Streisand’s critics can’t rain on her parade

During the course of her 16-city tour, hecklers have disrupted Barbra Streisand’s concerts in New York and Philadelphia. (They didn’t like her skit with an oafish George W. Bush impersonator.) And a rowdy sailor -- with apparently no political views but simply too much to drink -- threw ice at the singer at a show in Florida, making headlines around the world.

No matter: With the Democrats gaining the majority in the House and the Senate in last Tuesday’s election, Ms. Funny Girl feels like she is the one laughing last. Streisand, who finishes her 20-date tour Monday in Los Angeles, celebrated the political victory onstage this week.

She told a crowd in San Jose: “We’re in control now.” (The pronouncement was greeted by rousing applause.) She dedicated the song “The Woman in the Moon” to Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), who Thursday was named to be the first female speaker of the House. Streisand finished her “Side by Side” duet with Bush impersonator Steve Bridges, singing “the country has come to its senses, time to mend some fences.”

Certainly, Streisand’s politics have become a large part of her public persona. (Although some fans and music critics have urged her to set aside her political views and simply sing.)

Like it or not, Streisand says she feels duty bound to speak.

“Celebrities are citizens of this country as well,” she wrote in an e-mail on a recent evening in between shows. “And I think it’s incredibly important that all citizens are knowledgeable about what is going on in their country and in the world -- that they be participants in society.

“Celebrities have the unique ability to raise issues, reach people and influence opinion more than the everyday citizen,” she added. “I think that it’s our duty to use that influence to bring about positive change in the world.”

The Oscar, Tony, Grammy and Emmy winner says she’ll donate a significant portion of the tour proceeds to address “the issue of climate change, inadequate educational opportunities, women’s health care, civil rights and social and economic justice.”

Streisand said raising money for charity was the main reason she decided to go back on the road. (In 2000, she said she was retiring from touring.)

Recently, she gave $1 million to former President Bill Clinton’s efforts to fight global warming. And in areas where she’s performed, she has donated money to arts and music programs at urban public schools.

“I believe that if you can give back, you should,” Streisand said. “I grew up in Brooklyn and I didn’t have a lot, but I was always taught to help those that were less fortunate, whether it was giving your money or giving your time. I have held on to that idea and have lived that philosophy throughout my whole life.

“I look at where we are as a country today....Katrina unveiled the devastating poverty that exists in our own backyard. In addition, we’re facing issues of destructive climate change and a failing educational system.

“How can one sit back and do nothing?”

Shakira sings at benefit concert

Hip-shaking pop star Shakira performed a benefit concert Wednesday evening in her war-torn hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia, to raise money to build a school for 1,800 displaced children.

The school, scheduled to open in 2008, will be funded by Shakira’s foundation, Pies Descalzos (Spanish for “bare feet”). It will be located in La Playa, an impoverished Barranquilla suburb caught in rebel fighting.

“There’s so much talent, ability and hope in Latin America’s children, but without a way to help them nurture it they’ll have no future,” said the Grammy-winner, who performed to an audience of 40,000. “We’re building schools, providing food and promoting education because it’s the only way to fulfill these kids’ promise and to ensure our country’s future.”

The column explores the intersection of celebrity and politics. Tips and comments

can be e-mailed to tina.daunt@latimes.com.