Elton John: Captain Tolerance

My friend Mark flipped me a link to a story in which Elton John proposes to “ban religion completely” because it’s intolerant and hateful to gay people.

I’m certainly not going to argue with him on that point — most of the major religions have a spotty record at best. But isn’t calling to ban something, er, pretty much the definition of intolerance? Banning something to increase tolerance is like, say, fucking your way to virginity or, um, maybe taking over Iraq to liberate it.

But then, Elton is hardly a rational paragon of tolerance and warmth. While presenting an award to director Kevin Zegers at Cannes, here’s what he had to say:

“He (Zegers) is only 21 years old, already he showed incredible talent and maturity,” said John, wearing dark glasses and accompanied by actress Elizabeth Hurley. “I sincerely believe he will be a huge star and a great actor for many, many years to come.” Then, as photographers called out during his address, he added: “If you saw ‘Transamerica’ … I’m talking … you fuckwit, fucking photographers you should be shot, you should be all shot. Thank you.” After handing the award to a smiling Zegers, he added: “They are a nightmare.”

I love the fact that he calls out the maturity. This from a 110 year old podgy baby-man.

I do love Elton for being a total loose cannon. I don’t watch Disney movies, but I hear his music’s crap, though.