Posted on 09/23/2006 8:01:08 PM PDT by naturalman1975
SOME of Australia's top entertainers have angered the Federal Government by refusing to perform for Australian troops in Iraq for political reasons.
The Whitlams' Tim Freedman is among a group of artists who have knocked back requests to play for Diggers because they don't support the war.
"I was asked, and decided not to go," Freedman told The Sunday Telegraph. "I went to East Timor and enjoyed the experience. I understand how hard the soldiers do it. In this instance, I don't agree with the war."
Murray said while he supported the troops he did not back the war, and would not accept an invitation to perform in Iraq. The stance has been backed by veteran entertainer Col Joye, who sang for troops in Vietnam.
The Forces Advisory Council on Entertainment (FACE) is scouring the country for musical acts to perform in Iraq this Christmas.
In the past, troops have been entertained by various unknowns and B-grade celebrities, including Australian Idol contestant Lee Harding and model Bessie Bardot.
Defence Minister Brendan Nelson said he was disappointed by political responses to the Defence Force's requests.
"Musicians should be able to separate the politics (of going to war) with the sacrifice being made by troops serving in Iraq," he told The Sunday Telegraph. "You can disagree with the political decision, but also support the people who are doing the job."
FACE secretary Lt Col Charles Reynolds said while it was rare for a musical performer to decline an invitation, it should not be done for political reasons.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...
No, Mr Murray, you do not support the troops - if you did, you would be willing to perform to them.
Refusing to perform for John Howard - that would be a valid position given your opposition to the war but supposed support for the troops. Refusing to perform for the Australian goverment - that would be a valid position given your opposition to the war but supposed support for the troops.
Refusing to perform for the troops though, is not consistent with saying you support them.
In fact, it is utterly inconsistent.
Because if you are right, and the war is wrong - then that should be even more reason for you to support the troops by performing for them - shouldn't it?
Wouldn't troops who were being forced to fight for a cause that isn't worth fighting for, be more worthy of your support - rather than less?
"I understand Australian troops are there for peacekeeping, but you'd be mad to risk lives by going to Iraq."
You know - I find I can actually respect this man far more than I can Murray - being willing to say that you're just not willing to risk your life, shows a much higher level of moral fibre than inconsistent political grandstanding.
More Traitorous idiots like the Saddam Sluts.
These are such low lifes it is just disgusting!
Murray said while he supported the troops he did not back the war, and would not accept an invitation to perform in Iraq.
Well that's clear as mud
They give lowlifes a bad name.
Doesn't matter what land they live in, what tongue they speak, "Artist" equals "traitorous self-indulgant coward" in any language. At least it does these days.
LOL!!!
You're right..I've known a few rather interesting and not very bad low lifes.
This woman is unreal...not really human.
Hey AD hear about this???
Not if you're committed left-wing trash.
Who cares what these musicians do? Forget about them.
I think the guy's just too chicken to go to Iraq because he believes a spare RPG might get him.
If I could sing - I would go in a heartbeat. God bless the Diggers - they deserve better than this.
Down Under Dudes,
When you're actually protesting a war in which the forces of freedom are fighting the forces of tyrrany....you better get your heads examined. This is serious shit and you're making some silly 'political statement' in support of what? The burka, rape rooms, and beheadings?
Look. I know you're trying to be culturally snesitive. But listen, eating lamb instead of hamburgers is culture. Throwing a boomerang instead of a baseball is culture. Suicide bombing people who don't believe as you do is absolutely sick. What's going on in the Middle East is sick, brother.....regardless of your feelings towards the US or your Prime Misnister, for that matter.
If you were smart, you'd grab your guitar right now, get your band together, and go play a few songs for your countrymen who could really use a diversion. If you don't get your head out of your ass, I guarantee you this little 'political statement' of yours will be an embarrassment to you and your family for years to come.
Giving people Freedom isn't something most "artists" are into.
Pray for W and Our Troops
Gee next thing you're going to tell me is that "Midnight Oil" also refused to perform in Iraq.
Any entertainer who shuns the troops should be shunned at home, too.
the lead singer is in parliament believe it or not
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