Famed Songwriter Turns Tables on Sarah Palin
With the presidential election less than a month away, several country artists have been lending their voices to their favorite candidates. Trace Adkins, LeAnn Rimes and Charlie Daniels sang at the Republican National Convention, while Sugarland and Sheryl Crow performed at the Democratic National Convention. And John Rich went so far as to write a song, 'Raising McCain,' for the Republican ticket.
But not everyone in country music is in favor of mixing music with politics. Gretchen Peters is furious that her hit song, 'Independence Day' -- famously recorded by Martina McBride, is being used in ads supporting Republican vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin.
"The fact that the McCain/Palin campaign is using a song about an abused woman as a rallying cry for their vice presidential candidate -- a woman who would ban abortion even in cases of rape and incest -- is beyond irony," Peters vents to GAC. "They are co-opting the song, completely overlooking the context and message, and using it to promote a candidate who would set women's rights back decades."
Peters is turning her anger into action. She's getting revenge on Republicans by supporting a nonprofit organization that Governor Palin probably isn't too fond of.
"I've decided to donate the royalties from 'Independence Day' during this election cycle to Planned Parenthood, in Sarah Palin's name," Peters reports. "I hope with the additional income provided by the McCain/Palin campaign, Planned Parenthood will be able to help many more women in need."
This isn't Peters' first battle over 'Independence Day.' The famed songwriter has been fighting conservative radio host Sean Hannity for years over his use of the song on his show. Peters has even gone so far as to make large donations to organizations in sharp contrast to his beliefs, including the ACLU, PFLAG and MoveOn.org, every time he broadcasts the song.
Stars Talk Sarah Palin
What do people in music think about Sarah Palin's quest to become Vice President of the United States? Find out.
Paul J. Richards, AFP/ Getty Images
"I feel bad for Sarah Palin for all this YouTube stuff that's being done about her." --David Archuleta told PopEater.com
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
"Oh, that's really bad that I don't know [who she is], isn't it?" --Brooke Hogan
Steve Granitz, WireImage
"You know who can get off of my street? Sarah Palin! I will kick her ass ... It's nothing personal. I love her soul. Ok?" --Madonna
James Devaney, WireImage
"It's like they were scouring America just to find a woman -- any woman -- to put next to him so that it looks good." --Sharon Osbourne
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
"I got my six pack in the car and I am a true American like Sarah Palin so we're all good." --Heidi Montag & Spencer Pratt
"We gotta make sure that the person [going] after Osama [Bin Laden] is not holding a baby in one hand and a soccer ball in the other. But she's a hot MILF though, isn't she?" --Pharrell
Vince Bucci, Getty Images
"It's as if [Sarah Palin] became celebrated. Every woman in the world has applauded her strength and her convictions and poor little old Jamie Lynn you saw how she was crucified." --Lynne Spears on Jamie Lynn
Jon Kopaloff, FilmMagic
"She does support Sarah and, of course, can empathize with their situation." --Lynne Spears's Publicist
X17online.com
"This woman hates women. She is not a feminist ... [She] terrifies me." --Pink
Jon Furniss, WireImage
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