At least no real emergency response crews had to stop working to go rescue the little boy out playing "hero" in the water.
Sean Penn has shown up in New Orleans to save the day!…
"A sinister cabal of superior writers."
Sean Penn's Katrina PR Stunt Springs A Leak - Comments Page 3
Article comments
76 - Bob A. Booey
That's pretty funny, but no you wouldn't, RJ :)
You'd be too busy trying to scam coke with Tom Sizemore at the Playboy Mansion. Hypothetically speaking, of course.
That is all.
77 - Bob A. Booey
Hypothetically because they'd never let you two goofs in, of course :)
So amend "Playboy Mansion" to "Exxotic Fantasiezzzz Gentlemen's Club" in Tampa and we're about set.
That is all.
78 - Lono
publicity or no, he has still done more than any of us... and I volunteer for the Red Cross.
79 - steve
Im tellin ya..he must have a movie coming out soon. The guy had a rolling stone photographer with him. HILARIOUS.
80 - Al Barger
I see BB, so we have not just a Rolling Stone reporter, but presidential historian Douglas Brinkley to record his hoped for heroics.
81 - merg
I can't believe half the crap coming out of you people. The fact that you are sitting on your asses judging anyone for attempting to help in anyway possible is enough to quell my curiousity about why nobody got there sooner. They were all sitting around talking s**t about the people actually trying to do something, anything at all. Watching TV from the comfort of your dry livingroom, not worried at all about your house, kids, lives, grandmothers, whatever. Who cares if he takes a friggin photog with him? Wouldn't you want to document anything you could? maybe he knows he's crap with a camera, maybe the guy is his friend and wanted to help? Maybe it took him two days to actually get into the city from Houston, there are so many reasons that he did what he did. The point is that you are not there in your bullet proof vest, getting shot at or not, getting your boat sunk or not, trying to help or not. You're just mouthing off, as useless as useless can be. There is absolutely nothing redeeming about a bunch of smart asses trying to make fun of someone else's efforts. You sound like a bunch of jaded, holier than thou as**oles. You should be ashamed.
82 - rick
thank God sean penn was available to help us save the day. I can't wait to read his commentary in his full page newspaper advertisement. and thankfully his flak jacket saved him from the snipers. what a jack+ss
83 - Lily
So the people who actually live in New Orleans and are worried sick about their homes, friends, pets etc aren't allowed back into the city, but these celebrities can just get right in and pose for photos (did you catch Harry Conick Jr. praying over a body. Sickening. At least he's from New Orleans tho.
This was so obviously a p.r. stunt. Did you notice that the person (people) he "saved" knew who he was? So he must have been identifying himself. And the photographer? Come on....
How about the text-
"He's an oscar-winning actor and political activist.
Now Sean Penn's a rescuer".
etc.
Sure sounds like the work of a p.r. agency to me.
I don;t go to movies very much but you can bet I'll go out of my way to avoid any films he's in.
84 - sonic
Does he have anything to gain by playng a hero??? Of cource not. The guy just wanted to make a contribution. Did you , Al Barger, do smoething even remotely close to this? I thought not, so keep your sorry excuses for yourself.
85 - td
I don't know what Penn's motivation was, but I don't think it matters. The fact is that there are still people out their waiting in their houses.
They interviewed one of the official rescue teams last night and they stated that it would take weeks with the current manpower to go down every street and make sure everyone was out.
This is why the Deputy Police cheif of NO stated in a press conferance that they welcome the efforts of people like Sean Penn because they need the help. So long as they check in at the command center anybody is welcome to go out in a boat and try to help people.
My question is.....Why? Why do they need this help. Why aren't there enough national guard, coast guard, police officers, etc to handle the situation. 5000 national guard have been sent, but obviously they need more so why aren't they being sent.
Why is the fate of these people being left up to Sean Penn and a leaking dingy?
86 - emmarose
Just to let you know, on CNN with Soledad O'Brien, Mr. Sean and Douglas (whom I actually like) made sure they got an interview. Douglas was very articulate and said that he was from New Orleans and wanted to check things out and then Mr. Dumbass Oscar Winner starts blabbing incoherently on and on about a certain hospital that's been really "cool" and has been taking in ALL of the people he saved from the water. Then he mispronounces dehydration and says the doctors don't have all the medication they need for those in the water because of all the toxins and calls on any doctors WATCHING AT THE TIME to contact this hospital to let them know they can help. What a jackASS. Then he says that someone might want to think about....ready....?? using a KAYAK to navigate through the waters because the pathways are so narrow. Ummmm.........how the hell do you save someone in a freaking kayak? It's a one person boat. Will he drape the 90 year old wheelchair bound man onto the front of the kayak? What the hell is he thinking? And Sean made sure Soledad introduced him as "academy award winning actor/producer/director/activist Sean Penn"...I kid you not. He's such a bloated dipshit asshole it's not even funny. But when you're born into the business, think delusionally that you're the next Marlon Brando, and have always had connections from family, you end up being an idiot blowhard who is clueless about everyday life. I hope South Park skewers him so bad. He deserves it. And don't even get me started on Geraldo Rivera having an elderly women do two takes of him rescuing her and her dog for Fox News!! Two takes! She was like 90 years old. Beyond one's conscience.
87 - MLI
Katrina came and devistated an area as large as the state of Michigan! It blows my mind to think how you even START to organize a rescue mission like that. It has to be done in an organized manner or chaos starts. Just look at the superdome issue! Are people missing the fact that Local and State governments have to be the first to the rescue? Were we expecting W to fly into the eye of the storm on Air Force One? I think America did the best it could given the circumstances. Sure, a lot of things could have been organized better or moved faster (ain't hindsight great!). Is seems to me that those who have complained the most about what went wront have seriously underestimated the severity of the devistation. This is not about just one town.
88 - RogerMDillion
If he really helped ferry 40 stranded locals to safety as has been reported than I don't care, and I'm sure the people he helped don't either, who he had with him and what his motivations were.
Sounds like he helped out 40 more people than you did sitting at your keyboard.
89 - Al Barger
Yes Roger, but since he's surely just trying to help out, he wouldn't want people carrying on about him. So I'll just respect the heroes' wishes and shrug it off, m'kay?
90 - Tube
Mr. Hand needs to teach him another history lesson.
91 - Steve
It would appear to me that sean has political aspirations.
wouldnt that be something. Jeff Spicoli in the whitehouse! only in america.
...i don't wanna be an american idiot...
:-)
92 - Adam
My goodness. The hate I have just read in these comments is very, very sad.
93 - Al Barger
Here's the thing Adam, I'm not buying your "sadness." I find it unlikely that you are in fact saddened by criticism of poor Sean.
The implications seem more like, "My how us sensitive, morally superior beings pity you little people with your hostility towards a great humanitarian like Sean Penn."
I'm just saying that I'd appreciate a little more directness and honesty in your expressions of superiority. Thanks.
94 - TeriSue
Ok, Al I'll say it. You guys make me sick. You criticize someone for going out and helping people that your government did not do. You idolize a spineless moron who golfs, plays guitar and eats cake while a major city and parts of 3 states are drowning. Then he sets up a fake photo op a few days later, but still does nothing.
Do you know that little Cuba evacuated over a million people ahead of a cat 5 hurricane last year with no loss of life? They even rescued the animals and appliances for pete sake. Chimpy couldn't even get the people out with 2 days warning. Do you really think he'd care about you if it happened in your town?
95 - elizabeth
IT IS TIME PLANT OUR FEET FIRMLY ON HIGH STORM SURGE FREE GROUND AND CLIP OUR RIGHT AND LEFT WINGS....THEY HAVE MORPHED INTO ONE BIG UGLY HUMP ON OUR BACK ANYWAY...WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO....BUSH SR AND CLINTON HAD A LOT OF MOMENTOM WHEN HELPING AID IN THE TSUNAMI BUT SEEM LESS ENTHUSASTIC WITH KATRINA HMMMMM.... MAYBE JUST MAYBE THEY ARE NOT AS INTRESTED BECAUSE THEY HAVE DEVELOPMENT DEALS IN SHRILANKA.....LOCALS WHO SURVIVED WERE MOVED INLAND OUT OF THE "BUFFER ZONE" YET IT IS SAFE FOR DEVELOPERS....I GUESS NIETHER ONE WANTS TO INVEST IN PROPERTY IN NOLA
96 - elizabeth
AS FOR SEAN PENN....HE HAS MADE HIS LIVING PLAYING DUMB AND UGLY....THATS ENTERTAINMENT!!!!!
97 - Al Barger
Thank you, TeriSue. I appreciate your honesty.
One might ask why you'd blame the president for this rather than the local officials. I'm sure there'll be plenty of blame to spread around to everyone up and down the line.
However, I'm inclined to be cut all officials a fair amount of slack. You may wish to keep in mind this classic moment from Richard Pryor's Mudbone. CLICK HERE
98 - elizabeth
the city and state have got to take the blame for this but lets brag on gov. Bob Riley of Ala. as much as I destest him I have to say I am proud of his work he was organizing and planning for Miss. and LA before the storm hit and Jeb Bush had his act together so I suppose our President thought the other governer's would have thier act togrether.Where is PETA? Why dont they put their paint cans down put on some clothes and build a few shlters where people can bring their pets,more would.
99 - elizabeth
evascuate. There are many many people who refuse to leave ther pets.
100 - elizabeth
evascuate. There are many many people who refuse to leave ther pets.
101 - Spread the Hate
Where's Mr Activist Sean Penn during this crisis? He's probably sipping Mai Tais in his mansion. If he had any integrity he would get off his ass and save some people from a bass boat himself. Put your money where your mouth is you coward!
102 - Jewels
Rolling Stone magazine reporter told me:
(This was in response my saying that it would be sad to think anyone would make a photo-op over this situation...)
"I was on the boat with Sean Penn this weekend. That's me in the background of the above photo. (he saw this photo) The article you (spoke about) is completely mistaken. He did not bring a personal photographer. He came with me and his friend, a New Orleans writer named Douglas Brinkley, and the reason he came was because a friend of his had asked him to help him find a family member still stuck in her house. He did not consent to any photographs taken. The boat did spring a leak, but only at the end of the trip, after one of the people we pulled out of the water kicked the plug out by accident. The articles you read probably based reports on came from an Australian writer who was angry that Sean had declined an interview... "
He angrily goes on to add...
"I don't understand why people like you insist on believing that kind of reporting. Probably because you want to
believe it."
Sincerely,
M. Taibbi
Reporter
Rollling Stone Magazine
Well Mr. Taibbi, I was not in the boat now was I? Just seeking some clarification. (My head is now missing.)
So there you have it folks.
103 - MissV
To all those criticizing Mr Penn!
Just ask yourselves one question: "Where have I been when Mr Penn was on that boat saving lives?"
I assume that in most cases the answer is:"Sitting comfortably in front of my computer and writing some obscure comments." I bet none of you were affected by the events in New Orleans, that`s why it`s so easy for you to criticize.
Why don`t you just get your asses to New Orleans and do something. There are still people over there who need your help.
I can`t believe that one of you suggested that MrPenn should be shot. Then again, maybe I shouldn`t be surprised. After all this is a country where 50 Cent and Eminem are national heroes and anyone displaying some humanity is seen as an outcast.
Distresses European
MissV
104 - average guy
where was Sean Penn during 9/11? I never saw him helping to rescue victims at the WTC! Why was that? Not enough po' black folks there?
105 - elizabeth
I LIVE IN PENSACOLA AND YES WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN!!MY HEROES ARE NOT RAP STARS THEY ARE THE CONGREGATIONS OF CHURCHES WHO OBVIOUSLY HAVE APLAN AND KNOW HOW TO EXPEDITE IT.LAST NIGHT ON LOCAL NEWS THEY REPORTED THAT D'IBERVILLE,MISS. STILL HAS NOT RECIEVED ANY GOV AID THE DOCTORS IN A MAKESHIFT TENT DESPERATELY NEED MEDICINE TO TREAT PEOPLE I THINK IT IS 3 DRS TREATING 1500 PEOPLE A DAY SO COMMON HOLLYWOOD! I SMELL A PHOTO OP.
106 - arj
Regarding Sean Penn, all I can say about Sean is at least he is a good actor " so many of them are not. As a former Public Relations person, I know one of the characteristics of good publicity is “to be caught in the act of doing good” and it certainly fits the bill here. It appears to me Sean’s career enhancing actions are self serving and that he is using his celebrity and privilege to gain access to an area of New Orleans that is probably closed to the general public.
It seems Sean is following the trend Angelia Jolie started with her UN “work” that, in my opinion, is a total publicity stunt with travel involved. I am so tired of overpaid and frequently uneducated celebrities telling me what causes I should be supporting when, in fact, they don’t live a normal life and haven’t a clue as to how others live. Let's face it, in order for an actor to continue to get work, part of their job is to promote themselves, is it not? Also, I imagine it's hard for celebrities to feel real at times when one has a large cushion of $$ and sycophants surrounding them, hence the fake behavior. While watching the hurricane coverage on TV, I am struck and dismayed by the number of politicians and celebrities with agendas who are hovering around the situation like vultures. It’s disgusting.
107 - dave
"He did not bring a personal photographer. He came with me and his friend, a New Orleans writer named Douglas Brinkley, and the reason he came was because a friend of his had asked him to help him find a family member still stuck in her house. He did not consent to any photographs taken."
Did he consent to be quoted at length for the RS feature you're writing on his heroic exploits? How did you come to attend this expedition in the first place? Did Penn alert you to the scoop and invite you along to record for posterity or were you just a personal friend pitching in with the effort?
Just curious.
108 - ooba jooba
Hollyweird celebs are not real human beings, but creations of PR flaks. Penn is a crass opportunist and the worst that humanity has to offer.
109 - arj
The reason I got out of PR is it's not me; I found the blurring between what is REAL and THE IMAGE to be very disturbing. What I see happening in New Orleans bothers me a lot. I feel angry when I see a photo of Sean Penn in a rescue boat or a Hillary Clinton down in New Orleans running her big mouth about how the disaster response was handled. It's amazing how Bill & Hill are almost never together, except when there is a political situation. I am sure Hillary’s explanation for being in New Orleans is because she is traveling with her husband. Otherwise, what is reason for the Jr. Senator FROM NEW YORK doing at a disaster area in LOUISIANA anyway? Speak about opportunists! That woman makes me ill. Hillary, I thought you were going to be the Healthcare Guru under Bill’s Administration " what happened to that one anyway?
On another topic, I am probably the only person who thinks this way, but Live 8 to me was such a sham! Who benefited from the concerts? Not the children from Africa! The musicians benefited certainly. Most of old-timers who haven't sold a record in years made out like bandits after the event. The cities who held the concerts made $$ as well as the promoters and the stadiums. And P.S. I saw only a little bit of the concerts before I realized, THIS IS REALLY BAD. I turned it off it was so boring.
To sum it up, I tired of rich/powerful people making $$ and fame off the backs of the general public. All of this behavior is an insult to my intelligence. Morally speaking, this kind of behavior bankrupts all of us because it leads to the rise of mediocrity. Trust me, we are now mediocre.
110 - Al Barger
ARJ, I'm with you all the way. To which end, note
THIS and
THAT
111 - Chris - Team America
It reminds of this...
"Last year I went to Iraq. Before Team America showed up it was a happy place. They had flowery medows and rainbow skys and rivers made of chocolate where the children laughed and played all day with gumdrop smiles!"
Sean Penn - F.A.G.
112 - RJ
Sean Penn cares no more and no less about children than you or I do.
But...he has the ability, through his wealth and fame, to go down there in NO and play around in a boat with photographers and journalists.
In other words, he is playing the "hero" and happily posing for the cameras while doing so.
As such, he is WORSE than the average American, who would happily go down there and help WITHOUT PHOTOGRAPHERS if we only were able to, economically...
113 - pobi
Celebrities need to entertain the public (only on film though), that's what we pay them to do and keep their politics out of the media spotlight like the rest of us do).
I wanted to volunteer and I work with the Red Cross. However, their direction was only people with specific/specialized skills (like a dr/rn/vet/etc.) were needed/welcome. Every reputable rescue agency stressed that unskilled people SHOULD NOT COME TO THE AFFECTED AREA unless they were part of a recognized relief agency. These people should STAY HOME and donate. The reason makes sense: untrained people are dangerous to themselves and others. So how come the Pennmeister was able to get there when I went through the routes that people who do this for a living recommended and was turned away? Why couldn't the Penn Man see the wisdom in the rules? Don't get me wrong, if he was able to help someone, great, but the cold fact was he was willing to gamble that his actions wouldn't end causing more bad than good. So how can anyone admire that? Would he be given such kudos if he made his grand entrance and through his lack of skill, ended up injuring someone?
If PennRod wants to be a rescuer...give up acting and go to school to become one. Doing both just makes him looks really, really, really stupid.
114 - Nick
I think to point fingers at anyone while the victims of this disaster are still dealing with the trauma of what they have just been through is wrong as it gets. The rapper and his ignorant comments about what is going on and making it about race is a perfect example that if you don’t like the U.S. Mr. I am an African American then move to Africa you sorry excuse for a human. Oh but they will claim to be African Americans but most of them would piss them selves if they were sent back home to Africa. They and we should claim to be American and American only mixing crap up only makes it worse. The people need nothing but positive comments on how they are going to be and are being helped look into what went wrong after the fact NOT NOW. As for Sean Penn, well lets see here I retired after over 21 years of service in the Military and I can tell you I have been to some 3rd world countries I would like to take him to. I could have some fun with this piece of Hollywood garbage. People like him and the others that speak out thinking they are more important than they really are considering most of them are dropouts. And what is there real contribution to our society compared to those of us that work our butts off for nothing close to what they are paid. I like how some celebrities said it was safe and no one was shooting or attacking them, well Sean had on a bulletproof vest. Humm what’s wrong pussy boy I guess your not such a bad-ass after all. Hollywood types like Sean Penus need to know what they are really worth and remember their place in the food chain before they cross a line they cant’ get back from.
115 - Dvae
sean Penn went into a restricted area that the National guard was evacuating. He sunk is boat and then was part of the problem. Why wasn't he removed from the area before causing more problems? He was spotted walking around with a loaded weapon. why wasn't he arrested. Oh wait, he said the gun wasn't loaded. What an idiot!
116 - Dave Nalle
So you guys haven't heard the latest yet, eh? Apparently Penn was travelling with armed bodyguards and was himself carrying a concealed handgun in case he had to shoot any looters or uncooperative rescuees.
Dave
117 - pobi
I'm sure good 'ole Pennster is feeling pretty righteous about what a fine humanitarian he is.
I'm thinking he has something to prove...like a guy who has to have the "coolest" sports car, he's compensating for something....I wonder what?
118 - arj
I think Sean Penn has mixed up his art with real life; he is confused. I say Sean should stick with what he knows best - acting. Unfortunately for Sean, the situation in New Orleans is a real life deal, not his area of expertise.
And P.S. if I were in New Orleans and I needed help, I sure as hell would be ticked off to discover I am being "rescued" by an international celebrity with a writer from the Rolling Stone in tow. I guess Sean means well, but his very presence kinda demeans the severity of the situation. It's like being in a corporate situation and the boss tries to be personal friends with his direct reports. It's very awkward and weird and question comes up - what's his agenda?
119 - arj
Regarding Sean Penn's rescue trip to New Orleans - below is an excerpt of a newsletter I received today from Vault.com:
Volunteers Swarm the Gulf Coast
"USA Freedom Corp., for example, an office of the White House that encourages volunteerism, is urging people not to go to the afflicted area at this time, unless they are affiliated with a professional organization, such as a fire department or relief organization. "If you want to do something now, volunteer in your community," says Alyssa McClenning, a spokeswoman for the group. "There will be enough time later."
"Even some trade groups are preaching caution. The National Association of Realtors has issued a statement on its Web site cautioning its members: "Don't Travel to the Disaster Sites." The warning explains that "unauthorized people strain the resources that are needed for the victims of the hurricane. At this time, the most effective way to help is to donate money." As of yesterday, the group had collected more than $2.3 million and many Realtors had organized efforts to find temporary housing for victims."
120 - MLI
Did anyone catch 60 Minutes on Sunday? Very interesting info from the NO Police Superintendent.
121 - pobi
"Robin Wright Penn is making like Tammy Wynette and standing by her man. The actress is irate that husband Sean Penn has become an object of derision for his attempts to rescue stranded people in New Orleans last week. "To them, I say [bleep] you," she fumed to the New York Daily News at the Toronto Film Festival. "I think it's [bleeping] pathetic to be belittling him." Penn, who to his credit went where few politicians dared, has denied reports that he took along a personal photographer and that his boat sprung a leak."
This was taken from the "Hot Gossip" by Kat Giantis section of MSN entertainment from 9/13/05.
122 - anonymous
Hello guys. I want, No, I guess I need to tell ya'all about someone I met today. Well, maybe it was yesterday. I really don't know. In this surreal environment, the images, the fire calls, the rescues, the recoveries, the faces...they are all merging and blurring for me now.
First I need you to remember that New Orleans is not flooded with water. We are flooded with sewage. Rotting raw waste, oil, gas, rotted food, dead bodies, chemicals God only knows what methyl Ethyl bad stuff is here.
I was working with a couple of guys a few blocks from the Superdome in a residential neighborhood. We were going from house to house looking for living people, but finding many more dead than alive. We were wading through about three foot of whatever this stuff is that is several feet deep and all through town. A couple of guys in civilian clothes came by with a small fishing boat. We exchanged nods and they started doing the same thing we were. A while later and a few doors down, I noticed one of the guys was escorting a frail elderly man across a yard toward the boat. The mas started to fall and this guy swept him up with so much tenderness it touched my heart. I was pleased to see a volunteer civilian there, and doing that. A few minutes later, the same civilian was escorting a very frail looking women across the same yard. I started that direction to see if there might be more in need. The women slipped and disappeared. This civilian didn't blink, he dove, yes he dove head first into the sewage/slop whatever and surfaced with a lady in his arms. He tenderly wiped the sludge from her face as he carried her toward the boat. He sat this lady in the boat like you would imagine a new groom setting down his bride. At that point I was along this civilian and reached out to shake his hand, when I recognized him as being Sean Penn. He confirmed his identity and asked me if he was doing alright and asked me to let him know if we needed his help. He said he was going to take this couple to the hospital and would be back soon.
I looked around to see where the TV cameras were, and there were none. I have read the bad boy negative press about Sean Penn for years, and I guess I had believed it. Almost an hour later Sean was back. In and out of the boat, in and out of yards, in and out of homes,back and forth to the hospital, and I never did see any reporters or cameras. Sean came here, probably without any ones permission from wherever it is that he usually is, and with a determined look upon his face and an even more determined attitude, risking the deadly water snakes infesting this wet stuff all over, wading sometimes neck deep, and doing as much or more than anyone else could do.
Guys, ya'all have TVs and probably know more about the whole picture here than I do. My guess is that bunches of celebrities have called press conferences and have donated bunches of money to this cause like they always do. Sean Penn, whom I have never had positive feelings for has earned my respect. From my short exchange with him, and from the way he carried himself, I will be floored to hear of him doing any of this for publicity. It was too hands on, tender and determined for that.
123 - anonymous
Go to heck with all you conservatives. Sean Penn was just trying to do something, when George Bush wouldn't. Sean Penn is a hero in my eyes. It is a spirit of service like how Sean Penn's dad served in the military. The media focuses on celebrity to distract people from real issues like Katrina, Fox News severe conservative bias, Iraq, War Profiteering, murder in Iraq, fake justification for war with Iran, corruption in the Bush Administration and the Repubican party. Be ready for a democratic president next year. But I know you won't publish this comment.
124 - SparkleFarkle
What EXACTLY have you done lately to help anyone out?