Women in Comfortable Shoes

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01/11/2004: "Wherefore art thou, Willie?"

On Christmas Day, Willie Nelson wrote an anti-war protest song. "Whatever Happened to Peace on Earth?" is only the second protest song he's written in his long career. He debuted it at the recent Dennis Kucinich rally in Austin, Texas.

In an article in the Austin American-Statesman on Dec. 31, 2003, Willie said he was going to record the song in Nashville that day and rush-release it as a single. He also said he hoped the song would stir some controversy. In fact, Kucinich's web site encourages people to call radio stations and request the song.

However, the following week, in an interview with KGSR's Kevin Connor, Willie said he was NOT going to record it. Why? Because he is concerned about backlash much like the Dixie Chicks faced last year after disparaging comments about President Bush.

What the fuck? Will the real Willie Nelson please stand up?

I listened to the KGSR interview with my mouth open in disbelief. (Take my word for it, an open mouth in a convertible at 70 mph on Mopac? Not good.) Why is Willie worried about controversy? What does he have to protect? His reputation? His fortune? Come on.

As a down-to-earth celebrity capable of reaching the hearts and minds of millions, Willie could have taken this chance to educate his fans that you can love your country but not approve of its actions. That you can support the men and women of the armed forces even if you think the American public has been grossly misled about why they are putting their lives on the line.

But he didn't. He wimped out.

Who is this new Willie who is worried about public opinion? This red-headed stranger is a stranger to me.

Posted by Sheila @ 01/12/2004 05:19 PM CST