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GEORGE CLOONEY: "Patriotic duty to question leaders

by Daily Mirror (England)
"What's inspiring is it is a genuine, spontaneous movement of all politics, nations and religions meeting on a conviction that war is morally reprehensible without being told so and in the face of intense propaganda. "It is the people speaking. A living, breathing example of democracy at work. The people are saying no.
"Most people in this world are against the war. "The leaders of my country do not seem to care about what people of the world think. They really want this war."
georgeclooneywithmirror.jpg
HOLLYWOOD STARS BACK PEACE Feb 15 2003

By Fiona Cummins


HOLLYWOOD stars George Clooney and Tim Robbins last night backed the Mirror's campaign to stop war in Iraq.

The pair blasted US and Britain for planning to attack Baghdad despite having no evidence of weapons of mass destruction.

Former ER favourite Clooney signed the Mirror's petition against military action in the Gulf and told how he has been branded unpatriotic in America over his views.

Speaking on the eve of today's Stop the War March in London, the 41-year-old said: "What the Mirror is doing is excellent and it's great to see a newspaper getting behind an issue.

"I can't see anything good coming from war. I have friends and family who will fight. I don't want them shot.

"The risk of terrorism in the US will increase if we go to war with Iraq.

"It's a frustrating thing for us. We're trying hard not to be unpatriotic and some TV stations in America have said things about me for speaking out.

"But from an early age we are taught it is our patriotic duty to question the government."


TIM ROBBINS: "This is democracy at work"

Clooney, in London promoting his new film Solaris, said many Americans believe there is a link between Saddam and the September 11 attacks on the US.

But he added: "That has yet to be proved. There is no real tie between him and Osama bin Laden."

Robbins yesterday flew into Britain to support our growing anti-war movement. He said: "I don't think there has been, in human history, the number of people opposed to a war before it even had the chance to begin.

"What's inspiring is it is a genuine, spontaneous movement of all politics, nations and religions meeting on a conviction that war is morally reprehensible without being told so and in the face of intense propaganda.

"It is the people speaking. A living, breathing example of democracy at work. The people are saying no.

"Most people in this world are against the war. "The leaders of my country do not seem to care about what people of the world think. They really want this war."

Robbins was speaking at a London press conference with former US presidential candidate the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Jackson said: "I think campaigns like this one by the Mirror are very important.

"This war has global consequences and there must be a global resistance.

"If this conflict is not about an imminent threat to security, it must be either personal or about oil."

The civil rights campaigner, who plans to join today's peace march, insisted the chief weapons inspector Hans Blix's report which said Iraq has no mass destruction weapons should put an end to the prospect of war once and for all.

More celebrities last night added their names to the 190,500 already on our anti-war petition. Queen star Brian May and his actress wife Anita Dobson lent their support. Brian said: "I am appalled we seem to be about to make war rather than dealing with this by diplomacy."

Anita added: "We should have grown up by now and be able to sort out differences without bombing each other."

Mirror film critic Jonathan Ross said: "If America does drag us into this war to protect their interest in the Middle East, I'm sure we'll regret it."

Film director Mike Leigh added "It's absolute lunacy. There is no basis for war whatsoever and it is deeply irresponsible."

Actress Nichola McAuliffe said: "Nothing Tony Blair has said or done has convinced me there is an argument for war."

Comedian Alan Davies and actress girlfriend Julia Sawalha were delighted to back the campaign.

Julia said: "It frightens me that thousands of civilians, including children, will be victims. If there's a peaceful option I am for it. I'm going on the march."

Madness star Suggs signed our petition. He said: "I am against the war."

Transport and General Workers Union boss Bill Morris added: "What is this just cause that will bring bombs raining down on Baghdad? The world is not convinced of a link between Saddam and bin Laden. Not even Washington holds Saddam responsible for September 11."

West End theatre stars yesterday sang a Band Aid-style song calling for peace.

Around 70 from several productions took the stage at the Criterion to perform Seasons Of Love from the musical Rent.

Choreographer Jason Gardiner, who organised the event, said many of them wanted to go on today's march but couldn't because of work. He added: "That's why we got together for the song."

by American Vet


George Clooney proves that he is not just another "pretty face". The man has The Right Stuff.

To put his career on the line for what he believes is pretty damn unusual. He is not taking this stand to enhance his career - but because he believes in his heart he should take this stand.

The dude has my complete respect. He's an American patriot and hero in my book.

Thank you, Mr. Clooney.
by Ordinary Guy
And what's also impressive, nay, nearly incredible, is that a major "mainstream" news organ, and a tabloid to boot, is taking a clear stand in opposition to the wishes of their gummint and of the investing classes who usually can count on only their viewpoint being represented in the media.

Normally, tabs pitched to the working class present belligerence as a virtue and ruling-class propaganda as gospel.

Could it be that even among the great Masters of the Media there is serious doubt about the Great Imperial Adventure?

Whatever the case, I'm impressed, both by Mr. Clooney and the Daily Mirror.
by Gimme a break
Clooney is anything but a hero. He is an overpaid actor who is simply a part of the Hollywood leftist elite. He hasn't taken some courageous stand...he's simply using his celebrity status to espouse the views of his colleagues. A view NOT shared by the majority of Americans. He's simply pursuing his interest of the day. He's no genius (no college degree) and he's not a politically viable leader. He's a celebrity who has no movie coming out soon. When his next film comes out, he'll speak about it instead of the war.
by george (verni8 [at] aol.com)
George Clooney is an illiterate disgrace. Looking at his comments and his views I know for sure he never attended college and his knowledege is risible. I wouldnt spend a nickle to prompote that bum in any endeavoe he pursues. He's a washed up actor with no future. George get out of my country you moron!!!
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