Hollywood Anti-War Activists Have Blood On Their Hands
By Jon Alvarez (08/04/03)
Ever wonder where all the Hollywood anti-war activists disappeared to? After months of making their bloated anti-American rants on numerous broadcasts, they seem to have all but vanished. Could it possibly because they have been too busy working for the Dennis Kookycinich presidential campaign? No. The fact of the matter is that Hollywood has been in hiding. These same anti-war activists who crave attention are lying low because they know they are partially responsible for the deaths of our brave soldiers in post-war Iraq. Hollywood has blood on its hands.
The war with Iraq was a huge success due to the strategy and might of the American military, and it was in direct contradiction to the predictions of Hollywood. The post-war situation has been more difficult, just as President Bush predicted. While Iraqis citizens have been rejoicing over the removal of Saddam Hussein, our brave soldiers have been subjected to guerilla attacks from remnants of the Hussein regime and its loyalists. These daily attacks have made the rebuilding of Iraq more difficult and more hazardous. The reason for these attacks is the fact that we were unable to cut off escape routes to the north while our military advanced from the south. Thus, Saddam Hussein and those loyal to him were presented with an escape route and an opportunity to play spoiler.
Responsibility for these daily assaults on our troops can be placed not only with Saddam Hussein, but also with his supporters in Hollywood. They willingly lent their star power to aid in the fight against the American invasion against Iraq. Many of them sided with International A.N.S.W.E.R., a communist organization whose goals are in direct conflict with those of America. Hollywood's words and actions not only emboldened Saddam Hussein in his opposition to the U.N. and America, but also gave strength to the anti-war movements around the world. That's why we must ask: How many American lives have been lost because these Hollywood activists gave Europe and Saddam Hussein the impression that Americans would not back Operation Iraqi Freedom? How much influence did their words and actions have on the Turkish government in its decision to oppose America?
One cannot discount the impact celebrities and their opinions have around the world. Just look at the reaction whenever celebrities appear among ordinary citizens. Free speech is not free of responsibility and consequences. Had these same Hollywood stars sided with their own country rather than against it--presenting a united front versus an evil regime in Iraq and a corrupt institution such as the U.N.--we may have been able to muster support from France, Germany, and Turkey. How many American GIs would be coming home safe and sound had we been allowed to use Turkey as a base for land operations? If France and Germany had also lent ground forces to our military venture?
While protesting against their own country, these Hollywood activists claimed to be against the war but supportive of the troops. Actions speak louder than words. We have yet to hear of any anti-war celebrity who has embarked on a USO tour to entertain the troops. We have not heard from George Clooney and Julia Roberts about plans to host a 9/11-type fundraiser for the children of those troops killed in action. The death this week of Bob Hope--a true patriot--reminds us of how pampered and self-centered many of today's celebrities are. We should recognize and support those patriotic celebrities who have participated in USO events, such as Wayne Newton and Gary Sinise. As for those anti-war celebrities who have blood on their hands, it's time to replace them. If they cannot support America in her time of need, then they no longer deserve our support.
(Printer friendly version) Email: Jon Alvarez
