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Sound Off

Sound Off: June 1, 2026

Martina McBride won’t be performing at the Freedom 250 concert, she says.
Martina McBride won’t be performing at the Freedom 250 concert, she says.

Sun Herald readers weigh in on local and national topics.

Our next performance

So many performers are skipping the taxpayer-funded 250th birthday celebration that President Trump has reportedly turned it into a rally. Nothing says “250 years of American independence” quite like an orange-painted circus clown juggling words, grievances, and alternate realities. One question remains: are the Jan. 6 rioters getting complimentary tickets, or VIP seating?

Devastating

This is heartbreaking. I had already made plans to go see Milli Vanilli, one of the legendary acts allegedly booked for the 250th celebration in Washington, D.C. I mean, sure, they are most famous for having their Grammy taken away because they were frauds. And, sure, one of them has been dead for more than 25 years. But I was really hoping to see this near-perfect reflection of our president live.

Bad idea

Oh, Martina. Bad, bad decision on backing out of the concert. You’re about to find out what your fans think of it. Maybe you should have checked with the band formerly known as the Dixie Chicks to see how it might go.

To the rescue

Don’t give up yet. I’m sure there are plenty of bands that would love to play the America 250 concert. I mean, I’m absolutely positive Kid Rock and Ted Nugent don’t have anything better to do.

Say anything

I want to hear from all the Democrats who praised Joe Biden after his disastrous debate. Even his wife thought he had a stroke. And, yet, there were still plenty of folks out there trying to make you believe he was perfectly capable of governing.

Cage fight

Nothing like a cage fight on the White House front lawn to exemplify an honorable 250-year history of our country and all those who died to protect democracy. Somber reflection is what is required, not gladiatorial violence.

The dumbest time

We truly are living in the dumbest time ever. Cage fights on the White House lawn and the biggest stars of the 80s all backing out of a celebratory concert.

Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com.

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