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November 15, 2003

musicians

Seems that Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull doesn't like the American flag being waved around the country.

"I hate to see the American flag hanging out of every bloody station wagon, out of every SUV, every little Midwestern house in some residential area. It's easy to confuse patriotism with nationalism," Ian Anderson said in an interview published in New Jersey's Asbury Park Press. "Flag waving ain't gonna do it."

Damn, that guy got a lot of my money for concerts and albums many years ago.

UPDATE:

After realizing that he offended many of us, Ian has apologized:

I now regret the tone of these statements and offer my belated apologies to those offended by any perceived slur on the Stars and Stripes. I really didn’t understand - even after 35 years of visiting the USA on a regular basis - that this symbol had such fierce resonance for so many people as is now apparent to me.

While I can’t support the international policies of either the current US administration or the UK government, I will always stand up to defend the honour and integrity of the American people, anytime, anywhere and in the face of anyone’s criticism.

They don’t deserve the anti-US views being increasingly voiced across the globe. As I believe I said in the interview concerned, the natural warmth, hospitality, and generosity of Americans is their great asset and the sad fact that many US citizens feel unable to travel abroad as a result of imagined or real fear of resentment from foreigners is, I think, an increasing factor in US isolation, in world terms.

Read his whole apology. I feel better now for spending all that money.

Posted by Beth at November 15, 2003 1:44 PM