An Open Letter To Sean Penn

This essay previously published 10/10/2004, by me elsewhere on the internet.

Note: Recently the Drudge Report featured a letter from actor Sean Penn to Team America creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Randy Williams has composed an open letter to Mr. Penn regarding Penn's letter. The original text from Penn's letter, as reported on Drudge, appears following the conclusion of this article.

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To Sean Penn, Most Americans enjoy your body of work and that of other actors. We view your films as a form of escapism and we appreciate your mastery of your art form.Your forays, into the world of politics does no justice for your star appeal. When you and other actors voice your opinions, and allow your private personas to become public, you remove the mystique surrounding yourselves.

Unlike the stars of yesteryear, who cultivated their public personas, who stayed away from controversy, who were bigger than life on the American film screen, most of today's generation of actors expose their personal tragedies, their addictions, their warts and moles, and their political views, which removes the bigger than life mystique the fine actors of yesteryear enjoyed. We do not want to know about your politics. We don't want to hear your opinions. We don't want to hear of your personal tragedies, we do not want to hear you say anything, unless it was written in a film script. We don't care about what you have to say. We merely desire to escape from reality and the daily grind and pressures for a couple of hours, without thoughts of your world view and opinions creeping into our heads while we try to disconnect from the outside world for a short time. Therefore, Mr. Penn, I most assuredly make this promise and commitment to you, the Alec Baldwins, the Susan Sarandons, the Jeanine Garofalos, the Johnny Depps, the Barbara Streisands, the Jane Fondas and all the other politically outspoken celebrities who are insulated from the real world in their secure mansions and compounds. The same people who are insulated and who have lost touch from reality through their star power and wealth. Because you have been outspoken. Because you have removed the mystique of your stardom. Because you have fouled your star image and our perceptions of you. Because you have removed the element of escapism from your films, because your beliefs and words are brought to mind while we view your films, I will do anything in my power to avoid viewing your films, or putting money in your pocket.

Mr. Penn, I want my escapism. If you want to air your political opinions, then give up acting and run for office. Do like Ben "Cooter" Jones, Fred "Gopher" Grandy, Fred Thompson, Clint Eastwood, Sonny Bono, Arnold Schwarzenegger, And Ronald Reagan did. They found success in politics and had the personal convictions to abandon acting while they pursued political office. To sum it up Mr. Penn - No, you shut the f**k up.

Randy Williams , East Bay Area, Ca.

(Below is Penn's letter)

October 6, 2004To Trey Parker and Matt Stone, I remember a cordial hello when you guys were beginning to be famous guys around Hollywood at some party. I remember several times getting a few giggles out of your humor. I remember not being bothered as you traded on my name among others to appear witty, above it all, and likeable to your crowd. I never mind being of service, in satire and silliness. I do mind when anybody who doesn't have a child, doesn't have a child at war, or isn't or won't be in harm's way themselves, is encouraging that there's "no shame in not voting" "if you don't know what you're talking about" (Mr. Stone) without mentioning the shame of not knowing what your talking about, and encouraging people to know. You guys are talented young guys but alas, primarily young guys. It's all well to joke about me or whomever you choose. Not so well, to encourage irresponsibility that will ultimately lead to the disembowelment, mutilation, exploitation, and death of innocent people throughout the world. The vote matters to them. No one's ignorance, indcluding a couple of hip cross-dressers, is an excuse. All best, and a sincere f**k you, Sean Penn P.S. Take this as a personal invitation from me to you (you can ask Dennis Miller along for the ride as well) to escort you on a trip, which I took last Christmas. We'll fly to Amman, Jordan and I'll ride with you in a (?) 12 hours through the Sunni Triangle into Fallujah and Baghdad and I'll show you around. When we return, make all the fun you want.

Copyright 02/02/2004 by Randy Williams

Use granted to all who identify author