Asses on parade.

American Stars Slam Bush Over Iraq at Berlin Fest [This link picked up from Rod Dreher on The Corner, but it's been covered extensively in the blogosphere elsewhere.]

Just the money quotes:

Spike Lee: "When you think about it, the German and French governments should be commended."

For violating the sanctions they voted for? For violating those sanctions for ooooooiiiiiiilllll? Just what is it about France and Germany you like best, the virulent anti-Americanism or the staunch refusal to obey the rules they set for others?

"Too many people are being bowled over by Bush and Tony Blair in Britain. It's ludicrous to expect the whole world to follow what they want. America doesn't have the moral right to tell other people what to do. To say the whole world has to fall into line is you-know-what. I hope more people will rise up."

So do I. I'd like to see the Iraqis rise up and wrest control of their country from the genocidal maniac currently running it, but I suspect that's not what you were referring to.

Ed Norton: "I hope the world community will continue to voice itself and apply pressure on the U.S. American citizens have to do it too. It's dismaying to see the unilateralism that the government is doing. They're aren't enough rational steps."

”Doing” unilateralism. It’s somewhat disheartening to me to see Norton dismissing the voices of Britain, Australia, Spain, Italy, and pretty much all of eastern Europe raised in support of the US as though they didn’t exist. But perhaps it is difficult for Mr. Norton to grasp figures larger than…er…one.

"It's nice being in Europe this week," he added. "Almost everyone in Germany and France is in sync with the governments. I almost forgot what it's like to be proud of my government."

Check the recent election results in Germany--I don't think the Germans are quite as "in-sync" with Schroeder as you--and undoubtedly, he--would like to believe. As for the French--well, given the fact that the French government is trying to stage a breathtakingly arrogant power grab for control of the EU, is it really a surprise that the eternally self-regarding French would be in perfect agreement with such a move? As for your lack of pride in your own citizenship, I can’t say I’m terribly surprised.

Rosario Dawson: "Any dissenting opinion is considered unpatriotic. It makes me upset. I'm embarrassed. It's my hope that Americans won't jump on anyone having a dissenting opinion."

No, no, sweetie—we’re not saying you’re unpatriotic, we’re saying you’re dumb and willfully ignorant. There’s a difference. Don’t worry your pretty little head over it, dear, the grown-ups are dealing with the problem.

Barry Pepper, Canadian actor guy: "We're going to send our boys and girls overseas to kill -- and that's pretty sad."

Hell, this one counts as positively benign. He gets a pass.

Dustin Hoffman: "If there is no direct threat why are we invading?"

Translation: “Unless I am personally threatened in some way I see no reason to intervene.” There are people who are being raped, tortured, and killed by Saddam Hussein, Mr. Hoffman. The fact that you do not personally know any of them does not render their lives any less important than yours. Ishtar might tip the balance the other way, in fact. I’m just sayin’, don’t push your luck.

Martin Scorsese: "It seems to me that any sensible person must see that violence does not change the world and if it does, then only temporarily. There must be people who remember World War II and the Holocaust who can help us get out of this rut."

Yes, that’s right, he’s using WWII and the Holocaust to argue against intervention to remove a genocidal dictator. Does anyone have any idea which side he’s actually on? Anyone? Bueller?

A long list of Hollywood stars, including Martin Sheen, Sean Penn and Robert Redford, have spoken out against a new Gulf War. More than 100 celebrities have signed an open letter urging Bush to give peace a chance.

Ok, here’s the deal: there have to be a few A-list names on that letter, right? Put that sumbitch on E-bay, use the proceeds to buy ammo for the troops, and send a personal letter of thanks to each and every signer to thank them for their personal contribution to the war effort. Let some good come out of this rampant, venal stupidity.