Posted on 08/09/2004 7:33:21 PM PDT by Vision Thing
In an interview posted today on the website of a major Frankfurt newspaper under the title "George W. Bush Lied to Me," star actor Will Smith had some interesting things to say about the USA, President George W. Bush, Michael Moore and the September 11 terror attacks among other things.
When asked if 9/11 had changed anything for him personally, Smith answered:
No. Absolutely not. When you grow up black in America you have a completely different view of the world than white Americans. We blacks live with a constant feeling of unease. And whether you are wounded in an attack by a racist cop or in a terrorist attack, I’m sorry, it makes no difference.
It is interesting to note that, on a certain level, Smith is comparing American police officers, those charged with protecting society, with Islamic terrorists intent on destroying America and everything it stands for. Smith implies that racism is so rampant among America’s police that it is a threat equal in magnitude to black America as that of international terrorism. Instead of seeing 9/11 as a traumatic watershed event that contributed to uniting black and white America and healing racial tensions, Smith seems to believe that the terrorist attacks have had little impact on what he sees as the poor state of race relations in the USA.
Smith: "UN the Future, Fahrenheit 9/11 Funny and Interesting, Bush Lied to Me"
Smith also praised the United Nations as the idea of the future and mentioned that he had been in contact with Kofi Annan. He stated that he felt lied to by President George W. Bush and his administration when it came to the war in Iraq. He also had the following to say on Michael Moore's new film Fahrenheit 9/11:
“I found the film very funny. I found it interesting, and if it contributes to more people waking up and looking into things and drawing their own conclusions, then that is a good thing. However, one should not view the film as the Bible.
Smith’s audiences in Germany and elsewhere in Europe will certainly be highly receptive to the actor’s views on his own country and will, as a result, likely flock in greater numbers to his film "I, Robot." What Americans make of all this is another matter indeed…we may have another Johnny Depp episode on our hands...
Unfortunately, FReeper eabinga has read the original article in German and says that Will did indeed say the things in the blog post.
The worst is -65 windchill,and -25 to -28 air temp , where a cup of hot coffee,when flung in the air, will freeze before it hits the ground.
That's cold. It does kill the insects quite well, though.
In your new movie "I, Robot" you fight as detective Spooner for freedom and humanity - In real life you recently called Kofi Annan and offered him your help, With what exactly?
I have gotten around a lot in the world and for me one thing is certain: the idea of the United Nations is the future. I think that the concept of democracy is a fantastic idea, and as long as it is not everywhere, that the individual citizen has a vote, that he can vote, we will see many more problems in the world, lots of war and hunger. In my opinion the only chance lies with a ?unification? of countries.
Yes, but what can you do? What can the actor Will Smith do?
I would like to create a greater awareness (understanding) for the work of the United Nations.
And how?
First, I would like to understand it myself, how the UN works and then I would like to help to continue to form this idea, even if in my lifetime I wont see it work perfectly.
What did Kofi Annan say?
It will be a long process, to find out, how I can be of use, At the moment I am trying to get more understanding, that why, unfortunately, I cant say anything concrete yet.
(another quick poor translation)
Too bad, I really liked Will Smith. He seemed liked an alright guy. Oh, Well, Throw another dead career on the fire.
Wow, he's full of himself, isn't he?
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
I was about to ask you about his statements on the UN.
If the guy is as smart as he thinks he is, his research into the UN should make him conclude that that it is not about democracy and humanity. It's about limiting individual humans in favor of the state.
But I'm not holding out much hope that he'll make this conclusion.
I really liked him too. Just one more actor that I will never spend another dollar to watch.
You used to say in many interviews, that you wanted to be President one day...
I have never said that I want that. I said I could if I wanted to.
Do you still think that?
Absolutely. I could become the President od the United States of America if I wanted to. Quite sure about that.
It sounds like you dont want to?
Politics does not seem to be the right place for me. I dont feel like a politician.
Do you believe it will still be a long time until a black or a woman will be at the head of America?
I think that it wont be long, for the fact, if Hillary Clinton, if she decides to run, probably will win. And in Chicago there is a young black, Brack Obama, who will short over long also will run. There are a white woman and a black man that would have realistic chances in elections the near future. No, I think it wont be as long as many think.
(another quick translation)
Poor guy. Only Republican actors tend to win elections.
He does seem to like Schwarzenegger :)
Let me translate that bit for you.
I don't think Smith will notice that I won't be seeing his movies, but I don't really care.
In California, where you like with your wife and kids, a colleague of your has been governor for a year. In this country we hear mixed reports about his political abilities - one time we hear he gives california confidence back, another time one complains he is making too much debt. What do you say?
He is governor of the 2nd largest state of America, that is a tough job. I think, over time he gets his feet firmer on the ground - and in retrospect one will probably see, that he done a good job, In the heat of the moment no governer is a good governor.
So you are not totally satisfied?
Lets put it this way, it is not an easy job, and I think he is doing it well.
Very diplomatic.
But the fact alone, the he, an actor, an Austrian, can become Governor of California, i think is great. I believe the Constitution of the United States of America, the idea of the american government, for one of the greates ideas ever. Schwarzenegger's election to governor proves this idea to be right.
(worst translation ever)
In California, where you live with your wife and your children, a colleague of you is governor for one year: Arnold Schwarzenegger. In this country ones one hears over its political fate mixing - times is called it, he return to California his self-assurance, times is criticized the fact that he makes too many debts - which says you?
He is governor of the second largest state of America, which is a hard job I finds, with which time kriegt he its feet ever more firmly on earth - and afterwards one probable will see that he made his thing good. In the heat of the moment no governor a good governor is natural.
Isn't it interesting that Mr. Smith makes this absurd statements just as his career appears to be on the decline? It's pathetic how these folks will attempt to get back in the spotlight.
Not the worse translation ever.
The Google translator translates the title of the article to: Smith wants George W. Bush lay me.
I wish I could offer a link to the translation, but it doesn't work when I preview it.
Boo Hoo Will has it so rough being a millionare black in America.I say he should take his money to Africa and see how well he does over there.Growing uo black in America is very dangerous because you might get shot by another black.For every black shot by a cop there are 20,000 shot by a fellow brother.
It helps them with foreign sales.
They know they can no longer count on Americans to give them their prodigious amounts of bread and butter, so they must go 'empire' on us and scour the world for ever more gullible suckers.
I dont really see him bashing Bush or the US intentionally, allthough he definately put his foot in his mouth and wiggled the toes.
I have the impression he has no clue what he is talking about and never seriously thought about politics. Almost reminds me of a 12 year old speaking or parroting what his hollywood friends say and think. I remember when I was in 3rd grade, I thought the UN was the greatest too. Maybe Will Smith will grow up one day.
multi-millionaire celebrities .... geesh
might be cold for the cities, but not in duluth, much colder..
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