Bonus Oscar rant...yet another reason why we like you Schumck! Couldn't agree with you more.

Just as you are tired, Peter, of having actors lecture us on politics and ethics, I am tired of sportswriters doing so.

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Pete's reply: Then I suggest you read somebody else. I have no problem with Sean Penn blogging or expressing his opinion or whatever. I may actually agree with some of his opinions, though probably not many. What he did last night was embarrass himself. If you're going to be a self-righteous ass on national television, then at least do your homework.

I agree Pete. I always find it funny how if you're an actor you're suddenly a political expert. How can a group of people who have so little in common with the average person lecture them on how to live and think? What's perhaps worse is the people who listen to them.

Although I know this is a sports blog, I couldn't agree more with you about being tired of the Hollywood lectures on all things politics, social or otherwise. I feel sorry for those who allow themselves to be guided in any way by these ridiculously wealthy, social misfits we call "stars." They are so out of touch with reality that listening to them about anything has to be about the most misguided exercise possible. These people have so much to "say", but their actions certainly speak louder than their words. Sustain a real human relationship and then start telling me what I should do in my life.

Sorry Pete you must still have sleep eye. Penn and Zaun don't look a like.

We need an investigation into the case of the missing Zaun mullet. That thing was classic. Bring it back!

I didn't watch the show last night and this is actually the first I'm reading of Penn's nonsense. Why on earth do these Hollywood types feel the need to speechify? Do they really think anybody wants their opinions?

I haven't seen a Hollywood movie in probably four or five years, and can't say I regret the decision for a second.

Hi, I'm sorry to pick a non-Oriole and if you choose not to post this, I'll understand, but since you are doing this, I feel absolutely compelled to point out how much Alexander Ovechkin favors Cillian Murphy who played the lead on the movie 28 Days Later. They may have even talked about this on an ESPN show, but the resemblance really is uncanny and it would not surprise me one bit if we heard at some point that they were long lost brothers. Okay, sorry about that, back to Orioles (sorry, I can't match any actors with O's in my head)...

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Pete's reply: No problem. Thanks for expanding the subject to hockey.

PLEASE keep the politics out of your blog. I can usually count on an amount of enlightenment. Sean Penn is one of the most disgusting people you could mention. Anti- American marxists have no place here. Keep to sports.

Touchee Pete!

You really know how to cover all your bases (no pun intended). Your buddy C4 I'm sure got a laugh out of this one.

I read where you got the Oscar for the whitest dude (without a tan that is) wearing a Hawaiian shirt. Maybe by the end of spring trainning you'll at least look like you belong in a Hawaiian shirt.

Just kidding of course, you're the BOMB! It's that we're all jealous you're in Florida and we're still here in the cold. BTW, my son just had his last indoor baseball workout yesterday. Next week they start outdoors. Send some warm air up this way.

Pete, I am a loyal reader of your blog (essential reading for any O's fan). But may I suggest that you keep it to the Orioles? This mocking screed against Penn - one of America's greatest living actors - comes off, perhaps unintentionally, as a neocon rant - to me at least.

And sorry, but I don't see the resemblance between Penn and Zaun. I do think you look a bit like Jim Hunter however!

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Pete's reply: Penn is undoubtedly one of the greatest living American actors, and I am a fan of his when he's acting. I'm not a neo-con. Just someone who doesn't like seeing the Oscars hi-jacked by self-absorbed ego maniacs who think they are on a higher moral plane than the rest of us, especially when they can't even get their facts straight.

Right...Left it's all BS. Can we at least keep the political BS out of baseball discussions where there's more than enough BS to go around without adding to it.

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Pete's reply: Most of the time, but I rant once in awhile and the great thing about it is, you can just click off and come back later...or not. Nobody is forcing you to read me and at least I'm not forcing my way into your living room in prime time to shame you into agreeing with me.

Aubrey Huff - Seth Rogan
Melvin Mora - Don Cheadle
Brian Roberts - younger Kevin Costner
Adam Jones - young Forest Whitaker
Nick Markakis - Michael Imperioli

That was fun !!

You are right about one thing.... Leave politics and social issues out of your blog. You won't regret it.

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Pete's reply: Yes I will. I'm going to rant once in awhile. It's a blog.

Aubrey Huff - John C. Reilly
Adam Jones - Jamie Foxx
Brian Roberts - Steve Burns ( from Blue's Clues)
Melvin Mora - Mos Def
Nick Markakis - Adrian Brody
Luke Scott - Daniel Day-Lewis
"Skip" Trembley - William Shatner
Amber Theoharis - Herself
Peter Schmuck - Jay Leno or John Goodman --- I think both are available.

Thanks, Pete. I'm of the opinion that actors and musicians should stick to entertaining people. I'm pretty sure that Clooney, Penn (Sean, not Hayden), Sarandon, and Robbins (among others) are all empty-headed dolts who follow whichever cause their publicists tell them to follow. But they make pretty good movies. They should all stick with their strengths.

Aubrey Huff = Arthur Lake ie: Dagwood Bumstead

This is Jeff Spicoli we're talking about here.

"All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I'm fine."

If you want to meet a good Oscar, try talking to our Oscar Salzar, Peter. Looks you in the eye. Smiles. Makes you feel improtant. Answers questions from a fan. And, he hits. If the O's do not keep him, let's hope he gets an opportunity with someone else. Soon. A nice person is Oscar Salazar.

Good article! There is nothing like starting Monday morning with a little politics and some over paid actor or actress telling you how you are suppose to think!

Just couldn't help yourself could you? How are your pals George W and Sarah Palin doing these days? Why go there Peter? Your just a sports guy, remember that.

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Pete's reply: No I'm not, actually. Got a talkshow on Friday where we talk about this stuff. I really wasn't making a political comment. If Dennis Miller or Tom Selleck got up there and ranted about something on the right, and couldn't even get the most important fact straight, I'd rip him too. You know, you sound a little defensive for a guy who just had the most satisfying presidential election of your life.

I say Samuel L. Jackson brings back his role as Jules from Pulp Fiction to play Nick Markakis in the Orioles movie. Only because of the new hair due Nick has been rocking so far this year.

They're not lecturing Peter, they're just giving an opinion! Nobody's forcing you to listen to them, same as if a politician (or sportswriter) says something you don't agree with. Between the internet and digital cable there's no reason we should feel captive to any celebrity's opinions any more.

Anyway, I like Penn as Zaun, but Sean would definitely have to bulk up to pull off a major league catcher. As for the rest, Tom Cruise plays the eager Brian Roberts, Jamie Foxx as speedy centerfielder Adam Jones, Gary Sinise as the gruff Aubrey Huff, Clive Owen for Markakis, and Lou Diamond Phillips as the veteran leader Mora.

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Pete's reply: I disagree a bit. I didn't have a problem with the screenwriter's comments that were similar to Penn's, because they were an opinion and they were clearly from the heart. Penn did lecture us. He said that if we didn't agree with him on this controversial subject, our grandchildren would be ashamed of us someday. I think that's totally different and -- in that situation -- inappropriate. Just my opinion.

Personally, I love it when Oscar winners mouth off about politics. The whole Oscar TV production is always so overblown, long, and boring, it's nice to see something - anything - that can wake a viewer up from the dead.

Pete:

Adam Jones - Cuba Gooding, Jr.
Nick Markakis - Ashton Kutcher
Melvin Mora - Garrett Morris (of Chico Esuela fame)
Brian Roberts - Justin Long
Dave Tremblay - William Shatner
Aubrey Huff - Vince Vaughan

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Pete's reply: Vince Vaughn? Wait til you see pitcher Ryan Keefer. He's going to be played by Vince Vaughn.

For a Schmuck, you sure hit the nail on the head regarding the Oscar Rant. At first I wasn't sure if you were pissed off at Salazar, I sure enjoyed it.

Pete, talk about it, or don't, buddy - you can't have it both ways.

Too few people can have a grown-up discussion about this; get ready to have to weed out a lot of feedback.

A primary role of the arts is social commentary. Every Best Picture nominated film last night was social commentary. Of course the artists who are inspired to make and write these films will keep lecturing. That's o.k. by me. I don't mind thinking.

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Pete's reply: I don't mind thinking either, and I think he sounded like an idiot.

Oh no, does this mean you're a republican schmuck?

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Pete's reply: That's not material to the discussion. Again, if the guy had done the same thing and said something that the right would applaud, I would still have ripped him. I don't like being lectured in that manner by somebody who's personal behavior doesn't fit his self-righteous manner. And, if you're going to do it anyway, have your facts straight. I just thought it was funny that in the same breath he shamed anyone who was against gay marriage and complimented President Obama, who says he is against gay marriage. Doesn't anyone else find that a little bit amusing?

huff=michael rappaport
mora=omar epps
roberts=sean astin
markakis=michael scofield
jones=jamie foxx

Bravo on your bonus rant. I, like you, don't really care about gay marriage, but you knew Penn would win best actor. Why? Because he's an ultra-liberal who was promoting the liberal agenda. The award hasn't been about acting talent for a long time.

Peter: Sadly, the argument you make -- a compelling one -- was one of the arguments used to re-elect George W. Bush in 2004 by marginalizing people who spoke against him.

If you'll allow the sweep of history into it, who could have most safely and influentially spoken against the rise of Stalin, Mao or Hitler? Who could today speak out against despots like Putin and Hugo Chavez with the greatest impact? Popular actors.

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Pete's reply: I don't remember the Bush/Gore election quite the same way. Plenty of people spoke out against Bush with impunity, and Gore probably lost the electoral college because of he was caught between a rock and a hard place with regards to Bill Clinton.

Pete: I agree. Can't they get it? Just entertain us, Hollywood. It also does not help matters that many of the Hollywood crowd are, essentially, uneducated, and their refrains normally lack any serious substance. They sound like fools most of the time. Anyway, well stated rant, and your thoughts are echoed by many..

Peter,
We all have rights. I will now avail myself of the right to get all of my baseball updates from Roch. He'll give me baseball and humor, and spare me the politics.
By the way, Sean Penn didn't tie the Gay rights part of his speach to the Obama reference. They were seperate comments. You chose to join them. Bigotry is very tough to hide Petey, it sits there between the lines of what you write and betrays you.

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Pete's reply: Please, if you're going to accuse me of being a bigot for failing to agree with you, please move on down the road.

Peter, you continue to live up to your slogan. Way to go.

Pete, good to read your article! I can't believe all the backlash this would cause with other people and yes I do find the Irony in Penn's statement pretty funny. Hope your enjoying the weather and look forward to more of your reports!

Oh and Peter, maybe you should get your facts straight. Obama made it very clear that he opposed prop 8 (which is the proposition Penn addressed is his speech).

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Pete's reply: He also made it very clear that he personally opposes gay marriage. So, I presume from Penn's comments, that Obama's grandchildren will someday be ashamed of him.

Young Robert De Niro as Markakis.

Randy Quaid as Aubrey Huff.

Bam Margera from J@ck@ss as Luke Scott

Robbie Benson as Brian Roberts

pete,

first off, i don't see any reason to hold actors to a higher standard than anyone else. It's his right to say anything he wants. And it may even be his duty to use his platform to provide a voice to things he values beyond entertainment.

second, clinging to your argument about knowing Barack's core beliefs better than Sean Penn by referencing campaign statements seems to me a bit tenuous. Barack's position as a representative of all the people in the United States demands that he make compromises. He must make choices about which issues are most important and constantly take into account the beliefs of opposing parties in the interests of the greater good.

As a side note, both Barack and John Mccain decried the practice of mountain top removal during their campaign in my beloved Appalachia. In response to dubious district court rulings last week, the coal companies will be rushing to get as much coal out of the ground as possible this year. They will be blowing up mountains, filling rivers and decimating the socio-economic future of countless small towns. But I do not expect that Barack will intercede to stop this as he had indicated he would in his campaign platform. I do not know how he feels personally but i do know what he said during his campaign. And i do know that he must continue to make compromises, to reach out and understand the values of his opposition.

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Pete's reply: Are you saying that he really holds a different opinion than he stated, but lied about it to make sure he got elected. Politicians don't do that kind of thing, do they?

Was I crazy for seeing a resemblance between Adam Loewen and Heath Ledger?

Sadly, it looks like neither will show up in the Oriole movie, huh?

I didn't watch the Oscars, and I think your entry may have confused people into thinking that *you* were making the gay marriage judgement, not just referencing Sean Penn. A closer read reveals otherwise.

Either way, I'm still reading. Thanks for the blog, and I always enjoy the resemblance game!

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Pete's reply: Indeed, it's not an issue I really have much of an opinion on either way. I was making a statement on the inconsistency of Penn's statement.

Sure are a lot of defensive readers here...I guess if you don't mind Penn's bluster, but can't stand for Schmuck (or anyone else) to comment on it, then you are pretty closed minded to any viewpoint but your own...to the point where someone who may agree with Penn's viewpoint is criticized for commenting on the way in which Penn delivered it...

Adam Jones - Jamie Foxx
Aubrey Huff - Will Ferrell
Dave Trembley - William Shatner
Melvin Mora - Don Cheadle
Jeremy Guthrie - Keanu Reeves
Brian Roberts - Ben Stiller
Nick Markakis - James Franco
Peter Angelos - Danny McBride (in old man make-up)
Greg Zaun - John C. Reilly
Andy McPhail - William C. Macy

Hey Pete,

I'm here to talk about baseball, and frankly, you are entitled to your opinion about anything you want, just like everyone else...it is YOUR blog after all

Sheesh, you make an observation about Penn's comments, and suddenly all of cyberspace in down your throat...some people read a little too much into your comments, but oh well.

Anyway, I like Michael rappaport as Huff, and DEFINITELY jamie foxx as Jones, that's a no-brainer. I laughed out loud at Steve Burns as B-Rob, but it really works perfectly. As would a Mos Def Melvin Mora

How about:
Jean-Claude Van Damme as Jeremy Guthrie?
Kevin Costner as BJ Surhoff (when he gets to camp)

I am sure that Sean Penn loves everyone, except for those who disagree with him.

I personally believe that tolerance is an illusion. We are all intolerant. We only differ over the things we are willing to tolerate.

You are right about one thing Pete, Penn is an idiot. A very good actor, but an idiot just the same. He may even be worst than Barbara Striestand. While some actors have the ability to express their political point of view in a fashion that can be tolerated, even if you may disagree, most of them expell somewhat moronic garbage.

Melvin Mora - Don Cheadle
Brian Roberts - Paul Rudd
Aubrey Huff - Jason Segel
Nick Markakis - Vin Diesel
Adam Jones - Jamie Foxx

Blog about whatever you want to blog about. I'll be readin'.

"I'm not commenting on the gay marriage issue here one way or the other."

With respect, Pete, of course you are. By using words like "condescending", "lecturing", your position is clear, and you are therefore using the column to comment.

"Barack Obama and vice president Joe Biden said repeatedly during the campaign that they are personally opposed to gay marriage"

Obama said it should be left up to the states, and he specifically opposed Proposition 8, the ban that Penn referred to. Get your facts straight.

"Penn taking time out from punching photographers..."

Right. I'm sure if you found the paparazzi IN your hotel room or at your brother's funeral, you'd treat them with grace, you classy guy. Good that you dredge up something that happened over a decade ago, too. Have yo udone annything in the last 12 years you regret?

Penn won the award for a film that documented one man's sacrifice in an battle to gain civil rights. To accept the award, he had to drive past signs on Hollywood Blvd that said, "God hates fags." Given what the film represents, I don't think it was inappropriate for him to comment on the situation. He certainly had more context to do so than you do here.

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Pete's reply: I disagree. This is a blog and opinion is expected. It is my forum. He hijacked somebody else's forum. I suspect if you had disagreed with his comments you wouldn't be upset. I have no problem with you disagreeing with me, because that's what a blog is all about.

Pete--You can call Sean Penn's comments a "lecture" or you can call them an "opinion." And you can find it amusing that he didn't have his facts straight.

Penn didn't offend me. Let him express himself. You don't have to like it. And obviously you don't.

Fine.

How's Hayden Penn doing, anyway?

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Pete's reply: Fine. He looks pretty good, but we're only seeing guys warm up.

This happens at the Oscars nearly every year - sorry, you didn't see it coming. I didn't see your politcal rant coming when I clicked on your misleading title here, inviting you into my home expecting Orioles news/commentary.
Just as you may feel last night's show was hi-jacked, I feel this sports page was hi-jacked. Yes, I have the option to click-off, turn to another sports site. You had the same options, last night - change the channel, turn-off the tube.
I fail to see how you can condemn Penn's stealthy delivery of his opinion while basically using the same tactic.

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Pete's reply: Nothing stealthy about mine. This is my forum. He hijacked someone else's. That's rude. There is a difference.

Can't agree with you more Pete. I even agree with Penn that the unequal treatment of a certain population of America is deplorable. However, its an award show, thank the academy and get off the stage. It would be like a hall of fame baseball player accepting his honor with a diatribe about some political situation. Its an inappropriate place to do it.

anyway, I think this is one of the most spirited blogs of all time...sadly not about the O's winning a World Series!

1. Chico Esquela as Melvin Mora

2. Eventhough he's not an actor, Bo
Jackson as Adam Jones

3. Any hot blonde as Amber Theoharris!!!!!!!!!!!!

Zaun looks like he's about 50 in that picture.

Not to contradict you but the facts are politicians say whatever is necessary to get elected. I believe right or wrong that once the economy isn't the key issue their positions on same sex marriage change. Don't think Penn is as offbase there as you indicate - that will likely be the only time I ever communicate those words. Obama was pandering for voters, not that I blame him, and a liberal party with control of congress will make this an issue at some point soon on a national stage not just in California.

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Pete's reply: You're probably right. My gripe was about the way he did what he did, not what he said. The screenwriter said made his acceptance speech about gay rights and I had no problem with him, because it was a heartfelt reaction. I took issue with Penn's lecturing tone and the fact that he didn't have his facts straight.

Peter, you're not going to believe this, but I was thinking last night every time they showed Penn in the audience that his facial expressions reminded me of those of Zaun.
Regarding politics..... I believe that morally conscientious people who are blessed with notariety of any kind have a dutiful obligation to use the public attention which accompanies that notariety as a bully pulpit in order to at least make their fans aware of whatever person, persons, groups, organizations, races, or even species are having struggles or suppressive experiences imposed upon them which those people believe to be unjust.
I personally find the entire concept of gayness to be fraudulent as well as a distasteful mockery of traditional decent behavior.
However, I defend Penn's right and moral obligation to publicly expound on what he believes to be an injustice regarding gayness.
But if he MUST volunteer to do this.... I also concur with you, Peter, that he should first get all the facts in order before mixing heroes and superlatives. Sometimes that bully pulpit can turn into a rope with which those who use it only half prepared can easily hang themselves.

I love the Shatner as Trembley suggestions I've read here. Also the Stiller as Roberts.... perfect!
Here's a couple of mine:
Adam Jones played by Eric Davis.
Koji Uehara played by Yo Yo Ma.
The young Peter Angelos played by Nick Markakis.
Aubrey Huff played by Ty Wigginton.
Roch Kubatko played by young Red Skelton.

Pete,
Come on, Dude, Penn is not only one of the best actors in film, but he has real credibility--more so than a sports writer--to actually talk about issues in the real world. The fact is that outside of Saudi Arabia the last bastion of homophobia may actually be fundamentalist so-called Christian churches and professional sports. And while Obama is technically opposed to "gay marriage," he is strenuously in favor of federal recognition of civil unions--as are a majority of Americans. Homophobia is simply no longer cool, and equal justice under the law is an eventuality. Here's my question Pete--and all the haters chiming in: what are you so afraid of?

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Pete's reply: Why am I a hater for expressing an opinion about Penn's rude behavior and you're not a hater for ripping into Christian churches? Please explain your logic there. At least I try to be fair. And, while I'm on the subject, homophobia was never cool, but it isn't homophobia to ascribe to a certain religious belief about the nature of marriage. I believe Obama said just that in his most revealing interview on the subject.

Nick Markakis - Gabe Kaplan
Peter Angelos - Peter Lorre
Melvin Mora - Garrett Morris

Generally love Sean Penn, but understand your point on the "holier than thou" attitude. That said, I don't understand what you mean by Penn not having his facts straight. What "fact" did he have wrong? Based on your post it isn't even really hypocritical. He can be happy that Obama is eloquent even if he isn't happy about his views on gay marriage.

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Pete's reply: Maybe, but it sure sounded hypocritical to me.

Has to be William Shatner for Dave Trembley

A reference to punching photographers? cheap shot, considering it happened over 20 years ago. And I doubt that Mr. Penn's "logic" is as flawed as you assert. Likely Obama and Biden both support equal rights in all social issues including marriage, regardless of their stated positions in a campaign. After all, gay marriage is obviously a highly polarizing and emotional issue, as evidenced by some of the posts here, so it would not be politically prudent to be an open advocate just now. Go O's, shock the baseball world.

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Pete's reply: I think you may be right about Obama and Biden, but then of course you have to concede that Obama is just another self-serving politician who'll say whatever it takes to get elected. I hope that is not the case.

Pete: For the record, not Bush/Gore. Bush II: The Empire Strikes Back.

If you don't like listen to celebrity rants on morality maybe you should avoid a show full of nothing but celebrities with causes and an open mic? That is like going to an Orioles / Yankees game and being dissapointed to see New York fans. What did you expect? It's not like you came to a blog looking for news on the Orioles and instead had to read some random writer's rant on Sean Penn's political opinion. Just seems,well , hypocritical. Either way, I am going to take your advice. School of Roch, here I come. Click!

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Pete's reply: Say hi to Roch for me. There's nothing random about my rants. I'm here and my name is at the top of the page, and it says in the introduction that I'll voice an opinion on whatever I please, though 99 percent will be on sports. The difference is that this is my forum. The Oscars are not Penn's. I do, however, accept your Yankee comparison, which was pretty good.

I often find Sean Penn annoying, but I agree with him that the grandchildren of anti-gay marriage (read: anti-gay) people will indeed be ashamed, the way that grandchildren of racists are ashamed of their grandparents. I have no interest in marrying another man, but I still see this is a pure equal rights issue, and I thought this was one of his least obnoxious outbursts ever.

Frankly, I find your anger misplaced and a little unsettling. Surely there are greater injustices in the world than Sean Penn misrepresenting the president's official stance on gay marriage (I guess that's what you're upset with? I can't even tell, really).

If you were shocked that Sean Penn brought politics into his acceptance speech for playing Harvey Milk, you might be better off without a TV. Also, he punched a photographer, what, 20, 25 years ago? I think America has moved past that one.

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Pete's reply: I wasn't the least bit surprised, but felt it was rude. And I have no idea what anybody's grandchildren will think about gay marriage. I think they'll be too busy paying off the national debt to care about much at all.

All I know is Bruce Willis and Cal look alike. As far as Penn getting the Oscar you had to know it would happen because Hollywood these days is more about pushing the left's social agenda.The only movies i watch anymore is super hero movies. I thought Downey Jr. was great in Iron Man but he gets nom in that idiotic Vietnam movie.

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Pete's reply: I have no problem with Penn getting the Oscar for playing Harvey Milk. I'm from California and remember that incident well. Penn is a wonderful actor. I just don't want him to lecture me. Wouldn't want Bill O'Reilly to lecture me either.

Peter,
I find it ironic that people will defend/protect a persons rights and in the very next sentence judge your opinions and yur right to say what is on your mind because it is not pc (or because you should stick with sports).

Pete - I thought this was a great blog. Amazing how many of your left-leaning hate filled posters come out of the woodwork when you post something negative about one of their Hollywood heroes. Btw - the statements of the current President (Hope and Change) all have experation dates on them.

Mr. Schmuck: You do not elevate yourself when you criticize other people in your writing. Secondly, why was it important to you to criticize Sean Penn in your sports blog? Sometimes your writing becomes mystifying instead of informative.

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Pete's reply: I wasn't trying to elevate myself. I think that's what Penn was doing and it was obnoxious. Let me get something straight, this is a blog. It's going to have some info. Some opinions. Some jokes (hopefully funny ones) . And some anger on occasion. It's not a newsletter full of baseball stats. About 99 percent of it is directly related to sports. You'll have to put up with the other one percent...or not, if you choose.

Pete,

I love reading your blogs and articles and I could care less if our political leanings are similar or different. I also have no care about Sean Penn one way or the other. But, I cannot figure out what you are talking about when you say his comments last night were inconsistent. His reference to Obama being elegant had nothing to do with the Obama's opinion on gay marriage, as my ears understood his speech. I thought he was simply saying the current President acts like a mature, educated gentleman and leader, with his description of elegant. So, I do not see any "inconsistency" anywhere. As for his comment that folks grandchildren would be embarassed, I thought that was a well stated shot over the bow aimed at the same kind of folks down here in the south who's grandchildren ARE TODAY embarassed for their grandparents behavior towards people of color in the 40's,50's,60's etc... I'm white and I'm damn embarassed about a whole lot of people's grandparents regarding that disgrace in our history.

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Pete's reply: I agree with much of what you're saying, but the fact is, he said that the grandchildren of people who are against gay marriage will be ashamed of their grandparents. Obama has publicly said he is against gay marriage for religious reasons. Therefore, whether he's eloquent or not, his grandchildren -- in Sean Penn's perfect world -- will be ashamed of him. Just pointing that out. I had no problem with the screenwriter making a comment in support of gay rights because it was consistent with the content of the script that obviously came from the heart. Penn was of a very different tone and I found it inappropriate. Just my opinion.

A few things:

1. Complaining about actors going on political screeds is just unoriginal. If you're gonna write and post it, at least try and form an interesting thought.

2. You might be right about the inconsistency in regards to Penn's speech and Obama's position on gay marriage. So what? Your "insight" is extremely simple; maybe worthy of a passing comment, certainly not worthy to be written down. It comes off as angry. Not clever. Not funny. Not related to sports.

Only criticizing because I enjoy the blog and, while not opposed to political commentary, I wish you could maybe be more thoughtful in the future.

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Pete's reply: I believe it was one paragraph out of my last 900 entries. Don't think that qualifies as a lengthy and significant screed. And, I have to say, this uninteresting thought has generated more responses than anything else I've written in weeks, including one from you that was twice as long as the original entry. I think that's why they call it a blog and I appreciate you joining in.

Why should actors have any less right to express their political opinions than sports bloggers?

I'm not sure the average sports blogger is any more politically informed than Sean Penn. Just my guess.

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Pete's reply: He's got every right to express his opinion any time he wants and I have every right to think it's rude and obnoxious. Don't see what him being a truly wonderful actor and me being a highly intelligent, great-looking, sports columnist, blogger and talkshow host has anything to do with anything.

touchy touchy people are... I think Eddie Vedder stopped spouting off and being super negative in concert about the Iraq War when people walked out of a show because of the same "lecturing". That and someone in the bands relative was overseas. I can't stand that crap. I pay for a performance, not a misconstrued political lesson. Its why I stopped buying Beastie Boy CDs, that crap.

Thank your crew and family and get off the stage. I don't need any of your advice Sean Penn.

Love the blog... just a reminder though. There was a time in our country where it was illegal in many states for a black man to marry a white woman (a choice by the way... if the debate ever hinges on it) and I would hopefully guess that most people would feel ashamed for believing in those laws today, especially since the POTUS is a byproduct of that type of union. Time has a strange way of catching up to people's intolerance.

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Pete's reply: I agree with half of that, but don't think it's a logical comparison. The gay marriage issue is not just about whether gays can be together, cohabitate, make financial agreements with each other or do anything else they want to do. There are no laws preventing that (that I know of). To gays, it's about gaining full acceptance from mainstream society, and for opponents, it's about forcing them to change their definition of traditional marriage. Tough issue.

Pete, I read your blog for humor and baseball, but I certainly don't mind an occasional opinion regarding other matters, even when I don't agree. Likewise, I don't mind hearing Penn's opinions. Freedom of speech is beautiful, whether a messenger is imperfect or not. A bit of cognitive dissonance is good for all of us. What is frightening is when someone tries to silence us, as they did when Penn's parents were blacklisted during the McCarthy era. Times such as those are the times when outrage is warranted.

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Pete's reply: I would agree with that. I never said Penn didn't have the right to do it. I just thought it was rude in that setting to lecture people in that way.

First off, Obama may be personally opposed to Proposition 8, but most of those who support him aren't. That's far different than Republican base. Now, Sean Penn may have stepped over the line, but you should see some of the comments people are making about Milk. Stupid, bigoted, religious-crazed comments about how gays and lesbians are somehow unholy. I'm religious, and I'll have you know I'm completely for gay marriage. And I have to agree with you, the writer of Milk had every right to voice his opinion, but if he did, then why can't Sean Penn? Just because he's not gay he can't speak out for gay rights? We have a right to free speech in this country. Just because he's famous doesn't mean Sean Penn doesn't have a right to free speech.

So why don't you go to Texas and hang out with President Pigmy (aka Bush), eh? How does that sound? Either that, or keep politics out, or you will get the many replies calling you a bigot that you have received already.

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Pete's reply: I find it interesting that you call me a bigot simply for holding a different opinion than you. That's kind of sad. I believe Sean Penn has every right to say whatever he wants and I have every right to disagree with the way he went about it.

The critics of your blog entry are so bound up in their emotions on this issue that they resort to name calling and can't even see the point of your blog entry--the inappropriateness of hijacking the podium at an awards to get on a soapbox about his liberal agenda. But, the out of touch Hollywood "stars" always do that. Fortunately, most Americans and our current President don't see it their way.

Coach 23, so if you're against gay marriage you're a bigot? Typical liberal drivel. It's ok to have an opinion as long as it matches yours.

Section 34, who exactly was marginalized? The half of the country that voted for Gore? Back your argument with some facts.

Keep on giving your opinions Pete. Sportswriters make a lot more sense than stupid liberal Marxist movie stars. I'd much rather hear your views on ethics and politics. Most of them have no ethics and are a bunch of druggies, losers ,homos, and traitors.Take your choice!

This is the stupidest post I have read on Baltimore Sun's site as long as I have ever been coming to the site. Thanks for wasting my time.

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Pete's reply: You're more than welcome. Stop by any time.

Speaking of getting facts straight: President Bush ran against John Kerry in 2004, not Al Gore. (See post at 11:00am.)

Pete, I enjoy your blog, but I gotta tell you that I think you're way off base here.

We've only gotten as far as we have with civil rights in this country because of brave citizens "hijacking" other people's venues expressing disgust against bigotry.

I'd rather live here - where sometimes people are less than "polite" or "appropriate" on behalf of civil rights, than in the more "polite" countries of the world, where oppression is very "appropriately" left unaddressed.

I thought your blog re Penn was not political in nature but rather a comment that celebrities from any field should not use the forum they are given to spout off political beliefs. Example: Orioles win World Series, microphone in frt of Trembley and he starts talking how we should vote in the next election. I often wonder why celebrities of any medium (sports, movies, television etc.) feel they are now endowed with special intelligence because they did something that required talent more than intelligence.

Peter, I'm just sad an interesting column about who would play the Orioles in a movie got mixed up with your petty lecturing of Sean Penn. And you've only responded to the political comments, not the sports-related ones. You're sounding pretty defensive.

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Pete's reply: Sorry to disappoint you. The movie thing was for readers to have fun with. There's not much to comment on. I admit, however, I got buried by the Sean Penn stuff. Don't know if I learned my lesson, however. I'm going to do that once in a blue moon. Defensive? Maybe a little. Don't like being called a bigot. Don't think anybody does.

rph--Well said.
Thanks.

One thing I don't think I read in all the blogs before mine is that the arts (and movies are, arguably, the most popular art form ever) exist not just to "entertain." Bloggers here who say, "Just entertain me" are are among the millions of uneducated and under-educated people who won't or can't read a book or see a play or a film that is more than inane fluff. We certainly need entertainment to escape from reality occasionally, but I spent 37 years teaching literature and theatre because it does far more than just amuse us. Art has and continues to change the world. Sometimes, sports does that, too (Jackie Robinson and Jesse Owens, to use two notable examples).

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Pete's reply: Absolutely true. That does not mean, however, that it's unfair to have an opinion on what an artist does or says. Just because someone is an artist doesn't mean he or she is changing the world for the better. Again, that isn't a comment on Penn. Just a general response to what you said.

People not only left the Linda Ronstadt concert in Vegas last year because of her pomposity and Marxist lecturing, they destroyed the nightclub they were so upset. I have not gone to, or directly paid for a movie or concert in over 25 years because of people like Penn, Streisand, Robbins, Sarandon, Goldberg, Franken, Springsteen (wouldn't go even if he weren't Communist - he can't sing), et al. Why these egomaniacs think their opinions are of interest to the public is one of life's great mysteries. If I read or listen to someone's opinion, I want it to be by choice, and for the speaker to be intelligent, or at least well-informed. And, the haters on this blog are so typically liberal -- if you disagree with them, you're either an idiot or a homophobe. And, how dare you?! Boy, does a blog like this bring the wackos out of the woodwork. I wrote in the Sunpapers in the mid-80's that hiring Bob Wade would set Maryland basketball back 20 years, and ruin all the progress made under Lefty. You wouldn't believe the comments, letters, hate mail and death threats I received. So much for tolerance and the right to free speech, which evidently is a right reserved for liberals. Just ask them or the ACLU. BTW, keep up the good work, Pete.

I like Sean Penn as an actor although Frank Langella, should have won for his amazing performance as Nixon. I'm also a proponent for gay marriage, but I agree with Pete, Sean came off as if he was lecturing, but I do wish that the emotion displayed here on the blog in response to what Pete wrote about Sean Penn's speech, was there for the young lady that wasn't allowed to play in a Tennis tournament because she was Israeli. I am Jewish, and I am appalled that the Williams sisters and the rest of the WTA players, didn't back out of the tournament. Nobody made a peep about that which is beyond sad.

Wow Pete - you sure got a lot of repsonse out of this one lol. I think I"m the only one on here that has my political leanings but that's ok. And I realize your original blog post was not meant to be political by nature. Love to hear the passion though even if I disagreed with most the posters on this issue. Anyhow, time for bed. Organizational Dynamics class tonight blew my mind! Go O's!

Sean Penn's best role was as Spicoli, where he didn't have to act, but rather could just be himself.

Hayden Penn's perfect role would be the guy in the cartoons who always has a black cloud overhead that follows him wherever he goes.

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Pete's reply: I've got to defend Penn on this one. I thought Spicoli was one of his best performances. Seriously.

Pete,enjoyed the blog,and find it rather amusing that the people who have spent the greater part of it calling you a bigot,come across as ignorant,liberal,self righteous jackasses.Like somebody stated earlier,you have the right to free speech only if it is free speech that agrees with their same point of view.If not,you're automatically a bigot,racist,republican,etc,etc.My grandparents weren't a bit ashamed of racism because they owned no slaves,nor condoned it.As a matter of fact,they were treated as inferior much the same.And they came here willingly,and were not sold into slavery by their own race.And I hope my grandchildren are proud to oppose gay marriages too,as marriage was never intended to be a union between man and man or woman and woman.Should they have rights,obviously they already do in most cases.Should they have the same rights?No ,not in my opinion,and I certainly don't need somebody who can't even relate to the average American,whether black ,white or yellow or brown or red,telling my what my opinion ought to be.I don't care if he played God and won an Oscar for it,doesn't make him God.So keep posting your opinions and I'll keep reading them.If I agree I might tell you,if I disagree I might tell you,but there's nothing more sanctimonious than refusing to get information about a totally unrelated issue because you got your namby pamby feelings hurt because Pete didn't see it your way,that's just too funny.And having Native American ancestry as well,why is that never addressed by the liberals?

He was honored in that moment and took the opportunity as best to express his opinion, just as this blog is yours.
But ain't that America, Pete. We can all give our opinions, even though it may be someone elses forum or your own. We can put it out there and it's heard...and criticized.
That's America...And God bless her...All of us!

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Pete's reply: Absolutely. Never challenged his right to do that. Just thought it was a little rude the way he did it.

Pete, I didn't call you a bigot. I said your comments sounded bigoted. I said people who oppose gay marriage, which was certainly implied in your post. should be ashamed and are absolutely UNreligious despite what they call themselves. If you're going to discriminate against someone based on childish prejudices - they you're no religious at all, you're sick.

Sorry if I offended you, but you offended me.

Anyone who made a big deal out of this blog port, particularly Bash123 (the guy right before me) needs to calm down and get a life. Pete wasn't trying to make a statement about gay marriage and you all know it.

It is his blog anyway so if he wanted to make a statement about gay marriage then he is allowed to do that.

As for bash123--what right do you have to classify someone based on their opinion on one topic. You have never met these people, so shut up untill you have more to base your opinion on. You, more than anyone else that commented on this blog, need to get a life.

I especially like the dramatic line at the end..."sorry if I offended you, but you offended me." Oh wow, thats really touching. I'm sure you made him feel terrible about his post.

You are an idiot bash123