Madonna versus the congestion charge

She's supporting Hillary Clinton in the race to receive the Democratic nomination in the American presidential election, but pop superstar Madonna has never been too political on these shores. However, all that has changed as the Material Girl has launched an attack on Ken Livingston. And what has got her goat? The congestion charge, apparently. Oh cry me a river Madge.

Continuing her unlikely metamorphosis into a Brit, Madonna has decided that her fame and influence is best used by whinging publicly about the charge. This all sounds pretty good. Sure, parading about in lycra jumpsuits might have diminished her cool status but when she's flying the flag for us little people, we should be grateful, right? Wrong. As Madonna isn't concerned about how everyone can afford the expense, only those she takes a professional interest in. Naturally.

"I would make it so that young musicians wouldn't have to pay the congestion charge or taxes so they would have money for other things," blabbers Madonna. "Will Ken Livingstone get my vote? No. The traffic in London is now worse than ever. All Red Ken (Livingstone) wants is roadworks everywhere. Don't use The Tube, can't use the roads? I'll just have to walk I guess."

What exactly is she complaining about? The congestion charge? London's roadworks? Or having to suffer the ignomy of walking? A more coherent, structured and focused gripe, minus the celebrity wallowing, could have been a useful tool against the charge, but it seems Madge is only interested in the rights of those that can string a tune together.

But kudos to her - she's clearly been working hard on her British grumpiness and wants to show it off. Just don't get her started on the weather.

Flickr image from Jeni Rodger's photostream.

Written by Katie on 28 Mar 2008 1:27 PM. Permalink