David Cook on California’s Prop 8 – “Human Rights is Human Rights”

Man, I love him. Now off to check if anyone on DCO is going crazy over this. LOL.

Yup. He is refreshing. I love how he stated it so matter-of-factly.

A bit unrelated, but I was kinda wondering why would they ask him about Prop 8 on MTV, till I noticed I was in a Gay website. Didn’t know about said website before but I find it very interesting.

Anyway, It’s good that he did not avoid answering that question. I do like when celebrities talk about certain matters, I never understood those who say that celebreties should not talk about those subjects.
His answer does not come as a surprise, but it’s still nice to heart it.
I like the way he put it. It’s about human rights.

Love him more with every single interview. I don’t see this as very controversial, but that’s probably because I 100% agree with him.

Good for him! He really is a decent guy through and through. Most of the time I don’t want to know too much about performers I like, because so often they turn out to have major faults, and I’d rather just enjoy their work. David, on the other hand, just impresses me more and more as time goes on.

Yeah, I don’t think it’s controversial either. He was very tactful, that even if you disagree with him, you won’t feel offended. David Cook, King of PC.

He was tactful (which is so nice) as was Mandisa who if you remember declined to perform at an event in support of the gay community (she was then voted off the next week). Very few people seemed to support her but maybe it was because she spoke out while on the show intead of waiting till after…who knows :grin1_ee:

The guy has a right to an opinion the problem is David is sort of celeberty almost on a soapbox and needs be very careful . Then I doubt thier will be backlash agree or not I am quite against the media using celeberty as soundboard because thier statements will be used for good or bad. Theonly exception for a good cause.

BTW luckily no Idol is running for office because the question in a polical term ia “gotcha ” one .Why the poiltician is in the public eye careful to answere or else a firestorm from a ceertain gruop.

Yeah, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s controversial either.

The controversial thing about it is that some people think celebreties should be hollow heads who should not speak about meaningful matters.

I don’t think people should keep their opinions to themselves just because they’re celebrities.

David is not trying to be politically correct. If he were, he would’ve avoided the question and certainly not spoken in such an elaborate manner. I admire a man who stands up for his beliefs. I agree with his thoughts that makes it very easy for me to tip my hat to him. But even if I did not, I would’ve given him props for courage.

Aw I love him.

Theonly excption for a good cause.

And this was a good cause! Hah. Well I totally agree too and pretty much in the same terms. Nevertheless, I don’t expect “celebrities” (oh I bet he giggles at that description) to have no thoughts and opinions on things. They have as much right to speak their minds as I do. I’m kinda tired of the PC thing actually. It seems to have been taken too far sometimes. Can’t we all just get along? hee.

Nicely stated, David Cook. Thank you for your honest opinion.

Good for him. I love that he’s actually thought about it and didn’t just give a knee-jerk reaction either way.

Love him. He’d make a great diplomat.

Yeah, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s controversial either. He was very tactful, that even if you disagree with him, you wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t feel offended. David Cook, King of PC.

Yes, I agree.

Although my religion does not allow gay relationships, I respect people in gay relationships because the most important thing is that they love each other and I agree with David that it’s all about human rights…:D

Sorry to offend I ment that the media twists what some people in the public eye say for thier use and yes they have a right to thier opinion.Sorry just more comfortable about the media covering thier charitable causes …

Yeah, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s controversial either.

I think taking a stand on the issue is controversial because Prop 8 is an extremely divisive issue.

And of course, there are those who think singers should just shut up and sing, especially when the singer’s views are at odds with their own.

I love that he used the word “parlay.”

Oh and I also loved that he spoke honestly and candidly. There’s nothing shameful about being in favor of gay rights or human rights, so good for him.

To add to that, David seems like an open-minded and tolerant person, and he hasn’t lived a sheltered life, he’s a rocker, and he’s definitely not a conservative, I think not anyway. So I guess what I’m getting at is, just because he was on American Idol doesn’t require him to whitewash everything he says. And bottom line, as everyone has said, and as he said, “human right are human rights.” I respect and admire him for being in favor of human rights. I think an “American Idol” can be no better role model than that. But I also don’t think he has to pretend to be what he’s not, he’s a tolerant and open person, and that’s one thing people like about him.

He is so well spoken. And I can’t help but be reminded – yet again – what a fabulous job his mama did with her boys.

It’s so cute, towards the end of the video, they ask him about the ad he did in his underwear. He gives that cute smile, and jokes about his “wardrobe” and says it was weird but fun.

It appears that I’m in the minority here, but that’s ok. I love David Cook, but I was disappointed to see him giving an interview to an outright gay site. There was enough speculation as to whether or not he was gay anyway (VFTW), so why start the rumors again.

But that’s not the main reason. While many people applaud the gay lifestyle, many people are against it, and I’m one of the latter. The Bible speaks very clearly against homosexuality. God loves the gay but not the gay lifestyle. So…my thoughts are: why enter into a gray area? You know, why set yourself up for a possible backlash? I think it’s best for celebrities to refrain from making political statements and the like.

I love that he used the word à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“parlay.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Except… (small voice) heh, he kinda misused it…

Parlay basically means to turn into something greater, or more successful. I think he meant translate. But he’s DC and he can do no wrong in my eyes so even malapropisms are adorable because at least he tries.

Soà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦my thought are: why enter into a gray area? You know, why set yourself up for a possible backlash. I think ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s best for celebrities to refrain from making political statements and the like.

I feel like it’s not up to me to make that decision for them. As long as they are fully aware of potential consequences, its their decision not mine. Maybe a celebrity can feel passionate enough about something that they believe it worth the risk? These are grown folks, they can make their own calls, IMO.

I am pretty sure that David Cook doesn’t really give a damn about whether or not VFTW speculates that he’s gay. Especially considering the source. I love that website but the grain of salt that you need to take it with is the size of a Pinto and everyone knows that. He’s a man that makes it pretty well known that he is comfortable with his sexuality. If he wasn’t, I doubt he would have done that Titanic pose with Michael Johns, lol.

He was asked, he answered and obviously he had no problem doing so. That’s his opinion and I would wager that if it costs him fans, he’s not going to cry over it. He strikes me as the kind of person who would rather stick to his beliefs than pander for the sale. I say good for him.

Yes, what David said is the PC thing to say, because Prop 8 is unconstitutional. How could the majority vote on the minority’s basic rights? But, it’s not necessarily the popular thing to say. Otherwise Prop 8 wouldn’t have passed.

However he’s entitled to his opinion, just as much as, you’re entitled to dislike him for what he says. When CNN is having “real time responses” from all these people with the weird remote-controls during a debate… why should celebs shut up? Freedom of speech for everyone. David is not dumb he knows and will take the consequences of it.

While many people applaud the gay lifestyle, many people are against it, and Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m one of the latter.

You have your opinion, but David was asked for his opinion, and that’s what he gave. As for his sexuality, he doesn’t seem concerned about it so I guess he’s secure in himself and doesn’t care what “they say” about him. :cool1_tb:

Plus I don’t think he will pander for fans, or fail to speak up for human rights just to sell a few cds. And I think he’ll appeal most to open-minded and tolerant fans.

Brad Pitt also spoke out against Prop 8, and nobody’s questioning his sexuality, or worried that he’ll lose fans. Lots of other celebrities have done the same. David’s in good company. :lol_wp:

He was tactful (which is so nice) as was Mandisa who if you remember declined to perform at an event in support of the gay community (she was then voted off the next week). Very few people seemed to support her but maybe it was because she spoke out while on the show intead of waiting till afterà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦who knows

The way I remember it, she said that her church or her Bible was opposed to homosexuality, and/or that she was. There was a backlash because, ironically enough, many of her votes were coming from gay men, who often like large-sized women belters, and needless to say, after her comments, whatever they were, they apparently stopped voting for her. I guess she didn’t have enough other votes to compensate for the loss.

Very well said David. I applaud you for your open minded stance on a very difficult issue. And Kudos for giving an interview to a gay publication. Not that a gay publication is any less relevant than a “straight” publication. Gay or straight, male or female, ultimately we are all human and deserve the same rights. To me this came across as more David’s personal feelings rather than a political statement. Either way, I am damn proud of him.

There are many who don’t see the Proposition 8 issue as a human rights issue, since gays in California have all of the same civil rights as married couples, unlike African Americans in the past.

David is taking a risk by taking sides on political issues. No matter which side you support, you will be offending a large portion of your audience. This is an extremely divisive issue as MJ said.

Oceana- I wouldn’t guess as to what kind of people David Cook’s music appeals to. I know people of all sorts with various religious and non religious backgrounds, some who oppose proposition 8 and some who support it who also have various tastes in music. Many people just hear a song and like it without knowing anything about the artist, unless the artist starts making strong statements about issues not related to music.

Yep, that’s how it happened. Mandisa gave her opinion just like David and others have done, but because she did it on the show it did cost her votes (which is a shame).

It appears that Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m in the minority here

believe me you aren’t…we just word things a bit differently :smile1_ee:

There are many who donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see the Proposition 8 issue as a human rights issue, since gays in California have all of the same civil rights as married couples, unlike African Americans in the past.

Well, kinda sorta. It’s a little like the separate but equal thing. If it’s really “equal” why call it different names? Plus, by calling it marriage in yet another state you may be in a better position to get it recognized on a federal level (or in more states), so that gay married couples could actually leave their state or work for the feds like straight married couples and not see their “equal rights” evaporate.

I think any fans David ends up losing over this may be made up in support from the pro-gay marriage community. But honestly, if R. Kelly can pee on little girls ON TAPE and your local congressman/TV pundit/radio personality can pop pills and have affairs with young staff members – and they all still have careers – I would be really disappointed if David saw his career hurt for stating his opinion on something like this.

Sorry to offend I ment that the media twists what some people in the public eye say for thier use and yes they have a right to thier opinion.Sorry just more comfortable about the media covering thier charitable causes à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

I’m not sure what you said that was so offensive…I for one don’t see why you’re apologizing.

I love DC, simply don’t agree with him on this issue, but I’m still a huge fan anyway. I’m not at all shocked by his response. I have gay friends, family whom I love deeply, but have my reasons for my belief. Everyone has a right to state their opinion.

Yep, that’s how it happened.

Actually, that’s not quite how it happened. Mandisa sang a song, and some of her wording in her introduction–”no matter what your lifestyle”–had people questioning what she meant. Then it came to light that this Bible teacher she admired said some pretty ugly things about gays in her books. That’s when the gays turned away. I have no idea why she got voted off the next week. I think it was a variety of reasons–She was wearing a really fugly outfit, Simon ripped her performance, and she probably did lose some of her fans over the quotes from her Bible teacher.

She didn’t speak on the issue at all until she was voted off. The gay publication, The Advocate, asked her if she would ever perform at a gay event, and she said no, because it was against what the bible teaches. But like I said, she didn’t speak on the issue until AFTER she was voted off.

Well thanks, my source (googled) was wrong, thanks for setting the record straight.

Yeah… um.. Mandisa was not a exactly powerhouse on DialIdol, and didn’t she get voted off Country Week? She wasn’t good that day. LOL. Country Week almost always has a sort of surprising person booted. You don’t want to piss off the county fans. LOL.

Not that the controversey helped her, but on a show like Idol you can never be too conservative, IMO. I bet she could have won just as many fans as she lost, just because there would have been a lot of people agreeing with her.

But I guess we’ll never know.

MJ that was the way I remembered also. Wasn’t the song she was booted out over also a Christian song?

***goes to check her notes***

ETA … It was Country week & she sang Any Man Of Mine. However the previous week was Songs From 2000′s & she chose Shackles (Praise You) & it was before this song that I believe she talked about that book & gay lifestyle.

unless the artist starts making strong statements about issues not related to music.

I don’t think he made a strong statement, or a political statement, he just answered a question and gave his honest opinion. If you say anything except that the sky is blue and ice is cold, you might offend someone. Generally David seems tactful and considerate of people’s feelings, however, I admire him for speaking up and being honest.

If it loses him a few fans, it seems worth it to be honest and say what’s true for him. If people want to not listen to his music because he believes in tolerance, that’s their perogative. I would probably not listen to music by an artist who was anti-gay, and that would be my perogative too.

Mandisa sang a song, and some of her wording in her introductionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ no matter what your lifestyleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’had people questioning what she meant. Then it came to light that this Bible teacher she admired said some pretty ugly things about gays in her books.

Yes. She made a statement of sorts, by what she said and who she admired, and I think the problem was that a lot of her voters were gay men, who did turn away then. And like you said, MJ, for other reasons too, she didn’t get enough votes the next week.

It’s hard to know what to do or say during the show, to keep the votes coming in. Mostly they try to be non-controversal during the show, but after it ends, they return to real life and they are going to have opinions … because they’re human beings.

It’s always funny to me that the gay issue is considered controversal, I suppose because I associate with progressive people and always have. I think Idol draws a whole gamut of people because it’s a tv show, and even a family show, but usually in the music business people tend to be more on the tolerant end of the spectrum, especially in rock. Bottom line, I can’t even believe that this is an issue. What David said was very mild, and loving and tolerant. I do not see it as an issue at all and I don’t think most people would.

Two of David’s qualities that have drawn me to him from the beginning are his intelligence and his integrity. I’m glad that he’s still displaying both qualities. His opinions on the video were obviously ones that he’s thought through and he was brave enough to not change them or dissemble. He won AI by being himself, I don’t see why he needs to change now. Rock musicians have taken a stand on issues for decades. Heck, a whole lot of the rock and folk music of the 60′s was anti-war music. There’s a decades long tradition of rock stars taking a political stand on other issues like family farms, the environment, African aid… why shouldn’t a younger star take a stand? It didn’t seem to hurt John Lennon or Bono’s careers. For every fan they lose because of their beliefs, they gain respect and admiration from someone else.

I’m curious what the responses would have been if he had said that he would have voted yes on Proposition 8?

He spoke those words to a GLBT publication. Very few people other than those interested in that publication and very invested fans will ever know he said them. This isn’t going to harm his career as far as I can see. The issue is divisive, but I don’t know how saying you are for human rights can be such a bad thing.

Mandisa’s comment before her performance was NOT about the gay lifestyle. She has said in many interviews that what SHE personally was referencing was her lifestyle of addiction to food. It seems that many people just took what she said and inferred what THEY *thought* she meant, based on her acquaintences.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m curious what the responses would have been if he had said that he would have voted yes on Proposition 8?

Then lots of people who agreed with him would be in this thread praising his words, one or two who didn’t agree would be in here complaining, and the rest would lurk not wanting to say something unpopular thus getting into a fight. Sound about right to you?

But it doesn’t matter anyway, because he said what he said, and that’s the reality we have to deal with.

I think it’s fine if celebs express their opinions, especially when asked. Certainly that’s a right we would all relish if we were at the grocery and the local news was outside asking questions.

Go David. It is a human rights issue. I know some may have a religious issue with gay marriage, but that should be addressed in the church. I see no reason it should be addressed in the courts unless we are totally tossing the idea of separation of church and state. Go ahead and think it’s wrong, but why deny people the same rights everyone else enjoys?

Sarah, I loved Mandisa so whatever it was she said did not offend me. I was just trying to think back about what she said. I know she said something. It could have been just something about the book and people took it wrong. I have no idea. Can’t change my post or I would. Whatever she said people took offense, it happened before that song. That was my point.

I think the Mandisa thing had to do with her comment on her profile that she loved some author who was really conservative and anti-gay… not that Mandisa herself made any comments about gay people at the time.

ETA: Lisa is right. Mandisa’s choice of “Shackles” was the icing on the cake. I’m not saying that it was fair, but it it was a terrible choice (strategy wise) considering the circumstances.

From newnownext.com:

“Unless you’re a 12-year-old girl who hates “losers who don’t shave!!” it’s easy to see American Idol 7 winner David Cook is the latest genuine talent to come out of that show. With his cute-rocker image and surprising renditions of Mariah’s “Always Be My Baby” and Dolly Parton’s “Little Sparrow,” David won over the whole country, and undoubtedly his share of gays. The winner kind of has to! Maybe it was that Guitar Hero commercial in his undies…”

As if I needed another reason to love David Cook. I felt that he was pro-gay, not just because of all the Mavid and Cookleta slash that I’ve been reading since the Finale but I’m so ecstatic to be proven right. I don’t want him to lose fans over this but if he does, then I’d rather he does by doing something right than by playing it safe or lying.

Many others share David’s opinion, so it is not a surprise. What may be more divisive/controversial is the fact he interviewed with a gay website. which has not been done by any AI winner I’m aware of. Correct me if I’m wrong.

Personally, I think this will gain him fans, if anything. He was very tactful, so I think even those who disagree with him on the issue will have to work hard to develop real resentment here. Those who are predisposed against him weren’t going to buy the album anyway, so no big loss.
And if the gay community embraces him, great.

I always got the sense that David was very comfortable with himself and non-judgemental towards others. I like his personality almost as much as I do his music.

I think it would have been more controversial if he had said he supported Prop 8. The entertainment industry has a liberal bent, lots of gay people work in it, you are going to upset a lot of people in your own industry if you say things against gay people. Those entertainers who made anti-gay comments can expect some kind of backlash (remember Donna Summer?). There was for example a musical theatre director who gave money in support of Prop 8 and had to resign when his donation became known. A large proportion of his actors and staff, as well as paying customer are probably gay, he was just incredibly stupid to think that there will be people who will happily work with him in musical theatre land after that.

mandisa said she would not perform at any gay-related related events. :thumbdown_tb:

david’s comments make me like him even more.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m curious what the responses would have been if he had said that he would have voted yes on Proposition 8?

Hehehe.

Nice interview (and the same flattering background from the MTV one!). I always figured David’s sensibilities were of the open-minded, progressive sort. He’s a natural in every way, because that’s how he was raised. Controversey will be zero, I think. It’s all positive to me.

I just never expected his response to be any different from the one he gave. At all.

I don’t understand why it would be so controversial. Why can’t someone in the national eye speak his or her mind? Say what you want, whether you be Cookie or Mandisa. But, shore up for any response.

I only think it becomes an issue when their opinions differ from our own personal opinions. So, whether this becomes controversial would be on a fan-by-fan basis. However, I doubt there will be any major backlash.

For anyone to say that they won’t support him because of his stance on the issue, then I’d like them to introduce me to the celebrity with whom they agree on every single issue out there. Not gonna happen.

On a lighter note, spoiler from FOD, Fan s of David, Cook video is Number 1 at VH1, Archie is number 2… Cook will be in VH1 tODAY….

I guess I just don’t really care how he feels about it! lol I don’t feel like he shouldn’t voice his opinion but his opinion is really not important to me just as I’m sure mine wouldn’t be important to him. I find it odd that the question got asked in the first place but if anyone wanted to know how he felt, now they know.

Well, out of lurkdom she leaps, and why not pick a big splash topic like prop 8 for starters! LOL Morning everyone, I’m a new poster here, but not at all new to this fabulous blog — yay MJ!! What a fabulous place for all things Idol, and I note you all are “the source” as I’ve now seen you referenced by Ken Barnes and Richard Rushfield too!

So, yeah, on topic, this statement resonates with me: “I just never expected his response to be any different from the one he gave. At all.”

There ya have it. Me, staying out of the fray…

Oh yeah, and, I really don’t understand the sentiment that “celebrities” or high profile folks should refrain from speaking on important topics. I totally get opining about the relative importance of their views, but saying they shouldn’t speak them? The logic behind that position escapes me, totally… unless, I guess, we believe that a person’s worth, or talent, or morality is measured not just by their views but how those views differ from our own… then I suppose I see it. I don’t agree with it, but I see it.

Anyway, great to be here. Hope to get to know you better as time goes on, and hope you don’t dislike me for my views. :smiley2_tb:

Wear–not gonna happen at least from this anyalitcal goofball .I just do not have much repect for Daivd C after idol as once had.This has nothing to do with his stance.Great pains to state 1/4 has to do with some fans was on the fence on cd now being pushed the other way . (tolerance after 5 has lessened)sammy

Not controversial and not surprising. Since day one David has shown himself to me a man of compassion and convictions. His support of Lindsey Rose and his brother Adam come to mind. And his support comes from an authentic place. I think he has his priority’s straight.

For a 25 year old guy he seems super comfortable with who he is. I wish there were more guys out there like him.

One of the many reasons I like Cook. I doubt that Cook thought he was saying anything controversial because in his opinion, equal rights should be a non-issue. However, I have a much harder time predicting what the other top ten idols would say in this situation, so I can see why people find Cook’s statements conroversial. I think I would have been more surprised if Cook had stated his opinions on the war.

Communication is 80% non-verbal (says wise old man on the mountain).

Is it weird that after the @#%nth time, I’ll turn off the sound and watch his interview clips silent just to absorb his facial expressions and body……I mean, body language….?

He’s always always always real, and honest. Nothing fake about this guy. His eyes, eyebrows (LOL), nose (more LOL), hands and all say exactly the same thing his mouth is saying. Never mind. It’s late and i’m high on Davember.

Wuv him *running jump on him and refuses to let go*!

MJ, any chance you’d get Cook’s VH1 visit on video? Appearantly he’s only the 2nd artist in 2008 to debut straight into the #1 position, and I know it’s just a silly countdown, but I’m happy that he got to be there and experience that.
I don’t have VH1, so I hope a video pops up.

Edit: Respect your fellow posters. No name calling

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m curious what the responses would have been if he had said that he would have voted yes on Proposition 8?

Then lots of people who agreed with him would be in this thread praising his words, one or two who didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t agree would be in here complaining, and the rest would lurk not wanting to say something unpopular thus getting into a fight. Sound about right to you?

Huh? I don’t quite get that logic. Anyway, for myself I can say I would disagree with him if he had said he would have voted yes on 8. I would have been disappointed, and would have felt that he wasn’t quite the way I thought he was (i.e., tolerant and open-minded about social issues).

He’s entitled to his opinion and free to express it, and people will feel what they feel about it. Personally, if he was in favor of Prop 8, I’d be curious to know why. In other words, I would always champion David’s right (or anyone’s) to speak their mind, but I might have personal feelings about what he said.

I also don’t understand the suggestion that celebrities should refuse to talk to gay media. I’m glad that David didn’t refuse to talk to Logo out of fear of possible repercussions. I don’t think he thinks that way. He’s shown himself to be pretty consistent in the kind of person he is: kind, fair, non-judgmental, a person to be admired.

I think that if celebrities are in favor of gay rights, they SHOULD speak out about it. They should not be afraid to stand up for any human rights they feel are being denied. It almost sounds like some people think that celebrities should keep their opinions to themselves if it’s an opinion they don’t like, in other words, they should not FLAUNT their gay rights support. :lol_wp:

Could we please keep this conversation civil? I’m deleting all comments (and the responses to those comments) that include name calling.

I just amended my post a little:

Just to amend my “controversial” comment–you’ll notice that Idols never give their opinions on the big issues of the day. Even when Chris Daughtry did work for the political campaign this year, he took great pains not to choose sides–he performed for both the Democratic and Republican conventions. There’s an expectation with Idols, particularly a sitting Idol, that they won’t rock the boat, because the Idol viewing audience is vast and encompasses all types of people. The fact that David would make a statement on a controversial issue is a real departure for an Idol. Also, if I’m not mistaken, he is the first sitting Idol to interview with a GBLT publication.

I’m about to edit my VH1 video right now…

Just have to add this thought. David interviewed with dozens of media outlets this week. Wouldn’t he have been small and petty to have refused to interview with Logo? That to me would have been bigotry. I’m so glad he is not a bigot.

ETA: If he’s the first sitting Idol to interview with a gblt publication, wow! Good for him, breaking tradition in order to be inclusive and not exclude a gay publication from the interview process. It does make me proud of him. Maybe it’s time for Idol to get a little more gritty … and real.

I wouldn’t encourage David to comment on his political views right now, as that can be divisive, but when it comes to human rights, imo it’s important to speak up and not shy away from it out of personal considerations. I’m proud that he didn’t play it safe.

It does my heart proud to know that the Idol of my obsession would state his views, let alone even talk to a GLBT publication. I’m just trying to figure out how to parlay this to my sister, an officer on the board of an 80-member GLBT choir in Omaha, who hates (with a passion) all things American Idol. Help?

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m curious what the responses would have been if he had said that he would have voted yes on Proposition 8?

I would have been surprised. After all, this is the gentle soul who took on the plight of the gnomes over the summer, and asked us all to join him. :wink_wp:

That being said, he has the right to free speech, just like everyone else, and we all have the right to agree or disagree.

I’m not particularly worried about the fall out from this, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it gets brought up in other places. The Dixie Chicks made their statements about Bush at a concert in London, not even directly to a reporter, and that sure got spread around. Their career path changed after that, but they seem to have done alright in the end, what with winning all those Grammies and all.

VH1 Top 20 Countdown was great this morning! Lots of Cookie and Archie. Their videos were #1 and #2. Kudos to the fans who voted for them and gave them this honor. I think Archie was #1 last week, and this week it was Cookie. He got an interview and everything. The show is aired again Sunday morning and Tuesday morning if anyone missed it. They showed snippets of the two of them throughout the latter half of the show at least.

More than anything, I adore him for answering the question.

Just like I adored him on the show for not changing his musical identity to score a bigger crowd. He is who he is and sets an amazing example just by doing that.

Like I’ve said before, I’m really irritated by some of the comments Carrie has made recently about loosing respect for celebrities who state their opinion. I’ll never get that statement.

Once DC agreed to this interview, and once they asked the question, he either was going to have to say something that some people might not like, or else was going to have to dodge the question in some way that would have made him look either like he lacked integrity or intelligence. I thought that the way that he answered it was about as calm, rational, and about as nonjudgmental as he could be while still taking a definite position.

gingerly, your sister hating AI may have nothing to do with GLBT issues. Just like the general population, there are GLBT fans and detractors. I think Advocate.com had a weekly humour column by Dave White recapping episodes of AI.

I’m a DC fan, but I was saddened by this interview (though not really surprised). Yes, I know I’m in the minority here because I believe homosexual behavior is wrong, but then, I’m used to being in the minority. And just because I’m a fan, it doesn’t mean I believe 100 percent in everything that person says or does.

He’s always been honest and true to himself and what he believes, so I am not in the least surprised he gave a thoughtful, reasoned, honest answer. There are other things about him that he has never tried to hide — swear words in songs on youtube from before, presence of alcohol in his life (being a bartender, for one), dating Kimberly Caldwell, attachment to all teams Kansas City, attachment to divorced parents and half-siblings — none of which are negatives to me, but might be to somebody. He has said a million times that he is who he is and he’s not going to change it. So, to me, he seems perfectly comfortable with a few people being turned off by SOMETHING, because he doesn’t want to succeed by being a fake and be trapped by some squeaky clean, non-controversial persona that’s a lie.

“Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s so cute, towards the end of the video, they ask him about the ad he did in his underwear.”

Yeah, they ask him that because they’re gay. ahemmmm….

Yeah, they ask him that because theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re gay. ahemmmmà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

Well, yeah. Ain’t nothing wrong with appreciating DC for more than just his voice.

BTW, Kim Caldwell is super pro-gay. She’s said she has gay folks in her family, and she does a lot of gay functions–pride parades and the like. Just an FYI. .

I am so proud of him to stand up for what he believes in. Human rights IS human rights. Good for him. Since last year January I have found very, very little not to admire about David Cook. He just becomes more likeable every day.

I can understand why some wouldn’t agree or be disappointed with David’s position on prop 8 but I’m not sure why it would stop them from being a fan. Entertainers are people after all and have opinions like the rest of us. I’m sure he didn’t spend a lot of time worrying about the implications and it’s refreshing for an idol.

I think it’s fantastic. Most people who’ve been on idol are afraid to say or do anything controversial.

Yeah, they ask him that because theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re gay. ahemmmmà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

So maybe they think he’s cute too, like we do. They must have good taste. :cool1_tb:

AHHHHHHH!

David Cook continues to win at life!

Hot offering E960 router is your best choice. 3g modem offer high speed 3g usb modem & data card and router. We have our own 3G modem distributor channel focusing on huawei modem , zte modem and wireless router.