Change My Mind

I Agree, although having said that I wouldn't change my opinion about anything based on what my favourite celebrities think.

Clearly we should hate Trump and vote Democrat because the celebrities say so and they are so informed about policies ;)

;)

There are many who I've lost respect for and refuse to watch their movies or shows because they couldn't keep their traps shut. Jim Carey and Tom Cruise are the main ones, but Samuel L Jackson is another one, didnt particularly think he was a great actor to begin with though, his performing is pretty much based on how many times he can work the word MF into his scene. Also Debra Messing.

What did Cruise say? I loved his angry interview with the scumbag that is Lauer.

Mostly his stance with the scientology cult...beliefs are one thing, but that "religion" is a money making scheme and it bullies all that participate. Look at those who have been ostracized from it because they turned away. I know, many religions shun or cast out offenders but this one does everything in its power to drive those individuals into the mud, not just shun. And I know that any money I spend on his movies goes straight to that organization, so I refuse to endorse him. Maybe I'm wrong...maybe I'm right.. but that's how I feel.

And yes, his interviews are entertaining to say the least...jumping up and down on oprah's couch and what not. He's an eccentric for sure.

Why are they not entitled to share their opinions? That's like telling a janitor to not offer an opinion and stick to mopping.

I didn't say they couldn't share their opinion but I don't think they should use their status to bash one candidate or another (or president for that matter) and try to influence their fans to follow suit or vote a certain way. That's not their place. They're paid to entertain. What if the janitor started passing out campaign material to teachers and students on campus. Not really his place and he would likely lose his job

Your point about passing out campaign materials it's a fantastic one, yes of course they would be disciplined.

I guess my biggest issue would be the curbing of an individuals free speech. If a celebrity wants to endorse a candidate, they are free to.

Free speech doesn't mean free of consequences, however. Based on some of the comments here, some celebrities have lost fans for expressing their beliefs, and that's fine, too.

Well, I’m late to this party.

It’s easy to forget that before becoming President, Donald Trump was a reality TV host and beauty pageant judge, whose only noteworthy political viewpoint was a loudly voiced, unhealthy, arguably racist, and ultimately false skepticism of Barack Obama’s birthplace of origin.

Well: it’s actually not that difficult to forget, but some folks seem determined to do just that.

Before Trump, we had Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) as Governor of CA, and Ronald Reagan (R) as Governor of CA before becoming President himself.

By my count, that makes 2 out of 4 of the last GOP Presidents as coming from an entertainment-industry background.

And let’s not forget Clint Eastwood’s prominent speaking role at the 2012 Republican National Convention — the whole “empty chair” routine.

In conclusion, the record demonstrates Republicans have absolutely no problem with celebrities in politics in theory. Yet this continues to be a big right-wing talking-point.

I can only conclude that Republicans resent *liberal* celebrities who are outspoken about voicing *liberal* opinions that rub them the wrong way.

Does that include ..script writers, directors, producers, movie studios (Disney, MGM )
Because one could argue those ppl & entities have as much or more swaying power than any one celeb.
Culture makers drive political agendas. The subliminal & not so subliminal messages
in entertainment are there.

I used to think this way, but....

However, removing their 1st Amendment right about a PUBLIC issue that effects them as much as it effects you seems a little disingenuous If you value the constitution & the rights it affords ALL of us. If theyre not "on the job" I don't see the issue.

Example: celeb A goes on a talk show to discuss a private citizens' lives..say making the rounds on Dr. Phil, or some other questionably "helpful" show .

*discuss private citizens'

Yes

I've also seen things the other way around. A Dutch politician name Jan Terlouw did write a lot of books, and most notably his novels for children are rather famous. And I've also seen a female politician (I forgot her name) perform in the Voice of Holland (since the auditions are blind none of the coaches knew this, for course)....
And of course, I've seen a journalist who has even been a host of news shows who is now part of the Dutch parliament.... And let's not forget that the U.S. even has a former president who used to be an actor, and politics was also not what turned Donald Trump into a celebrity.
Of course, the freedom to express your (political) opinion is a right we all have, and in that point celebrities are not an exception, however since they have a lot of fans their words can indeed have more impact than the words would have if they were not famous, but still is fame a good reason to be told you should shut up?

I disagree completely, but I won't change your mind and you won't change mine.

Fair enough. Care to elaborate?

People have the right, and in some cases even the responsibility, to advocate for justice and freedom and human rights, etc. Celebrities are people.

Agreed with all of the above. But I think there's a time and place for it. Bragging about your abortion while accepting an award for an unrelated movie is not the time and place.

Well, I'm a moderate on abortion, so I don't think it's anything to brag about. But these issues are far more important than a piddly awards show or other such things. I believe the time is always and the place is everywhere.