Barbra Streisand: A Powerful Voice for Democracy
At the age of 81, the iconic singer and actor Barbra Streisand continues to use her powerful voice to speak out against what she believes is a looming threat to American democracy. Streisand, a long-time Democratic supporter and fundraiser, has never been shy about expressing her dislike of former President Donald Trump, going as far as to declare that she “can’t live in this country” if he becomes president again in 2024.
Streisand has been vocal in her criticism of Trump, calling him “so stupid” and “ill-informed,” and branding him “the Liar in Chief, the Groper in Chief.” This isn’t the first time Streisand has made such dramatic declarations about leaving the country if Trump is elected. Like many other celebrities, she vowed to depart the United States after Trump’s victory in 2016, quipping that “America was great – before you were elected.”
Streisand’s frustration with Trump’s presidency led her to release her 36th album, “Walls,” in 2018. This musical masterpiece serves as a homage to Trump’s tyranny and includes powerful tracks like “Don’t Lie to Me.” Streisand explains that the constant barrage of news and lies made her sick, and she wanted to express her outrage through her art.
In her memoir, “My Name is Barbra,” Streisand reflects on the tension between politicians and artists. She firmly believes that artists serve as a country’s conscience, challenging society to confront uncomfortable truths. Streisand boldly declares, “That’s why art is the enemy of tyrants and dictators.”
After Trump’s election in 2016, Streisand and other celebrities faced a difficult decision – should they leave the country or stay and fight? Some, like comedian George Lopez and talk show host Jon Stewart, made lighthearted jokes about leaving. Others, like Chelsea Handler, realized that their platforms and voices were needed more than ever in a divided nation.
After four years of what Streisand describes as “darkness,” she sees hope in President Joe Biden. She admires his compassion, honesty, and integrity and believes that the country is headed in the right direction. However, she remains concerned about the upcoming elections and Trump’s potential return to power. Streisand is determined not to live in a country ruled by a man she considers “so stupid” and “so ill-informed.”
In the end, Streisand envisions a new America, one free from pollution, obscenities, insults, and revenge. She calls for the restoration of the nobility of truth, firmly believing that only then will America truly be great again.
Barbra Streisand’s unwavering commitment to democracy and her refusal to back down in the face of what she sees as a threat to the country’s core values is a testament to her strength and conviction. At 81 years old, she continues to use her platform to challenge the status quo and inspire others to stand firm for the principles that make America great. As Streisand herself says, “That’s why art is the enemy of tyrants and dictators” – and she is determined to wield her art as a weapon against the forces she believes are undermining the very fabric of American democracy.
