In this post, I congratulate Pharrell Williams for telling other
celebrities to keep their political preferences to themselves. (Edition 1:8)

Singer, songwriter, producer, and nonprofit founder Pharrell Williams recently said something publicly that I’ve been thinking for a long time. When it comes to celebrities making political endorsements, Williams basically told them to keep their big mouths shut. I totally agree. My vote counts the same as Taylor Swift’s vote or George Clooney’s vote, and it does not matter to me one bit that they or other celebrities endorse one candidate or another.

Voting is about doing your homework on the issues important to you. It is about the state of the country and the best way forward in your educated opinion. It is not about voting for someone because your favorite singer, actor, writer, or news media personality prefers that candidate. As part of your research, it makes sense to know what learned economists have to say about the economy, for example, or what experts say about their particular fields of expertise that involve government. But try as I might, I can’t remember the last time any important national or international issue or challenge was best answered by an entertainer – or because of a certain song, movie, or television program. 

During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, President John F. Kennedy didn’t call Frank Sinatra for advice. He called his predecessor, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who also served as a United States Army General during World War II and had just spent the last eight years in the Oval Office dealing with other world leaders. Thank God President Kennedy wasn’t interested in seeking Marilyn Monroe’s advice, and also that she wasn’t adamant about providing it.

When a reporter asked Pharrell Williams if he was going to allow either political to use his music or make an endorsement for the current presidential election, Williams said he prefers to stay out of the fray. “I don’t do politics,” he wisely responded. That’s smart. Why alienate half of the country against you when it isn’t your area of expertise anyway. I just wish others would also say, “I don’t do politics” and keep their opinions to themselves.

Of course, with social media capability today, everyone seems to not only have opinions about everything, but also a burning desire to share them with the world. I left Facebook many years ago after being hacked, and I miss the back and forth sharing photos and other good things with family, friends, and my old classmates. But I definitely do not miss the plethora of political vitriol that invaded the space each day and most likely continues now. There is a reason why voting booths are made for individual people and with at least a little bit of privacy. Your vote is your opinion and yours alone.

And we all know what opinions are often compared to, since everyone has one. That is proof alone to keep your voting preferences confidential. As Williams was quoted in the media about celebrity endorsements, “Shut up, nobody asked you.” 

REMEMBER…

◊ Be sure to exercise your right to vote. And win or lose, hope for those elected to do a good job for everyone they represent. That means all Americans.

◊ Make your vote a well-researched and well-informed expression of your right to cast your ballot, not because of a pretty smile, good hair, or enviable wardrobe.◊ Visit www.davidajolley.com for additional blog posts and other interesting content.