WASHINGTON (Reuters) -

Actor Sean Penn on Friday weighed in on the international debate over a possible war with Iraq, paying for a $56,000 advertisement in the Washington Post accusing President Bush of stifling debate and threatening civil liberties.

In an open letter to Bush taking up most of a page in the main section of the daily newspaper, the Oscar-nominated star of "I Am Sam" and "Dead Man Walking," urged the president to stop a cycle where "bombing is answered by bombing, mutilation by mutilation, killing by killing."

"I beg you, help save America before yours is a legacy of shame and horror," Penn wrote, echoing voices of caution from around the world that have called for a measured response to allegations Iraq is developing weapons of mass destruction.

The letter was signed "Sincerely, Sean Penn, San Francisco, California." A spokesman for the Washington Post confirmed that it was placed by the Hollywood celebrity who has starred in more than 40 movies.

Quoting Bush's declaration that the world was either "with us or against us" in the war on terrorism launched after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Penn, 42, said Bush was marginalizing critics, manipulating the media and promoting fear.

Those actions and "your administration's deconstruction of civil liberties all contradict the very core of the patriotism you claim," wrote Penn, who is married to actress Robin Wright Penn, and was formerly married to pop star Madonna.

"Sacrificing American soldiers or innocent civilians in an unprecedented preemptive attack on a separate sovereign nation may well prove itself a most temporary medicine," he said.

that Sean...

I like Sean Penn as an actor... but I don't think that his opinion is any better than anyone else's opinion.

I get tired of celebrities thinking that their opinions are so valuable that they take out ads and go to the media to broadcast their views to everyone...

Here is an open-letter to Sean Penn:

Dear Mr. Penn,

You are not that important, so please don't waste your money on ads to promote your views.

Thank you,
A guy who doesn't care

Unfortunately IceNine he'll get a lot further than any of us can...let him spend his money on it. Maybe it'll do some good.

but the guy does make a valid point..and at least he is putting his money to have his view (and others who feel the same) heard...unlike a Babs or Madonna who preach and preach and preach.....



wow ice...im suprised..as a libertarian i assumped you are all for freedom of speech..for the rich and for the poor ..which ever way they make that speech...









shanghi edit!!
[This message was edited Fri Oct 18 10:55:31 PDT 2002 by SkletonKee]

SkletonKee said:

I am just being grouchy for fun...



You know that, silly buns!

IceNine said:

dead president walking!!!!
[This message was edited Fri Oct 18 10:57:25 PDT 2002 by SkletonKee]

IceNine said:

Well, Ice, I think there is a view on this subject that you are not seeing...there are many people in this country that have similar opinions to Sean Penn's -- regarding the impending war on Iraq, that is. However, not many people in this country can afford to pay $56,000 on an ad to express those opinions to the Bush regime. Yes, there have been many war protests outside of federal buildings in various states of the union, but this is just another way to give those who may be voiceless a way to express themselves. I don't think it was a purely selfish or egotistical act.
Just my opinion...

Tell me... which is better...

The grouchy IceNine
The funny IceNine
The assholish IceNine
The intelligent IceNine
The ambivalent IceNine

...or a combination of the above?

IceNine said:

(pssst...you forgot the Mr. Fluffy Kitty IceNine)

applekisses said:

Mr. Fluffy Kitty here to let everyone know that IceNine is just having fun being grouchy right now... kinda trying on a new personna for a moment... so, relax and have fun, he is!

Meow... purr... prrrowww!

IceNine said:

i like the one who doesnt rely on personas...the one who is just himself...









three faces of edit!!!
[This message was edited Fri Oct 18 11:09:21 PDT 2002 by SkletonKee]

SkletonKee said:

okay then...coolio!!!

now, if you want to make fun of anything today...make fun of Sean's facial expression in that pic..did he just walk out of Swept Away or something?

applekisses said:

A little off topic, but there will be more anti-war protests coming up.
The next one in Mpls will be at the state capitol in St Paul at 3:30 PM on Saturday October 26th.

There will likely be rallies in your state the same day. Look into it: http://pax.protest.net/Peace/

Sean Penn is not only one of the Best Actors that I have seen over the past Decade&Half but also very down for Issues.He knows what is up.

Explain to me why I should listen to Sean Penn's thoughts?
Is it:
because he is good at reading other peoples scripts aloud?
because he has never held or sought politcal office?
because of his Beverly Hills H.S. diploma?
because he is a friend of Charlie Sheen?
because he is the classic surfer dude?

ZaZa said:

I have a feeling he wants Bush and his administration to listen to him. It's doubtful he cares what others think.