Now even Doctor Who & Burt Bacharach have come out against the war in Iraq

Has An Anti-war Campaign Ever Been So Mainstream?

The Current Vogue Is Disconcerting, Like Following An Obscure Band That Suddenly Has A Hit Single

by Mark Steel December 16, 2005
The Independent

http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=51&ItemID=9333

Now even Doctor Who has come out against the war in Iraq. It turns out the Christmas edition contains a thinly veiled anti-war message. And this follows the recent release of an anti-war album by Burt Bacharach, which could create the most relaxed anti-war movement there’s ever been.

Campaigners won over by Burt will issue a petition declaring: "We the undersigned object to the occupation of Iraq as immoral, illegal and much too loud."

Has an anti-war campaign ever been so mainstream? It wouldn’t be surprising if Roger Whittaker released an album called Whistle Against the War, including a whistled version of "All Along the Watch Tower" with guest star Des O’Connor. Or if the Mike Sammes Singers reformed to sing harmonised extracts from Robin Cook’s cabinet resignation speech, in a one-off "Sing Something Simple".

>>>>Agents of celebrities will drop their practice of insisting their clients will only answer anodyne questions on chat shows, and insist they’re asked about the Middle East. So Westlife will appear on Saturday morning kid’s TV, and when asked "What’s your favourite way of relaxing", they’ll say: "Forcing the withdrawal of a warmongering misadventure, and then laying in a Jacuzzi." Then they’ll announce they’re all going on the next anti-war march, as long as they’re allowed to mime the chants while someone else shouts them.

Alan Titchmarsh will host an edition of Ground Force from Fallujah - "Oo my goodness, this is quite a state isn’t it. Well never mind, we’ve got three days to get everything shipshape and let’s hope those bloomin’ Americans keep themselves to themselves from now on. Now, let’s start by covering this rubble with some trellis."


Just a little light humor. Very droll.

Note that Bacharach and David had an anti-Vietnam war song too -- Windows of the World

----------------------------------

Who Are These People?

Lyrics by Burt Bacharach and Tonio K.

Who are these people that keep telling us lies
And how did these people get control of our lives
And who’ll stop the violence cause it’s out of control?
Make em stop


Who are these people that destroy everything
And sell off the future for whatever it brings
And what kind of leaders can’t admit when they’re wrong?
Make em stop


This stupid mess we’re in just keeps getting worse
So many people dying needlessly
Looks like the liars may inherit the earth
Even pretending to pray
And getting away with it


Who are these people that keep telling us lies
And how did these people get control of our lives
And who’ll stop the violence cause it’s out of control?
We’ve got to make them stop


Who are these people that keep telling us lies
And how did these people get control of our lives
and who’ll stop the violence cause it’s out of control?
Make em stop


See things really have to change
Before it’s too late

I can almost hear the music. I like this, it has heart.

at his most emotional

The Doctor has always been staunchly anti-military and anti-war.


Chris

I can imagine a world where antiwar sentiment was mainstream to the point where lessons learned from this war and other tragedies are interspersed with every aspect of our daily expression.

Just wanted to express an appreciation for all things Who.


Chris

such as "massed weapons of destruction", and the Christmas special also has:



The anti-war sentiments were always there, but it's rare for them to apply to a real-life event.

I hope that I someday get to view the new shows. I can't believe the show isn't being shown in the U.S.
But enough on that, I don't want to hijack the thread and turn it into Doctor Who appreciation.


Chris

go on