Open Letter

I, like most people, have my own thoughts and views about politics. And in an election year, who doesn't? But unless you're married to me, or happen to be in my living room at the moment an election-related news story is reported, you probably won't hear those views.

Celebrities, however, feel no need to keep their political views confined to marital relations (though if they did most celebrities would still have several people to tell), or their living room (they're so used to being in our living rooms, I guess they feel at home). So, without commentary on the content of celebrity advocacy, here is my open letter to ALL celebrities.

Dear Celebrity,

I don't really care all that much about what you think. Your thoughts on global warming, the economy, the war in Iraq, school uniforms, gun control, affirmative action, and anything else you care to speak out on couldn't concern me less. Don't be offended, my neighbor has political views--I don't care what he thinks either.

Yes, I agree that you have a right to advocate what you believe in. We all do, and we all should at times. But just because you can sing or act or dance or direct or write doesn't make your mind the epicenter for all wisdom. My best friend from high school can juggle. I don't call him to ask how to vote.

For some reason, Celebrity, you've convinced us that you're smarter and more informed than the "average" American. And it's true that there are people who equate your financial success and fame with some special acumen.  We tell ourselves, "The Terminator made a lot of money, so Arnold will be a great Governor," or "Barbara Streisand sings pretty, she must be right about gay-marriage." But that's not true, is it?

The never-ending cycle of marriage, divorce, and remarriage is enough to let us know that you don't have life all figured out. The drug rehabs, the spousal abuse, the anorexia, and "I want a bigger contract" mentality are prevalent enough to show us that your lives, while more glamorous than most, aren't all that different.

In fact, if the crack journalism of the E! True Hollywood Story can be believed, you all are more frightened, more self-centered, more hurt, and more damaged than many of us.

I suppose much of your rampant talk, Celebrity, can be reduced to a world and culture that almost begs you to say something. Saying something is okay, provided that you think before you speak. And provided that sometimes you just listen, and don't speak at all.

The New Testament writer, James, had something profound to say about speaking. Whether you trust in God's Word or not, I think you'll find wisdom in these words: "let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak."

Isn't that something, the idea the what you speak might be more thoughtful if you listen to someone else speak first? It's an interesting concept, that what you say may be more reflective if not spoken from a quick reflex.

Hollywood Celebrity, you might want to listen to those words. You may consider them before you bash the President or castigate the person who wants to be President. Listening first might cross your mind the next time you get the urge to post your opinion on your website or do an interview with 20/20.

You can always tell yourself that if you don't have a script then you aren't required to say anything. You might want to become a person that is quick to listen and slow to speak. As a matter of fact, all of us who live outside of Hollywood might want to be slow to speak too.

Live Your Adventure,
Sean Palmer

PS. Let me know what you think. I'm ready to listen.