Stone Temple Pilots star Scott Weiland is getting political - he has urged Americans to stop "turning a blind eye" to the country's economic difficulties.

The former Velvet Revolver rocker is adamant that the current global financial crisis affects both the rich and the poor, revealing that he has already lost money because of the slump in property prices. And Weiland is convinced that the economic downturn is yet another incentive to drive U.S. citizens to the ballot boxes on November 4th for the presidential election - insisting it is crucial that every vote is cast.

He says, "We have gotten ourselves into an economic mess. Two years ago my wife and I bought a house that was on the market for two days. Being told we'd make a profit, we put it back on the market six months ago. The bottom fell out of the housing market, and it sat for six months. Now we're looking at a loss. A family member, a successful real estate broker, has had to retire due to negative income."

"Politics infiltrates everything while the art, TV, film and mostly music audiences turn a blind eye. One of the main responsibilities of a citizen is to be aware and active. Please act, please be involved."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)