Etta James has been an iconic performer from back in the day, whose talent was resurrected in our consciousness through the film Cadillac Records.  Something for which she should be grateful.  But in this modern day era of  "fifteen minutes of fame by controversy" James chose to make unprovoked, disparaging comments about Beyonce and about President Obama during a performance.  

I get it. Really.  You believe that no one can sing a song you don't own but you.  So the green-eyed monster reared its ugly head.  Nobody wears this shade of green well, it is an unattractive decision.  At age 71 it would seem that you would have chosen to take a higher road and demonstrated some class and restraint.  I personally had misgivings about the choice, but it wasn't my decision to make and I think she gave a hearfelt performance and was humbled by the honor. 

My issue is the disparaging comments made about President Obama.  The disparaging, unprovoked attack did not go unnoticed by the media, but I suspect you knew that.  As was stated on CNN, a white person would not have gotten away with making such statements.  Well, you don't either.  You owe President Obama a public apology.  The baseless attack was completely disrespectful.  You don't get a pass because he is a person of color.  Whether you like him or not, voted for him or not, he is indeed your president unless you are planning to become a citizen of another country.   In these critical economic times, the last thing this country needs is more unfounded negativity from people who don't really have a reason to make remarks that reinforce those who have issues based upon race not performance.  This is a free country where anyone can say what they want.  I do, however, have the right to not support those who choose to go the route of being mean-spitited and small; if that is the platform upon which you choose to leave your legacy, then I suspect you don't have a leg to stand on.  Apologize.