Sean Penn, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Reverend Jesse Jackson participate in the protest of the war in Iraq at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. So where is everyone else? Where's Bob Dylan? Where are all the great hippies from the sixties running around screaming with head bands and guitars? I think I must be behind the times. Back then it looked groovy to protest against war. Especially if you're a celebrity. Everyone knows that Sean Penn will be in the front line. He flew to Iraq to meet with bloody Saddam Hussein for goodness sake. He sat in one of their palatial palaces and had a cup of tea. What about the rest of the gang? Everyone in Hollywood must be bored with the whole thing. What about what its costing? Surely if you have no feelings of compassion for how many people have been killed, terrorized, raped, tortured and mentally stuffed up, surely you'd have to be thinking about the money. I really must be behind the times.
Apparently Team America really hit a nerve with Sean Penn. He couldn't stand it. Apparently it's not hard to get a rise out of Penn. He is of the 'edgy' breed. When recognised, he is scornful, deliberately pissed off. He served 32 days in jail in 1987 for hitting an extra. When he married Madonna he tried to shoot the helicopters flying around the air space above.
Luckily he missed because they managed to take crappy photos like this one. Madonna apparently wore a black bolar hat with her white gown ensemble. It was a disaster, just like the marriage. The only redeeming feature of the day was that they invited the late and great Andy Warhol.
If only Andy Warhol was alive today - donning boxing gloves and resisting the war. Even if it was to rustle some Washington feathers for the sake of a party.
19 comments:
Hi Sheila,
Your post is so timely and right on the mark. Ironically, after “El Presidente’s” speech the other evening, I was wondering the same thing; where are all the protestors? Why aren’t the college campuses staging “sit ins” and demonstrating like they were during the Vietnam War? There was an article in the newspaper this morning stating that if the war in Iraq continues to escalate, the Draft may have to be reinstated because the voluntary military won’t be able to provide enough warm bodies for all of our involvements overseas. Where are Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden, Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin and the like now? Perhaps if a mandatory draft goes into effect, young and old alike will start speaking out to “Stop The War NOW”.
Sean Penn has always been a bit “different”. He’s a classic example of a man with a “Napoleon syndrome”; a type of inferiority complex suffered by people who are short (he’s 5’9”) and are driven by a perceived handicap to overcompensate in other aspects of their lives. He has gorgeous eyes…but a waspish personality.
Thank you for writing this post.
5'9" is short? I'd better get my platform shoes out!
Maybe everyone signed an on-line petition (like I did) - it's a bit easier than marching to Washington if you're not living in the vicinity.
I bought an Andy Warhol address book on Sunday - lots of great pics I haven't seen before. What about Guy Pearce playing AW in that Edie Sedgwick film? I think it'll be a disaster (unfortunately)
Hi Nash,
When I hypothesized that Sean Penn might have a Napoleonic Complex because he’s 5’9”, I wasn’t implying that anyone that height is “short”. However, I’m 5’4” (stretching to the max) and I noticed that a few of the men I dated in my youth who were close to the same height as me, seemed to be into the “macho” trip more so than men that were around 6’. Kind of silly, but nevertheless they did behave differently.
Yes, I think “on-line” petitions are one way to try to get the idea across that the war must stop. I also think a bit of vocalization might help our leaders understand that we don’t want to see any more soldiers die in the Middle East. Disruption of daily life which leads to violence is NOT a good thing and most usually results in anger and more disturbances. That’s why I suggested “sit ins” and non-violent peace rallies on College Campuses and major cities. The demonstrations that turned ugly during the Vietnam War only created more tension during an already troubled time. I wondered after I wrote my comments to Sheila if I was going to come across as a “flag burning” liberal who was only interested in creating havoc and discord. It appears that too many people are nonchalant or blasé unless it affects them personally, which shouldn’t come as any surprise….
I completely agree with everything that youve written Miss Litzi. Firstly, the complacency of everyone is astounding. Everyone (including our government)seems to be sitting back and just letting your "El Presidente" do what ever it takes to somehow 'win' this war. He seems to sure he is doing what 'needs' to be done. Alone in bed at night, I wonder if he really knows what he has done. As far as Sean Penn goes I agree also. I had no idea he was 5 feet nine. What ever syndrome he has - someone has lit a fire under him. I still think he's sexy though, and I also love his eyes.
Oh Nash, I know youre a great believer in on-line petitions. I think anything you choose to do is great. I was just wondering why everyone seems to be going about their business without a care in the world for whats going on. Im a bit inflamed at the moment about David Hicks and what he has had to endure in Camp X-ray. I'm sick of our stupid government thinking that our hands are tied. The complacency I feel is in all forms.
Don't ever worry about coming across as a 'flag burning Liberal' Miss Litzi. I think its crazy that anyone (especially in your neck of the woods) that talks about pulling troops out of Iraq comes across as a radical..Is it radical to hope that everyone returns safely?...Is it radical to think that this war has been a huge mistake and that the people of Iraq need serious help to get over what has been done - especially the women and children that have been traumatised to such an extent that most of them are on valium to get them through the day?
Hi Sheila,
Whoa! It’s reassuring to know that I’ve found a kindred spirit in my rant and rave against the War. My hairstylist’s 18-year old son recently graduated from Marine boot camp and was enrolled in an advanced specialized training program, but because the military needs warm bodies to fight the fight, he’s now on his way or is already in Iraq. She put up a “brave” front when he was home on leave over Christmas, but is worried sick and will probably be on Valium (like the women and children in the Middle East) very soon. But does she pronounce her displeasure against this armed violent struggle? Not that I’ve heard. She wrings her hands and prays he doesn’t come home in a body bag. I’ve kept quiet, but I’d really like to ask her why she doesn’t proclaim her feelings aloud and join others in doing something about the situation. One person won’t matter, but thousands upon thousands of voices will be heard…
You questioned whether it was “radical” thinking to hope everyone returns safely; I’d call it a righteous form of pacifism. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that the War is a gigantic mistake, or that our involvement in Iraq is only adding fuel to an already out of control conflagration. I’m convinced that “El Presidente” is an egocentric megalomaniac who should be dethroned before his delusional notions cause World War III.
And on the lighter side, I agree with you that Sean Penn is sexy in a “bad boy” sort of way!
Good post. Yes, where are they all?? I know where one or 2 are.
I suspect a few are hanging out behind the scenes, doing quiet organizing. Some are more out there, and some sold out completely.
Here's one I love, doing his thing, still going strong..
http://www.10zenmonkeys.com/
R U Sirius, up to no good, as ever.. ;-)
Ah good times.
Don't get me started on David Hicks... our pathetic Government's handling of this whole sorry situation really sickens me. Earlier today I was wondering what could be done to make a difference - do I chain myself to the US Embassy here in Sydney and go on a hunger strike? Like I said, don't get me started...
Hi Nash,
It sounds like you’ve developed a case of the “irrits”. A lot of people share your frustration; do you chain yourself to the US Embassy, go on a hunger strike, start an on-line petition or what? Perhaps just writing about your displeasure on Blogs will help rouse a few individuals into action or thinking. I was surprised that the “antiwar” sentiment is so strong in Australia; I thought it was mainly focused in the US, where “El Presidente” is calling all the shots (dictating his policies). At the very least, if he’s going to “Rule America”, I wish he’d learn to pronounce it properly.
Miss Litzi, your story of your hairdressers son is really sad. I think this is what I'm talking about - people think that sending your son to war is right, patriotic, bearable. How can anyone think that losing a son in Iraq could be bearable? Lying back and taking all of this rubbish is why this war will go on and on. I think that people who hate what the Bush administration is doing (Australia and England are just as much to blame) are the very people who have the most compassion for your friendly hairdresser.
Thanks Chandira, I'll pop over and see what R U Sirius is doing. Love the horns!
Hi Jay
Nash, have I ever told you you're my hero?
Miss Litzi, the anti-war sentiment in Australia is luke warm just like everywhere else. We have troops over there and we have followed Bush into this because our Prime Minister is a puppet.
Good post and enjoy the views exchange. Seems that the war can only be stopped by internal pressures, such as in the Vietnam era. Just wish that more people with conscience are willing to voice their stances and united for a more peaceful world.
Hi Sheila,
You’re right on the mark; my hairdresser’s been spouting the timeworn malarkey about patriotism, honor, etc. I sincerely hope she doesn’t lose her son, BUT I wonder what she’ll feel the same way if she does? I think as long as there are troops in the Middle East, we should give them our full support but I’d love to see them all home and going about their daily lives. This war could continue for years with no resolution other than millions of people dying and for what? Ridding the world of terrorism? The longer foreign troops are in Iraq, the more likelihood we all stand of accelerated terrorist activity, not to mention the possibility of Iran joining forces and having it turn into World War III.
I didn’t realize Australia has troops in the Middle East. You’d think that would abolish some of the apathy about the conflict when their own citizens are being dragged in. Has your Prime Minister explained why he’s going along with “El Presidente” in this mess? Are you as oil dependent as the U.S.?
Hi Aroengbinang, how are you going there in Indonesia? I'm so please you dropped by.
No we are not oil dependent (we produce most of our oil which is subject to international pricing), we are security dependent Miss Litzi. The friendship between John Howard and Bush had flourised in the last 7 years. I think it only took a couple of seconds for John Howard to offer our troop support with Afganistan back in 2001. Since then its been monkey see, monkey do.
Hi Sheila,
Hooray for Australia in regards to not being dependent on other Countries for their oil. In respect to being “security dependent”, I think a lot of Nations look to the United States for “protection”. How thoughtful of your Prime Minister to offer troops for the slaughter in Afghanistan in 2001; did he ask their opinion before enlisting them to go into battle? Does Australia have a volunteer military like the U.S.? I assume you’ve seen the “Mad” magazine cover with “El Presidente” on the cover in lieu of Alfred E. Neuman; your analogy of “monkey see-monkey do” is apropos.
You’re getting quite a few comments on this post…good for you, Sheila!
Where is everyone? indeed. Where the hell are you?! (I'm baaack)
Hi Nash,
Sheila hasn't deserted us, has she?
You know, maybe Bob Dylan and other celebs just don't want to be associated with Sean Penn.
Such an obvious answer.
I think Miss Litzi has got some of it right (although I hear that a lot of those short actors actually pad their height stats---I'd guess Penn at being maybe 5'6. LOL Have any of you seen Ahnold "The Terminator" in person? 5'10 prolly. How scary is that?)
I'm a card-carrying moderate dem and I know I wouldn't touch Penn with a 10-foot pole.
He's a freaking actor, not a political genius. I don't give a rat's patootie about his political opinion. I give it the same weight as I would Paris Hilton's.
It's a different world than it was in the 60's and 70's. Being a celeb doesn't make you smarter than the average bear. It just means you have a wider forum to yap your ignorant head off in.
Most of these celebs are idiots. In my opinion, of course. LOL
Hi Attila,
Funny running into you at “Sheila’s Place”! The “Govern-ator” of my fair State is only 5’10’’? I guess he appears larger because of his bulk…I wish he’d learn to pronounce “California” properly. Years ago Tom Hanks was in my immediate area filming “Turner and Hooch” and I was shocked at how short he was. Maybe a lot of them do wear elevator shoes, or “pouf up” their hair.
I read an article not long ago that listed the education of some of the more outspoken, politically involved celebrities. Very few of them attended College (let alone graduate) and several didn’t even make it through 4 years of High School. But we’re expected to take their word as the “gospel truth” and look to them as being knowledgeable in the political arena. The sad thing is that most “thinking” individuals share your opinion that fame does not a genius make, but the “star stuck” population look to these morons for guidance and enlightenment.
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