Wake Up Call

This morning, a friend in films asked me to name my favorite leading man. Anthony Hopkins came to mind, for his breadth and mastery, he is hard to beat. I had to beg time to think for any recommendations on new guys, as I don't watch many movies, but only those which might be a good use of my time.

So I asked some friends for their opinions. Leonardo DiCaprio, they feel is maturing well, becoming more thoughtful in his performances. Johnny Depp has a wide range of talents and roles, does informed comedy well. Neal Patrick Harris was mentioned. Hugh Jackman appears to have it all, and is versatile, capable of depth.

The list of American actors was short. In fact, nonexistent. It was observed that American audiences seem obsessed with action and silliness and violence. No wonder we have a PR problem throughout the world.

Our current roster of GOP candidates, as demonstrated in the MSNBC Republican debate this past Wednesday evening, reflect the unfortunate stereotypical American to much of the rest of the world. It's, frankly, embarrassing. The biggest applause and response from the Republican audience at the Reagan Library event came in response to Rick Perry's gloating over the extensive use of the death penalty in the state of Texas, the state for which he is Governor.

Is this the face of America that you would prefer be presented to the world? That selection of individuals most certainly do not represent my values, views, and strategies for problem solving. The Tea Party movement has hijacked the once respectable Republican party. And by once, I mean a long time ago. The party has evolved into a seemingly uninformed, heartless, money-grubbing, scheming mob bent on destruction of the President, the Democratic Party, the United States, and the rest of the world - in that order.

They do not represent my values. I would not even choose one of them for an acting role, let alone the leader of the country that represents the beacon of hope and promise to the rest of the world. So, no, none will get my nomination for best leading man.

Wake up, America.