Artists being asked to stay "out of politics" is not necessarily a new phenomenon, but it is still quite a statement to attempt to unravel. Why should someone's chosen career decide whether or not they can share their views on politics and policies that affect their lives -- and the lives of all those around them?
Singer Richard Marx, known for his outspokenness on his Twitter feed, waded into the swamp once again to offer his thoughts on Senator Rand Paul's belief that he does not need to get a COVID-19 vaccine because he had already contracted the virus and carries antibodies.
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Following Paul's remarks during an interview with businessman John Catsimatidis on Sunday, in which Paul said, "all the studies show that I have just as good of immunity as the people who have been vaccinated," Marx decided to offer drinks and hugs "again" to the neighbor who tackled Paul in 2017 over landscaping disputes. Obviously, Marx disagrees with Paul -- which is understandable given the ever-changing guidance the public has been given amid the still medically baffling pandemic.
Unfortunately, someone allegedly sent a threatening letter to Rand Paul's home complete with a "white powder" and a photograph of Paul in a sling, with a gun pointed at his head with the caption, "I’ll finish what your neighbor started you motherf***er." Paul responded saying that he takes the threats "immensely seriously," adding, “as a repeated target of violence, it is reprehensible that Twitter allows C-list celebrities to encourage violence against me and my family. Just this weekend Richard Marx called for violence against me and now we receive this powder filled letter.”
The Internet, made up of human beings with jobs like bus drivers, dish washers, nuclear scientists, veterinarians, oil workers, musicians, house painters, and a whole lot more had a whole lot to say about the incident -- and Marx isn't letting any of them slide. Marx does not believe for a second that he endorsed violence towards Paul and called out those who he believes are holding double standards. He also had some great responses to being called a "one-hit wonder."
Marx was sure to point out that he simply wasn't going to lose any sleep over the fact that the "traitor" Paul was "slugged" in 2017.
In standing his ground, Marx has been pretty busy with all of his snarky replies, but he's still found time to offer opinions. With all of the uncertainty, the real risk to human lives has been Paul, he feels, who sent co-workers scurrying after he tested positive in 2020.
While the online back and forth is sure to continue, it seems to have died down for now following his poignant take on the entire matter at hand: Basically, everyone has a place in the conversation but not all of us are willing to accept that that "everyone" includes artists, athletes, and anyone else who has been told time and again to 'shut up and _______." Rest assured, Richard Marx will be right here waiting for them.
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