She wants her politics posted, not her house

Curious about Barbra Streisand’s position on tax cuts? How about war and peace or education? Though glitz and merchandising are the stock in trade of many a celebrity Web site, the news on Streisand’s site (www.barbrastreisand.com) pertains largely to -- the news. In her “statements” section, topics range from “Let’s Unite!” to “My Thoughts on Freedom of Speech” and, yes, the flap over aerial coast photos that included her house. A sampling of the political punditry:

”... Why should wealthy people such as myself receive a tax cut? I will be the first to admit that I don’t need it. What we all need is a healthy government that can provide the services (such as education, health care, national and homeland security) that we all depend on.”

“I have been arguing that point for many years now, that artists have just as much of a right to speak out as every other citizen. In 1995, I gave a speech at Harvard called the artist as citizen. I made the point then and many times since that artists are citizens first and artists second. We have opinions and ideas, just like anybody else. The difference is that we are given more visibility ... so we have to be informed and responsible, but it doesn’t mean we have to be quiet.”

And from a fall performance at a Democratic gala, a reflection on the party’s fortunes to the tune of “Memories”:

Mis’ries,

seems that’s all that fills the news,

blame the fellas in the White

House

for the way we are

It’s no wonder

we all sing those Texas blues

It’s that too-far-to-the right

House

and the way we are.