This is for Natalie: You are very talented and while the Bush comment in London was tone deaf, you could have recovered—without even having to change your opinion of the man. Politics do not make for long-term alliances and quickly fade away. It is also important to note that while I was never a fan, I respect your work. However, I know personally many fans of yours that were hurt deeply by your attitude towards them. So, let me explain.
What did you in once and for all, was to tell your fans that you were too good to be in the fifteen disc changer with Reba and Toby. You didn't need those kind of hicks in your parade. That may not be what you intended folks to hear, but that is the way it came across.
It wasn't about politics...it was about insulting the intelligence and integrity of people who brought you to the dance. You became more than just ashamed of a President, you became ashamed of your fans who often support the President...you called them ignorant and deemed them not nearly cool enough for you.
You did more than just abandon them. In an effort to justify your own behavior, rather than defending your position, or apologizing for unnecessarily politicizing your music, you lashed out and hurt the people who loved your music. You told those who made you a success and remained loyal to you despite political differences...that they were worthless because they had the audacity to disagree with you.
Frankly Natalie, that was stupid and showed me an awful lot about your character. A perfect illustration of ingratitude and arrogance. It shouldn't surprise you when those folks felt insulted and walked away. I don't blame them. Name one reason why they should stay around someone who is embarrassed by their mere presence?
There will be others who come along with as much, or perhaps more, talent than you have. If we are lucky, they will understand what gratitude is. They will appreciate and respect to those who paid hard-earned money to pave their own road to success. And they will be loved in return.
But for now, enjoy the fancy parties and the uppity friends. You've certainly earned them. I wish you the best of luck.
well said Pollyannaish. You should send it to her.
In her apology to Bush, she actually said
"I hope everyone understands, I am just a young girl who grew up in Texas.... I heard LOTS of people disrespecting the President. So, I guess I just assumed it was acceptable behavior."
(Throughout her apology, she is quite sarcastic)