Madonna Supports Presidential Candidate Clark
Madonna has posted a letter in support of Democratic presidential candidate Wesley Clark on her official website madonna.com on Wednesday (January 7). The letter marks the first time the music icon has publicly thrown her support behind a candidate for president. In the letter Madonna includes a link to Clark’s Website clark04.com for people to contribute to the retired general’s campaign. The singer, who currently resides in London, is also planning to hold a fundraiser for Clark at her Los Angeles residence later this year.
Madonna’s distaste for the Bush administration was evident early last year. In April of 2003, she decided to withdraw her controversial music video for her new single “American Life,” out of respect for the armed forces fighting in Iraq. The video showed Madonna wearing military fatigues next to dancers in military attire on a fashion runway. Those scenes were intercut with images of war. The clip ended with Madonna throwing a grenade in the direction of a President Bush look-alike.
The complete text of Madonna’s letter is as follows:
“I’ve never done this before. But life is about taking risks is it not? I know that people seem to pay attention to everything I do. Big or Small. Ridiculous or Sublime. So I am hoping they pay attention to this: I am supporting General Wesley Clark for President.
“Not only as a ‘celebrity’ but as an American citizen and as a mother. I want my children to grow up with the same opportunities that I had ? to know and understand what’s going on in the world and to travel that world safely and with pride. Now I’m asking you to join me.
“I am writing to you because the future I wish for my children is at risk. Our greatest risk is not terrorism and it’s not Iraq or the ‘Axis of Evil.’ Our greatest risk is a lack of leadership, a lack of honesty and a complete lack of consciousness. Unfortunately our current government cannot see the big picture. They think too small. They suffer from the ‘what’s in it for me?’ syndrome. The simple truth is that the current administration has squandered incredible opportunities to bring the world together, to promote peace in regions that have only known war, to encourage health in places that are ravaged with disease, to make us more secure by living up to our principles at home and abroad. The simple truth is that the policies of our current administration do not reflect what is great about America.
“Thankfully, there is now a candidate running for President who is committed to ensuring that our country lives up to its promise and its people. He is a decorated soldier and a respected diplomatic leader, who has already given 34 years to his country. He is smart and he is good. He has worked hard to get where he is and he is a national hero.
“A perfect example of the American Dream. I’ve never aligned myself with a presidential candidate during the primary season. But this time, the stakes are too high, we have too much to lose and there is so much work to be done.
“I’m supporting General Wesley Clark in 2004 and have committed to do all that I can to help his campaign in the coming months. I ask you to visit his website today to learn about his candidacy, his vision for our nation and the many ways you can get involved.
“I’ve looked at all the Democratic candidates. I respect them all for their dedication and patriotism. But I’m supporting Wes Clark because in him I see the qualifications, character and vision that we so desperately need.
“We are a country with incredible promise. As Americans we enjoy opportunities like no other. Unfortunately we take these opportunities for granted. You may not agree with everything I say or do, but whether you’re rich or poor, young or old, black or white, gay or straight, I know you share my concern and recognize the need for change.
Even if you’ve never been involved with politics before, please consider joining with me. If you can give, give generously. If you can volunteer time, get involved now. And if you can vote, this time…make sure you do.
“Wesley Clark has asked for my support and now I’m asking for yours.”
Madonna
“PS: Please spread this message to everyone you know.”
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