"Star power", is a pretty ridiculous term to use in the context of which you were speaking. It implies that there's no reason other than popularity for which the speaker has value. The obvious response is that, these people are popular because they have value. What value? Their speaking/writing talent.

"Star power" would apply if they were being used to sell football tickets, or something else outside their field of "expertise." But these people are functioning within parameters where their "star power" is based upon a reasonable assertion of their skill sets. Not on the fact that they're "stars."

Some concerns I see with this report. First and foremost the statement that girlwriteswhat "has received two DMCA complaints that will force her to reveal her identity to those complaining or lose her account" is kind of misleading. In the video she states that she's received 2 notices and that a THIRD is required before her account is deleted. Your post makes it seem like there's only two possible outcomes when there are many.

Secondly you and she place the blame pretty squarely on someone(from FtB or their "misguided followers") attempting to "silence" her. What does not appear to be considered is that she might have actually violated copyright, or that the individual honestly believes that she did.

Thirdly, and something that should receive at least a cursory thought is that FtB has been fairly critical of someone who has admitted to using shady and underhanded tactics in trying to undermine their blogging community. Seems to me like the anonymous DMCA attack(if that's what it was), is a pretty solid way of making FtB look guilty of bullying. If I were a shady and underhanded type of person, I'd easily be able to justify targeting a "weaker" ally in order to throw blame upon my opponent.

Finally, look at most of these comments. FtB has been judged and found guilty in the court of public opinion. Pretty damned sad for a bunch of people who tend to proclaim rationalism. FtB may be guilty of exactly what you accuse them of, and you did accuse them(or their followers) of it. Or heaven forbid, they could be innocent.

tl;dr Wait for evidence before laying blame.

I think the question isn't if they're responsible for the posts, but rather are they responsible in dealing with the posts. It's one of those issues where the intent of the blogger is the primary concern. Do they try to keep the dishonesty and bigotry in check? Then they shouldn't be blamed for comments that slip through the cracks. If they knowingly allow the comments however then they're responsible for the message.

Most bloggers fall in one category or the other. And each should be evaluated individually.

tl:dr No hard and fast rule, judge each blogger separately

I'm not sure why you'd sing the Star Spangled Banner, I would think quoting Jefferson and John Locke would be more appropriate. However you said that your daughter will be Valedictorian then I would suggest having her do it in her speech. Especially if she can do it right around the time of the prayer. Have her pray to Allah or Buddha too, that way those arrogant jackasses can start to understand how offensive their behavior is.