Who can prove that Ashlee didn't write her own lyrics? Perhaps she got credit for writing them because she actually did write them. If there is proof that someone else wrote her lyrics, I'd like to see it.
As for these other garage bands and pop singers who are trying to make it, I hate to say it because it sounds really cliche, but that's life. There's tons of actors and models out there trying to make it, but only a few will hit the big time. Unfortunately it seems to get to the top quickly, it's all about who you know.
Static, I said I wished Metallica would go away because I hate their music with every fiber of my being. Everytime I hear their music, I feel like a screwdriver is being jabbed into my head (or at least what I imagine that to feel like). My point was, no matter how much I hate their music (how "original" they are makes no difference to me...I still can't stand listening to them) I'd never start or sign a petition to "stop" them no matter how much of a joke the petition was. The point I've been trying to make all along is that if you don't like a person's music, not listening to their music and not buying their cd's should be a big enough statement. I don't get booing people offstage or any of that crap...it's completely immature. So you don't like them; so what? Other people do. I was merely using Metallica as an example of one of the many musical "acts" that I hate, but ignore. It's a waste of energy to make the world know how much I hate them. (I kind of went into a tangent on that, so not all of that paragraph is directed toward you, Static, or your favorite band).
As for Ashlee being a "genius" I don't think any of the fans that have posted in this thread have said that she is a "genius". Like I said in a previous post, I'll be the first to say that she isnt' the best singer (but I've heard tone deaf, and she's definately far from that), she's not the most original, and she's most certainly not a musical "genius". I don't care how she became popular, or how she got a record deal, I don't even care if she writes her own songs or lip-syncs. Her songs are catchy and I like to listen to them...that's all that matters to me. If the girl has an opportunity to sing, let her sing. Honestly, is it the worst that could happen? If William Hung could get a record deal, why not Ashlee? It's not like she's keeping anyone else from getting a record deal. And no one's forcing you to buy her records. She's a phase; I doubt she'll be around 15 years from now. Just let it pass in its own time.
And as for MTV stuffing music down people's throat, they've never stuffed music down my throat. I'm my own person, I choose what I want to listen to. Most of what I do listen to can't be found on tv. It just so happens that I saw Ashlee's show a few times and liked what I heard. Very rarely do I like what MTV plays. So, personally, I know there's music beyond MTV...and thank God there is!