Why does Jon think he is right?

[quote="sohosid"] Some people will blindly follow what an artist says, without finding out the facts for themselves.[quote]

True, but those same people would be following someone elses opinion if they weren't Bon Jovi fans. They'd be blindly following Bush, or their favorite tv show host, or just 'public opinion'... some people are just not willing or able to make their own opinions, so weither they follow an artists opinion or a politicians, what's the difference?
God (and everyone who knows me) knows I don't always agree with what Jon says and does, but that's ok... I'm a big girl, I can make up my own mind.
But expressing their thoughts and feelings is what artists do, in songs, in interviews and on stage.. if you can't handle an artist saying what's on his mind in between songs, don't go to a concert, stay home and put on a cd.
I have to say, I admire Jon for what he did... takes guts to go against the flow and stand up for what you believe is right.
And yes, I'm aware of the fact that all my friends are going: 'You agree with JON?!?!? '... but there you have it... miracles do happen lol

True Neuotica...but the sort of people who follow politicians have probably listened to at least a few differing opinions, and found the one they like best. When artists express an opinion, the younger audience are possibly hearing that view for the first time.

Hey, I really couldn't care less, I've got my view, and hearing Jon talk about it won't change my mind. I also don't view what he did as brave really - there is a very large anti-war movement at the moment, so his view isn't especially shocking.

Do you really think so? Try asking these people why they voted for a certain politician, and you'll get answers like: 'he looks good', 'it was the only name i knew' 'he's got the same last name as me' or 'he had a guest role in my fave sitcom' The people who take the time to listen to different political opinions aren't going to change their minds about something because Jon Bon Jovi said so...

Sure, here in europe there is, that's why I wasn't surprised when he used that line in London last year, but I never thought he'd have the guts to use that line in the country of 'If you're not with us, you're against us and if you say something we don't like you're insulting the victims of sept. 11'.. guess I underestimated the guy (shame on me )

I was under the impression that the anti war movement was quite high in the US. I don't think that Americans are harsh enough to say that if you don't want a war then your insulting the victims of 9-11. This isn't the place to discuss the actual issue of war though, just whether Jon should be preaching politics. I still say no...because rock and pop stars will always have more power over the younger audience than any politicians will ever have, and yet those same rock and pop stars don't know all the facts behind the actual politics. And I'm not sure what happens in Belgium - but not many of our politicians have been in sit-coms!!!!

really? you don't know what you're missing!
And don't feel bad, no one's quite sure what happens in belgium, not even the belgians

IMHO Jon is entitled to say as he wishes. If it doesn't please you, that's your opnion as well. Who is to say Jon thinks his way is perfect? He says as he wishes and I bet if you had a public forum to express yours as well , you might just use it.

I went to Both CAA shows, Jon didn't mutter a single word about Iraq or Bush. I don't know what he said at this specific show, But I have a feeling I agree with him, to some extent. I personally don't think war is the answer here. But what is , I don't claim to know that either. All I know is I have a bad feeling in my gut over this. This will NOT turn out good for this country. Mark my words.

I will not be-little Jon for feeling the way he does. He is entitled, freedom of speech, that's what this country is all about. Disagree if you wish.

Marianne

Music is a statement in itself. I don't think you can really separate rock from the politics. An artist is going to give their opinion in one way or another. If he isn't going to talk about it, then he could write a song about it. Same thing, different presentation.
No one has to agree or disagree with Jon. But he feels compelled to say something. I don't think he's asking anyone to agree with him.

btw i also get turned off by artists that use music as a political platform. Writing an occasional song about something that you need to get off your chest is alright. But those who write 80%+ of their material about saving the whales and doing away with landmines can get on one's nerves. I support many of these causes, but I prefer not to hear about them in my music. Once in a while is okay.

That's how I see it

exactly... free speech... as i said before the stage is his during those 2 and a half hours, and what he does should be as spontaneous as he wants it to be...

some will accept it, others can take it with a pinch of salt...

i hardly think peoples' opinions on the war will do a u-turn just because jon said something...