If they hate America so badly, why do they stay here?

[streetsoldier]

You all know the "who's"...Hollywood glitterati, some media, so-called "celebrities", professors in our universities, even some state and Federal legislators.

For a change, I'm not going to answer this one :o ...I'd like to see what YOU have to say about it. Ball's in court...service?

[Stormsfury]

I've wondered the same question, however, there's one simple answer ... America is where the money is ... the land of Opportunity ... and where else do you think has the kind of money that this people make in the U.S.

A popular local band in Charleston, Flaming Anus, (that's the band's name), has an original song about this very same topic ... and it's called F$*@ off, Hollywood.

[OtherHD]

But can't you make just as much money in...oh let's say Canada?

I don't think the majority of Hollywood is anti-American, just anti-Bush/Republican. Of course, there are exceptions such as Chrisse Hynde (some of you may remember the comments she made before the war...), but off the top of my head, I can't name any others. Does anyone have any anti-American comments or quotes from some of the Hollywood people?

[therock1811]

Neither do I, HD. I mean, most are Dems there, aren't they?

[M2]

There here because many of them were born here, and if not, they
come to America anyway. The $$$$$$$$$ is here. The opportunities
are here. And if they have enough of the $$$$$$$ and the industry
power, they move wherever they want but maintain several
residences (at least one also here). Madonna comes to mind; she
lives overseas but has several places in the U.S. I think. That is
not a new concept as the glitteratti have been in that mode for
decades. Why is that surprising? If they can, they will.

[Rainband]

I agree with the money and opportunities..But I think the biggest reason is because in AMERICA..you are free!!!

[M2]

Well of course Rainband, that goes without saying. Can't take
freedom for granted, but people are 'free' in the U.K. too.
Our freedoms here are more widespread as we're an open
society. People shouldn't take advantage of that (negatively)
but they do...again because they can. That's why all the
Homeland Security efforts are grating to some people, because
the blind trust is now gone. But quid pro qo - you hurt America,
restrictions will be put in place. And the perps will just not walk
away scott-free.

[Rainband]

I agree M2..we give an inch they take a yard!!

[Stephanie]

I really don't think it's about hating America - it's about voicing an opinion that happens to be in the minority at the time. I don't really recall any of the "glitterati" stating that they HATE America - that's a pretty BIG assumption we're making just because they are voicing an opposing view.

[coriolis]

There are some good points above which are probably true for many of these people. I think that some of them have a different vision of how america is or should be, and are working to make america in that image. So they stay here and try to effect change. Probably most hollywood types are not that idealistic or intelligent. They are just doing the politically correct thing to advance their careers and reputation. For them, america is where hollywood is, along with the glamour, exposure, recognition and money. Others may feel guilty about their riches, or feel a sense of obligation in their postion and try to make a difference. In any case, the prevailing mindset in Hollywood, Republik of California, is out of step with the rest of the country. They think they are right, so why should they go anywhere?

[azskyman]

Hollywood has a way of making people bigger than they are.

Creative people often come from backgrounds that we would consider something other than normal. Out of the need for acceptance and ego and self-image, they expand their influence to politics among other things.

Also, we've come through a long period of some 30 years without significant wartime commitment by almost two generations. They may not be in touch with the realities of the world....that indeed large scale atrocities can and will occur again unless we back up talk with action.

Hollywood has been staged. The world as we know it has not. It is a work in progress without a script.

Clearly these people stay here because they a) have a forum provided by their fame and b) there is the potential that their careers might benefit from such notoriety...especially if it is unpopular.

Beyond what they contribute as a human being...I assign no more value to their comments than I would to the guy down the street.