David Mantica: ‘Hamilton’ cast had no right to criticize Trump

Regarding the Nov. 23 letter “Trump wrong to criticize cast”: The opinion and comments are self-serving because the “Hamilton” cast’s message matched the writer’s belief.

If I was at that show, paying hard-earned money to attend, the cast’s commentary would have offended me, and I would have requested a refund. Actors are not politicians. Nor are they commentators on society. They were paid to perform and most likely paid well. Nothing more, nothing less. If they want to protest, they have every right, on their own time.

Regardless of their message, they had no “right” to infect those looking to be entertained with their opinions on politics. There is a right and wrong place for everything and currently the lines are very much blurred and based solely on message.

As for the ideals captured in the show, the writer doesn’t understand the story. Hamilton was discriminated against and looked down upon at every turn. “Heroes” like Thomas Jefferson saw him as less than “ideal.” The Hamilton story shows what hard work, intelligence and perseverance will get us even in the most difficult of situations and how dirty politics has always been.

This story was originally published December 4, 2016 at 6:00 PM with the headline "David Mantica: ‘Hamilton’ cast had no right to criticize Trump."