In the early years of the Bush administration (post-9/11), it was almost instantly "controversial" to say something mean about George Bush. They did a pretty good job of equating the president with the country, and our courageous 4th estate loved playing along.
I don't particuarly *care* that celebrities and similar speak out, in the sense that I don't think their influence necessarily matters, but it's refreshing that at least it isn't controversial to do so.
