Singer Linda Ronstadt got banned from Las Vegas’ Aladdin casino recently after dedicating a song to Michael Moore, the controversial filmmaker behind “Fahrenheit 9/11,” a film critical of President Bush.

Media reports say that when Ronstadt dedicated an encore performance of “Desperado” to Moore, about one-quarter of the 4,500 audience members walked out, with some spilling drinks, tearing down posters and demanding refunds. During the dedication, Ronstadt described Moore as a “great American patriot” who is “spreading the truth.”

The basic premise behind the controversy could happen at many workplaces, especially in an election year. Ronstadt made a controversial comment that didn’t really relate to her job, and it upset people. Most customers presumably were there to hear her singing, not her philosophy.

Was Ronstadt out of line? Yes. But it also seems as if many audience members overreacted.

It’s hard to tell from the media reports, but if all Ronstadt did was say a sentence or two about Moore and then began the song, then storming the lobby was a bit over the top. (And, of course, spilling a drink borders on blasphemy.)

On the other hand, if she offered a 10-minute filibuster or had made political statements repeatedly during the concert, I could understand why people would flee.

Suppose someone in your workplace made a similar comment, for or against some politician or hot-button issue. Ask yourself: Is this a mild annoyance or a more serious problem? Is it hampering someone’s job performance — or costing you customers?

Ronstadt’s comment didn’t diminish her skills as a singer, yet many in the audience acted as if it did. Maybe they would have been better off if they realized that the singer simply traveled to the beat of a different drum.