James Taylor: Let’s sacrifice a little liberty for safety

Hot Air ^ | January 22, 2013 | Ed Morrissey

[2ndDivisionVet]

Oh, it’s fun to pick on celebrities who don’t know much about the issues on which they’re asked to pontificate — and at least James Taylor has the honesty to preface his answer to The Daily Caller’s Nicholas Ballasy with an admission of ignorance. In fact, he does so twice, when Nicholas asks him about Obama’s continuation of George Bush’s drone policy and on the “executive orders” Obama promised on gun control (actually executive actions, most or all of which don’t require actual EOs). At some point, it’s easy to feel a little sympathy for Taylor, who must be thinking that he’d rather follow Laura Ingraham’s advise to just “shut up and sing.”

Being a good sport, Taylor provides an answer — which won’t exactly endear him to anyone outside of Obama’s orbit:

(VIDEO AT LINK)

Addressing the issue of gun control, singer-songwriter James Taylor told The Daily Caller that Americans ‘need to make some sacrifice[s] to our freedoms’ in order to keep children safe. Following his performance at President Obama’s second inauguration, TheDC asked Taylor if he agreed with Obama’s executive actions on gun control. ‘I think the nation is very divided on gun control,’ Taylor told TheDC, ‘but I think the majority of us feel strongly — even the majority of gun owners feel strongly — that we need to make some sacrifice[s] to our freedoms, if that’s the way to put it. We need to make some sacrifices to what we might want to have, in order to safeguard our children.’

Since Taylor admits to a rather significant level of ignorance on the topic, it’s not quite clear what he means on this...

[2ndDivisionVet]

The elites know what is best for us.

[freekitty]

Let’s not, Mr. Taylor.

[Vaquero]

Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. Benjamin Franklin

[ClearCase_guy]

I think Republicans should openly, and often, discuss the many benefits of controlling TV and newspapers. The news is too biased in favor of the Left, and Republicans should simply muse on the possibility of shutting down organs of the press who are insufficiently Conservative.

That would spark some interesting conversations, which should, of course, morph into SECOND Amendment discussion almost immediately. Why don't they care about the Bill Of Rights? Don't they value freedom? Don't the respect the People? Hey, this isn't about the press -- did you think it was? The topic here is guns; so sorry if you misunderstood.

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

Lets give up automobiles. Public transportation is much safer.

[PowderMonkey]

"At some point, it’s easy to feel a little sympathy for Taylor..."

Never. He advocates progressive tyranny. The damage done by these people in their ignorance is irreparable and unforgivable. Those who wield such enormous influence, with an unlimited access to microphones and cameras have an obligation to watch their mouths, or be held accountable.

[Antoninus]

Here’s an idea, James. Why don’t you sacrifice a little of your 1st Amendment freedoms for the sake of safety? I personally think you should have to have all your lousy songs vetted by a government agency before you can sing them.

[Lancey Howard]

James Taylor isn’t jumping up and down and trying to be an “activist” or anything - - he was just cornered into answering some political questions and I thought he tried to be diplomatic about the whole thing. This “interview” is worth about a shrug. I like his music and will continue to like his music.

[bagman]

As far as I am concerned, having Taylor perform is an impeachable offense.

[Madame Dufarge]

Apparently Sweet Baby James has never advanced beyond that stage. Stick with your nasal, whining songs and leave everything else to the grown-ups, Baby.

[Cletus.D.Yokel]

If Obamugabe issued an Executive Order to confiscate and control all press outlet in the US, would the editors meet Obamugabe’s police force at the door with AR-15s and Glock 9s?

[jospehm20]

I wish James Taylor would sacrifice his right to be an asshat.

[ArrogantBustard]

GFY, Jimmy T.

I'll keep my children safe by ...

keeping them safe. Standing by to defend them. Effectively. With firearms. By teaching them to defend themselves. Effectively. With firearms.

If it saves even one life, it's worth it.

Right, Jimmy?

[Mr. Jeeves]

Lets give up automobiles. Public transportation is much safer.

Believe me, that's on their agenda for the future. Can't risk some crazy right-wing patriot using a dangerous weapon like a car to run down progressive politicians - plus people with cars can move out of California and take their assets with them before they can be fairly taxed for the good of all. :)

[HomeAtLast]

Note how the weasel refers to “sacrifices to our freedoms” rather than the much plainer “sacrifices OF our freedoms.”

And how did Baby James, the pampered preppie, deal with the Viet Nam War and the opportunity he had to sacrifice some of his freedom then, for the good of the nation?

Wiki say: “As the Vietnam War built up, Taylor received a psychological rejection from Selective Service System when he appeared before them with two white-suited McLean [Hospital] assistants and was uncommunicative.”

Takes a real special fellow to bring along his own “men in white coats.”

[Internet Walnut]

Sounds like he’s still doing heroin.

[GraceG]

Those who beat their swords into plowshares (those who give up their guns), will end up plowing for those who don’t (government) ~ Benjamin Franklin

[a fool in paradise]

Lets give up automobiles. Public transportation is much safer.

James Taylor wouldn't give up his car. Not now. Not ever.

[familyop]

[Prole]

Agree. At least James sang America The Beautiful at the Inauguration, unlike Beyoncee who pulled a Milli Vanilli on the National Anthem.