On Friday, Chief Justice John Roberts swore in Donald Trump, one of the most controversial U.S. presidents ever elected. Unlike previous inaugurations, most A-list entertainers, no matter their political affiliations, refused to play any of the assorted parties. Then on Wednesday, Fort Worth R&B star Josh Weathers announced that he and his band, including bassist Nick Choate, would play the Salute to Our Armed Services Ball. CNN aired footage of the new president and First Lady dancing to Weathers’ powerful cover of “I Will Always Love You.” The backlash on social media was quick and brutal. Longtime supporters of Weathers and donors to his newish nonprofit for orphans in India, Love Like You Mean It , said, basically, that the soul singer is dead to them. A local music photographer said she was deleting all of her photos of Weathers and his band. Other posters compared his show to performing for Hitler, Stalin, or Pol Pot.
“So, you run a charity for orphan girls in Mumbai,” local singer-songwriter Elle Hurley posted on her Facebook page, “a place to get girls off the street and out of sex trafficking, and you decide to play the inauguration for the pussy grabber. Yup. Us women in Fort Worth won’t forget. You don’t care about little girls if this is what you choose to do to promote it.”
I knew Hurley had been a fan of Weathers and his outreach work. But in a following post, she wrote, “Fuck Josh Weathers.”
I told Weathers what Hurley had written, and he said, “It’s too bad. They don’t know me.”
People, he continued, are “going to make those assumptions. I’m not mad at that person. I just won’t get in the middle of all that. I’m not battling against flesh and blood. That’s how I see it. When I gave my life to Jesus, I literally gave it. I died with Christ and was born again. It’s really hard to offend a dead man. That’s just kind of the way I think.”
One local musician sympathetic to Hurley is Chris Bellomy, who also co-hosts the long-running radio program The Good Show (9am-noon Saturdays on 88.7-FM/KTCU) with Tom Urquhart.
“There is an incongruity about saving girls from a fate of exploitation and oppression, and at the same time celebrating the rise to power of a man who has admitted to sexual assault on a live mic,” Bellomy said. “It sends a mixed message to these girls. This is not an exercise in the abstract for [Hurley]. She is a woman who has survived assault. When she writes with fire and anger about the decisions that Josh and Nick made, I understand it.”
As Weathers performed in D.C., and as fellow Fort Worthians Green River Ordinance played the Black Tie & Boots gala nearby, Bellomy blew saxophone at a Trump protest concert at Lola’s Saloon with Stoogeaphilia, and then early Saturday morning he staged a special edition of The Good Show. The first 30 minutes of the broadcast featured co-hosts Bellomy, Urquhart, and Billy Wilson presenting their show in in poorly executed Russian with bad Russian music, as if they were being forced at gunpoint to deliver a state-approved message honoring “glorious president for life, Donald Trump” and comrade Vladimir Putin. The War of the Worlds-like segment was dark humor, satirizing Trump’s alleged ties to the Russian Federation. Earlier this month, U.S. and British intelligence agencies confirmed that the Russian government had engaged in an “influence campaign” to undermine Hillary Clinton. As Donald Trump Jr. said, his father has significant business ties to Russia, a claim that Trump denies.
Bellomy’s statement was more reserved than Hurley’s but no less critical. Though he has helped Weathers in the past by playing his music on-air and promoting his many benefit concerts, Bellomy announced on Friday that he would no longer support Weathers or Choate and that he would not take part in promoting their shows on The Good Show. Note that Choate and wife Michelle were married live on-air on The Good Show and that the program has a long history of supporting local musicians and causes.
“If you go and you celebrate the inauguration of this evil man,” Bellomy said, “I can’t do anything for you anymore, because it’s unconscionable to me.”
Urquhart, who has the final say over all things Good Show, isn’t willing to go that far. Urquhart said he sees music as its own entity, and if presented with a good song, he’ll play it no matter how he feels about the person performing it. But whereas in the past, he played some of Weathers’ music that he didn’t like solely to support the musicians’ various causes, now he’ll be more selective.
“There are good intentions, but [Weathers and Choate] are being played,” Urquhart said. “I know enough history to know this is not good. History suggests this is one of the reasons some dictators in the past have come into power. There’s always promises. You want the trains to run on time. Inevitably, it’s a power play, and you start gassing people.“
“If [Weathers] has a good song, I’m going to play it,” Urquhart continued. “The song we played [supporting Weathers’ charity of the same name] was dreck. It was sweet and endearing, but I wouldn’t have played it without the backstory. The margins are narrower [now]. I’m a little more wary. I know these guys. I know they have good hearts, but choosing to play an inauguration where there is so much social liability, I’m guarded now. I don’t want to play a song that is a fanfare for the beauty of the Trump Administration, and they’ve dipped their toe in that pool by doing this.”
*****
I spoke to Weathers over the phone from D.C. right before the show. I’ve known him for years, and people who know him personally know he is pretty much apolitical. The veteran performer and humanitarian seemed somewhat myopic regarding the controversy that has kept other, bigger performers from playing Trump’s assorted events. While Weathers expected some backlash, he feels that most of the people angry and hurt over the situation don’t really know him or what he’s about.
“The need to explain myself, I’m without,” Weathers said. “The people I care most about are the people who know me. They know what I’m after. This is not ‘Josh went to get rich.’ ”
Indeed, Weathers will not be paid for his performance.
“I’m not led by a political party,” he said, “and I’m not led by a person other than a king, and his name is Jesus, and he is the lord of my life. If I’m going to go down with the ship, I’m going to go down with Jesus. … I don’t identify with anything else. “
Weathers said that although he prayed heavily about the decision, his first instinct was to say yes without reservation.
“They said, ‘Would you like to play the Armed Forces ball?’ And I said, ‘Absolutely,’ ” Weathers recalled. “I would never turn down an opportunity like that. This has always been who I’ve been. They did tell me that this is an event the president will be attending. And I said, ‘That’s great, sure.’ I’m not so politically geared. I don’t stay tuned into all the mudslinging.”
But for a lot of locals, opposing Trump goes beyond party politics and mudslinging. Bellomy rattled off a litany of reasons: Trump’s support of Russia, his insulting Americans based on race, gender, and physical abilities, and his support for discontinuing services for society’s most vulnerable. Bellomy feels that playing for Trump amounts to a celebration of these things.
“We’ve had presidents in place before that I opposed,” Bellomy said. “I’m openly a Democrat. But none of these guys were Donald Trump. He represents all that is ugly and divisive in our national character … so as citizens, all of us have an obligation to be aware of this. [President Obama] said in his farewell speech, ‘The highest job of authority in a democratic republic is that as a citizen.’ This is a time of crisis for this country, and we all need to be doing our jobs.
“When I see people, even people I personally admire, like Josh Weathers and Nick Choate, I see them failing at that job,” Bellomy continued. “I understand that the lack of unity from people who should know better plays into the hands of those who are taking power. I have a real problem with it. My only way to respond to that is to tell them upfront, ‘If you do this, I can’t support you anymore. I have to sleep at night.’ ”
Weathers, however, feels he answers only to a higher power. The focus of his life is to save orphaned children in India through Love Like You Mean It and to spread the word of God.
“Ultimately, there are people in positions in high places that have the power to change some things,” Weathers told me. “I want to go and share with those people and be an influence in those people’s lives.
“Brother,” he continued, “I’m looking for partners on all ends of the spectrum. There will be people that don’t understand, there will be people that are confused, and there will be people who are upset about it. If I stayed in the middle, and I always did what pleased people, and I took no risk, then I would gain no ground. I know who I am. I know what I stand for: those little girls that we’re out to save. At the end of the day, they’re not really concerned with whose pocket the dollar comes from if it saves their life.”
Weathers said he doesn’t believe that playing for Trump will hurt his charity and that he is simply doing the will of God. His critics feel it will, and some even seem to hope it will.
“If I thought that in my heart, I wouldn’t be here,” Weathers said, “because at the end of the day, my purpose in life is to save those little girls and boys.”
*****
Aaron Knight is no fan of Donald Trump, yet the cofounder of Blackbox Concerts, a local talent buying agency that works with Lola’s Saloon, Shipping & Receiving, and other venues, sees no problem booking Weathers in the future.
“Him playing music for the president wouldn’t cause me to book him any more or less,” Knight said. “It’s music, not politics.”
Weathers is performing Saturday at Shipping & Receiving as part of Eric Nadel’s Focus on Teens, a nonprofit for homeless youth.
“We saw an increase in sales once this whole thing happened,” Knight said, “so that’s good for the teens in this case.”
Ansley Dougherty, a singer-songwriter and the frontperson of hard rockers Panic Volcanic, expressed her dismay at Weathers’ choice, however.
“So he’s doing it to promote his charity which benefits girls in India,” Dougherty said, “but he’s going to promote it to an audience who doesn’t care about women or foreigners? I don’t really get it. I mean, I really hope that some of the attendees turn out to be generous, caring people, but, man, I just think that maybe he’s barking up the wrong tree a little bit.”
Those who know Weathers and spoke out against his decision to play the event universally acknowledged that his heart is in the right place, but they seemed frustrated about his apathy towards the president’s actions and positions. Chris Bellomy summed up his viewpoint with a quote from the HBO show Treme: “ ‘No one is as good as he seems in his best moment or as bad as his worst.’ I think this is true of Josh and Nick [Choate]. I think they are good guys. I think their convictions in wanting to help these girls is sincere. I think the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Sometimes a person has to take a broader view. And this is one of those times, times of moral crisis like this, where there are clearly bad actors assuming great power. Inevitably in history, there comes a time afterward where there is a roll call. Who stood up and said ‘no’ to this travesty first? Where were you when it was time to make a stand? When the roll call is read, and we ask where were you when we needed to stand as one against these criminals, they weren’t there. They were playing the inauguration. That will live with them for the rest of their lives.”
It seems unlikely that this rift will heal anytime soon. Weathers has a fan base that encompasses the entire political spectrum, but a large segment of his supporters in the Fort Worth music community falls squarely in the anti-Trump camp. For many fans of Weathers and for friends and fellow musicians, it’s been tough.
“I think the worst part for all of us,” Dougherty said, “is that we know Josh to be a really nice guy, and we really, really love the music that he plays and respect him as a musician. So, as an artist, bleeding heart and all, it’s been kind of hard to watch all this go down.”
The political situation in the United States has gotten uglier than it’s been in decades, and there were people protesting into the night in D.C. on Friday. Over the phone, isolated from the chaos around him, Weathers seemed more concerned about Saturday’s benefit for Focus on Teens. He seems set on the good he can do in the world with his music, and he seems unconcerned with his detractors, the protestors just out of earshot, or even the new president.
Josh Weathers
Sat w/Daphne Willis, The Hendersons as part of Focus on Teens at Shipping & Receiving, 201 S Calhoun St, FW. 817-887-9313.
I regret that the headline of this piece in which I was quoted at length used the word, “hates.” I don’t hate Josh, nor does anyone I know. I just find his choice in this matter very disappointing.
Wow, how immature. Are you still in school?
I’m glad he went! What an experience! To sing for the military. I guess everyone is going to hate the military too for being at the ball. People are so lame. They all need to grow up. SO IMMATURE! WHO THE HELL CARES IF HE PLAYED For Trump. Shame on everyone for judging and shunning. That is low. Call Trump those names but Bill Clinton is ok to have women all over? And everyone knows John Kennedy had affairs…but I guess that is ok too. Trump was how old? Like two lifetimes ago. And I’m POSITIVE ALL THESE PEOPLE SLAMMING TRUMP HAVE NEVER DONE ANYTHING BAD IN THEIR LIFE. Hypocrites everywhere. Josh awesome job! I heard it! Keep doing it! You may have lost all the bandwagon fans that you really don’t want around if that is how ugly they are going to be…but you sure gained TONS of new fans that heard you and loved you! And are actually decent human beings because THEY DONT JUDGE!
Me too! Has everybody completely forgot what Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky did?
I think the difference there is a little thing called CONSENT. I love Josh, but come on, getting it on and sexual assault are different 😉
Trump has also only be accused of such behavior…Clinton stained the poor girls dress…
And I’m sure the “consent” had nothing to do with his position as POTUS at the time. Clinton is disgusting, he’s used his position to his advantage…not only with Lewinsky but with his friend Jeffrey Epstein and the girls that keep them both company.
And let’s not forget what the dastardly Hillary did too? When all of it comes out, it’s going to blow our nations’ minds.
I long for the day that the media starts ignoring the cry babies because, other than the ones being paid to demonstrate, that is all they want — attention
I’m sure it’s not the first time you’ve been disappointed and most likely to not be the last. Get over it!
Not an issue from my end. I’ve listened and enjoyed Josh for many years. But I’ve never heard of Mr. Bellomy or his show. Can’t imagine someone who is not a political commentator insulting over half of his potential audience. Let’s see how this works out for you. Good luck. I’m betting your backlash will be greater than Josh’s.
Hear Hear – well said Clay!!
OMG, total idiotic lunacy has taken over and I am ashamed it has gotten a hold in my precious hometown of Fort Worth! It is pathetic the way liberals are such hypocrites, but are so loud and obnoxious, that is where the media turns it’s attention! If you loved Josh before the Trump thing and you hate him now, that says everything about the sad person you are and speaks volumes for Josh that can put Jesus Christ first above the fray! Josh, you were great and what an honor for you!!
Mr. Bellomy, I find you extremely disappointing. you should be ashamed of yourself.
Everyone’s go an opinion, although misplaced and highly, incontravertibly biased just like all the media outlets.
Are you from Texas? Maybe you should go back to California or other liberally slanted, misinformed rock you crawled out from. Evil is running so rampant in the media that now it’s referring to good as evil and evil as good. Its interesting that America has spoken and we are still continually having to listen to this main stream media drivel. Such nonsense!!
To quote your quote: “‘No one is as good as he seems in his best moment or as bad as his worst.'” Mr. Bellomy, I believe the same can be applied to you. It will come later one day when you realize how foolish you are in this very moment.
That would piss me off too Mr. Bellomy. I didnt sense in any of your quotes that you hated Josh.
Chris Bellomy – never heard of you and will dang sure never support your music with one penny. Why would you bash on someone that has an opportunity (and talent to have a chance like this?)….. Makes me wonder if you’re just jealous?
Right is right and those words should of never been said. Regretting is too late
I find this a hit piece on a really nice guy, its nothing but a tongue lashing from a liberal stirring the pot between two people, I don’t like it! Or its format, its divisive and denigrates friendships, and exposes ignorant ideas, from ignorant people, which I care nothing about. Just more FAKE NEWS.
All love, hate, and politics aside. Why wouldn’t he be paid to perform? Shouldn’t musicians be compensated for their performance? It’s not a charitable opportunity. I don’t know the guy, I just wonder why he wouldn’t be paid especially with the deep pockets in the room. No cheers or jeers, just curious.
deep pocket makers not paying a musician with a charity for takers! Imagine that? And note only half of the “free” tickets were for military. The rest are for VIP insider cronies. This one had open bar. The other two Trump balls that the public could attend had $50 tickets and $20 champagne
The ball that raises money for veterans groups is the Vetty ball, not attended by Trump.
Very very disappointed in this article and this headline. How horrible to not support such a huge staple and member of our beloved music industry in fort worth. Cannot believe this was published, and very disappointed in the Fort Worth weekly
Amen to this!
Last time I checked, it is still a free country and there are a great many who find Josh’s detractors on this matter a real disappointment. He did a fantastic job! And, he knows EXACTLY who he is. Period. Apologizing to no one, not pretending to be somebody he is not just to appease the whims and opinions of others. That is definitely someone I can get behind.
Matthew 7:1
Josh Weathers keep up the good work.
Amen 🙏 I didn’t know Josh was a believer and wa truly happy to read he was )) praise the Lord
The writer of this article reads to much spin and doesn’t even have his facts correct. Trump didn’t sexually assault anyone. He talked about about it in fun, in private. In the words of Jesus, let he who is without fault cast the first stone. This political dosbid and what people think Trump will or won’t do is just proposterous. How about you reserve judgment after he has had sometime to govern. Then unleash if it warranted. This was a pathetic headline/article from a pathetic rag.
Chris, youre way out of line man. You are judging Josh’s character and choices based off the opportunity to play music for YOUR President. Josh is respecting the Presidency and accepted a great opportunity to share his music with a very influential crowd. Before this article, Josh kinda of always rubbed me the wrong way. Of course I didn’t really know him, only met him a few times. But my hat is tipped to him! God bless you Josh for keeping your faith through trying times. You did NOTHING wrong but share your music with the world to hear on stage at the ball, and by respectfully honoring our Presidency. Chris, you call out Josh for support children, yet supporting Trump…as of there is some kinda of correlation. That’s such a low blow and BS. Instead of comparing that analogy, admit openly the comparison between how much actual money and efforts Josh had contributed to girls and women though his Charity versus any money you’ve spent! Gee, guess we could pull a “Chris” and start insulting your character or lack of ambitions. You owe Josh a very sincere apology.
can this guy answer a single question straight instead of JESUS every GOD other JESUS word JESUS GOD out of JESUS his JESUS mouth GOD be some xtian craziness? We get it, you are born again, now speak like a human instead of a malfunctioning robot.
The wisdom of man is foolishness unto God and the wisdom of God is foolishness unto man.
juepucta, pray for you to find the peace that comes with knowing God has your back. It’s truly a life changing thing when you’re born again. He’s not sweating this article as much as those that are mentioned in it for their hatred and bullying. He’s using his platform to spread the love of Jesus, which is all his plan was to do. The others listed in the article bashing his choice only get the Word out even more.
Josh did us all a solid when stood up for his beliefs and didn’t fold in the face of social backlash! I love Josh and what he stands for. Salt of the earth. Confident, determined, and definitely not a snowflake.
…and Leni Riefenstahl made some good movies.
Nice
@Chris Bellomy, I regret to inform you, nobody cares what you think. Fort Worth will continue to support Josh and his mission.
Ugh. All this backlash is EXACTLY why I voted for Trump and I’d do so again. The hate that starts spewing the moment someone doesn’t walk lock-in-step with liberal view points and ideas is ASTOUNDING I can’t understand why anyone is okay with it. – A woman and formally undecided voter
People seem to forget that Josh played for The Armed Forces. He entertained for them not so much for the President. I love Josh’s music and I know where his faith and calling is coming from. I will always support him and his music. People need to get over it and quit complaining and going against people who believe they did the right thing. No one is perfect so quit throwing stones!
Very well written. I get the title. I’m a Trump supporter and I completely respect Josh and will continue to support his journey. He is a Man of God and to me, that’s all that matters.
Chris Bellomy is part of the problem! Purely decisive and seeking to destroy America in divisiveness is what our enemies love in all of this!
What a vicious and hateful article. I am disappointed that this type of hateful sensationalism is being used to attack Josh and his band. This is bullying at its best, regardless of political views.
He played for the troops. That was the honorable thing. I don’t care who the president is, those troops put their lives on the line everyday and that was a ball to honor them. I’m offended and embarrassed at the reactions and behavior inflicted towards this man. I applaud him and his patriotism and loyalty to our US Troops.
Has the lady that wrote the comment ” you played for a pussy grabber” ever had her pussy grabbed? By a man?
A ‘real man’? Because every straight woman has had their pussy grabbed…by a man… Men are pussy grabbers…get used to it…On a side note: Lesbians are even bigger pussy grabbers! Stay strong Josh! And grabbem by the pussy!
Well, I guess this means more people won’t be supporting Chris Bellomy any longer!
I don’t think many of us knew who he was.
I know Josh and I know his heart. This doesn’t matter to me in the least. I will continue to love and support him as I always have.
I have watched that young man perform for years with his Dad and many others performing and improving his craft. He is an entertainer, musician, and a fine person.
Career wise, you do not pass up an opportunity that comes your way of this caliber ever. He and his band were there to perform and thats it. The shallow, immature, hateful comments and threats are coming from a side that calls themselves the peaceful people. How hateful and hypocritical to call yourself lovers and supporters of the arts and then turn on a fellow musician because he followed his heart to do something he is passionate about.
Musicians do Music.
Politicians do Politics.
Dont get it mixed up Chris Bellomy.
But God is over all… thats the real point
The left has lost their marbles on this. So many misquotes of Trump and so many like minded quotes from Hillary simple forgiven or forgotten, or better yet denied even though they’re on video. There is zero intelligence in most of what the left says they “think”. I would never boycott someone for being a Hillary supporter, even though I equate her with the devil, but I will and am boycotting these liberal snowflakes that can’t accept the results of the election.
Oh, and speaking of zero intelligence…..”I don’t hate Josh, I just want to destroy him and his career” (paraphrasing)
Hey that’s great, but the only person involved in this entire story I’ve heard of is Josh Weathers.
The constant references to Christ, quite frankly, are nauseating. Trump has taken pride in each of the seven deadly sins he has committed. He is the antithesis of the sermon on the mount. He is completely incongruent with the vast bulk of the last 2000 years of Christian theology. In a literal sense his actions show him to be anti-Christ (not The Anti-Christ, just someone who is diametrically opposed to the teachings of Christ.) By celebrating Trump’s inauguration josh and Nick, while they may have had the best intentions, have given me serious and legitimate reason to doubt the sincerity of their beliefs as well as their intelligence.
The mere fact you used the word THEOLOGY with such arrogance is quite nauseating…..clearly Jesus didnt have theology, but you must know that since you are very intellectual. Judge not my friend…..
Get over your insecurity dude. Yes, I used theology. Guess what, if you lack a theology that makes you atheist. Sooooo….Jesus was an atheist?
To clarify, Yeshua Bin Yosef (aka Jesus) was a Jew. He had a theology. In one gospel he even preaches in the Temple at age 13. If you don’t have a theology, you don’t tend to preach in temples.
The things of the Spirit, the natural man does not understand.. Josh is walking in the Spirit… Hold your ground Josh… Peace and Grace
Oh ye of short term memory! Bill Clinton sexually harrassed several women WHILE IN OFFICE. Get over yourselves.
Bellomy YOU ARE WHATS WRONG AND UGLY WITH THIS COUNTRY! Get a life
I know Josh and Kady, they are wonderful people. Jesus didn’t preach to the Christians, he spent his time with the undesirables. How else are you going to change a heart? Josh made a good choice in my opinion. His performance was broadcasted and millions saw it. Those people will want to know more about this guy from Ft.Worth and when they search him on the web, they will learn about his charity and maybe feel moved to help. That’s what is important in all this mess. Everyone needs to move on from hating. Fight your fight through your right to vote. Make sure you vote at every election and not just the presidential election if you want to make a change.
haters are gonna hate its what they do. Go Josh Weathers!
Steve Wakins and the Ft Worth Weekly should be ashamed to even consider printing such a thing.
Most people in the Ft Worth music scene know what type of man Josh is no matter what his political beliefs are or the decisions he make with his Musical career. Who are you to judge ? sad that someone else that dislike a mans decisions want to tarnish his image. BOO to you and your choice of Headlines.
I find it very disappointing that Josh couldn’t perform for the American People without such intolerance, yet embrace the vulgarity of celebrities and the sexual assaults of a past president.
It’s a sad day in our country that we treat each other with such hate. Bullying Josh is a very unkind thing to do to anyone.
We support Josh Weathers and his charity as he is a fine man who loves the Lord and it shows in his actions and character. We will not wallow in the mud with the Trump haters who use profanity and point fingers when their party has their own (Bill Clinton) who has done much worse but they don’t want to face those facts. Playing to honor the military is something to be proud of so Josh & Nick hold your heads up and take the high road. We know you have a calling on your life and God will prevail.
This is a perfect example of the new age liberal; their stance and outlook on Josh now is more than harsh. He played at the ball for the armed forces with Trump in attendance. Josh Weathers is an outstanding person on and off the stage. The hypocrisy of democrats is disheartening. They hold up signs that say “love trumps hate” as they throw hammers through windows. It’s pitiful. Kudos to Josh Weathers Band for ignoring backlash and continue doing good things. I thought it was awesome that he played at the ball. Not many people get the opportunity to do that. But, of course, we have the media doing a story on him for this shit.. Instead of doing a story on his foundation and how many lives he’s saved or helped. I don’t see the Liberal Chris Bellomy saving kids in India or anywhere for that matter, nor any of the other people that’s “disappointed” in him for playing the ball. Step up and do the things he’s done, then you can be “disappointed”.
Thanks,
God Bless Josh Weathers Band!
Josh has a new fan in me & for every fan he “looses” due to his performance at the Trump military ball…he will gain 10x’s more in loyal support for he and his cause!!! Josh Weathers Band will be raised up!!! #watch #this
I know Josh Weather, and I know him to be a fine man. I have no idea who Chris Bellomy is, or why I would value his opinion.
If ignorance really is bliss then the person writing this and those who also commented must be over joyed. Someone should teach them”if you don’t have something nice to say, keep your mouth shut”! You go Josh! Stand up, Christian guy with amazing talent! Washington may not like you but AMARILLO LOVES you!!!!! Some people I swear…
Which side is supposedly the tolerant side?
As time moves on, I hope every one realizes that entertainers hissy fits and opinions mean absolutely zero to both trump haters and trump admirers. They don’t feed me, they don’t pay my bills and wouldn’t give me or YOU the time of day on the street.
This is the most ridiculous article I have ever read. If the editor would have bothered to have know Josh, he would have never wrote this. Josh is a Christian man who loves the Lord.
I am so angry and the human part of me wants to say a few choice words but God prevails ! I will pray for the editor and all the readers who read this.
All of the Trumph haters need to read this. President Trumph is only enforcing our current laws on immigration. Our country needs to secure our borders. If you have family or friends that are not legal here, they just need to enter our country legally. Very simple!
God tells us to love everyone even our enemies. However there are a group of people that their Quran tells them to kill anyone who is not a of their belief. Read it yourself and you can see on your own.
Quran (2:191-193) – “And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah [disbelief or unrest] is worse than killing… but if they desist, then lo! Allah is forgiving and merciful. And fight them until there is no more Fitnah [disbelief and worshipping of others along with Allah] and worship is for Allah alone. But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against Az-Zalimun(the polytheists, and wrong-doers, etc.)” (Translation is from the Noble Quran) The verse prior to this (190) refers to “fighting for the cause of Allah those who fight you” leading some to claim that the entire passage refers to a defensive war in which Muslims are defending their homes and families. The historical context of this passage is not defensive warfare, however, since Muhammad and his Muslims had just relocated to Medina and were not under attack by their Meccan adversaries. In fact, the verses urge offensive warfare, in that Muslims are to drive Meccans out of their own city (which they later did). Verse 190 thus means to fight those who offer resistance to Allah’s rule (ie. Muslim conquest). The use of the word “persecution” by some Muslim translators is disingenuous – the actual Arabic words for persecution (idtihad) – and oppression (a variation of “z-l-m”) do not appear in the verse. The word used instead, “fitna”, can mean disbelief, or the disorder that results from unbelief or temptation. This is certainly what is meant in this context since the violence is explicitly commissioned “until religion is for Allah” – ie. unbelievers desist in their unbelief.
Quran (2:244) – “Then fight in the cause of Allah, and know that Allah Heareth and knoweth all things.”
Quran (2:216) – “Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not.” Not only does this verse establish that violence can be virtuous, but it also contradicts the myth that fighting is intended only in self-defense, since the audience was obviously not under attack at the time. From the Hadith, we know that this verse was narrated at a time that Muhammad was actually trying to motivate his people into raiding merchant caravans for loot.
Quran (3:56) – “As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help.”
Quran (3:151) – “Soon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers, for that they joined companions with Allah, for which He had sent no authority”. This speaks directly of polytheists, yet it also includes Christians, since they believe in the Trinity (ie. what Muhammad incorrectly believed to be ‘joining companions to Allah’).
Quran (4:74) – “Let those fight in the way of Allah who sell the life of this world for the other. Whoso fighteth in the way of Allah, be he slain or be he victorious, on him We shall bestow a vast reward.” The martyrs of Islam are unlike the early Christians, who were led meekly to the slaughter. These Muslims are killed in battle as they attempt to inflict death and destruction for the cause of Allah. This is the theological basis for today’s suicide bombers.
Quran (4:76) – “Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah…”
Quran (4:89) – “They but wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): But take not friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah (From what is forbidden). But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks.”
Quran (4:95) – “Not equal are those of the believers who sit (at home), except those who are disabled (by injury or are blind or lame, etc.), and those who strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Allah has preferred in grades those who strive hard and fight with their wealth and their lives above those who sit (at home).Unto each, Allah has promised good (Paradise), but Allah has preferred those who strive hard and fight, above those who sit (at home) by a huge reward ” This passage criticizes “peaceful” Muslims who do not join in the violence, letting them know that they are less worthy in Allah’s eyes. It also demolishes the modern myth that “Jihad” doesn’t mean holy war in the Quran, but rather a spiritual struggle. Not only is this Arabic word (mujahiduna) used in this passage, but it is clearly not referring to anything spiritual, since the physically disabled are given exemption. (The Hadith reveals the context of the passage to be in response to a blind man’s protest that he is unable to engage in Jihad, which would not make sense if it meant an internal struggle).
Quran (4:104) – “And be not weak hearted in pursuit of the enemy; if you suffer pain, then surely they (too) suffer pain as you suffer pain…” Is pursuing an injured and retreating enemy really an act of self-defense?
Quran (5:33) – “The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His messenger and strive to make mischief in the land is only this, that they should be murdered or crucified or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides or they should be imprisoned; this shall be as a disgrace for them in this world, and in the hereafter they shall have a grievous chastisement”
Quran (8:12) – “I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them” No reasonable person would interpret this to mean a spiritual struggle. The targets of violence are “those who disbelieve” – further defined in the next verse (13) as “defy and disobey Allah.” Nothing is said about self-defense. In fact, the verses in sura 8 were narrated shortly after a battle provoked by Muhammad, who had been trying to attack a lightly-armed caravan to steal goods belonging to other people.
Quran (8:15) – “O ye who believe! When ye meet those who disbelieve in battle, turn not your backs to them. (16)Whoso on that day turneth his back to them, unless maneuvering for battle or intent to join a company, he truly hath incurred wrath from Allah, and his habitation will be hell, a hapless journey’s end.”
Quran (8:39) – “And fight with them until there is no more fitna (disorder, unbelief) and religion is all for Allah” Some translations interpret “fitna” as “persecution”, but the traditional understanding of this word is not supported by the historical context (See notes for 2:193). The Meccans were simply refusing Muhammad access to their city during Haj. Other Muslims were allowed to travel there – just not as an armed group, since Muhammad had declared war on Mecca prior to his eviction. The Meccans were also acting in defense of their religion, since it was Muhammad’s intention to destroy their idols and establish Islam by force (which he later did). Hence the critical part of this verse is to fight until “religion is only for Allah”, meaning that the true justification of violence was the unbelief of the opposition. According to the Sira (Ibn Ishaq/Hisham 324) Muhammad further explains that “Allah must have no rivals.”
Quran (8:57) – “If thou comest on them in the war, deal with them so as to strike fear in those who are behind them, that haply they may remember.”
Quran (8:67) – “It is not for a Prophet that he should have prisoners of war until he had made a great slaughter in the land…”
Quran (8:59-60) – “And let not those who disbelieve suppose that they can outstrip (Allah’s Purpose). Lo! they cannot escape. Make ready for them all thou canst of (armed) force and of horses tethered, that thereby ye may dismay the enemy of Allah and your enemy.”
Quran (8:65) – “O Prophet, exhort the believers to fight…”
Quran (9:5) – “So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captive and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them.” According to this verse, the best way of staying safe from Muslim violence at the time of Muhammad was to convert to Islam: prayer (salat) and the poor tax (zakat) are among the religion’s Five Pillars. The popular claim that the Quran only inspires violence within the context of self-defense is seriously challenged by this passage as well, since the Muslims to whom it was written were obviously not under attack. Had they been, then there would have been no waiting period (earlier verses make it a duty for Muslims to fight in self-defense, even during the sacred months). The historical context is Mecca after the idolaters were subjugated by Muhammad and posed no threat. Once the Muslims had power, they violently evicted those unbelievers who would not convert.
[Note: The verse says to fight unbelievers “wherever you find them”. Even if the context is in a time of battle (which it was not) the reading appears to sanction attacks against those “unbelievers” who are not on the battlefield. In 2016, the Islamic State referred to this verse in urging the faithful to commit terror attacks: Allah did not only command the ‘fighting’ of disbelievers, as if to say He only wants us to conduct frontline operations against them. Rather, He has also ordered that they be slain wherever they may be – on or off the battlefield. (source)]
Quran (9:14) – “Fight against them so that Allah will punish them by your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them and heal the breasts of a believing people.” Humiliating and hurting non-believers not only has the blessing of Allah, but it is ordered as a means of carrying out his punishment and even “healing” the hearts of Muslims.
Quran (9:20) – “Those who believe, and have left their homes and striven with their wealth and their lives in Allah’s way are of much greater worth in Allah’s sight. These are they who are triumphant.” The Arabic word interpreted as “striving” in this verse is the same root as “Jihad”. The context is obviously holy war.
Quran (9:29) – “Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.” “People of the Book” refers to Christians and Jews. According to this verse, they are to be violently subjugated, with the sole justification being their religious status. Verse 9:33 tells Muslims that Allah has charted them to make Islam “superior over all religions.” This chapter was one of the final “revelations” from Allah and it set in motion the tenacious military expansion, in which Muhammad’s companions managed to conquer two-thirds of the Christian world in the next 100 years. Islam is intended to dominate all other people and faiths.
Quran (9:30) – “And the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah; and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah; these are the words of their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before; may Allah destroy them; how they are turned away!”
Quran (9:38-39) – “O ye who believe! what is the matter with you, that, when ye are asked to go forth in the cause of Allah, ye cling heavily to the earth? Do ye prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? But little is the comfort of this life, as compared with the Hereafter. Unless ye go forth, He will punish you with a grievous penalty, and put others in your place.” This is a warning to those who refuse to fight, that they will be punished with Hell.
Quran (9:41) – “Go forth, light-armed and heavy-armed, and strive with your wealth and your lives in the way of Allah! That is best for you if ye but knew.” See also the verse that follows (9:42) – “If there had been immediate gain (in sight), and the journey easy, they would (all) without doubt have followed thee, but the distance was long, (and weighed) on them” This contradicts the myth that Muslims are to fight only in self-defense, since the wording implies that battle will be waged a long distance from home (in another country and on Christian soil, in this case, according to the historians).
Quran (9:73) – “O Prophet! strive hard against the unbelievers and the hypocrites and be unyielding to them; and their abode is hell, and evil is the destination.” Dehumanizing those who reject Islam, by reminding Muslims that unbelievers are merely firewood for Hell, makes it easier to justify slaughter. It explains why today’s devout Muslims generally have little regard for those outside the faith. The inclusion of “hypocrites” within this verse also contradicts the apologist’s defense that the targets of hate and hostility are wartime foes, since there was never an opposing army made up of non-religious Muslims in Muhammad’s time. (See also Games Muslims Play: Terrorists Can’t Be Muslim Because They Kill Muslims for the role this verse plays in Islam’s perpetual internal conflicts).
Quran (9:88) – “But the Messenger, and those who believe with him, strive and fight with their wealth and their persons: for them are (all) good things: and it is they who will prosper.”
Quran (9:111) – “Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Quran: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: that is the achievement supreme.” How does the Quran define a true believer?
Quran (9:123) – “O you who believe! fight those of the unbelievers who are near to you and let them find in you hardness.”
Quran (17:16) – “And when We wish to destroy a town, We send Our commandment to the people of it who lead easy lives, but they transgress therein; thus the word proves true against it, so We destroy it with utter destruction.” Note that the crime is moral transgression, and the punishment is “utter destruction.” (Before ordering the 9/11 attacks, Osama bin Laden first issued Americans an invitation to Islam).
Quran (18:65-81) – This parable lays the theological groundwork for honor killings, in which a family member is murdered because they brought shame to the family, either through apostasy or perceived moral indiscretion. The story (which is not found in any Jewish or Christian source) tells of Moses encountering a man with “special knowledge” who does things which don’t seem to make sense on the surface, but are then justified according to later explanation. One such action is to murder a youth for no apparent reason (74). However, the wise man later explains that it was feared that the boy would “grieve” his parents by “disobedience and ingratitude.” He was killed so that Allah could provide them a ‘better’ son. [Note: This parable along with verse 58:22 is a major reason that honor killing is sanctioned by Sharia. Reliance of the Traveler (Umdat al-Saliq) says that punishment for murder is not applicable when a parent or grandparent kills their offspring (o.1.12).]
Quran (21:44) – “We gave the good things of this life to these men and their fathers until the period grew long for them; See they not that We gradually reduce the land (in their control) from its outlying borders? Is it then they who will win?”
Quran (25:52) – “Therefore listen not to the Unbelievers, but strive against them with the utmost strenuousness…” “Strive against” is Jihad – obviously not in the personal context. It’s also significant to point out that this is a Meccan verse.
Quran (33:60-62) – “If the hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, and the alarmists in the city do not cease, We verily shall urge thee on against them, then they will be your neighbors in it but a little while. Accursed, they will be seized wherever found and slain with a (fierce) slaughter.” This passage sanctions the slaughter (rendered “merciless” and “horrible murder” in other translations) against three groups: Hypocrites (Muslims who refuse to “fight in the way of Allah” (3:167) and hence don’t act as Muslims should), those with “diseased hearts” (which include Jews and Christians 5:51-52), and “alarmists” or “agitators who include those who merely speak out against Islam, according to Muhammad’s biographers. It is worth noting that the victims are to be sought out by Muslims, which is what today’s terrorists do. If this passage is meant merely to apply to the city of Medina, then it is unclear why it is included in Allah’s eternal word to Muslim generations.
Quran (47:3-4) – “Those who disbelieve follow falsehood, while those who believe follow the truth from their Lord… So, when you meet (in fight Jihad in Allah’s Cause), those who disbelieve smite at their necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives)… If it had been Allah’s Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test you, some with others. But those who are killed in the Way of Allah, He will never let their deeds be lost.” Those who reject Allah are to be killed in Jihad. The wounded are to be held captive for ransom. The only reason Allah doesn’t do the dirty work himself is to to test the faithfulness of Muslims. Those who kill pass the test.
Quran (47:35) – “Be not weary and faint-hearted, crying for peace, when ye should be uppermost (Shakir: “have the upper hand”) for Allah is with you,”
Quran (48:17) – “There is no blame for the blind, nor is there blame for the lame, nor is there blame for the sick (that they go not forth to war). And whoso obeyeth Allah and His messenger, He will make him enter Gardens underneath which rivers flow; and whoso turneth back, him will He punish with a painful doom.” Contemporary apologists sometimes claim that Jihad means ‘spiritual struggle.’ Is so, then why are the blind, lame and sick exempted? This verse also says that those who do not fight will suffer torment in hell.
Quran (48:29) – “Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. And those with him are hard (ruthless) against the disbelievers and merciful among themselves” Islam is not about treating everyone equally. This verse tells Muslims that there are two very distinct standards that are applied based on religious status. Also the word used for ‘hard’ or ‘ruthless’ in this verse shares the same root as the word translated as ‘painful’ or severe’ to describe Hell in over 25 other verses including 65:10, 40:46 and 50:26..
Quran (61:4) – “Surely Allah loves those who fight in His cause” Religion of Peace, indeed! The verse explicitly refers to “rows” or “battle array,” meaning that it is speaking of physical conflict. This is followed by (61:9), which defines the “cause”: “He it is who has sent His Messenger (Mohammed) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islam) to make it victorious over all religions even though the infidels may resist.” (See next verse, below). Infidels who resist Islamic rule are to be fought.
Quran (61:10-12) – “O You who believe! Shall I guide you to a commerce that will save you from a painful torment. That you believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), and that you strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives, that will be better for you, if you but know! (If you do so) He will forgive you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow, and pleasant dwelling in Gardens of’Adn- Eternity [‘Adn(Edn) Paradise], that is indeed the great success.” This verse refers to physical battle in order to make Islam victorious over other religions (see verse 9). It uses the Arabic root for the word Jihad.
Quran (66:9) – “O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be stern with them. Hell will be their home, a hapless journey’s end.” The root word of “Jihad” is used again here. The context is clearly holy war, and the scope of violence is broadened to include “hypocrites” – those who call themselves Muslims but do not act as such. Other verses calling Muslims to Jihad can be found here at AnsweringIslam.org
Don’t get me wrong. I love the little baby Jesus too and have 32 bibles, King James version of course. I am definitely not going to hell. But, Is there a cliffnotes version out there anywhere? That’s a whole lot of words.
I have known Josh Weathers all his life and he would have played for Obama, or Hillary Clinton and took a photo with her. If you don’t know him don’t say these things. Because all Josh Weathers is about is God and living everyday like Jesus. He would help anyone, play music for anyone, even help ya’ll that hate him. Josh would have played for any President believe me i know this because he is my nephew
All these haters of Josh are jealous because they have shitty jobs and are wannabe singers who will never make it. Just give up y’all won’t win. Josh
will win bigtime
Looks like the backlash for writing this article is greater than the “backlash” Josh got for performing FOR OUR MILITARY! Good for Josh for not backing down. Shame on all those who are trying to bully him into confirming to their ideals.
So is the writer of this article and the people who said by playing at this event means you are supporting or celebrating Trump not going to pay their taxes? Your taxes are going to be used to build the border wall as well as other things you vehemently are against that your President will enact. You have a choice to not just like these guys did to play at the ‘Armed Forces Ball.’ I expect since you feel so strongly about being against playing music at an event President Trump attended you would be even more vehemently against allowing yourself to be a direct contributor to the border wall and other policies that will begin during your Presidents presidency
Do you people really think Josh Weathers went there for Trump or to benefit his hope home. Im telling you Josh Weathers cares about Christ period he dont’ care if gets nothing from the people in washington thats what you don’t get. He don’t think that way I have seen him play for free or donate all to a charity here in the u.s.a. , india and south africa. so this is so far from political is on a much bigger scope and he would play a Military Ball for any President period.
Josh has a heart so big and anyone who can say something like that has never met him. I have never met someone so filled with love and compassion as him. I am honored to have met him and am proud that he would accept an invitation to play at the Military Ball. SUPPORT JOSH WEATHERS
I am appalled at the cover of Fort Worth Weekly and the article as well. I don’t live in Fort Worth, but drive up there every chance I get to see Josh Weathers perform (most have been charitable events). He represents all that is good in music. And it does seem that the writers forgot this was a ball for our Armed Forces. Josh and Kady are awe-inspiring. I don’t know Nick but if he is involved with Josh, he has to be a good guy also. And those saying not to reference God, have no clue of the journey Josh and Kady have taken. I am proud to know Josh Weathers and all he represents. All I can say is go Josh Weathers, you have many, many more fans than these detractors. God definitely has His hand on you!!
Why is this entire article quoting opinions from a bunch of whining sissy-babies? I don’t want to read a bunch of nonsense from half-brained, empty-head liberals. How about you mention some conservative musicians to offer a juxtaposition to the pansy liberal cry babies!
Did the sound guy get paid at least?
They paid him in Gum and some cold crusty food he ate at 4am. Hey at least they weren’t outside in the cold and the rain getting wet amps and cabinets.
Thanks jeffa. Not sure what going rate for soundmen is but better than nothing I guess. Take care man.
I say CONGRAT”S to Josh for standing up proud and playing before men and women who have served our country when others didn’t. And honoring those who have served He is a outstanding, upstanding young man. His family has raised him well. God will take care of Josh. Hate is a very powerful word and can cut like a knife. josh wasn’t for the left or the right he was for the men and women who served this country.
Josh will he fine. His personality, demeanor and what he stands for, happiness and love, is infectious! He did not go to the ball to promote Trump and his past actions but i do believe that if ONE life was saved or redirected in a positive and loving way, then Josh Weathers was meant to be there at that ball!
We love you Josh, keep doing what you are doing! May your next show be SOLD OUT like they always have!
Kip
Did they at least get a bar tab and a deli tray with tiny lunchmeats for their performance if they didn’t get a check?
Thank you for a well-written, controversial article. I do not know Mr. Weathers or his music, but he seems like a good dude from this article.
Based on the hate spewing from most of the comments to this article, his fans appear to be terrible and thin-skinned.
Once time I took a gig that wasn’t going to pay cash but they said they would give us free beer and food and the free beer was like a case for all the bands on the festival and a few bags of chips. I was FUCKING PISSED. All politics aside. They should have paid the dude. I haven’t heard a good explanation why this dude wasn’t paid. Did they pay him and the check bounce or did they just say at the end of the night “sorry bro” we spent all our money on limos and tuxes and shit and cant pay you but hopefully you have enough gas to get home.
They did pay his and the bands travel expenses.
Unbelievably tasteless article – I’ve lost all respect for your publication. Odd how bullying is bashed by people like you until it fits your needs then you turn loose with both cannons. The hypocrisy is outrageous.
Did Green River Ordinance get paid? Was there a keg or something for the bands maybe?
Fort Worth Weekly decides to run this bullshit crap. Great! I wouldn’t spoil a fish wrapping it with your shitty rag. Shame on you. Steve Watkins, author, IT Generalist, System Administrator, LOSER. Josh Weathers has more class, compassion and talent than Watkins can fathom as he gobbles fried chicken an toggles between kiddie porn and typing this incendiary fake news. I’ve seen Josh, I love Josh, I am proud of Josh, I am one of many who feel the same about Josh. Mr. Watkins – you are no Josh Weathers. I get that the left hates Trump. I didn’t like Obama, but I didn’t whine, cry, accuse, degrade and scream when Obama took office. I hoped for the best, was disappointed often, but maintained my optimism. You haters should give optimism a try for a change and watch who you’re picking on, especially when it’s someone like Josh.
This article is excellent and anyone saying otherwise is a snowflake who needs a safe space. Suck it up, buttercups!
Music and Art “trump” the politics of the hour people, get your priorities in order please. Seems like some people want to build a wall around others, for playing a show, expressing their talent and art freely. Get your Friends together and go burn some books you don’t like if you feel the need to be “good” citizens – leave the FTW Music scene alone…
Where was the outrage when Josh Weathers opened up for Journey that one time 😉
Seriously if you have never worked with Josh or Nick personally, and are just jumping on the hater bus to be cool and trendy you have no idea. STFU – peace.
This guy should be ashamed of himself. There is not a better human being in this world than Josh. He would do anything for anybody. Including those that trashed him in this article!! He is not deserving of these words. Obviously a lot of jealousy here. This man should go back and recant, but he’s already spoken his words of truth. If he knew him very well, he would of never done this. The lowest of the low. But Josh will flourish and so will The Hope Home. I hope people drive these people crazy!! And to say ” fuck Jish Weathers”, that’s about as low as you can get. Shows the true character of certain people. These are not the type of people I would want in my circle. Back stabbers!! You just keep on keeping on Josh. These people can’t hold a candle to you, your music or your heart. You are truly a blessed man and God will lead you through. I hope they humble themselves and pray hard at night for the lord to change their heart. No wrong makes a right, especially when you think your something special, and they are not!! We stand strong with Josh Weathers and always will. Excited to see what your future has in front of you!! Love you always!!
Hypothetically speaking…… If local musician WILL HOBBS who has a gig at noon this Sunday at FREDS TEXAS CAFE publically stated and named out the women and men in this article and said that he was going to give their mouth a “FIST FULL OF NUCKLES” and said that he was going to leave them “BLOODY AND BRUISED”. Would that be considered a terroristic threat? Does Josh Weathers support WILL HOBBS threats? Would that be considered a Christian attitude? Hypothetically speaking of course.
What concept let’s fight bullying and censorship by bullying and censoring one of our own. Do any of the musicians condemning Josh have a clue as to how hypocritical they are? Like it or not there is no “music scene ” in Fort Worth without Trump supporters (not saying Josh is a Trumpster). Unless these musicians clear the room of all Trump supporters before each gig, and refund their money at the door, they are benefiting financially from Trump supporters. Instead of telling Josh to f-off why do you put your money where your mouth is and tell all Trump supporters to f-off before your next show? I’m sure the venues will fully support you.
My note to Josh on Facebook:
I mentioned last week how disappointed I was that Josh played the inauguration and said that I hoped he would explain it at tonight’s show. Well, I was there (until I walked out) and I didn’t get an adequate explanation. Just a “some people will hate me, some people will love me.” That’s pretty weak tea man.
Here’s what’s really unconscionable: tonight at airports across the country there were little brown boys and girls who were detained because of a Trump Executive Order. Maybe they were refugees, maybe they were the children of green card holders, but they were left standing in airports, wondering if they were going to be allowed in the country, allowed to feel safe and secure in America. Meanwhile, your little brown girls were home, sound asleep and safe in their beds. Syrian boys and girls worried for their safety, Muslim boys and girls worried for their future, but your kids slept soundly.
I read the article in the Fort Worth paper about the backlash against you and your reply was that you answer only to Jesus. I’m almost certain that Jesus wept about those little brown boys and girls in the airport tonight. Do you realize how selfish you are to grasp any–ANY–opportunity to help Indian children even if it means that other children of the world will be harmed? That’s not Christian. That’s not moral.
I’ve seen my last Josh Weathers concert. I’d like to say I wish you well, but I can’t. I hurt for the little kids who didn’t get to lie down in a nice warm bed tonight. Take a peek at your girls when you get home and realize that no matter how much you want to help kids like them, you failed tonight.
So now Josh has become personally responsible for all the brown children in the world? and because he didn’t give YOU a satisfactory explanation during his show (as if he is obligated to do so) you have chosen to stop supporting his music and cause?………….terribly unfortunate for you! Josh and Kady are Champions in every sense of the word and will be elevated because of their refusal to back down from their faith in a time of trial! God bless you Josh and Kady and praise God for all of this “negatively charged hogwash”……it is the wind that God is using to fan into flames the great things you are already doing! “If God is for you, who can be against you?”
Josh doesn’t owe you an answer, snowflake. There are a million kids tonight that don’t get to lie down in a warm bed, that has nothing to do with extreme vetting President Trump is calling for. The way you have rationalized this is scary. You may need therapy. I heard a quote from someone else stating “I lock my doors at night, not because I hate the people on the outside, but because I love the ones on the inside.”
I’m glad you’ve seen your last Josh Weathers show, more room for the people who love & appreciate him. All his shows sell out, he’s obviously doing something right! He’s a better human being than most of us who walk this earth and that includes me. I’d like to see you helping orphans out not only in India but Africa as well. Take your hatred and go squander it on someone more deserving!
I’m embarrassed for FWWeekly for touting such negativity to sell a magazine. Josh Weathers couldn’t be a nicer guy and tremendous philanthropist. Why didn’t you write a piece on last night’s performance here in FW benefiting teens? I won’t be reading the Weekly anymore, it makes our city look like idiots.
Wow very misleading. The article seemed to talk in circles. Also, maybe I am a little behind but who is Chris Bellomy?
Proud of Josh If all Americans could be more like him instead of you.. The world would be a much better place
dear ft worth weekly,
you’re done! Yep left wing left out and just plain terrible. You’d rather sit in judgement than stand along side anyone or anything. Know this your magazine stinks your writers/critics are just as hypocritical. God bless Josh Weathers and the work he does. Shame on you for picking what you want to acknowledge. Zero mention about all the good his is doing or has done. You’re dead to me. No wonder stacks of your publication sit free and untouched in local businesses. Do me a favor, stop printing, and spend that money to affect some sort of positive change either in this community or nationally.
Ft Worth doesn’t hate Josh Weathers, it in fact loves him. I do believe many of us has a strong distaste for you and this weak publication however. Did you catch the performance at the Ball? Killed IT!
Your a freaking moran, you dont know Josh or his king! He uses his platform for the glory of God. If that means to doing among sinners than so be it. Who are you to write this piece, snow flakes.
You go Josh. These people know nothing about what you stand for.
This negative hate filled post will not effect your mission. If people choose to not be involved with your organization and work then it’s their loss. There are MANY who support you. You have God on your side. If you can HATE Josh Weathers , or anyone for that matter, you’ve got a major problem that you should work on.