This is an open letter to actorvists, my term for celebrities who have decided that playing politicians on-screen makes them fit to orate on the real thing:

You would think that with the Presidential election two years old and mid-terms just completed, we would have had a brief respite from the plethora of actors, singers and writers who have made a closet industry of opining on all things politic. No such luck.

As a fan, I decided to put the practice into perspective. If you, as a celebrity, want to dabble in politics, then let’s think about your work in political terms. You would not be in office (i.e. rich and famous) if not for my vote (i.e. movies tickets, books and CDs purchased). You should then be held accountable to your constituency.

It’s easy to sit back and pontificate about your political prowess. If you have the courage of your convictions, put your fan-supplied money where your mouth is. Other celebrities have blazed the trail before you. If you’re as attuned to the will of the masses as you profess, it is your civic duty to run. Take your limo, Jag or Tesla down to the courthouse and file your candidacy.

Get off the set, out of the studio or away from the manuscript and step up to the plate. Don’t use your performance venues as a way to ram your ideology down the throats of people who just wanted to hear their favorite song or see their favorite performer.

And by the way, since when did becoming famous make one an expert on politics?

It’s interesting how performers mouth off, then act surprised when they experience a backlash. Their shrill, indignant cries of “censorship” pervade the air like the after-effects of a high-octane Mexican meal. Here’s a news flash – you have a right to say what you want. However, contrary to popular belief, you do not have a right to have your every utterance broadcast. The arrogance of celebrities in thinking that they can say whatever they want, but people opposed to their ideas have to listen and like it without a reply is beyond galling.

The condescending “Red State/Blue State” division of our country (or “Jesusland,” as Michael Moore calls right-leaning states) is an over-simplification of issues that affect each and every one of us. The key to that sentence is “simple.” As in, just like in every other walk of life, a lot of performers aren’t exactly the deepest thinkers on Earth. So why heed their political screeds?

Performers have the same rights as everyone else to voice their opinion. I have the same right to voice mine. In this case by not supporting their careers with my hard-earned money.

So, with the catharsis a letter like this ultimately produces, I have just one request for Chelsea, Kathy, Jim, Stephen, Jimmy, the other Stephen, Michael, Sean and all the rest of you actorvists: either run for office and let us decide if we agree with you or not, or else shut up and sing. Or act. Or write.

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Robert Roe