Tom Rants

DJ: My thoughts were less inspired by any thought that Jackson Browne lacks intellectual capacity than by his apparent contempt for any fans who don't toe a political line. Since I'm one of the folks he apparently has contempt for, I decided to write my thoughts and did write about what I know - the typical entertainer's thirst for conservative Heartland dollars and liberal adoration.

The suit seemed to have one of two purposes (or perhaps both) - publicity or sending an anti-GOP message. The McCain campaign was prohibited by campaign finance laws from any involvement in the production of an Ohio GOP campaign spot, so suing McCain was simply intended to get the big name in the picture. If it was for publicity, it reeks of desperation. If it was to send an anti-GOP message, it was just not very well thought out. It's as if he set out to say «I don't want you as fans» to the GOP when his major appeal is to a demographic that is one of the GOPs most solid - white males 35+. Alternatives from an intellectually capable artist with intellectually capable PR and marketing people? If it was about property rights - negotiate a royalty payment and forgo the press conference. If it was about politics - issue a statement to the effect of «While I'm flattered that the GOP leaders are fans and value all my fans of whatever political persuasion, I want to make clear that I am not personally endorsing Senator McCain.»