Joan Baez was banned from playing a benefit at Walter Reed?

[proud2BlibKansan]

Why bar Baez?

From the Plain-Dealer,Cleveland

Like many Americans, blue-collar rocker John Mellencamp was upset by news stories about the awful conditions for some wounded soldiers and their families at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Hoping at least to offer a distraction, Mellencamp recently put on a show at the hospital. His hourlong performance apparently was a hit, and Mellencamp never trotted out the anti-war rhetoric that’s a staple for him these days.

But Army officials quashed part of the planned show. They refused Mellencamp’s request to bring along folk legend and longtime peace activist Joan Baez for a duet. Barring Baez seems petty.

There’s no reason to think that Baez, like Mellencamp, wouldn’t have been on her best, apolitical behavior. If she can realize that the times, they have a-changed, the Army should, too.

http://www.kansascity.com/273/story/104856.html

[Captain Hilts]

1. Mellencamp has no Vietnam history. She does, and some troops didn't want her there. nt

[mitchtv]

5. It's not the soldiers

It's the management
Let's be real

[La_Fourmi_Rouge]

7. The troops had nothing to do with this.

Joan Baez has a Peace History. I'd take the time to dump on you thoroughly but, frankly, it is just not worth the waste of words. Get a grip, get an education, learn to use Google, and grow a conscience, Mookie.

[Captain Hilts]

8. I'm a volunteer at Bethesda Naval. Regularly visit Walter Reed.

I adamantly oppose the war.

Folks, for these troops - and their leadership - perception is reality. I don't agree with what they did, or how they did it. But Joan Baez will always be associated with folks like Jane Fonda, who are still hated by the troops. It might not be accurate, or fair, but that's the way it is.

They got John Mellencamp, who's against the war, and have been entertained by others against the war. Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon visited the troops and they're against the war. Cher's visited and she's against the war.

It's not the policy or practice to keep out celebs who are against the war. But Baez has a past the military doesn't like. I think it's wrong, but that's just me.

[proud2BlibKansan]

9. The troops are the ones who decide who gets to play for them?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

2. Yep. Heroic soldiers afraid of 66 year old woman singing songs.

"If it's natural to kill, how come men have to go into training to learn how?" - Joan Baez

[Captain Hilts]

3. No one said they were "afraid." Mellencamp was welcomed heartily.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

4. I said they were afraid.

[shenmue]

6. There is a danger that people might enjoy the show!

:grr:

We can't let that happen! Hospital patients must be kept from hearing songs! :sarcasm:

:crazy:

This administration has no heart whatsoever.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

10. K&R keep up the good work!

[Rev. Mother Ramallo]

11. Jeez, I love Joan Baez!

I think the troops would've loved her, too!