Actor/Activist Ed Asner tells SIU students, "U.S. is to blame"

Illinois Leader ^ | 4/4/03

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

CARBONDALE -- This week, television actor Ed Asner spoke to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, telling the students that he is disturbed by the criticism of celebrities who speak out against America's new war on terrorism.

"The actors ought to be highly praised for speaking out," the Southern Illinoisan reported Asner saying this week. "It's ridiculous actors are the ones doing it. It strikes me as unbelievable that no legislators or leaders are in the press for speaking out."

Asner lectured the SIU students this past Tuesday, sponsored by Public Policy Institute, which is directed by former U.S. Senator Paul Simon.

The Southern Illinoisan reported that Asner told the students that the United States' efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq should be questioned.

The Southern Illinoisan reported:

Asner said people who regard Saddam Hussein in the same manner as Adolf Hitler should rethink the reasons Iraq is in its current condition. He said years of economic sanctions and the effects of past U.S. strikes against the country have put the people in a tough position.

The Daily Egyptian, the university's newspaper said that Asner "did not fail to make his opposition to the current war in Iraq clear nor about his disapproval of President George Bush."

The DE said that "Asner also addressed the influence actors carry when they voice their personal beliefs on politics and the war to the public. Asner said he understands why some Americans tend to overlook political opinions from celebrities with skepticism, especially in a time when the famous role models of 'today's younger generation have been arrested for murder, molesting children, drugs [and] beating their wives.'"

"I think that's unfortunate because entertainment is a marvelous conduit to reach people," Asner said in the DE. "The biggest newspaper in the United States is read by a couple million people. But one prime time television show can reach 30 to 40 million people in one night."

"I've learned above all the necessity for individuals to stand up and become known what they stand for, without worrying about who is looking over their shoulder," Asner said.

"It's just difficult for me to imagine Hussein goose-stepping into Warsaw," Asner told the students.

The next guest speaker scheduled after Asner to speak for the SIU Public Policy Lecture series "What I Have Learned and Would Like To Pass On" will be former Presidential candidate and U.S. Senator George McGovern. McGovern will be speaking to the SIU students on April 12.

[Nitro]

If I wanted any sh*t out of Ed Asner...

I would squeeze his head.

[ladtx]

It's ridiculous actors are the ones doing it.

You're right Ed, it is ridiculous actors.

[Numbers Guy]

Asner said people who regard Saddam Hussein in the same manner as Adolf Hitler should rethink the reasons Iraq is in its current condition. He said years of economic sanctions and the effects of past U.S. strikes against the country have put the people in a tough position.

In 1938 Asner would have said "you should rethink the reasons Germany is in its current condition. Years of hyperinflation and reparation requirements and the effects of past Allied demands on the country have put the people in a tough position".

[Question_Assumptions]

He said years of economic sanctions and the effects of past U.S. strikes against the country have put the people in a tough position.

Ah, yes, those horrible economic sanctions. If it weren't for the sanctions, Saddam wouldn't have had to suffer with a mere 18 bedrooms in his palaces.

So tell me, Mr. Asner. If we can't pressure Saddam with military action and can't use economic sanctions, what are we supposed to have done to keep him under control? Throw flowers at him? Talk him to death?

[UncleSamUSA]

"OHHHH..Mister Grant.... you're such a stupid dork!!!"

[Conspiracy Guy]

That would require that Ed Assner have knowledge of history. Don't you know he is an actor?

[thoughtomator]

I'll gladly take the blame for freeing 25 million people... any chance the libs will mention that part?

[wastoute]

Once again, Asner shows what a pinhead he is. We have to wait years to "voice our opinion" in regard to political leaders. We can voice our opinion about pinhead actors and musicians instantaneously, at the checkout register. This guy really needs help.

[Dergie]

What else do you expect from a Communist? The Cold War isn't over; they just moved to Hollyweird.

[OldFriend]

Mr. Asner, it's your sanity that should be questioned.

[Mustang]

Geeezzz...How did I forget to add this nitwit to the "Red-Dot" Pool? :-)))

Mustang sends from "Malpaso" News.

[texson66]

This week, television actor Ed Asner spoke to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, telling the students that he is disturbed by the criticism of celebrities who speak out against America's new war on terrorism.

I believe that poor Ed is way out of his depth; he is a paid pretender or actor as some call that "august profession", not a foreign relations expert, an elected official, or military analyst. In fact, I believe he holds only a high school diploma. He should not lecture to university students on any subject except acting.

[Cuttnhorse]

The next guest speaker scheduled after Asner to speak for the SIU Public Policy Lecture series "What I Have Learned and Would Like To Pass On" will be former Presidential candidate and U.S. Senator George McGovern.

Nice ballanced program they got there, LOL!

[You Dirty Rats]

Of course Hussein was never going to invade Warsaw.

He just invaded Iran and Kuwait and gassed the Kurds.

[chimera]

The next guest speaker scheduled after Asner to speak for the SIU Public Policy Lecture series "What I Have Learned and Would Like To Pass On" will be former Presidential candidate and U.S. Senator George McGovern.

Sounds like they should rename their lecture series "Losers On Parade".

[itzmygun]

Latest scene from the "immoral war" on Iraq:



Thank you Mr. Asner. Now we know just what you stand for. (a faked up pic of Asner hugging Hussein would be perfect here, but I do not have the time to make one - use your imagination).

[ErnBatavia]

Whoever it was that coined the term, "As you get older, you get smarter" apparently never met Edward Arschloch.

[KellyAdmirer]

"It's just difficult for me to imagine Hussein goose-stepping into Warsaw," Asner told the students.

Well, me too, since Iraq was heading in the wrong direction with its invasions of Kuwait and Iran. Probably would have been his sons that got to Warsaw eventually, if people like Asner were in charge.

[Teacup]

"I think that's unfortunate because entertainment is a marvelous conduit to reach people," Asner said

Is Asner still alive? Hey Asner! Movie stars are entertainers, nothing else. Get over yourself!