Charity calls off event with Sarandon
The United Way of Tampa Bay canceled an upcoming event featuring Susan Sarandon after getting three dozen complaints from donors and others about the actor’s opposition to the U.S.-led war in Iraq.
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But when invitations went out about two weeks ago, the United Way received phone calls, e-mails and letters criticizing Sarandon’s selection as a speaker because of her views on the war. The organization decided the event had the potential to become “divisive,” said Robin Carson, chairwoman of the United Way of Tampa Bay board of directors.
“The focus of our whole meeting had shifted to whether or not we were creating a political platform for Susan Sarandon,” Carson said Wednesday afternoon, after going to see President Bush at MacDill Air Force Base. “That is not our purpose. That’s not what we’re about. We had a strong mission for that day, and we felt that there was a potential that we would create divisiveness in the community, where our mission was to unite the community.”
Freedom of speech is something everyone in this country enjoys. However, this is proof in point that exercising that right does not insulate you from the consequences your speech. The United Way has made their choice that Susan Sarandon does not adequately represent the message of their mission – I applaud the United Way for making a responsible decision based on their views, beliefs and ideals.
(Thanks to our reader: Angie for the tip on this link!)
Oh happy day! I’m so glad to read that they exercised THEIR freedom to NOT assemble with her!
This site ROCKS!
mtb.
I’ll bet Susan’s panties are in a twist about Iraqi TV getting bombed. If it were up to her, we would probably only have one channel in this country: Babs TV… all Streisand all the time. That seems to be the ultimate dream of so many “free speech” types on the left… they want the right to constantly spew propaganda without allowing anyone else the right to challenge them. And all too often they want to use “free speech” as an excuse for vandalism or the threat of violence.
I’m still amused by the fact that she was “in vacation in Mexico and not available for comment.” I think that speaks *volumes* where she stands on this issue, to say nothing of her sense of bravery. I mean, leaving the country so soon?!? it’s only been *four days* since the Oscars!!!
I’m also glad that we’re seeing the opposite side of the coin, those who take a bold stand and choose not to approve of her rather than just shrugging as thought their hands are tied. Good for them!!!
Well it’s about time the United Way takes a stand and listens to supporters!! I stopped giving to them after they dropped funding to the Boy Scouts, but good for them for finely developing a backbone!!
Fantastic news! The United Way has a pair! Way to go United Way! I think I’ll donate to your cause today in support of you dumping the anti-american witch.
Fantastic news! The United Way has a pair! Way to go United Way! I think I’ll donate to your cause today in support of you dumping the anti-american witch.
Deb wrote:
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Natalie (lead singer of the Dixie Chicks) said that she was ashamed that Bush was from Texas, and NOT that she was ashamed to be an American. There’s a big difference there — please be accurate, and if you choose to boycott her stuff, please do so with a clean conscience, knowing what was *actually* said, and not what you “think” she said.
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Deb, I wasn’t referring to Natalie Maines in that post. I was referring to what Jessica Lange said to the media in Spain – my conscience is very clear, thanks.
Deb wrote:
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And when a debate devolves into a bickering match, it is no longer an arena for learning — you might as well have two cats spitting at each other, for all the good it will do. We can be passionate, *and* civil, and I do commend your ability to do both (even if there’s more than a bit of sarcasm in your words).
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I applaud your ability to do the same – - and my sarcasm is present in my exchange, normally – whether I’m debating or not lol – - it’s just part of who I am. I do try to keep it in check though – thick sarcasm is distasteful, I think – - but a bit here and there can be fun. It’s a trait passed down to me from my grandfather who was the most sarcastic fellow you’d ever want to meet.
Deb wrote:
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Please tell me *who* this person is, if they are out there. WHO is claiming to “speak for America” other than Bush?
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Well, I don’t think even President Bush claims to speak for America – - I believe he is astute enough to understand and recognize the dissent that exists. Michael Moore does insist on using the term “We’ in his statements (“We dont’ want this war”, etc) – Makes me wonder who the “we’ is? Also, it’s not so much that they say they speak for America, Deb. It’s the constant access to the media afforded to celebs – having the ability to speak their opinions to an audience of hundreds, if not thousands of people in one setting – - giving the false impression (to some) that is the growing sentiment of the American public. We’re just here saying there is another side.
Deb wrote:
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From what I understand the term “boycott” to mean (and just to re-clarify it for myself, I went back to dictionary.com) it is : “To abstain from or act together in abstaining from using, buying, or dealing with as an expression of protest or disfavor or as a means of coercion.
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Yes – we are three people here, Deb. I am one of the owners, you are correct. Three of us started this website – - put it out there just to voice our own, personal frustrations. Yes, the three of us have made the decision to boycott the celebs of note – - and yes, we are abstaining from spending money on their projects. We are three people that own this site. If people come along and join in – - that is a statement of their own opinions and they’ve chosen to excercise that right of their own free will – - you will find no coersion here.
We are three people boycotting their works. As for anyone else who finds this website and agrees and decides it’s a good idea…well, again – it’s an issue of free will.
Deb wrote:
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you tell the actors that they do not speak for America. Well, I disagree. They speak for *me* and for hundreds of thousands of others… they do not speak for *all* of America. This is true.
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Exactly. We use the phrase “You do not speak for America” – - America encompasses the entire country, of which, they do not speak for. They may speak for you – and I do acknowledge they speak for a large amount of people….but they don’t speak for me.
I really would encourage you to join the message board, Deb – - there are many good threads of debate from both sides of the coin, and I always appreciate someone who can engage in thoughtful debate, as you do. Thanks.
“I don’t see anyone twisting your arm to buy anything – am I wrong? WHO is “compelling” you to buy their stuff? Please tell me because I don’t see it.”
You call people fascist if they don’t want to buy certain stuff. I’m just pointing out that they have the right to dissent… and we have the right to criticize them for it. They have the right to sell stuff… and we have the right not to buy it.
It is small-minded of United Way to ban Susan Sarandon because she might–gasp!–speak about peace and the true Christian American way. I will never again contribute a dime to United Way.
The true Christian American Way? What does that mean? Does that mean the same thing as the Religion Of Peace (Islam) where they cut your noses off if you are suspected of spying for India?. The same religion that would have you killed for dissenting with the belief of Allah. Is the true Christian American Way the same way that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of American Indians, thousands of Chinese and Black slaves? Religion has caused the deaths of more people on this planet than any other single reason. That’s why I have to laugh when the Pope gets up to speak about peace. Religion has been bathed in the blood of millions and millions of people. The crusades, the Spanish inquisition and the Islamic holy wars, to name a few. Tell the Pope to live in a modest house and sell all of the fantastic wealth of the catholic church and I might begin to believe that they actually care. Religion has been hijacked throughout this world for any fruitball to twist into what they want it to say and give credibility too.
As for Susan’s “charitable” nature why did she feel the need to charge $20,000 to speak at a charity event?
http://www.sptimes.com/2003/03/27/TampaBay/Charity_calls_off_eve.shtml
“Marty Petty, executive vice president of Times Publishing Co. and a United Way board member, made the phone call. The St. Petersburg Times Fund, the newspaper’s philanthropic arm, was the chief sponsor of the event and was going to pay Sarandon’s $20,000 speaker’s fee. ”
“Sarandon, active in a number of charities”
Hmmm I would be active in a number of charities too if I got $20,000 to speak!
Quite frankly the reasons for not inviting Sarandon are the same reasons this site was created. The “hijacking” of an event to create a political platform by celebrities. For example moore and his need to “hijack” what the Oscars is about and make it a political platform.
“The focus of our whole meeting had shifted to whether or not we were creating a political platform for Susan Sarandon,” Carson said Wednesday afternoon, after going to see President Bush at MacDill Air Force Base. “That is not our purpose. That’s not what we’re about. We had a strong mission for that day, and we felt that there was a potential that we would create divisiveness in the community, where our mission was to unite the community.”
I think Deb should get her head out of her a$$ personally, and maybe if some of those so called “stars” in Hollywood would pull there heads out of their asses they would realize that this war was not our choice, we are only defending ourselves, our freedoms and our CHILDREN! The last time I looked at the skyline of New York, two buildings were missing and thousands of people missing. I dont believe that was our choice, or even provoked. I dont believe in being cruel, hateful or forcing our views onto others, but when you are forced to defend yourself, and thousands have died and may face death,,,, I guess you think a little different about the war. Perhaps all of those “peace” people would like to put their views to a test. Tell me how many times you will take being beaten, how many times you will let your children get slapped, hit by others before you step in. If you are loyal to your views, you would say that you would not use force, or retaliate!!! Bottom line is that I know, and you know that your full of crap. A person can only take so much before there is a reaction and that is exactly what we are doing. PEACE has been exhausted and it is time for us to stick up for ourselves!! Unless you like being a doormat, and that is exactly what you are if you disagree with this war, I dont know what more to say.
Hey Deb… consider quality over quantity. Your responses just get longer and more desperate. Saddam is a terror to the world and especially to his own people, including Arabs and Muslims. I’m so surprised that these myopic people opposing the war are essentially opposing helping those people who suffer each year. We waited over 10 years for negotiations to work and it did not while people were tortured, raped and killed for expressing their views in Iraq. I totally support Bush, the troops and his team’s efforts to make the world a safer place by putting their own lives and reputations on the line for what they believe in. It amazes me that you refuse to “get it” that there are many, many more of us who, often quietly, support this belief than the number of your precious dissenters. I find it very cowardly to think that one should be protected from experiencing the effect of expressing one’s opinion and mistakenly thinking that that is inherent in our nation’s founders intent. When they expressed their views, they expected backlash (opposing opinion), received it and effectively continued to make their points. The Federalist papers are a good example of that, in fact.
God Bless America, our President, and our troops fighting to protect our families and freedoms!
Deb,
Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn’t the “list” in the 1950″s made by the government? This “list” is made by consumers. The government may not infringe upon your right to free speech. However, we the consuming public, may. Don’t people understand the difference?
woo hoo…..go United way!
Deb’s first comment really was so commically naive. I didn’t even bother to read the rest. hee hee….that was a good one. I’m not ‘free’ to boycott now. Hee hee….funny.
Let’s see who’s GOD is the biggest. saddam.And to all you lefties SHUT UP!!! We ain’t stopping.Way to go Troops.BARK LOUD& BITE HARD.JESUS BLESS YOU ALL.