What Makes A Valid Opinion?
On celebrities and politics

Jonathan Hershfield

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People seem awfully upset that while our president is breaking international law to wage an unnecessary war.... celebrities have opinions.

Much has been made of Michael Moore's bold anti-war statements at the Oscars this year. It seems few people picked up on the irony of his standing ovation for Bowling for Columbine. Winner for best documentary, the entire room jumped to their feet to applaud Michael Moore for his scathing cinematic critique of what he sees as a morally bankrupt American government. But shortly after this ritual gratitude, half of this same audience saw fit to "boo" him when he stuck by his convictions. Apparently, their belief in the film suddenly faded. Now it would seem the people he made this film for were not worthy to be acknowledged. Because the truth is, it was his responsibility to use that forum, not just to support the troops by reminding Bush they shouldn't be sacrificed for the administration's financial gain, but to remind the devoted fans and believers that Moore meant what he said in his film.

People are often heard complaining that these celebrities are not qualified to give their opinions, that they aren't educated in the appropriate field to give political commentary. But I would think that a journalist, award-winning author and documentary filmmaker like Moore might actually know a little more about geopolitics than your average Joe. Similarly, all the heat that's come down on Martin Sheen as if he came out of nowhere to show off his liberalism. Isn't this the same Martin Sheen that's devoted his efforts to liberal issues for decades? The same Martin Sheen that's been arrested repeatedly from the front of the picket line? Do you really think you know more about world history than Monty Python actor/writer Terry Jones who's been an award-winning historian for the past few decades? What makes you so qualified to endorse war? For that matter, what makes a man whose military service adds up to a short term in the Texas National Guard and whose closest brush with death involved choking on a pretzel suddenly qualified to ship off our soldiers in the name of a UN resolution that doesn't authorize military force?

People love to comment that these outspoken celebrities have never held an elected position. But if you think the entertainment industry is anything but a series of elected positions, you must be awfully sheltered. These are successful professionals in one of the most judgmental, image-conscious, and, dare I say, fickle industries in the world. If you don't draw box office, you don't exist. True, some celebrities are the beneficiaries of nepotism and good looks, but more often than not it is the writers, filmmakers, actors and musicians whose rejection of complacency is what has allowed them to pursue careers most of us would be too terrified to consider. Whatever you feel about their artistry or their politics, no one can claim that the oil industry or the Church financed their rise to fame.

The fact of the matter is, America is so media obsessed, celebrities have a more effective voice than politicians anyway. How else could someone like Arnold Schwarzenegger even joke about running for governor of California? So for those so very disappointed with activists who also entertain and entertainers who also want to do something to stop this travesty of war, let me ask - what the hell is YOUR contribution anyway? Your complicity with the criminal in the White House is what's bringing our troops home in body bags.