Sir Elton attacks new 'era of censorship' in America

[cal04]

Sir Elton John has attacked what he calls a McCarthy-like "era of censorship" in America. Entertainers who speak out against the Bush administration or its policy on Iraq, he claimed, risk scorn and damage to their livelihood. "There's an atmosphere of fear in America right now that is deadly. Everyone is too career-conscious. They're all too scared," he added.


Whoopi: fired in backlash
Just why the singer, who is not noted for his political views, decided to express his concern now was unclear. It is more than a year since a number of US radio stations banned the Dixie Chicks, claiming their anti-war rhetoric was unpatriotic. However, there is no doubt that corporate America can still be stung by criticism of George W Bush.

When Disney refused to release Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11, its chief executive Michael Eisner said that the company did not want a film "in the middle of the political process". Entertainment consumers "do not look for us to take sides", he added.

This week Whoopi Goldberg - who has long been known for her blue humour - was fired as a spokesman for Slim-Fast because she had made sexual puns about the president's surname. Slim-Fast is based in West Palm Beach, Florida, where the Mr Bush's brother, Jeb, is governor.

EDITED BY ADMIN: COPYRIGHT



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/07/17/wrock17.xml

[Elidor]

1. Hell yes!

Elton must have passed civics. That's an excellent rant!
:bounce:

[LittleApple81]

2. Elton: you are gay, you are smart, and you are an entertainer. Better stay

in England. America is going to hell in a handbasket.

[Moderator]

3. cal04

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