What do you think of Liberal Hollyweird actors portraying military heroes?

Capt Jeff S. — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 10:17:07 -0400

http://undertheradar.military.com/2015/03/readers-react-sean-penn-playing-a-veteran/

Readers React: Sean Penn Playing a Veteran?! | Under the Radar

When we first dropped news about Sean Penn portraying a veteran in The Gunman, we did not predict the type of reaction the article received. A divisive figure,

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Mar 24 at 2015 10:42 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 10:42:22 -0400

They get paid to play make-believe. Sometimes they're good at it, sometimes not.

Response by TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn made Mar 24 at 2015 10:44 AM

TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 10:44:57 -0400

Sean Penn portraying a veteran. Wrong in many ways. Money talks bullshit walks.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 24 at 2015 10:45 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 10:45:03 -0400

I don't think about it.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 24 at 2015 11:42 AM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 11:42:29 -0400

It doesn't bother me. Yeah, they might be hypocrites, but I certainly don't pay to see moral people on the screen. I pay to see good acting in good roles in good plots, with plenty of special effects to spice things up.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 24 at 2015 12:33 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 12:33:02 -0400

I don't care when they portray roles on any side of the spectrum, but I do care when an actor or an athlete begins to talk about the military as if they know something about it in a real world sense.

Also, does he die in this movie too?

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Mar 24 at 2015 12:39 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 12:39:38 -0400

Penn is the quintessential Hollywood leftist. He protests the wars we fight (Iraq). He supports leftists around the world (Chavez) and he is anit-gun. He wants to make his living using guns, playing veterans and looking like a real hard charger. He is a douchebag of the highest order.

Having said all of that, he is a very good actor. Over the years he has made some really good movies, movies I have enjoyed. I tried to seperate his acting from his politics for many years but I can no longer do so. I don't lose sleep over it but I will not spend money on someone, who if he had the chance, would confiscate my arms, put me under a ruler like Chavez and shred our Constitution. That is who he is and that is what he would so if he had the chance.

Response by CW2 John Brookins made Mar 24 at 2015 12:45 PM

CW2 John Brookins — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 12:45:52 -0400

It doesn’t bother me but if I don’t like the actor I won’t see the movie regardless of their politics.

Liam Neeson has said some things on guns that I don’t like but I enjoy him as an actor. Sometimes you just have to let it go. Same for Samuel Jackson, I like seeing him in certain roles but not a fan of his politics.

It’s just the movies. I never really liked Sean Penn as an actor. His politics mean even less to me.

When I heard Tom Cruise was playing Jack Reacher, I couldn’t believe it. Didn’t fit the image I had in my mind of Jack Reacher at all, but he did a pretty good job.

Someone with a military background might be able to bring something to the role but they must be able to act.

Heck, just watched George Clooney last night in three Kings.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Mar 24 at 2015 12:46 PM

SrA Matthew Knight — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 12:46:38 -0400

There are a lot of celebrities that I don't care for as people but that are great actors. As long as they do the person justice in the film I couldn't care less about who they are or how they act elsewhere.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 24 at 2015 1:03 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 13:03:50 -0400

I just got done watching Deer Hunter. I remember why I always got pissed off at that movie. Robert De Niro has a beard while in uniform and long hair, pretty out of character for a Green Beret.

Response by Sgt Cody Dumont made Mar 24 at 2015 1:05 PM

Sgt Cody Dumont — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 13:05:58 -0400

Actors are pretenders, that in most cases, don't have courage to do themselves. It's a shame all actors can't be like Audie Murphy or Gene Hackman. I am sure there are many others, these two come to mind.

Response by SGT Tyler G. made Mar 24 at 2015 2:35 PM

SGT Tyler G. — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 14:35:30 -0400

I don't see the issue. Many who have fought for this country and died for this country are liberal. Many are conservative. I would hope that we as an organization are above petty non-issues like this. All I care about with an actor is if they deliver a good performance. Their political leanings are completely irrelevant. The way both parties seem to view each other as enemies these days, rather than fellow Americans with differing views on how to best care for this country and its people, is quite frankly disturbing.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Mar 24 at 2015 2:47 PM

SP5 Michael Rathbun — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 14:47:41 -0400

I've never been particularly a Sean Penn fan, but I have seen him do some good work from time to time. That said:

During my theatrical career (live, not film) I have portrayed a wide variety of characters, including Field Marshal Paul Ludwig Hans Anton von Beneckendorff und von Hindenburg, and a deceptive and sadistic secret police operative. I have also portrayed a victim of the Salem Witch Hysteria (Giles Corey).

The first two I disliked (the second one I hated, actually), but made my best effort, as a professional, to bring the character to life according to the script and the intentions of the playwright and the Director. It was important to let a character we know a lot about (Marshal von H, e.g.) step forth as a person rather than a cartoon.

The third one was really difficult, because I liked the old guy after having read up on him from the historical records. It can be hazardous to be too approving of the person behind the persona you craft.

It can also easily be hazardous to fail to separate the performer from the role. If we were going to go down the big list, you will find some folks portraying military heroes whose personal lives were extremely different from what you might have expected given the characters they portrayed.

There have also been a few military heroes whose views and/or life preferences might not quite sit right.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 3:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 15:05:28 -0400

Does not bother me one bit

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 24 at 2015 4:32 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 16:32:28 -0400

How about Liberal Politicians who are military heroes?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulsi_Gabbard

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 24 at 2015 4:34 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 16:34:19 -0400

Can you say hypocrite!

Response by MSgt Bill Sims made Mar 24 at 2015 4:40 PM

MSgt Bill Sims — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 16:40:15 -0400

It's simple - I will not spend my money on him to support his political agenda.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Mar 24 at 2015 5:22 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 17:22:15 -0400

They're clearly Hypocrites. Mr. Penn, Liam Neeson, and a host of others fall into this category. There are also the crowd of celebrities who want us all disarmed, (I often hear them say "that's why we have police"), while they hire high priced ARMED security to protect their precious souls.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 6:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 18:31:43 -0400

I don't watch actors for their political views. I watch them because I like them. I couldn't give a shit less about their liberalness or conservativeness. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and thoughts regardless of whether or not we agree.

I'm not a big Penn fan. I have liked some of his movies though.

And to those spouting about hypocrisy. We're all hypocrites about something so don't be quick to judge others. That has been one of the hardest lessons for me to learn over the years. If an actor/actress is anti-gun and plays a hit man per say, it doesn't offend me. But being anti-gun and saying 'that's why we have cops' then hiring armed body guards, that irks me. But it doesn't determine whether or not I pay to see their movies.

I don't go to the theater often as I get most of my movies off Amazon Instant Video these days and watch on my laptop.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 6:54 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 18:54:17 -0400

He does his job fairly well. He's not auditioning for my friendship or approval, so I could really care less about his political views.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Mar 24 at 2015 6:55 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 18:55:06 -0400

Don't forget his other "military career" as SGT Tony Meserve (Casualties of War). No bueno. Wave some money around and watch the principles disappear. Now,.....I await his lawsuit.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 8:27 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 20:27:38 -0400

The first time I saw the trailer for the movie I knew I wouldn't go see it. I can appreciate an artists work without appreciating their politics, but I just wouldn't be able to take him seriously in the role. It would be like casting John Wayne to play John Lennon.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Mar 25 at 2015 12:37 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 00:37:54 -0400

Capt Jeff S., he's an actor, and that's what they do. Just like everyone else, some of them are good at their job and some of them are not. Just like everyone else, some of them are jerks and some of them are not. They're still just actors.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 1:16 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 01:16:48 -0400

You seem to suggest there are no courageous liberals within the military. That is both naive and ignorant.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 9:19 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 09:19:22 -0400

The better question is why people don't show these actors how to utilize proper grip for a more accurate shot group...Look at the picture of Penn....sad

Response by Cpl Robert Clark made Mar 25 at 2015 10:31 AM

Cpl Robert Clark — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 10:31:23 -0400

I'm still waiting for Spicolli to leave the country for good...

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 11:55 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 11:55:31 -0400

Welcome to America, where even elitist douche bags can claim to be heroes and have done nothing worthwhile to back up those claims.

Penn, Cruise, even Stallone can really kiss my...you know.

If I want to see a movie of real heroes...I'll watch my home movies and reflect on the struggles of my life.

If I want to associates with real heroes - I'll head to the local VA hospital. (and I do, but not as much as I should)

If I want to be part of a group of heroes - I go to the VFW and Legion meetings. Those stories never get old, and I don't have to worry about MEO coming down on me because I told a dirty joke.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 25 at 2015 12:13 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 12:13:35 -0400

They are not worth my time, much less the added energy burning to THINK about it.
1. They are actors. They are paid to portray a part, regardless of if they are good at it or not
2. With over 20 years of service, I am in the business of protecting EVERYONE's rights...including their misguided ideas/ideals on reality
3. I pick and choose the movies I see due to what I perceive is their ENTERTAINMENT value.... "Hey, that looks like a good movie" I go see it..... "hey, that movie looks (stupid, bad, poorly done, not in my interest lane)".... I don't pay a dime to go see it.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Mar 25 at 2015 12:52 PM

TSgt David Holman — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 12:52:48 -0400

What is there to think about... If they pull it off, it just shows that much more that they are good at what they do and that personal beliefs should be separated from professional work. If they don't pull it off, it shows they aren't good at that type of roll.

As long as they aren't making stupid remarks after the fact about how "filming this was like war" or "soldiers/vets are stupid sheeple...."

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Mar 25 at 2015 12:57 PM

CPT Chris Loomis — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 12:57:48 -0400

When and if I think about it I merely consider the source.... After all it's a person who makes a living at pretending......

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 1:17 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 13:17:27 -0400

Eh, they are actors. Its not like they are real people. Also, everyone keeps calling them liberals when I think the correct term is 'scientologists,' a far more dangerous form of stupid.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Mar 25 at 2015 2:12 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:12:27 -0400

There are an enormous number of liberals being actual military heroes, so what's your point?

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 25 at 2015 11:55 PM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 23:55:06 -0400

I boycott any Hollywood Actor, Director, or Producer who is not all in... Most are just in it for the money.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 12:24 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:24:38 -0400

I won't watch it and those that bad mouth is and have no liking for us I don't support.

Response by SPC Donald Tribble made Mar 26 at 2015 12:25 PM

SPC Donald Tribble — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:25:28 -0400

Hypocrisy comes to mind

Response by SGT John Turner made Mar 26 at 2015 1:43 PM

SGT John Turner — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:43:43 -0400

Its not about being liberal or conservative. Its about spouting off anti-American rhetoric, advocating a loss of rights for all but the elites, and then making millions portraying someone that in real life would be exactly what you are against. That is the hypocrisy of Pean and others in Hollywood. I know its a make believe world they work in but hypocrisy is hypocrisy real or fake.

Response by MAJ Chris Ballard made Mar 26 at 2015 2:30 PM

MAJ Chris Ballard — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 14:30:32 -0400

They're actors. They act. Whether it's playing a military hero, a priest, or a paraplegic, it's acting. Their politics doesn't factor into it. If I only went to movies made by people whose politics mirrored mine I would read a lot of books.

Response by PO2 Mark Zawadzki made Mar 26 at 2015 3:47 PM

PO2 Mark Zawadzki — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 15:47:56 -0400

Doesn't bother me a bit. That's why they call it acting. And "Hollyweird" is going a bit beyond civility,

Response by LtCol Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 4:33 PM

LtCol Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 16:33:31 -0400

As long as it isn't Jane Fonda.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Mar 26 at 2015 4:55 PM

SGT Richard H. — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 16:55:27 -0400

Interesting question. For example, I think Matt Damon is a complete d-bag....however, if I allow myself to block out his real persona and only see him as Jason Bourne he's a total bad-ass.

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Mar 26 at 2015 5:34 PM

SFC Rollie Hubbard — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 17:34:32 -0400

Sean Penn and those of his ilk are wannabee heroes they would not have lasted a week in Viet Nam.

Response by SSG Gelbert Samsung made Mar 26 at 2015 6:31 PM

SSG Gelbert Samsung — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 18:31:13 -0400

It's a job we did ours, now their doubt there's. Is called working in America.

Response by PV2 Shawn Wolff made Mar 26 at 2015 6:31 PM

PV2 Shawn Wolff — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 18:31:58 -0400

He is staring in a movie that is complacently bias to his stated public opinion of guns.. I will not be spending my money to see this Movie.

Response by PO2 Christopher Foss made Mar 26 at 2015 6:51 PM

PO2 Christopher Foss — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 18:51:37 -0400

I am more concerned with the fictions that Hollywood puts forth that people believe to be true because they do not research what they see, and Hollywood lies by misdirection about what they are seeing.

America needs ideals to aspire to, but Hollywood has proven that they are not good judges of those ideals in the first place.

If they want to play make believe, fine. I Like the Marvel universe movies, but no one in their right mind believes they are true.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Mar 26 at 2015 7:17 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 19:17:25 -0400

Any of us old timers can tell you, getting in touch with some of your old pals from service could be a real shock. Some of the mellowest people I knew turned out to hard headed racists. Others were very pro-American types turned out to be far left-wing types after service. Most people stayed pretty much the same. So for some left winger from Hollywood to play someone who's character is a distinguished service member doesn't bother me. I am more bugged those of us who shared the same experiences & had the same friends turned out to be radically one way or another.

Response by TSgt Lars Eilenfeld made Mar 26 at 2015 8:24 PM

TSgt Lars Eilenfeld — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 20:24:18 -0400

This guy is disgusting, has everyone forgotten when he went over to the enemy and helped them? Now he's supposedly a military hero, yeah right move over Hanoi Jane you got company

Response by MAJ James Donaghue made Mar 26 at 2015 8:30 PM

MAJ James Donaghue — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 20:30:57 -0400

I laughed so hard when I saw the trailer for this movie. Sean Penn ex-Special Forces really. I think is disrespectful for Sean Penn to play any role involving the military, especially with his stance towards the armed forces.

Response by SPC Rob Durling made Mar 26 at 2015 9:07 PM

SPC Rob Durling — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 21:07:54 -0400

Not too big of a deal, really. Our military didn't become predominantly conservative until it became an all-volunteer force. Our World War II vets especially covered the entire political spectrum. There are still more than a fair number of liberals who serve willingly and honorably. As long as the actor can act like a vet/service member, does it really matter?

Response by MSG William Wold made Mar 26 at 2015 9:17 PM

MSG William Wold — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 21:17:54 -0400

Stalone. Fled to Canada to avoid the draft and get sent to Vietnam. Comes back after the "Blanket Pardon", plays Rambo, not once but 3 times. Then all those other war movies with his over the hill "buds". Sheez..
Charlie Sheen.. what can I say... Even in the spoofs of Top Gun..
Anyway, a lot of the immoral and unethical stuff that happens in Hollyweird is directly tied to an actor coming really close to portraying and thinking they are the person they are supposed to be in the movie...
Ok, so fellow actors become the person they are supposed to be, then suddenly the two fall in love on and off the screen. It lasts till the next movie contract, where the person gives up being who they were for the last movie, and become the person portrayed in their next movie; and neither of them like that person so they divorce. Most of them are really shallow as themselves.
At least we were soldiers; real ones. We've had life changes, scars, loss of limbs, but we are who we are; we're the real deal. Been there, got the shirt, and they can't take that away from us, no matter how hard they try to skew the screen...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 9:20 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 21:20:41 -0400

Is Michael Moore the director?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Mar 26 at 2015 9:36 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 21:36:11 -0400

No one wants to play the average Joe in the field anymore. Everyone today is a former special operative with a hundred skeletons in the closet and more than a screw loose in the noggin. Bad enough Sean Penn played the tapped out Sgt in "Casualties of War" with Michael J Fox all those years ago. Bring back Jeff Spicoli!!

Response by PO1 Jason Taylor made Mar 26 at 2015 10:06 PM

PO1 Jason Taylor — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 22:06:38 -0400

Because of the lack of accomplishments in there real life, they feel the need to pretend to be something real!

Response by SGT Patrick Soule made Mar 27 at 2015 2:00 AM

SGT Patrick Soule — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 02:00:27 -0400

While Sean Penn may be a winner fiscally, he is a loser in all other regards. That he would try to depict a good guy with a gun or a troubled good guy with a gun is laughable to me.

I have not and will not pay him any of my money.

Response by GySgt Paul Powell made Mar 27 at 2015 8:03 AM

GySgt Paul Powell — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 08:03:17 -0400

Sean penn is a douche and met led down his guns on e he got with charlese Theron because she wanted him to. He's an actor that's it. As long as he hold no power to restrict my rights he can do as he please.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Mar 27 at 2015 8:21 AM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 08:21:19 -0400

Or even those that play action heroes glorifying good guys with guns taking down bad guys with guns, all while publicly voicing opposition to ownership of firearms and the Second Amendment.

How much of a hypocrite and social whore can you be? They make lots of money on these movies. My reaction is to boycott them. They don't need my dollar to get screen time and pitch their socialist views.

Liam Neeson is another.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Mar 27 at 2015 10:23 AM

SFC Jim Ruether — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 10:23:39 -0400

Penn is a Leftist SOB and shouldn't even get a mention on these pages. I respect the men and women who respond here and he is anti-American and doesn't rate in my book at all. I bet they had to explain what end of the pistol the bullet comes out of to this jerk!

Response by SSG Tanner Packer made Mar 27 at 2015 10:47 AM

SSG Tanner Packer — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 10:47:30 -0400

Non-issue. Sean Penn could NEVER bring validity to anything military. Ever.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 27 at 2015 3:26 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 15:26:24 -0400

Ah come on, these are actors getting paid to do their job. It's the movies, if we start taking movies and using any part of them as absolute fact, them we have a problem. I watch movies for entertainment that's all, if I don't like it, I have a remote control.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 27 at 2015 3:39 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 15:39:39 -0400

I have never heard John Wayne come out and say "Hey partner I belong to the Tea Party (example only) , so don't rile me up".

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2015 1:05 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 01:05:03 -0400

I don't care if he/she is a GREAT actor, I can't watch someone if I've heard them spew their hatred of the military or the US in general. My husband thinks I should reconsider but I just can't put money in the pocket of these types of people or the organizations that hire them. This belief lends itself to me missing a lot, and I mean a LOT, of movies. So be it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2015 5:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 17:40:33 -0400

I would hope that liberal actors would learn and be inspired by the characters they play and the lessons in the films they take part in. Doesn't seem like they do, but one can always hope. One the more pragmatic side, even if their views haven't changed, perhaps their acting will affect those that view the movies and help them understand the values we red-blooded, patriots cherish. Film & media are powerful tools.

Response by Sgt Lee Bowden made Mar 28 at 2015 5:46 PM

Sgt Lee Bowden — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 17:46:07 -0400

Hell no....especially this pos one of the most liberal liberals to breathe our air

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Mar 29 at 2015 8:58 PM

SPC David Shaffer — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 20:58:16 -0400

I do not see a problem with it. It is about their abilities as actors. It is not about their political beliefs. If he does not want war, he is the one selling his soul for a buck.

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made Mar 29 at 2015 10:42 PM

SrA Daniel Hunter — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 22:42:37 -0400

I think it's laughable. I watched the trailer and when I saw Penn rack the slide on his side arm, I new I could not watch it. If you've seen it, you know what I mean.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 6:44 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 06:44:29 -0400

One just about guaranteed way to go nuts is to spend a lot of time worrying about how ignorant people lead their pathetic lives. That applies to Hollyweird.

Pathetic? Actors may PLAY a doctor on TV, but it they really had smarts, they'd BE doctors instead of pretending. (The C- college student who played B.J. Honeycutt on MASH comes to mind.)

Response by SGT Robert Petersen made Mar 30 at 2015 12:38 PM

SGT Robert Petersen — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 12:38:42 -0400

I have no problems with Citizens that chose not to serve in the military. My only criterion is that they do not bang the war drum. Mr. Penn does not. He is and has been consistent in his views on war. Again, I have no problem with that. I fought to ensure that he has a right to do so. I am, and have been a volunteer in the service of the Constitution of the United States of America. The last time I checked, the Pre-Amble to the Document that we all swore to defend states: "We the people..." It doesn't get much more liberal than that. Perhaps the neo-cons who support the views of Arch posers and traitors such as Ted Nugent (draft dodger) Bill O'Rielly (didn't bother to serve), Rush Limbaugh (didn't make it out of basic training, and the list goes on and on with these chicken hawks) should re-think what it is that they stand for. Because from my seat, it appears they are more interested in theocracy, or government run by very rich draft dodgers and cowards rather than democracy.

Response by Sgt Jay Jones made Mar 30 at 2015 2:47 PM

Sgt Jay Jones — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 14:47:05 -0400

Who is to say that that the military heroes they portray were not "Liberals"?

Remember the Secret Service Agent who took a bullet for Reagan, Tim McCarthy? He unsuccessfully ran for Illinois Secretary of State as a Democrat.

He is currently the Police Chief of Orlando Park, Illinois.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2015 10:13 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 10:13:45 -0400

Actor = job. Some do their jobs well. IDGARA what their political views are, and for that matter . . .I am a liberal in the army? Are you saying that if it's reprehensible for liberals to portray soldiers, what about liberals that ARE soldiers.

Response by SrA Jonathan Carbonaro made Apr 1 at 2015 8:50 AM

SrA Jonathan Carbonaro — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 08:50:55 -0400

Liberal vs. Conserative in election is like WWE.
They make us think that they hate each other, but really they meet after work and have a beer and laugh at us for waving a Elephant or a Donkey.

As far as Actors playing Veterans, as long as they tell the story right who cares? I'm personally getting to the point where I'm happier Red-boxing a movie then I am going to a theater. That being said their is one Actress I'll never ever see in a movie, which is Hanoi Jane, and I do that out of respect for our Vietnam Vets.

Response by SFC Gordon Potter made Apr 1 at 2015 12:01 PM

SFC Gordon Potter — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 12:01:32 -0400

Not very much...

Response by SFC Scott Parkhurst made Apr 3 at 2015 8:00 PM

SFC Scott Parkhurst — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 20:00:46 -0400

First of all I'm going to have to name drop here cause it is fitting....I happen to know Sean Penn. Known him for a long time now. Although I haven't seen him for awhile but known him since around 1995 I believe. He knew I was in the Military and at that time I knew his feelings and background on the subject. But he still totally respected me and my belief to serve my Country and he never said nor made me feel like I was wrong in doing so. He used to always kind of look at me in this very respectful way. Very silent like. He never asked me any type questions really, such as did I kill anyone or you know those type questions we get. It was if he knew and just really was scared to ask really. But all in all he was really cool about what I was doing and respected me for it and we got totally along well and we lived in the same Town and saw each other all the time when I was home....He was always happy to see me and would greet me with open arms. I know that he does work very hard when he studies for any role. I too am an actor so I do respect his method. He does want to betray the role right. I'm neither defending this nor do I have a real onion on the matter, as I am in the business and I do tech. advising on TV and movie sets. Although....I have seen some pretty bad betrayals of some movies with some bad acting...hows that?

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made May 18 at 2015 12:48 AM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Mon, 18 May 2015 00:48:39 -0400

How about we don't bring politics into who should portray who in a movie... seriously, it doesn't matter. Not everything in life is about politics and if he does a good job then great, if not, then the film will go the way of most tom cruise films((no i don't know what his political affiliation is, and I don't care)).

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 18 at 2015 11:48 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Mon, 18 May 2015 11:48:22 -0400

Liberals support the United States, and the military as well as conservatives do, just in a different way, guess that's where the disagreement comes in.

I pay no mind on who plays what role, as long as they play it well.

Response by SGT Christopher Churilla made Jul 20 at 2015 4:20 PM

SGT Christopher Churilla — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 16:20:09 -0400

As long as they do their job well, I really don't care about an actor's politics.

Response by Iona Kranz made Feb 2 at 2017 6:33 PM

Iona Kranz — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 18:33:34 -0500

They're excellent hypocrites!

Response by PO2 Mark Zawadzki made Feb 9 at 2017 2:01 PM

PO2 Mark Zawadzki — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 14:01:30 -0500

It make no difference to me. It's called "acting" for a reason. BTW, we liberals are not against war per se, FDR was the quintessential liberal and he aided Britain and got us into the "good war" of WWII. The GOP was isolationist. We are against unnecessary war (Persian Gulf 2) and incompetently run wars (Persian Gulf 2, Vietnam). It is the obligation a citizen of the US to address the problems. Marching unquestionably to war is a characteristic of totalitarian states.

We can also have a civil conversation here. Name calling has no place in this forum.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Feb 16 at 2017 3:51 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 15:51:05 -0500

Liberals playing the role may give them perspective on the struggles & sacrifices we all make to serve our country. If they play the role well, it doesn't matter much to me. If they don't take away any good lessons from playing the roll, I guess they will never learn. Besides, knowing lots of liberals myself, most are still very supportive of the military. It's the ones who can't even stand their own company who have issues.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Feb 16 at 2017 4:04 PM

SFC Dennis A. — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 16:04:39 -0500

It shows that their true belief is in getting rich and being in the news to become more famous. They more than likely care about anything or no one but themselves.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Nov 27 at 2020 9:24 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 21:24:43 -0500

I'm still amazed that they'd even want to do one!

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Nov 27 at 2020 11:36 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 23:36:23 -0500

I find every single portrayal to be disingenuous, hackneyed, and ridiculously stereotypical. Of course, I'd never tell actors and actresses to restrict what parts they play, as that would be ridiculously authoritarian, and I'll leave that for their leftist cohorts. But we cannot expect for these ignorant morons to have any clue how to play such roles? These people don't even know service members or veterans let alone have even a scintilla of understanding as regards the experience. These same people believe those who enlist have to be borderline mentally retarded, and the military must've been their only choice. They cannot comprehend what would cause anyone to perform such a duty. If Hollywood idiots cannot even manage wrapping their empty heads around this most fundamental element of the military member, they cannot be expected to do the role justice on the silver screen.