Journal CleverNickName's Journal: Let's open up the WWDN mailbag! 61
Since I haven't written in the old
It's no secret that my political views and philosophies don't match up with the flag-waving "you're with us or against us" crowd.
From time to time, I get an email from one of these folks...and they always end up making an even better case against themselves than I could ever hope to, albeit unintentionally.
Enjoy.
I used to like you, but now I don't
Date: Fri, 6 Dec 2002 18:01:47 EST
From: Fodge837@aol.com
To: wil@wilwheaton.netHey Wil,
I don't know if you will even read this, or if you do read it, I don't know if you will care, but I am going to write it anyway.
I am a fan of Star Trek TNG, I don't really care much for the original series, but I like TNG a lot.I have been buying each season on DVD every other month, as they are released, starting with season 1.
I always wondered why you left the show, "Wesley" was one of my favorite characters on the show & I always felt that the show was not as good as it was after you left.
Let me get to the point......
It has always fascinated me when celebrities (or washed up celebrities in your case), try to become political experts/role models, I think it is a real joke.
Why is it that you people think that just because you were on TV, that it somehow transforms you into enlightened social/political beings? Just because you were some dork in "Stand By Me" or "genius geek boy" in TNG, means that you are now a political stud that you posess enlightenment over everyone else, for example you stated:
"I believe that if the state of politics in America doesn't piss you off, you either don't care, or you don't understand it. Either way, shame on you"
HOW ARROGANT IS THAT!!! & this political arrogance runs rampant in the celebrity community.
You are basically saying that if I don't agree with you, I am either apathetic or stupid. Seriously though, can you tell me why so many
celebrities are like this, its like a prerequisite for celebrity club membership.I came up with a possible answer, I think that celebrities feel guilty, they feel guilty because what they do is basically useless, it is not necessity, it is not required for survival. Have you ever stopped and wondered about the amount of resources that are required to make a TV show or a movie, the amount of energy that is spent? If you sit down and just think about it, its mind boggling, I bet that more energy is used to make, promote, manufacturer, distribute & market entertainment than any other industry in the world. ALL THAT ENERGY SPENT ON SOMETHING WE DON'T EVEN NEED!! I think that this makes celebrities feel guilty, so it makes them want to try to save the "Unenlightened idiots" I think that the arrogance part comes form being worshiped, (for some odd reason celebrities are worshiped).
Let me let you in on a little secret, there are a lot of us non-celebrities out there that are not idiots, we have a brain, we are productive hard
working people in society, we have families & we care about our fellow citizens & the state of the world. I am a hardworking American, My wife and I try very hard to provide for our daughter. When I flip on the TV, I look to celebrities for entertainment, to enjoy characters like "Wesley Crusher" If you want to be a political figure, change careers, go to college, get a degree in political science, become a real expert, make it your passion & your life's work. CELEBRITIES ARE NOT EXPERTS ON THE STATE OF THE WORLD, THEY DON'T HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION, THAT OUR LEADERS DO. DO YOU THINK THAT OUR PRESIDENT IS GONNA CALL YOU UP FOR ADVICE ON WHAT HE SHOULD DO BECAUSE YOU
WERE ON TV???You are a great actor, stick to acting! Life for the most part in America is great, It's been great for me & most of the people I know. I certainly think that life in America has been great for you too.
Have a good one,
Eric R. Fodge
obvious (Score:2, Funny)
Re:obvious (Score:2)
Interestingly enough (Score:4, Insightful)
And I think that in and of itself is a sad statement about the state of America.
Re:Interestingly enough (Score:2)
And I think that in and of itself is a sad statement about the state of America."
Um, you use a Dennis Miller quote in your SIG. Dennis has moved to the right and is somewhere between Libertarian and Republican.
Hmmm. A couple of comments and a question. (Score:2)
Two: I am constantly amazed that people actually spend their time ranting and raving like that. Do something productive with your life and make a difference.
Question: You are that Wil Wheaton that I watched on Star Trek years ago? Weird. Cool as well, but weird.
Best,
Berating the obvious? (Score:2)
Oh man, only Q could create a paradox like this.
Energy (Score:2)
One wonders how much energy we would save if the little Caps Lock indicator lights weren't on all the time on the keyboards of blowhards like this guy.
CELEBRITIES ARE NOT EXPERTS ON THE STATE OF THE WORLD, THEY DON'T HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION, THAT OUR LEADERS DO. DO YOU THINK THAT OUR PRESIDENT IS GONNA CALL YOU UP FOR ADVICE ON WHAT HE SHOULD DO BECAUSE YOU WERE ON TV???
Lemme just try substituting (and recapping) his paragraph:
Blowhards are not experts on the state of the world, they don't have all of the information, that our leaders do. Do you think that a celebrity is gonna call you up for advice on what he should believe in because you type in all caps?
That's better. Oh, and this:
You are basically saying that if I don't agree with you, I am either apathetic or stupid. Seriously though, can you tell me why so many celebrities are like this, its like a prerequisite for celebrity club membership.
Ah, the Internet, where everyone can be famous for 15 minutes longer than necessary. Do you think Monsieur Fodge would have opened up this can of whupass if you had said something like 'I believe that if you are pissed off by the state of politics in America, you either don't care, or you don't understand it. Either way, shame on you! Bush r0X0rz!!!!'?
Believe anything you want as long as you agree with me. There's a word for that kind of behavior... wait, lemme think, what is it... oh yeah!
Groupthink.
Re:Energy (Score:1)
Re:Energy (Score:2)
And that position is currently not available.
That's right! (Score:4, Funny)
Yeah, that Ronald Reagan [google.com] guy was a joke huh?
Re:That's right! (Score:2, Flamebait)
>> washed up celebrities in your case), try to
>> become political experts/role models, I think
>> it is a real joke.
> Yeah, that Ronald Reagan [google.com] guy was a
> joke huh?
Iran-Contra? SDI? Reaganomics? Crippling deficits? Hmm... maybe shrill, Wil-Wheaton-hating-guy is onto something.
I don't remember (Score:1)
I do not recall.
You know... (Score:1)
Guipo
I agree with you. (Score:1)
Sure, Uncle Willy sometimes gets preachy, but he's totally entitled to it. The force of change is people. Not just entertainers, teachers, politicians, military, construction workers, whoever... sure some people have bigger voices than others, but he has to remember that Wil is human, just like everyone else, and prone to possible mistakes just like everyone else.
Wil's statement about the state of American politics was extremely strong, but from strong statements come strong discussions. A rational, well thought out argument could defeat that statement. But you'd be hard pressed to find someone who didn't disagree with any parts of the current American Political situation.
My advice to this guy, If Wil's statement annoys you so much, just pick a part of the American system that is annoying you right now, and pretend Wil was talking about that part. Opinions don't change quickly, people have to be shown why they are wrong slowly. Then they'll come around.
One Quote to start a FlameWar with... (Score:1)
"You are basically saying that if I don't agree with you, I am either apathetic or stupid. Seriously though, can you tell me why so many celebrities are like this, its like a prerequisite for celebrity club membership." - Eric R. Fodge
Either he is taking this one quote way out of context, or doesn't understand it completely. Seems to me that all Wil is saying is that
A) Politicians have gotten out of line lately.
B) As a U.S. citizen, you should take careful notice of that.
I believe that both of these are valid assessments, and even if they weren't, then as a good citizen then wouldn't you want to improve on what you think is a good system anyways? Isn't there SOME pork barrel project you agree we could do without? Celebrities in America are just speaking their minds too, but are given airtime unlike the rest of us. They doesn't mean they should just shut up about their feelings. I suppose Mr. Fodge would rather celebrities not use their status to promote good works either? Please tell me he doesn't want the latest superstar to stand up before Congress and tell them the dangers of letting government agency 'X' have new broad powers for some issue discussed in the latest 'Your Rights Online'
Besides, in the long run, celebrities only get one vote too.
"celebrity" (Score:4, Insightful)
Either he is taking this one quote way out of context, or doesn't understand it completely. Seems to me that all Wil is saying is that
A) Politicians have gotten out of line lately.
B) As a U.S. citizen, you should take careful notice of that.
Yes! That is what I was going for. Glad someone gets it.
I suppose Mr. Fodge would rather celebrities not use their status to promote good works either?
See, here's the thing: I don't think of myself in "celebrity" terms, though I know that because of my work and all that, other people do.
I would feel the way I do about politics and, well, everything else, whether I was a "celebrity" or not. I don't feel for a second that this "celebrity" entitles me to anything, opinion or otherwise.
Re:"celebrity" (Score:1)
Re:"celebrity" (Score:1)
Wow, I think this is the hardest philosophical question I've ever heard.
-If
Re:"celebrity" (Score:2)
I think, deep down, this is the argument George Lucas was attempting to make with Jar Jar Binks in Episode II.
Re:"celebrity" (Score:2)
They can "detain" you for an indefinate period of time, WITHOUT the right to a attorney or the right to have anyone know what the hell is going on with you vanishing all of a sudden. Total denial of information. There is serious potential for abuse in this system, and it scares the shit out of me.
Celebrity or not, someone needs to bring these issues to light. If it happens to be Wil, then so be it. What's the point of being known to people if all you do is perform a role in a tv show, collect your paycheck, and go home?
I bet this clod sits in the breakroom at work and bitches about something every once in a while. Since when does famous == keeping your opinion to yourself?
It's called the First Amendment, Senor Fodge, you oughta look into it sometime. Or maybe head back to the motherland....
in Soviet Russia.. ah, fsck it
Re:"celebrity" (Score:2)
This is slightly off topic, but... What did you think of Bill Maher's "Politically Incorrect"?
I thought that it was a great way to bring together Celebrities, who cared about politics (no matter what "side" they were coming from) and discussed them without worrying too much about ruffling feathers.
Would you ever consider being a guest on a show like that in the future?
Re:"celebrity" (Score:1)
Re:One Quote to start a FlameWar with... (Score:2)
[eyeing majority of prior careers for national-level politicians] Er, on second thought...
One wonders if he thinks plumbers and burger flippers and dentists (and whatever he works as) have any right to express political opinions!
It's not like "real politicians" are doing all that great at their jobs either, judging by the results!!
Geez. [shaking head]
Completely ignoring of course (Score:2)
That just because you happen to be a celebrity, it doesn't mean you should be quiet lest your political views happen to be more widely read than someone who is't. *sigh*
whoa (Score:1)
He needs to get a life...
Well, for what it's worth... (Score:1)
Re:Well, for what it's worth... (Score:2)
My totally uneducated guess would be that Wil either thinks his readership is
- total morons who believe that he's telling them what to think because he's a rich and famous celebrity and a small war will erupt with people like Mr. Fudge-for-brains here
- smart people who'll figure out that Wil's opinions are his own and he doesn't want to push them onto someone else but this will lead to endless debates about small issues, nuances and massive groupthink against the political-industrial-military complex and Wil will have to spend more and more time in the forum until Ferris starves, Anne leaves him standing in the rain and the FBI has to come and calm us down
- psychopaths who will try to assassinate the Shrub because "Wil told them to do it"
and he so does not want to open that can of explosiv worms. It's a lose-lose-lose situation. Be content with his blog.Misplaced anger (Score:3, Insightful)
Who isn't ticked off with the state of politics in America, no matter what your personal ideology? It seems to me the public just wants the politicians to hand them more and the politicians will do anything for money/reelection.
You gotta love this classic: "CELEBRITIES ARE NOT EXPERTS ON THE STATE OF THE WORLD, THEY DON'T HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION, THAT OUR LEADERS DO."
OK, let's have a show of hands, how many people out there really think our leaders have any shred of a clue?
You're wrong, you heathen (Score:2)
I am ashamed to see such slanderous, unpatriotic commentary! Our leaders are, without a doubt, the best informed, furthest thinking, most corageous this nation has ever had. The Lord Almighty has smiled upon America when he gave us such a great man as Commander in Chief!!
God Bless President Josiah Bartlet [nbc.com]!!!
[/lame humor... so please take it as such]
Re:Misplaced anger (Score:2)
That being said, I claim that 90% of a politician's job is being a talking head. What better choice than any actor? Love him or despise him, you have to admit that Ronnie Raygun enabled most Americans to feel happy about being American, especially after Iran kicked our butt for over a year.
Re:Misplaced anger (Score:1)
In most cases I subsribe to the old adage, "Do not attribute to malice what can be explained by incompetance." But in this case the consistancy of the record leads me to beleive that they know EXACTLY what they are doing. And unless we get some REAL campaign finance reform, I don't see how we can expect otherwise. Of course our politicians do favors for their biggest contributors. Not every single one of them, but you have to expect that most of them do.
Will somebody *please* adjust Fodge's meds? (Score:3, Insightful)
Uh, huh. Yeah, that Dubya, a real scholar and font of wisdom there.
Ashcroft? Well he did have one [state.gov] smart thing to say back in '97 but not doing so well since.
Seems to me that anybody high-profile *not* standing up these days and yelling WTF is failing their duties as a citizen.
There are some [northlandposter.com] serious [nytimes.com] issues [northlandposter.com] to be confronted [eff.org] these days.
Speak loud, speak smart, don't back down.
Rustin
Actors != Polititcians (Score:2)
I don't know about the rest of you but just because someone is famous doesn't mean their opinion matters to me more than any other person I don't know. I really hope this guy isn't loosing sleep at night over something someone he doesn't really know says. Cause if he is, then I have about 6 billion other people to introduce him too, it'll make his head explode.
Now the fact that I am posting here may seem hypocritical to the above. I know of this message ares because Wil is famous, I read/post here because I have come to respect Wil for various reasons, just like everyone else on my "friends" [slashdot.org] list
And Wil, if you could answer this [slashdot.org] I'd appreciate it. Just curious.
Oh goody... (Score:2)
Wil, at least he bought the episodes of TNG you were in. You shouldn't take this guy that serious as well. :)
Hmm (Score:2)
Re:Hmm (Score:2)
I was going to first suggest that perhaps this guy is either a little jealous of fame and a little bitter, or that maybe he doesn't realize that the reasons 'celebrities' are so vocal is that they're actually heard. I'm vocal too, probably moreso than you in my own groups, but no one listens to my slacker-ass self.
On a slightly more offtopic note, I don't classify you as a 'celebrity', because I find the word somewhat demeaning. Celebrities seem like the sort of people who drive to the oscars in their flashy cars, walk down the red carpet with blank smiles on their faces, wearing the worst fashions ever concieved by mankind, and then show up on talk shows a week later talking about the experience. You, on the other hand, are an actor, you have a big name, but you aren't one of the 'heavyweights' (Deneiro, Willis, etc.), and so I think your speaking out reflects more on you as someone with a voice they're using to draw attention to issues, rather than someone with a voice they're using to draw attention to themselves.
Keep it up Wil, people need to hear.
--Dan
Re:Hmm (Score:1)
You can tell he's crazy... (Score:2)
Seriously though, I think really he's jealous that you have a better platform for expressing your opinions than he does. But what you said is true, it doesn't matter which side is in charge, there's always SOMETHING going on the American people should be pissed about. IT doesn't mean you don't love America, or that you don't love living here, but you want to make it better because it IS the best place in the world to live. It's part of being American! Saying, "Yes, we have the best, but we want to make it BETTER!" In fact, we should be a little disgruntled with the whole two-party system anyway. Most people now vote based on party, never really looking at the views of the candidate. The partisan system is one of the largest promoters of "groupthink." On most things, I happen to be conservative, but on many things I would be considered liberal by many Republicans. I try to vote for someone because I think they will do a good job, and they line up with the most of my views. Sometimes that is Republican, sometimes Democrat, sometimes something else. So, yes, there is ALWAYS something to get worked up about in politics.
This guy proved you point, as you said. He got all worked up saying that there was nothing to get worked up about! If only he had the mental capacity to appreciate the irony. :-)
The one thing I do hate is when celebrities say, "If [candidate] gets elected, I'm moving to Canada." And then [candidate] is elected and they aren't house shopping. :-) I don't care that they didn't like [candidate], but they knew they wouldn't move when they said it, and I don't like people who make idle threats. Why not just say, "I really don't like [candidate] and I'm voting for someone else." But, it's still their right to say that, so I WON'T be writing any of them a letter. ;-)
Re:You can tell he's crazy... (Score:2)
That's probably because Canada passed a law to keep that celebrity out after hearing the warning.
No political views allowed? (Score:2)
Mr Fodge, if you're reading this, I say get real. Everybody has a political view. Most people share their views with anybody who will listen. Hey, guess what? More people listen to celebrities than listen to "ordinary" people.
Does this make it wrong for celebrities to share their opinions? I say no, because that would be treating celebrities as something other than human. Well, unless you count celebrities like Lassie, they're all human. No more, no less.
Mr. Fodge, get over yourself.
An Alternate Interpretation (Score:3, Insightful)
I feel that my opinion about you is so important, that I am going to write an email to you about it. I really do care about your opinion, but will play it cool here in the early stages of this email.
I like the politically correct episodes of the star ship Enterprise in Star Trek TNG. I don't like the original series because it was far too political. As I will soon reveal, I don't believe writers or actors should be allowed to speak on political issues. I am buying Star Trek TNG on CSS-protected media, and don't care about the consequences of my continuing to fund DCMA advocates.
Let me get to the point...
I interpet your speaking out about what's important to you as trying to become some kind of political expert or role model. I don't agree with your opinion, so I will summarily reject anything you say political as some kind of sorry joke.
Because people know your name and face, and you have a web site, and sometimes appear on television, I will be jealous that you have a forum to speak in that I do not. I will thinly disguise this jealousy by accusing you of attempting to potray yourself as some kind of enlightened social/policital being. I will feel superior in some way because of my denouncements of you.
You stated:
"I believe that if the state of politics in America doesn't piss you off, you either don't care, or you don't understand it. Either way, shame on you"
I think you are probably closer to the truth than I can possibly feel comfortable with. But, let's face it, your statement is arrogant, because it fails to appreciate that others might have different opinions. However, arrogance and celebrity is too much for me to handle, so I will write this long email to you in the hopes of making some kind of dent in your ego. Instead of debating the statement made, I will personally attack your character.
Why do I hate celebrities so much, especially when they have points of view? Actors like you are just meat, to be manipulated by writers, directors and producers. You are eye candy. Don't worry your pretty little head over important issues. Leave that to people with degrees in political science, and people like me, Joe Sixpack, who are more deserving of an opinion.
I think you what you do is of no redeeming value, even though I said earlier I like to watch your character. I can only understand at some unconscious level that my demand for entertainment is partly responsible for the jobs it creates in the entertainment industry. I will deflect the guilt I feel at this subconscious level to you, and hold you responsible for what appears to me as simply waste. Later I will watch another DVD to forget all about it, wishing at some level that it was me at the helm of the Enteprise-D.
I feel it is so important to get my message across, I will now click THE CAPS LOCK KEY. I THINK I AM NOW GETTING ACROSS MY FRUSTRATION THAT YOU HAVE AN APPARENTLY EASY LIFE WHILE I MUST WORK HARDER. I DON'T THINK YOU DESERVE TO HAVE AN OPINION, BECAUSE YOU DON'T WORK AS HARD AS I DO. I WILL MAKE NO ATTEMPT TO UNDERSTAND YOUR CHALLENGES ARE -- I HAVE MY OWN.
I like watching you on television. I don't want you to grow a brain and possibly contribute to society. Like I said, actors are really useless, and they should stay that way.
Finally, at the end of this email, now that I've vented my frustrations by attacking you personally, will actually address your statement.
Life for the most part in America is great, It's been great for me & most of the people I know. I certainly think that life in America has been great for you too.
Have a good one, as long as you don't piss me off again by deviating from the script,
The Alternate Eric R. Fodge
Re:An Alternate Interpretation (Score:2)
You win, dude.
Re:An Alternate Interpretation (Score:2)
Well done!
Re:An Alternate Interpretation (Score:2)
"I believe that if the state of politics in America doesn't piss you off, you either don't care, or you don't understand it. Either way, shame on you"
I think you are probably closer to the truth than I can possibly feel comfortable with. But, let's face it, your statement is arrogant, because it fails to appreciate that others might have different opinions. However, arrogance and celebrity is too much for me to handle, so I will write this long email to you in the hopes of making some kind of dent in your ego.
I'm not a celebrity, and I make arrogant statements that ignore the fact that others might have different opinions. That is because I have my stance and don't consider the other to be either:
a) valid, or
b) intelligent enough to give credit to. Don't hold Wil or other quote-unquote celebrities to higher standards than the rest of us...they've got an opinion that may be smarter or dumber than yours, but that doesn't make it any less or more valid. The only difference is how many people will hear it if they're interested in hearing what that individual has to say.
Re:An Alternate Interpretation (Score:2)
I'm sure that the Fodge's alter-ego would retort by saying:
Celebrities shouldn't have political opinions because they have more influence than I do. Most people are sheep and simply follow the misplaced politics of our revered actors. I have little influence on the sheep, and therefore feel justified in taking out my frustrations by attacking celebrities like Wil personally.
He's right you know. (Score:1)
The writer is correct. Shame on you for taking an interest in politics, using your brain to form an opinion, and sharing it with the world. That kind of useless digression is not what made this country great.
In his next statement I hope this guy takes on that little cartoon Colonel who tries to get me to buy fried chicken. I don't trust that dude. Who gave him the right to talk about fried chicken?? That's just nuts.
a new journal reader (Score:1)
Hey, I'm number six!!!
Um... er... dammit!
You'd think someone who worked with "Number One" for so many years would be more sensitive to this sort of thing.
My issue... (Score:3, Insightful)
However, Wil has his own webpage and he is certainly entitled to his personal views on politics and to publish them on his website. It'd be ridiculous to say that because he's considered a "celeb" that he can't be vocal.
The problem comes when you take up time in your short awards ceremony speech (which are dumb anyway, but still...) to "raise awareness" for something like the plight of turkeys, or to buy commercial spots.
I hate my-shit-is-cleaner-than-yours celebs too, but Wil is certainly not one of them.
Don't worry, be happy (Score:1)
Re:Don't worry, be happy (Score:1)
#1. We need to shoot Rush Limbaugh. Dead. Now.
#2. We need to go back in time and stop Regan from ever gaining political power.
Politics? (Score:2)
The last election? Enron? Worldcom? The economy? North Korea? Iraq? PATRIOT? DMCA? RIAA? MPAA? CBDTPA? Special Interest? Voting Reform? GOP? Democracy? Corporate Responsibility?
Man, and that's just in one breath.
I could go on, but even a political agnostic like me has become much more political of late.
It's good to see Wil sticking up for his opinion, and in the end, like his or not, you still should respect it.
In terms he can understand... (Score:2)
Picard and the Enterprise crew arrive at the planet of Alqaedistan. Upon arrival, the away team is attacked and a random extra is killed. Upon further investigation, it's discovered that a corrupt Federation Admiral has been systematically stealing beads that the Alqaedistanis believe have magical properties.
So Picard and crew have to convince the Federation that they should ignore evil admiral should respect the prime directive with respect to the Alqaedistanis.
As a subplot, Wesley runs a holodeck program that simulates Disneyland (or uses his replicator rations to create a Twinkie) and is courtmarshalled. Data comments that there is no logical reason to do so, but is ignored by everyone who says that to let Wesley get away with it would be to let the Alqaedistanis win.
As an aside, the entertainment industry has a history of being where the people turn for political/social commentary. From Sophocles to Shakespeare to Hugo to Steinbeck the list of artists with a point of view is long and distinguished. It is precisely because celebrities have a voice that people will listen to while still being outside the political process (power corrupts...) that they are the perfect candidates to espouse a political opinion. And it's because of people like the moron who wrote the email that the populace needs entertainers to deliver parables so that they can understand the world around them.
Humans != Sheep. (Score:1)
I like to believe that we as human beings can look beyond the face of the celebrity and consider the thoughts behind it. Having a political opinion doesn't require a Ph.D.; it simply requires a mind and an interest in politics.
I still find that e-mail hard to believe, though. Are you sure it wasn't just a joke? I can see no logical thought behind it, and that concerns me.
I gave up on politics (Score:2)
Mostly everything that gets accomplished in this country happens by inertia or public pressure. The players in office change but the show is the same.
This guy getting nasty with Wil, or anyone for that matter, just proves how insane it all is and theres better things to worry about in life.
Guy in the cube next to me at work was getting all upset last week about how "the Republicans have let him down..." yadda yadda yadda. When in reality politics on a national level have been great comedy for years. I find it hard to take any of it seriously.
I hear that Bush want's to bomb the hell out of someone and just shrug anymore.
I don't want a war anymore than the next guy but it's hard for me to get excited over things that will never be in my control.
Now politics on a local level i get very interested in. These things affect me. How much my taxes are going to raise, where my kids will go to school, what schlep is on the school board, why some dumbass wants to ban stuffed chairs on porches.
Build a better local community and the rest will care for itself. Anyway, thats what I believe.
My angle (Score:1)
I find it ironic that this idiot doesn't even realise how ridiculous it is that he is bemoaning actors/entertainment as unnecessary while proudly stating that he is spending his hard earned cash on a shiny ST-TNG DVD each week.
This fool needs a check up from the neck up.
Of course... It's no surprise considering that he's an AOL drone.
A little late, but... (Score:2)
So--anyway, I'm not a rabid fan or anything. I periodically check this (and obviously not that often) because I find it amusing that somebody who I thought was cool as a kid... is actually still cool now. If for completely different reasons.
And all I can say to that letter is...
WTF?
People should care about politics. The fact that so many people *don't* is a travesty. If more people cared, there's no guarantee that we'd get liberals in power... but it isn't just liberals who should be upset at the state of affairs. I don't see how any conservative can look at this administration and not be upset by their stupidity, by the fact that they're so much more concerned with foreign concerns than things at home, by the fact that they're trampling on individual rights for the many. And remember states' rights? (Which is why I respect Libertarians but not Republicans. The smaller parties don't conveniently forget their principles when faced with something scary.)
No matter who you are or which way you lean, the fact is that apathy still isn't acceptable. And there are plenty of people, celebrity and non, who've said that by now. Either this guy wasn't listening, or he's got something in the realm of a psychotic disorder going on.
Nope not true (Score:2)
Sorry Wil, I don't agree...
You're with Wil or against him...
My 2cents 2 minutes late (Score:1)
CELEBRITIES ARE NOT EXPERTS ON THE STATE OF THE WORLD, THEY DON'T HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION, THAT OUR LEADERS DO. DO YOU THINK THAT OUR PRESIDENT IS GONNA CALL YOU UP FOR ADVICE ON WHAT HE SHOULD DO BECAUSE YOU
WERE ON TV???
Re-written this would be quite a strong statement. However, the writer makes two generalizations that completely invalidate any point.
1) Not all celebrities care about politics, but some do (for example, Richard Gere cares and is extremely knowledgeable about Tibet) and have educated themselves to the point in which they are considered experts (see example).
2) Not all leaders care about politics, but some are exceptionally good at communication and surround themselves with very good people to assist.