemom

I've seen a few posts on this board over the past few years by conservatives who have met Ed and mentioned that they disagreed with his politics, and Ed has been very respectful, friendly, and eager to discuss their differing viewpoints, so I don't think he was saying that just to please the crowd.

He keeps talking, I suspect, not because he's trying to indoctrinate anyone, but because he feels like his side is getting drowned out. With even supposedly "ultra-liberal" outlets such as CNN and the New York Times joining in the cheerleading for our rush to war (who published Judith Miller's work again?), and supposedly "ultra-liberal" politicians like Kerry and Hillary Clinton voting to authorize the use of force, it's quite easy to believe that real progressive voices are not being heard. Ed's lucky enough to have a little soapbox to stand on, I'm glad he's making use of it.

And yeah, the Falwell comparison was a little overboard. All indications are that Ed is at least reasonably sane, and I think it's safe to say that his audience is a good bit more diverse than the one at Thomas Road Baptist.

offigo

If he did not like to exchange opinions he would have had a hard time being such good friends with Johnny Ramone.

MasterFramer

cincybearcat wrote:

Ok, I used the search function trying a few things and I looked back 5 pages but I didn't see anything. I haven't been around much lately so forgive me if I missed it.

Anyhow, I love that someone asked a question of the band relating to fans that have different beliefs. And mostly I was disappointed in Eddie's answer. I think he mentioned an important point at the very end, however it seemed he was more interesting in pleasing the audience, which is what he gets paid to do so well in concerts.

He mentioned that he respects other people's opinions and that he hopes they create discussion, but I wonder ow honest that answer was. It appeared to me that he is more interested in 'preaching to the choir'. And in all honesty I htink that sucks. I think that attitude is the exact attitude he professes to hate so much. He professes to hate the controlled news which leads to the controlled thought and the controlled beliefs on the people...but it seems that perhaps he is for it, just not the current message. He is certainly a well-informed rockstar, and has deep opinions. I would think that he'd welcome with open arms fans that disagree with the band on any number of issues. That they'd welcome the discussions and debate that come along with that. That they'd actually prefer to have fans that represent a large cross-section of the world and political beliefs because that is the only way to make real change...not preaching to the choir. Without out it, Eddie is no more than Jerry Falwell.

So, what do you all think? Perhaps in that format it is too difficult to express all your thoughts, so little time. Perhaps I misevaluated the statement. But all in all, I was certainly disappoited.

I like the debate. I like talking about issues with people that feel passionately about their positions, despite being oposite on mine. Sure, we have some heated exchanges, but those are a necessary evil to get past.

"Fuck 'em"

Cosmo

cincybearcat wrote:

Ok, I used the search function trying a few things and I looked back 5 pages but I didn't see anything. I haven't been around much lately so forgive me if I missed it.

Anyhow, I love that someone asked a question of the band relating to fans that have different beliefs. And mostly I was disappointed in Eddie's answer. I think he mentioned an important point at the very end, however it seemed he was more interesting in pleasing the audience, which is what he gets paid to do so well in concerts.

He mentioned that he respects other people's opinions and that he hopes they create discussion, but I wonder ow honest that answer was. It appeared to me that he is more interested in 'preaching to the choir'. And in all honesty I htink that sucks. I think that attitude is the exact attitude he professes to hate so much. He professes to hate the controlled news which leads to the controlled thought and the controlled beliefs on the people...but it seems that perhaps he is for it, just not the current message. He is certainly a well-informed rockstar, and has deep opinions. I would think that he'd welcome with open arms fans that disagree with the band on any number of issues. That they'd welcome the discussions and debate that come along with that. That they'd actually prefer to have fans that represent a large cross-section of the world and political beliefs because that is the only way to make real change...not preaching to the choir. Without out it, Eddie is no more than Jerry Falwell.

So, what do you all think? Perhaps in that format it is too difficult to express all your thoughts, so little time. Perhaps I misevaluated the statement. But all in all, I was certainly disappoited.

I like the debate. I like talking about issues with people that feel passionately about their positions, despite being oposite on mine. Sure, we have some heated exchanges, but those are a necessary evil to get past.

...
The guy was good friends with Johnny Ramone.
...
Case closed.

rebornFixer

Abuskedti wrote:

I also was distrubed that he didn't make any mention of the possibility that the 5 band members may not all have the exact same beliefs.

Yes... I think its fair to say that there are some differing opinions in the band, even if no one in PJ actually likes Bush. We get Ed's opinion as the gospel, something that has always kinda bothered me. When you listen to the rare occasions that Stone or Mike talk politics, you can hear ... I don't know ... A bit more moderation in the responses? Some centrist beliefs that contrast with Ed's more dogmatic take on things (and yes, I agree with cincy, in that Ed sounds close-minded to me, often.)?
I don't know ... Storyteller's became the Eddie Vedder show, something that doesn't usually happen when the band performs.

rebornFixer

Cosmo wrote:

...
The guy was good friends with Johnny Ramone.
...
Case closed.

I don't know about case closed, but yeah, that's a good point.

_Crazy_Mary_

reborncareerist wrote:

Yes... I think its fair to say that there are some differing opinions in the band, even if no one in PJ actually likes Bush. We get Ed's opinion as the gospel, something that has always kinda bothered me. When you listen to the rare occasions that Stone or Mike talk politics, you can hear ... I don't know ... A bit more moderation in the responses? Some centrist beliefs that contrast with Ed's more dogmatic take on things (and yes, I agree with cincy, in that Ed sounds close-minded to me, often.)?
I don't know ... Storyteller's became the Eddie Vedder show, something that doesn't usually happen when the band performs.

I wish we could've heard more from Stone. I think he may be the 2nd HOTTest member of the band.

Abuskedti

reborncareerist wrote:

Yes... I think its fair to say that there are some differing opinions in the band, even if no one in PJ actually likes Bush. We get Ed's opinion as the gospel, something that has always kinda bothered me. When you listen to the rare occasions that Stone or Mike talk politics, you can hear ... I don't know ... A bit more moderation in the responses? Some centrist beliefs that contrast with Ed's more dogmatic take on things (and yes, I agree with cincy, in that Ed sounds close-minded to me, often.)?
I don't know ... Storyteller's became the Eddie Vedder show, something that doesn't usually happen when the band performs.

Well, I don't think he is close minded.. I think he is right.. or very close to right in his views.. but his appeal and approach need some work.. I have the same problem

Cosmo

reborncareerist wrote:

I don't know about case closed, but yeah, that's a good point.

...
Well... I'm just saying that I'm guessing they probably had some real deep discussions regarding politics and social issues that went around and around and ended nowhere... like they usually do. But, they could still be friends and understand the the only difference between them was their opinions.
People that hate other people based solely on a differing point of view... does anyone really place much weight on their opinions? Should they?
...
So, you're right... this is an open ended case and there is now closure in sight.

hrd2imgn

Think about it people, don't you all see? We are playing right into Ed's hands, controversy sparks discussion, exactly what he wants. By saying fuck 'em, and who really believes he meant that come on, he was being a smart ass not serios, no different than if I call a friend a prick, he has us all buzzing about it. He has learned how to garner press/fan reaction quite well.

Point is if it takes him sparking a little controversy with his preaching/language than it will hopefully lead to the problem of what he was talking about, thus making his ploy successful.

Howver, I would have much preferred more stories on story tellers and less lecture. The token comments they threw in from the rest of the guys other than Matt were shallow, and not in their proper context. How About telling a story VH1, on all the songs they played! Seems like they were pushing their own media agenda through Ed's lips. They knew exactly where he comes from and were more than happy to put his views on tv.

offigo

One of my best friends in ultra conservative and very religious, I am liberal and do not believe in any religion. Generally, we have some great discussions with out judging each others choices. It can get a little sticky at certain times though. The months before and a few after the last election I found we had to distance ourselves from each other. The discussions got too tense.

cincybearcat

RainDog wrote:

Did I say something offensive?

As for the rest of my post, I'm honestly not sure what fans who disagree with Ed are expecting. A rant on "here's what sucks about liberals"? A speech about what he likes about Bush? He addressed the fact that many fans don't have the same politics as him, and that everyone should be open - now, how many other torch carrying celebrities would even get past "fuck 'em?"

And I am being sincere. I don't know what else he "should" do.

Nope. I was just separating your first statement from the rest of what you said. Just saying thanks for sharing your opinion. Nothing else.

I don't think people want or expect any of that...maybe just that it be great for people that are always talking about having their free speech taken away actually start listen to more than 1 point of view. And I was just wondering what others tok from what he said and the way it was said.

cincybearcat

VictoryGin wrote:

Maybe some are waiting to hear him say: "You know, you're totally right. Reagan was the best president in the history of the universe."

Jesus...yeah that is exactly what we are looking for...for fuck's sake.

cincybearcat

MasterModeler wrote:

"Fuck 'em"

And all the lord's sheep say "BAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"

cincybearcat

Cosmo wrote:

...
The guy was good friends with Johnny Ramone.
...
Case closed.

Yep, i'm aware of that. Kinda sounds like the answer to the accusation that someone is a racist..."Some of my best friends are black"

69charger

VictoryGin wrote:

Maybe some are waiting to hear him say: "You know, you're totally right. Reagan was the best president in the history of the universe."

That would be cool because then 90% of this board would agree just because Eddie Vedder said it.

Talk about sheep... :rolleyes:

Abuskedti

69charger wrote:

That would be cool because then 90% of this board would agree just because Eddie Vedder said it.

Talk about sheep... :rolleyes:

do they sound like you when you defend the actions of the Bush administration, no matter how obviously dishonest and contrary to the very reason they were voted into office... and do so for just a few reasons - not the least of which is the fact that you believe people are opposed to Bush because Eddie told them to...

hippiemom

69charger wrote:

That would be cool because then 90% of this board would agree just because Eddie Vedder said it.

Talk about sheep... :rolleyes:

That's right ... we were all members of the Young Republicans Club before we were brainwashed by Eddie Vedder :rolleyes:

RockinInCanada

69charger wrote:

That would be cool because then 90% of this board would agree just because Eddie Vedder said it.

Talk about sheep... :rolleyes:

I tend to believe that 90% of those here don't need Eddie Vedder to tell them what to believe...what Ed is saying is simply what the majority here have already thought and do believe....the reason its such a rampant topic of support for Ed's VH1 comments is that finally we have a voice speaking our thoughts to the masses....you know I tend to love the fact that my favorite musician shares the same feelings I do and trust me it does not take Ed Vedder to make people realize this war is a sham or that those running your country are crooks and liars using smoke and mirrors...its our own minds and judgement that made us feel the same way Ed did....not Ed himself....