Point the Finger Elsewhere...

I do not consider myself responsible for a war I opposed from the beginning. Neither, I must assume, do many DUers who could say the same thing. If someone robbed me for money to buy a gun, then went out and killed someone, it would not make me a murderer.

I'm not thrilled by this sudden spate of finger-pointing. Well, maybe it isn't all that sudden. But it's ridiculous. Because we're Americans we're guilty by association for the war, for the prisoners at Gitmo, for Abu Graib? Because much of American culture is shallow and commercially driven, we're responsible for the self-destruction of a pop star and the public mockery heaped upon her in the aftermath?

I am responsible for what I myself choose to do, or choose to support. What is done in my name by my government, after taking my money through threat of force, is ONLY my responsibility if I support it. I don't. And I've spoke out against it from the beginning. Not only on this forum, but on many forums, including out here in the real world.

I did not invent pop music, nor am I a record producer, publicist, or paperazzi. I do not make my money by exploiting either the dreams of young people seeking fame or fortune, or trying to tear them down afterward. In fact, I'll go so far as to say I am generally supportive of ALL artistic endeavors, whether or not I appreciate the "art" in question at all.

Those who wish to accept responsibility for things they themselves had no part in are welcome to do so. But don't expect the rest of us to allow you to drag us down into the muck with you.

Blame those directly responsible, those who enabled them and continue to enable them, and those who play apologist for their misdeeds. Leave the rest of us out of it.