OT rant on famous people

I was just watching the Today show and they were discussing stars like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and George Clooney. The topic was how "altruistic" they were and how great of Americans they are.
What aggravates me are these points:
1. Just because they are "famous actors" and have lots of money, why on earth should they be in the public eye pushing political agendas. Honestly, what makes BONO or Brad Pitt any sort of expert in the realm of what is important in the US?
Consider the likes of Jane Fonda (communist) and Barbara Steisand, (wack job.)

2. Okay, I realize there are problems in many other countries with poverty and hunger, but there are problems in the US too. It seems that the US isn't "good enough" for these people to warrant their attentions. Obviously, "feeding the children" in ANOTHER country is more important... at least it garners better PR.
I don't for a second believe they are really that concerned about the people, as they are their image. Remember the "Farm Aid" concert all those years ago? Where exactly did that money go? There was quite a bit generated as I recall, but I never heard ANYTHING about how it was actually used. I still had neighbors lose their farms and at least one kill himself because of it.

3. I've been a "public servant" for 25 years, taking the scum of the earth to jail at every opportunity. I've been shot at 4 times in my career, had a child die in my arms, and delivered more death messages to families of accident victims than I care to remember, including my own Aunt when her daughter was killed in a car crash. I've seen more instances of inhumanity, carnage, poverty and tragedy in my own country than I care to remember. I've had the opportunity to work presidential security details for FOUR presidents, being close enough to shake their hand while wearing a loaded pistol so evidently I'm not a security risk. But what do you think the odds are of my getting and audience with a president just because I have an opinion I want to express? Do you think the abundant media is interested in MY perspective on global warming? (I suspect I know just as much about it as Leonardo Dicaprio.) I'm guessing neither is very likely.

I'm happy with my lot in life. I've got wonderful kids, a decent income and a nice home. (And yes, some really cool old tractors that I'm happy to have restored myself.) I've proud to say that I've worked for everything I own, and never took a single dollar of public aid in my life, so this isn't "sour grapes" or anything like that. Its just my opinion on how screwed up our society is when actors and sports figures, many of whom are just talented thugs, make more money than say, firemen, school teachers, police officers, paramedics or emts, or our SOLDIERS who give their LIVES for this country. IF you were in danger, injured or your house was on fire, who would you prefer shows up at your door, Brad Pitt or the appropriate person who is trained and dedicated to saving your butt.
Just my blowing off steam. Sorry if I offended any overpaid, pompous, self serving, public figures. (Well, not really.)

My feelings exactly. What I do when the TV talk shows start talking about "celebrities" is to change channels -- or I simply do not watch that kind of shows. As you said the celebrities are feeding their own image, which to me gets lower and lower.

Had to miss church this morning but. . . AMEN!

The purpose of sports and entertainment is to keep people distracted.

Greg

There are many very intellegent people that are not qualified to speak (on almost any topic). There are very many "beautiful" people that are neither intellegent or qualified.
There are many "popular celebraties" that fit that image.
I choose to be knowledgable, not famous, and speak on topics I understand. (and admit when I remember wrongly)
We do need to listen to real experts in fields of their depth of study. If we just voice opinions from the "hip" we break our own rule.

There are real people who know in depth the truth about climate change.

They have no profit motive, and no agenda, other than representing the best information that is available.

Peer reviewed scientific journal articles are clearly describing the reality of Earth's climate. in different terms, but with the same authenticity as we discuss pulling a dry sleeve out of a block. Jim

I've been an extra in several blockbuster films. Not even my kids listen to me. :?

Look at Nicolas Cage, a dui and now they are taking about 4 or 5 of his million dollar homes.

The American way we are celebrity worshipers. The reason Nike can give Tiger Woods millions of dollars to use his name but can not afford to pay minimum wage in US to have their products made.

Famous people seem to fill the void in peoples lives. They are not happy with there own..

It's not just the people in the movies either. Sports stars are just as bad. That is the main reason I don't watch sports. These people are payed WAY TOO MUCH to throw and catch a ball. And when they win a stupid game they are called "heros" WHAT???????? Something is not right here. If a doctor would find the way to cure cancer tomorrow do think they would be lifted up in the air and thrown a parade?? Probably not...,but a sports team would. Heck in a few months people would probably forget the name of the doctor yet the sports fans would pay big money (money they don't have) for a T-shirt or something else with the persons face on it to remeber the moment..

What amazes me about these wealthy famous people is that they made all their money by using their talents in a Capitolistic society, which they bash any chance they get! If we were the socialist country that they claim to strive for, they would all be nobodies. I have no problem at all with people making money with their God given abilities, but don't bite the hand that feeds you!

A large part of the problem seems to be the many, many people in this country who are too lazy to think for themselves, or who simply lack critical thinking skills of their own. They are content to let others think for them. Unfortunately, celebrity thinking tends to be of low quality.

Mark W. in MI

Well the other day I got the crap stomped out of me for dissin' Tiger Woods but I stand my ground, and I agree with the OP

Just because you are a Horrywood personality "actor" / other does not make you an expert on world affairs.

It really ticks me off when I see someone like Oprah, who allegedly grew up poor---take her money to Afridamca or someplace. There is PLENTY to keep her busy right around Chicago, I'd think.

SgtBull, Thank you!!! I have never served in the US military or other form of GVT service. I can appriciate the service that those who have, though! So I say "Thank you!" to you and the many others out there! We as americans give ticker tape parades to sports teams just as they were the ones who had liberated France or flew over Japan. On the other hand they spit in the face of the ones who fought for our country in Vietnam and are trying to disrespect those in the middle east now. These individuals excersize the very freedoms that were secured by the ones they disrespect! Talk about biting the hand that feeds ya!! I cut the TV off when these programs go that direction AND I DO NOT visit the box office! These FOOLS do not need to be rewarded for their ignorance! Take the Dixie Chicks for example, they were paid for one thing, to PERFORM music! Noboday gave a hoot what their personal political point of veiw was. So when they used the forum that they were paid to perform music on, to express political veiws, they received what was comeing to them! HIT 'em where it hurts!!! IN the POCKET!!

I'm with you, Bull.

[b:b46e880fbc]They are entertainers - and (politically) I find them [u:b46e880fbc]very[/u:b46e880fbc] entertaining.[/b:b46e880fbc] But, that is all I find them.... other than being insecure rich people with mostly empty lives - and who continuously need the limelight to keep feeling good about themselves. Most have never had to sign the [u:b46e880fbc]front[/u:b46e880fbc] side of a paycheck....

mike