In Europe, people in the arts are considered part of the intelligentsia; they are considered part of the elite.
Artists speak the truth to the public without fear of retribution or damage to their careers.
Involvement in public affairs is a legitimate use of celebrity.
Too often in the past, U.S. leaders have forced Israel to pay the price for American strategic interests in the Middle East - through concessions in the peace process as well as passivity in the face of Iraqi attacks.
