Barry Manilow: The Danger Of Differing Ideas

What’s seemingly spreading faster in America than obesity, people sharing their private secrets as they talk loudly on cell phones in supermarkets or restroom stalls (perhaps even while tapping their foot three times), or than the critical need for Viagra?

It’s the idea — oh, please Lord SAVE US — that if you’re around someone who has a different idea, perspective or take on events it will cause brain cancer, threaten the Republic’s survival, or suggest you somehow endorse their ideas by being around them or letting them freely express their own perspective.

Enter singer Barry Manilow who, in a big flourish applauded by those inflicted with this spreading intellectual disease, has now taken a highly public stand, gotten lots of publicity, is applauded by those who agree with him politically, derided by those who don’t…but has now suggested that deep inside he fears the power of his own perspective perhaps isn’t enough to prevail when seen aside a differing one.

According to the celebrity news (and news-making) website TMZ.com, Manilow refused to appear on “The View” when conservative member Elisabeth Hasselbeck was on. So, the website reports (in its update), the show’s producers pulled his appearance altogether.

In an exclusive statement to TMZ, Barry says, “I strongly disagree with her views. I think she’s dangerous and offensive. I will not be on the same stage as her.” Barry, taking a stand!

Manilow is currently on a press tour promoting the release of his new album, “Greatest Songs of the Seventies.”

In other words, he would have appeared on the show if only those that agreed or didn’t hold views too different than his were on it. They weren’t “dangerous.”

So what comes out of this?

Manilow has telegraphed a statement to people who agree with him politically that he is one of them. He has telegraphed a statement to those who don’t agree with him that he’s not one of them. And, to others, he has telegraphed a statement that he didn’t feel he could go on and just make his case, ignore her and not get upset by her.

Still, for a singer whose name is not exactly on the lips (or Amazon.com CD purchase receipts) of high schoolers or college students, Manilow will get lots of publicity, even though this truly does not seem to be a publicity stunt.

Question: Ten years from now will liberal and conservative talking heads and political shills refuse to appear on cable political programs that feature liberals and conservatives…because liberals and conservatives will feel the other side’s views are too “dangerous” and they can’t be on the same shows with them?

On the other hand, in the case of those shows, perhaps it would be an improvement…