Kelly Clarkson did not ask. She was sent an official invitation. You really can’t say no. I know in the military that if you receive an invitation to the White House, you WILL go. It is mandatory. Although Kelly is not in the military, I don’t think saying no to a formal invitation is a good idea. It is actually rude to decline an invitation to the White House. Remember it is the office, not the person. I was part of the Inauguration of President Clinton’s 1996 Inaugural and went to the Inaugural Balls....That is what military folks do.
Especially when you're very likely going to get a healthy fee from the gig. As much as anything, it's probably a business decision.
I might reply with something like, "shove it, commie." If I was a public figure, I'd say something less provocative, but with wording that would get the same point across.
I am afraid I disagree. Military people report to the president. They are subject to military rule and volunteered to do so.
The rest of us are citizens.
We have choice. We are not subjects of a king and we have will and choice. No one owns us.
We do not take orders from a king. We agree to obey laws and help make them. It is not rude to decline any invitation as a citizen. No one is compelled to perform in this country. So far there is no king...