Linda Ronstadt Booted

Singer Linda Ronstadt was booted from Las Vegas’ Aladdin Casino on Saturday after dedicating the song Desperado to producer Michael Moore and praising his President Bush-bashing documentary Fahrenheit 9/11. Ronstadt was only in Vegas for one night and used the stage to spout her political views.

Ronstadt, 58, touted Moore as an "American patriot" and encouraged the audience to view the anti-Bush documentary. Reportedly, half of the 4,5000 audience members applauded while the other half booed loudly. Onlookers report that some of the audience members were so upset by the remarks that they threw their drinks, ripped down posters advertising Ronstadt’s concert and walked out in disgust. Casino president, Bill Timmins, was so upset by the display that he kicked Ronstadt out of the casino, even refusing to let her return to her room. He said, "In an effort to diffuse the situation, Ms. Ronstadt was asked to leave the property immediately following her performance. Ms. Ronstadt was hired to entertain the guests of the Aladdin, not to espouse political views."

Why do celebrities feel the need to use entertainment venues as an opportunity to voice their opinions? People pay money for a concert ticket to see a concert, not to hear the singer’s political views. People watch awards shows to watch award shows, not to see some celebrity spouting off their causes. There is a time and a place to share your opinions and a way to go about it. Just because you perform for the public, it is not for you to decide that the public is interested in what you have to say. Do you care what our political views are? Probably not, so keep your mouths shut!