A performer should entertain.   There are many opportunities for political and social comentary in the songs you pick to sing or write. How many people whould pay $50 to hear Ronstat's views on politics by themselves? Not many.

That being said, every performer has every right to say whatever they want to.    When they do the public has every right to react to that statement.    The public may react by not going to the concerts or not buying the records.    That is the absolute right of the public.   The performer has to be responsible for their actions.   Many performers want the right to criticize politiicians, but don't want the audience to have the right to criticize them.

I had the honor of having Utah Phillips stay with us for 4 days and then drove him to and from a festival we were running.   He is the same off stage as he is on stage.   Spent the first night making phone calls checking on votes and movements.   He lives it.   Utah told me he would not appear on commercial tv even though he has been asked several times.   Clearly he has made his choice in live and is willng to live witht he consequences.    Even though we are 180 degrees apart politically, I have a lot of respect for him and admire his integrity.