Democrats...what would YOU have done?

[Neecy]

I'm a huge fan of mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves (you might recall she sang at Gerald Ford's service at the National Cathedral) and I read something disturbing in an opera publication today and I want to throw it out for discussion.

I did not watch either of Bush's inaugurations. I didn't have the stomach for it. I was surprised to discover that Graves, who is a Democrat, sang at Bush's SECOND inaugural. This is after Bush stole the 2000 election, started an obscene war, handed over the treasury to the already-wealthy etc (but before, to be fair, Bush allowed so many of her fellow African-Americans to die on the sidewalks and overpasses of an American city).

Graves was born and raised in Washington, DC so perhaps the idea of singing at a presidential inaugural is more honoring the event than the person to her. Still, I find it it deeply disturbing to give even a patina of legitimacy to George W. Bush by performing at the swearing-in ceremony (she sang "America the Beautiful" between Bush and Cheney's swearing-in) and I know I could never, ever, ever have done it. I don't know how anyone could who wasn't a war-loving freeper like Toby Keith. I'm trying to give the benefit of the doubt but reading this was very troubling. Could you have done it? How could you justify it?

(btw, very sad that Ryan H can't respond! Not.)

[patrice]

1. It is possible for certain kinds of people to do constructive

things inside the oppo camp. (This is what we're supposed to believe Mrs. Clinton is doing).

It takes a very specialized kind of drive and skill and the changes are usually quite subtle. And you have to believe that critical mass will be achieved before its too late. Not my cup of tea.

[Shoelace]

2. never!

for one thing, I'd have gotten sick to my stomach at just the thought of doing it. :puke:

[chefgirl]

3. I would decline, respectfully

I could never bring myself to do it, but in deference to the office of The President, I would 'respectfully' decline.

I don't, however, think it makes someone a 'war loving freeper' to acquiesce to a President's request.

I'm a naturally confrontational person, when irked, so I would have no problem saying no, but I'm sure there are some people who wouldn't be able to find that in themselves.

Just sayin' :shrug:

-chef-

[Cleita]

4. It would be an honor and prestigious for another president

but not this one. Bush is going to go down in history as one of the bad guys and whoever is associated with him even in non-political ways will be forever associated with him and not in a good way. Look how German film maker Leni Riefenstahl is viewed because of her association with Hitler and the Nazis. They say she was a brilliant film maker however she collaborated with the Nazis. She was never able to shake off that association and be known for her work alone.

Hopefully, Denyce Graves will be able to shake off this association by not supporting this president by her presence at future political affairs in the future.

[niyad]

5. there is NO WAY I would have EVER participate in any event for this lying, thieving, murderous thug.

quite apart from anything else, do any of us seriously believe that this man, who demonstrates that he is completely without class, without culture, without any sort of patina of respectability, even LIKES opera, let alone knows enough about the performers to invite one to his coronation? doesn't that sort of not jibe with the "good ole' boy" image he keeps trying so hard to portray?

[Neecy]

9. I don't, not for a second

I do find it humorous, though, that one of her most acclaimed CD's is entitled, "French Opera Arias". Maybe he excused her frenchyness by thinking of them as "Freedom Arias".

(It IS a great CD, btw, for anyone wanting some non-painful exposure to opera).

[Emit]

6. Following the selection of '04, while I was fervently following all the election fraud threads

our local Democratic Party was doing a fund drive to send one of our local high school bands to march in the inaugural. I was pissed. How could they? I have come to realize that, for many, this is all just politics as usual, and they did not have the same perspective that I did.

Btw, I couldn't have done it. No way. Not with this misadministration.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

7. Having a voice that is as musical as a goose-fart in the rain...I would have sang.

With a big smirk on my face.

[patrice]

10. Love it! LOL!!

:rofl:

Thanks!

[Rosemary2205]

8. A relative works in the Bush WH and is a Democrat.

He had 24 years with the national park service, feels incredibly honored to be a participant in maintaining that historic home and showing our best face to the world. When Bush invaded Iraq he considered asking to be reassigned and decided not to let smirk ruin it for him.

After talking to my cousin, I can understand why a singer would participate. An inaugeration is a historical event it is bigger than the person being inaugerated. The honor of being asked to participate in that and accepting that honor, I think does not necessarily mean the participant validates what the administration stands for.

[patrice]

12. That's like my sister who, as a woman, still does major

liturgical music for the Catholic Church.

Your cousin loves the parks so much (Thank God!) that he endures BushCo to do what he can for the parks. My sister loves a singing congregation so much, that she endures some real jerks (some with roman collars on) to keep them singing.

[AndyTiedye]

11. Sing It, But Change The Words!

They'd probably be too stunned to stop you.

[johnaries]

13. I'd be tempted to pull a "Colbert" and sing something like

"Give Peace a Chance".