Who's Smarter?

[RaineMaker]

TODAY'S QUOTE FROM THE LEFT COAST:

"George W. Bush is like a bad comic working the crowd, a
moron, if you'll pardon the expression."
Martin Sheen

Instead of making a comment on the above quote, I
ask you to take 3 minutes and read the following article:

WHO'S SMARTER?
by Cindy Osborne

The Hollywood group is at it again. Holding anti-war rallies,
screaming about the Bush Administration, running ads in major
newspapers, defaming the President and his Cabinet every chance
they get, to anyone and everyone who will listen. They publicly
defile them and call them names like "stupid", "morons", and
"idiots". Jessica Lange went so far as to tell a crowd in Spain
that she hates President Bush and is embarrassed to be an American.

So, just how ignorant are these people who are running the country?
Let's look at the biographies of these "stupid", "ignorant", "moronic"
leaders, and then at the celebrities who are castigating them:

President George W. Bush:
Received a Bachelors Degree from Yale University and an MBA from Harvard

Business School. He served as an F-102 pilot for the Texas Air National
Guard. He began his career in the oil and gas business in Midland, Tx.
in
1975 and worked in the energy industry until 1986. He was elected
Governor
on November 8, 1994, with 53.5 percent of the vote. In a historic
re-election victory, he became the first Texas Governor to be elected to

consecutive four-year terms on November 3, 1998 winning 68.6 percent of
the
vote. In 1998 Governor Bush won 49 percent of the Hispanic vote, 27
percent
of the African-American vote, 27 percent of Democrats and 65 percent of
women. He won more Texas counties, 240 of 254, than any modern
Republican
other than Richard
Nixon in 1972 and is the first Republican gubernatorial candidate to win

the heavily Hispanic and Democratic border counties of El Paso, Cameron
and Hidalgo. (Someone began circulating a false story about his I.Q.
being
lower than any other President. If you believed it, you might want to go
to
urbanlegends.com and see the truth.

Vice President Dick Cheney:
Earned a B.A. in 1965 and a M.A. in 1966, both in political science. Two

years later, he won an American Political Science Association
congressional
fellowship. One of Vice President Cheney's primary duties is to share
with
individuals, members of Congress and foreign leaders, President Bush's
vision to strengthen our economy, secure our homeland and win the War on

Terrorism. In his official role as President of the Senate, Vice
President
Cheney regularly goes to Capital Hill to meet with Senators and members
of
the House of Representatives to work on the Administration's legislative
goals. In his travels as Vice President, the has seen first hand the
great demands the war on terrorism is placing
on the men and women of our military, and he is proud of the tremendous
job they are doing for the United States of America.

Secretary of State Colin Powell:
Educated in the New York City public schools, graduating from the City
College of New York (CCNY), where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in
geology.
He also participated in ROTC at CCNY and received a commission as an
Army
second lieutenant upon graduation in June 1958. His further
academic achievements include a Master of Business Administration
Degree from George Washington University. Secretary Powell is the
recipient of numerous U.S. and foreign military awards and decorations.
Secretary Powell's civilian awards include two Presidential Medals of
Freedom, the President's Citizens Medal, the Congressional Gold Medal,
the Secretary of State Distinguished Service Medal, and the
Secretary of Energy Distinguished Service Medal. Several schools and
other institutions have been named in his honor and he holds honorary
degrees from universities and colleges across the country. (Note: He
retired as Four Star General in the United States Army)

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
Attended Princeton University on Scholarship (AB, 1954) and served in
the
U.S. Navy (1954-57) as a Naval aviator; Congressional Assistant to Rep.
Robert Griffin (R-MI), 1957-59; U.S. Representative, Illinois, 1962-69;
Assistant to the President, Director of the Office of Economic
Opportunity, Director of the Cost of Living Council, 1969-74; U..S.
Ambassador to NATO, 1973-74; head of Presidential Transition
Team, 1974; Assistant to the President, Director of White House
Office of Operations, White House Chief of Staff, 1974-77; Secretary
of Defense, 1975-77.

Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge:
Raised in a working class family in veterans' public housing in Erie. He

earned a scholarship to Harvard, graduating with honors in 1967. After
his
first year at The Dickinson School of Law, he was drafted into the U.S.
Army, where he served as an infantry staff sergeant in Vietnam, earning
the
Bronze Star for Valor. After returning to Pennsylvania, he earned his
Law
Degree and was in private practice before becoming Assistant District
Attorney in Erie County. He was elected to Congress in 1982. He was the

first enlisted Vietnam combat
veteran elected to the U.S. House, and was overwhelmingly
re-elected six times.

National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice:
Earned her Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Cum Laude and Phi
Beta
Kappa, from the University of Denver in 1974; her Master's from the
University of Notre Dame in 1975; and her Ph.D. from the Graduate School
of
International Studies at the University of Denver in 1981. (Note: Rice
enrolled at the University of Denver at the age of 15, graduating at 19
with
a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science (Cum Laude). She earned a
Master's
Degree at the University of Notre Dame and a Doctorate from the
University
of Denver's Graduate School of International Studies. Both of her
advanced
degrees are also in Political Science.)
She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and has
been awarded Honorary Doctorates from Morehouse College in 1991,
the University of Alabama in 1994, and the University of Notre Dame
in 1995. At Stanford, she has been a member of the Center for
International Security and Arms Control, a Senior Fellow of the
Institute
for International Studies, and a Fellow (by courtesy) of the Hoover
Institution. Her books include Germany Unified and Europe Transformed
(1995) with Philip Zelikow, The Gorbachev Era (1986) with Alexander
Dallin,
and Uncertain Allegiance: The Soviet Union and the Czechoslovak Army
(1984).
She also has written numerous articles on Soviet and East European
foreign
and defense policy, and has addressed audiences in settings ranging
from
the U.S. Ambassador's Residence in Moscow to the Commonwealth Club to
the
1992 and 2000 Republican National Conventions. From 1989 through March
1991,
the period of German reunification and the final days of the Soviet
Union,
she served in the Bush Administration as Director, and then Senior
Director,
of Soviet and East European Affairs in the National Security Council,
and a
Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. In
1986,
while an international affairs fellow of the Council on Foreign
Relations,
she served as Special Assistant to the Director of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff. In 1997, she served on the Federal Advisory Committee on Gender
--
Integrated Training in the Military. She was a member of
the boards of directors for the Chevron Corporation, the Charles
Schwab Corporation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the
University of Notre Dame, the International Advisory Council of J.P.
Morgan and the San Francisco Symphony Board of Governors. She
was a Founding Board member of the Center for a New Generation,
an educational support fund for schools in East Palo Alto and East
Menlo Park, California and was Vice President of the Boys and Girls
Club of the Peninsula. In addition, her past board service has
encompassed such organizations as Transamerica Corporation,
Hewlett Packard, the Carnegie Corporation, Carnegie Endowment for
International Peace, The Rand Corporation, the National Council for
Soviet and East European Studies, the Mid-Peninsula Urban
Coalition and KQED, public broadcasting for San Francisco. Born
November 14, 1954 in Birmingham, Alabama, she resides in Washington,
D.C.

So who are these celebrities? What is their education? What is their
experience in affairs of State or in National Security? While I will
defend to the death their right to express their opinions, I think that

if they are going to call into question the intelligence of our
leaders, we
should also have all the facts on their educations and background:

Barbra Streisand : Completed high school. Career: Singing and
acting

Cher: Dropped out of school in 9th grade. Career: Singing and acting

Martin Sheen: Flunked exam to enter University of Dayton. Career:
Acting

Jessica Lange: Dropped out college mid-freshman year. Career:
Acting

Alec Baldwin: Dropped out of George Washington U. after scandal.
Career: Acting

Julia Roberts: Completed high school. Career: Acting

Sean Penn: Completed High school. Career: Acting

Susan Sarandon: Degree in Drama from Catholic University of
America in Washington, D.C. Career: Acting

Ed Asner; Completed High school. Career: Acting

George Clooney: Dropped out of University of Kentucky. Career:
Acting

Michael Moore: Dropped out first year University of Michigan.
Career: Movie Director

Sarah Jessica Parker: Completed High School. Career: Acting

Jennifer Anniston: Completed High School. Career: Acting

Mike Farrell: Completed High school. Career: Acting

Janeane Garofelo: Dropped out of College. Career: Stand up
comedienne

Larry Hagman: Attended Bard College for one year. Career: Acting

While comparing the education and experience of these two groups,
we should also remember that President Bush and his cabinet are
briefed daily, even hourly, on the War on Terror and threats to our
security. They are privy to information gathered around the world
concerning the Middle East, the threats to America, the intentions of
terrorists and terrorist-supporting governments. They are in constant
communication with the CIA, the FBI, Interpol, NATO, The United
Nations, our own military, and that of our allies around the world.
We cannot simply believe that we have full knowledge of the threats
because we watch CNN!! We cannot believe that we are in any way
as informed as our leaders.

The ultimate irony is that many of these celebrities have made a
shambles of their own lives, with drug abuse, alcoholism, numerous
marriages and divorces, scrapes with the law, publicized temper
tantrums, etc. How dare they pretend to know what is best for an
entire nation! What is even more bizarre is how many people in this
country will listen and accept their views, simply because they liked
them in a certain movie, or have fond memories of an old television
sitcom!

[startn]

Thanks Rainemaker...Excellent Post!

[KellysMom]

Wow!!! That is an excellent post and I am in awe of the education and experiences that were detailed. I especially was pleasantly surprised by Condoleezza Rice's info. Thanks for the post.

[Luna Sea]

Excellent post, Rainemaker - thank you so much!!

It constantly amazes me the way Hollywood steps up to the plate to bash the President and his cabinet at every opportunity. They're like wild dogs, running in their little packs of derision and negativitism and smug superiority.

My suggestion: Anyone who is ashamed to be an American....should give up their citizenship and go live in one of these great countries where speaking your mind gets your a** killed and buried - and usually your family members as well. Your naiviete will come in handy there - for about 5 minutes. If that long.

Everybody is entitled to an opinion. If you hate war...fine. (Who actually loves it? Duh.) I just hope that all the little people (and I mean "little" in many ways) who want to attack our government and protest the war remember all the men and women over there risking their lives for YOU. Not just the Iraqis.....but YOU. We used to think America could go on its merry way and 9/11 taught us quite a different lesson. It's a big bad world out there and the bad guys don't always stay inside their boxes. Sometimes you have to go inside their box and kick their butts to keep them from coming here and trying to make their "point."

I hope none of these celeb big-mouths who are trying to be so d*mn cool for the moment have no family members over in Operation Freedom. I would be ashamed to be related to you. You're an actor/actress/ - get a grip - you're not a group of rocket scientists or brain surgeons. It makes me sad that we have made the acting profession so hallowed....when it is the military, police, fireman......(etc) that should be hallowed as the true heroes in this country. They are the ones making the real sacrifices. They risk their lives and they don't get paid millions of dollars either. They don't have posses or entourages. They don't ride in limousines and buy houses worth millions.

Bottomline here to me: Those would can...do. Those who have no clue....go to Hollywood and use the platforms of their pseudo-important lives to b*tch and whine.

No wonder all they wanna do is "play" other people. What else could they do?

Sorry for the tone but it makes me mad.

[marinnat]

Amen to that!

[littlred]

I honestly do not care about their education.... That has absoulty nothign to do with what is going on. As for Preisdnet Bush Being Briefed well of course they are.. someone needs to know what is going on... and make decisons weather bad ones or as many of you think ( good ones)

My honest opinion on Bush well I will be polite and say he just wanted to get in the History books. well he has.... And in my mind welll........

I am glad the "Actors" stand up and voice their opinion.

DEMOCRACY ........ That is what makes this country Great.... Even if we do not like what our Presidnet does.

(this may have nothing to do with the post I guess I am just voicing my opinioin about Bush here.)
yes I know I can't spell.....

[Luna Sea]

Hi Littlred...I totally respect your right to your opinion.... of anyone to their opinion. And Hollywood stars fall into that category as well. I did not mean to convey otherwise.

My whole problem with these high profile condemnations of President Bush and the war is the lack of respect it conveys for our men and women fighting this war. I like our President but I wish we didn't have to go to war, too. Ever. However, I do think we did the right thing and as long as our troops are deployed there (or anywhere), I will support them whole-heartedly. They are doing a heroic job and they deserve our respect and admiration whether you agree we should be over in Iraq or not.

I have to give Madonna (not one of my favorite people) credit in all this celeb hoopla - that she asked that her new "anti-war" video not be released in such a volatile time. And she clarified that even though she did not support President Bush that she did support our troops completely and prayed for them everyday. A very intelligent stance for people who usually don't publicly differentiate between their personal feelings about war and the support for our military who are bravely doing their job.

Hollywood stars love the spotlight and I think they are the ones who crave the attention that their speeches get them. If complaining about the President gets them 30 seconds of press - then that's what they're about. But sometimes it can turn and bite them on their cute little fannies. Ask Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks if she regrets attacking President Bush in public in London. The backlash from Americans was to the degree that their cd sales fell 40%.

Sure, I agree Natalie was entitled to her opinion. But her fans and radio stations also have a right to ban her for her opinion. Both sides are entitled and I support that 100%.

Ohh, yeah....Maines subsequently apologized and now is even saying in the New Zealand press that it was all a "joke." Yeppppp.........right.....and that makes it better? What is she going to say next....that she took some meds that made her talk outta her pretty blonde head? I guess she will say anything to get those sales back up and get radio stations to play their music again, I suppose.

Celebs must remember that they are famous because the people/fans make them famous and for no other reason. You can be the greatest actor in Pohunk, USA - but if your fan base is not huge - then you'll stay the best actor in Pohunk,USA and that's all. And if ya p*ss your fans off - then they quit buying your music, going to your concerts/movies, buying your movies and it may forever taint you to many folks, sorry to say. Many of you are too young to remember, but Jane Fonda struggled for years because of her pro-North Vietnam statements during the Vietnam war. She was referred to as "Hanoi Jane" and it hurt her popularity for a long time.

I truly don't believe Bush did this to get into a history book at all. Honestly, I believe our President wishes his father has taken Saddam Hussein out in the first Gulf War so he wouldn't have to deal with this now. That's my honest opinion and I guess we will have to agree to disagree on that one.

I truly think Saddam is/was a threat to the world and his neighbors in the region in particular. Plus, he has tortured and killed his own people for decades - so I think it is wonderful that he is being taken out. Most Americans don't have a clue what it's like to live until a evil regime such as Saddam Hussein's. The total inability to speak your mind. The fear of being tortured or killed because someone wanted to get their jollies or follow some heinous person's order for that day. The high level of poverty throughout the country in a rich land. Who wouldn't want to help them?

Many will argue..."war kills"......but it is the Saddam regime who chose to base their and the Republican Guard headquarters in residential areas...to use civilians as shields...to use schools, hospitals and mosques as hiding places to snipe at our soldiers....to kidnap their own children and women in order to force their fathers/husbands to fight for a cancerous, destructive government.

I am watching thousands of Iraqi people rejoicing on the streets in Northern Iraq and in Baghdad on MSNBC reporting even as I write this and I have to wonder - who could not be happy for them? A thousand people gathered in a field to give the American troops the "thumbs-up" as they pass through the town. It's great. I know we have a long way to go yet - but this is has to be exciting for those who have been under Saddam's thumb for so long.

And education does matter as does a history of service. I would much rather George Bush, Jr. be our presdient than Martin Sheen, Mr. Political "Where-Can-I-Get-Arrested-Next?" Activist. He plays a president on tv - and isn't qualified to actually be President in your wildest dreams. SO let the whiny little celebs complain to high heaven - and then go back to their "real worlds", where everyone waits on them hand and foot.....ohhhhh, they have a TRUE grasp of reality, don't they?

NOT!!

God bless our troops!

Have a great day all. Hugs!

[startn]

Hey Vickster!!!! Thanks so much for taking the time to do all my 'typing' for me.....you literally took the words out of my mouth. Most any 'ACTOR' has commented that 'Bad Publicity is better than No publicity'.....and that, in my opinion is their main motive, not exercising their 'Freedom of Speech.' And Jane Fonda is just one example of an Entertainer who choose to get on a soap box and speak out of the side of her 'A$$' without any knowledge of what the reality was of the Vietnam War. She deserved exactly what happened to her career....and if her last name hadn't been 'Fonda'......she would have faded into the 'Hollywood Woodwork' like so many others have.

And yes we are all entitled to our opinions....but sorry littlered...to say you don't care about 'their educations' when voicing your opinion of our current administration....is really showing your lack of knowledge in this whole situation. To say their education has 'nothing to do with it'.....is really an ignorant statement....Who would you like to be in office??? Michael Moore as President?? George Clooney as Vice President?? Martin Sheen as Secretary of State?? Oh, how about Natalie Maines as as National Security Advisor??

I support our President's decision...and very much support our troops, no matter where they might be sent. And as far as voicing your opinion on this is 'President trying to get into the History Books'.....Well here's my opinion. I 'Cheer and Support' a President who will commit to Free an entire people who have been oppressed, defamed, starved, torchered, raped, and murdered.' And if that gets him into the History Books....HURRAY.... At least he will get into the History Books for an 'Honorable' Administration'...Unlike his predicessor Clinton...who will be in the History Books for 'Lying, cheating, stealing, dishonoring his wife, daughter, our country, an administration, and for 'How creative he could be with his CIGAR!!!!'

[Luna Sea]

Originally posted by startn
To say their education has 'nothing to do with it'.....is really an ignorant statement....Who would you like to be in office??? Michael Moore as President?? George Clooney as Vice President?? Martin Sheen as Secretary of State?? Oh, how about Natalie Maines as as National Security Advisor??

Haaaaaaaaaaaa.....................that is so good. And God forbid.

Originally posted by startn
I 'Cheer and Support' a President who will commit to Free an entire people who have been oppressed, defamed, starved, torchered, raped, and murdered.' And if that gets him into the History Books....HURRAY....

Bravo!! Very well said!! I am very proud of our President.

[Ragarone]

BRAVO!!!

Startn, you said what I was thinking..........

[littlred]

OK .. yes I may not be fully up on the "WAR" but If I felt that an ACTOR would be a good canidate for President then I would fully vote for them. Education does not have to comein a form of a degree. Tha is just the "world" wants..

but anyway...
and as for President Bush and gettingin the history books I honestly think he would want it in anyway even if the "wAR" did not come up.

But again YES IF THERE WAS AN ACTOR who I think would do a great job . I would vote for Him or HER in a instant.

[Aunt T]

President Reagan was a great actor and a wonderful leader. Makes you wonder what his stance on the matter might be. If I had to guess, I think he would support the decision Bush made.

[Ragarone]

"Education does not have to comein a form of a degree. Tha is just the "world" wants.."

So, according to this statement you would be happy to seek medical treatment from a "doctor" without a degree...maybe even one who dropped out in his first year of college, just so long as it seems like he knows what he's talking about and has a large platform to voice his opinion, say perhaps on TV?

Or perhaps you'd be interested in retirement planning advice from a high school drop-out, just so long as his opinions were voiced to a large enough audience?

Are these situations different from the topic of the "war" or a president's education? Sure they are. The situations I mentioned would affect YOU personally.........the education of the politicians affects the entire world.


"and as for President Bush and gettingin the history books I honestly think he would want it in anyway even if the "wAR" did not come up."

Here's a newsflash: Every U.S. president goes down in the history books just for being president of the greatest country in the world!

[startn]

"WOOO HOOO RAGARONE!!"

Thumbs up to that!!

You hit it on the NailHead!! Boy the list goes on....and on....and on. Personally, I choose to research and find the 'most qualified' people...which means the best educated..in both 'degree and experience'....to hire for anything we need.

And Aunt T....you're so right..Ronald Reagan was a great actor..he's also highly educated.. He left acting..(smart man) to become a great Govenor and go on to become one of the greatest President's of this Century. And I agree...I think if he were able to voice his opinions...he would be backing President Bush's decision 100% If the leader's of our countries don't make decisions and take steps to move the world 'forward'....then what's the point in them being in office???

And yep....'Every President' goes down in the History Books...'HELL-O!!!'

[guiseppewv]

Originally posted by littlred
I honestly do not care about their education.... That has absoulty nothign to do with what is going on. As for Preisdnet Bush Being Briefed well of course they are.. someone needs to know what is going on... and make decisons weather bad ones or as many of you think ( good ones)

My honest opinion on Bush well I will be polite and say he just wanted to get in the History books. well he has.... And in my mind welll........

I am glad the "Actors" stand up and voice their opinion.

DEMOCRACY ........ That is what makes this country Great.... Even if we do not like what our Presidnet does.

(this may have nothing to do with the post I guess I am just voicing my opinioin about Bush here.)
yes I know I can't spell.....

littlred I think you are missing the boat. Look not just at their education but at their accomplishments. For crying out loud Ms. Rice got her bachelor's at age 19. Tom Ridge got drafted and went to 'nam and then went to get his law degree. The list goes on and on.

A few things that were left out of Tom Ridge's bio:
Ridge was twice elected Governor of Pennsylvania, serving from 1995 to 2001. He kept his promise to make Pennsylvania "a leader among states and a competitor among nations." Governor Ridge's aggressive technology strategy helped fuel the state's advances in the priority areas of economic development, education, health and the environment.

The Governor Ridge cut taxes every year he was in office. To ensure Pennsylvania was home to the jobs of the future, the Governor created industry-led Greenhouse initiatives in advanced computing technologies and the life sciences.

He signed into law the Education Empowerment Act, to help more than a quarter-million children in Pennsylvania's lowest-performing schools. His education technology initiatives brought anytime, anywhere learning to Pennsylvanians from pre-school to adult education.

During his years in the Governor's office the number of children receiving free or low-cost health care through Pennsylvania's nationally recognized Children's Health Insurance Program increased by 145 percent increase.

Governor Ridge's common sense Land Recycling Program is a national model. He won passage of "Growing Greener," to make Pennsylvania's largest environmental investment ever, nearly $650 million.

I am not from PA but from right over the border in WV.

I was amazed by Condolezza Rice's accomplishments. I knew she is an intelligent, out-spoken, and well educated person but I did not know about the rest of her accomplishments. GREAT INFO & A GREAT POST!!!! Here are some links to their bios:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/nsc/ricebio.html
http://www.whitehouse.gov/homeland/ridgebio.html
and you can find the bio on every one of Bush's cabinet members here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/cabinet.html

[Ragarone]

Speaking of the B*tch, Jane Fonda.....look what this piece of crap is saying now:

Jane Fonda fears wrath of 'entire world'
Associated Press
Apr. 9, 2003 07:10 AM


VANCOUVER - Jane Fonda told a Canadian audience that she fears the U.S. campaign in Iraq will turn people all over the world against America.

"What it's going to mean for (America's) stability as a nation, for terrorism, for the economy - I can't imagine," Fonda said Tuesday. "I think the entire world is going to be united against us."

That frightens her, she said, but she isn't sure what Americans can do about it.

"I don't know if a country where the people are so ignorant of reality and of history, if you can call that a free world," she said.

Fonda, 65, has been the target of criticism for decades for her opposition to the Vietnam War and for posing overseas with members of the opposition's military.

When she was in North Vietnam during the Vietnam War, Fonda said she saw a small performance of a play intended to teach villagers that there were "good Americans and bad Americans" even as U.S. bombs fell on their country.

She said she hopes Iraqis and others who might suffer from American attacks will feel the same as Vietnamese people she met, who told her "someday the war will be over and we're going to have to be friends again."

Fonda made her comments in Vancouver as part of the Unique Lives and Experiences lecture series. She also discussed Canada, the war, her acting career, and her three marriages and divorces.

[guiseppewv]

Some things never change. She is a bitch and an unpatriotic one at that.