The "New" Civility?!

Partisan politics is, well, partisan, i.e., polarizing. Each camp looks around and declares: "Either you are for us or against us."

I have a confession: I like Angelina Jolie.

Yes, she is sexy and attractive.

No, her politics are not my own; however, she is also damned smart and a woman of conviction.

I am not in the least interested in her bisexuality or even her relationship with that bit of fluff Pitt (however, she may be bringing out the mettle of conviction in him).

I applaud her work as a UN Ambassador (even though I think that institution is dated and ineffective) because she has been able to bring exposure to blighted areas of the world and make even my jaded heart care about the children afflicted. I further commend her willingness to adopt children in dire need of good care and loving homes, not to mention food on a regular basis.

In my most humble opinion, her efforts are a net positive, unlike a number of her celebrity colleagues: Sean Penn, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, George Clooney, and Barbara Streisand.

Apparently, to this observer, Angelina and Bono are two celebrities who know how to get things done in D. C.

The formula is rather simple, in fact:

1) "ignore(s) the George Clooney, Michael Moore, and Babs strategy of trashing all things Republican"

2) "Instead of blasting the establishment like Barbra Streisand, sending antiwar E-mails like Martin Sheen, or just mouthing off like Ted Nugent, they're working inside the system to get what they want in attention and money"

3) "Avert partisanship and learn the issues"

4) "'You need to know when to keep your mouth shut.' A West Wing bigwig praises the duo for avoiding clichéd name-calling. 'It is the new civility, and it works.'"

So there it is, be a successful celebrity with a cause, do your homework, show that you are concerned and committed. Do not "just show up at an event and smile for the cameras."

Perhaps, there's a lesson in here for all of us.

Posted by Christina at February 26, 2006 09:13 AM