Labor Campaign Launch

[12ktina]

Interesting to hear from Damien why he chose to sing at this gig. I'm sure some questions might be asked regarding his reasons for performing, as a lot of Australian performers are fairly non-political in their stances. So even if he wasn't intending on making a statement, it will probably still attract attention.

[winterlong]

belle said:

Damien is free to vote however he chooses but to publically associate himself with the NSW Labour Party is another matter.

I have lost a hero today

belle said:

Damien is free to vote however he chooses but to publically associate himself with the NSW Labour Party is another matter.

I have lost a hero today

I'm sorry to hear that belle

I must say I feel quite gutted by your response, and I guess by the other fans who may turn away because of his affiliations or percieved affiliations with a political party.

But I do understand and appreciate your stance. It would hypocritical of me to praise D for being open about his beliefs and not showing the same courtesy to other members when they express their feelings on theirs.


I sincerely hope D doesnt read this thread and regret his actions. Yes, I think if you choose to affiliate yourself with politics or a particualr cause that you will ultimately alienate some people.
Personally, I would rather still rather have a 'hero' that has his own voice, and isnt afraid to use it regardless of what others think...whether that be in the causes he chooses to represent, the music or the stories he wishes to write.

[gj]

During the launch there were a number of identities there and it was stated that not all were labour voters - Damien sang at the campaign, but did not speak.

Also there were Sophie Delezio' parents, Asbestos victim Bernie Banton amongst others.......the theme was not that they were there to support the Labour party but to support someone who had assisted them.

By the way Shannon Noll's song Shine was also used in the launch.

[winterlong]

Thanks for the clarification gj

[dededom]

Bernie Banton (asbestos campaigner) and Ron Delozio were both interviewed afterwards by Sky News and said they were there not as a political statement but to show their support for Morris Iemma as a man because of his personal assistance to them. The interviews were all very organised (on Sky) - ie it went thru some Labor ministers and officers (all "on message") then Mr Delozio, then Bernie, and my experience of these things is that would have all been managed/made available for these interviews. Damien was not interviewed (or perhaps sould we say made available) for these interviews.

[Trilly]

I really believe strongly that Damien, like any other citizen of this country, is free to affiliate himself, or not, with any political party he chooses. It is a basic democratic freedom.Of course, we can have our opinions, but basically it is not our business. It's his. It should have nothing whatsoever to do with appreciating him as a musician and as adecent human being.

[Leithal Dame]

Winterlong wrote: "I'd be less happy if I knew this was just a paid job! I'd like to think, even if the job was a paid one, that D would think it significant about who it was for. Alas, D is not my puppet and doesnt do everything I wish him to"

That's my feeling too Winter. I never look to people I like for their particular talents to mirror my own views on life. It's a bonus when they do however. The more I can respect their views does add to my admiration for them as people rather than just performers. So far I'm pleased with the areas Damien has put his time and efforts into (e.g., Special Olympics, Steve Waugh's 'Forever Green Dinner') and if he's performing at this launch cuz it suits his values agenda, that's ok with me.

[shimmery]

I just wanted to add that I'm not so sure that Damien is sharing any stance with us at all by performing at this event. All he is doing is performing at an event - he may have no particular stance one way or the other about these things and unless he actually says he does, I won't be assuming he does.

[winterlong]

shimmery said:

I just wanted to add that I'm not so sure that Damien is sharing any stance with us at all by performing at this event. All he is doing is performing at an event - he may have no particular stance one way or the other about these things and unless he actually says he does, I won't be assuming he does.

Yes, thats a great point.

Apologies if my posts make it seem otherwise (thats why I used the term "percieved"

[christyl]

I must say, I am personally disapointed to read some of the entries in this thread. Surely the primary reason we are fans of Damien is because of his beautiful voice and his beautiful soul...none of which have changed, have they?

Like Winter, I would personally be delighted IF he is indeed taking a stance by doing this, because I - myself - feel very strongly about the loss - in one foul swoop - of over 80 years of hard won workers rights for over 4 million Australians. And yes, I am passionate about that.

However, my personal feelings aside, IF Damien was instead singing at the other mob's launch, I still wouldn't say I was no longer a fan. I would sincerely hope I would respect his right to share his music wherever he likes and with whomever he likes...and really, I do believe that would always be Damien's primary motivation above all. Just as Damien has already shown his own acceptance of others numerous times, regardless of race, creed, and - I am sure - political beliefs.

* will put soapbox away now and beg those of you who are feeling devestated to please go away and think again. We would hate to lose you from this forum*

Hugs, Christyl

And PS...Why has no one noticed that I have passed the big 1500, hmmm??? No one wuvs me.... haha

[gj]

christyl said:

I must say, I am personally disapointed to read some of the entries in this thread. Surely the primary reason we are fans of Damien is because of his beautiful voice and his beautiful soul...none of which have changed, have the?

Like Winter, I would personally be delighted IF he is indeed taking a stance by doing this, because I - myself - feel very strongly about the loss - in one foul swoop - of over 80 years of hard won workers rights for over 4 million Australians. And yes, I am passionate about that.

However, my personal feelings aside, IF Damien was instead singing at the other mob's launch, I still wouldn't say I was no longer a fan. I would sincerely hope I would respect his right to share his music wherever he likes and with whomever he likes...and really, I do believe that would always be Damien's primary motivation above all. Just as Damien has already shown his own acceptance of others numerous times, regardless of race, creed, and - I am sure - political beliefs.

* will put soapbox away now and beg those of you who are feeling devestated to please go away and think again. We would hate to lose you from this forum*

Hugs, Christyl

Viva Le Difference

[gj]

I have put the link up but have not checked if available yet.....but got to go pick up Miss 17

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHhdMNrMpR0

[christyl]

gj said:

I have put the link up but have not checked if available yet.....but got to go pick up Miss 17

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHhdMNrMpR0

Thanks GJ. You are a gem for getting on to these things so quickly.

[winterlong]

christyl said:

* will put soapbox away now and beg those of you who are feeling devestated to please go away and think again. We would hate to lose you from this forum*

One hundred percent behind this statement

As shimmery and GJ have previously stated, we actually dont know the facts beyond that he performed, and that not all present at the launch were necessarily Labour voters.
If you are feeling dismayed or upset over this, I would urge you to wait until we have more information before making decisions....and to talk over what you are feeling, either here or via PMing staff on the board.

Everyones opinion and membership is valued

[Roxy]

All I can say is I love U2 and most of their songs because because I love Bono's voice.

I don't give a crap about his political beliefs or anything else. ;D

Just thought I'd share that little rant with you all.... ;D