Re: George and Amal Clooney will join March for Our Lives and donated to the cause

by carolhathaway Fri 23 Feb 2018, 16:26

premiere wrote:I worry that if prominent Democrats march with the students, it will become very politicized. (Liberal vs. Conservative.) To me, the strength of this movement right now is the fact that it began, and is continuing because of children being so vocal and active. Let's keep politics out of it. If actors show up like what happened during the #MeToo March in January, they'll take the attention off the people who are being directly affected by gun violence. That being said, as a teacher, parent, and grandparent I plan on being at the march in Chicago on 3/24. I really hope that the Clooneys and Oprah stay home. Let the kids do this.

Premiere,
I just reread the comments here.
Am I understanding you right? You plan to go to the march in Chicago but want the kids to do it and therefore don't give celebrities the same right you have and demand? That's quite bizarre IMO.
Don't get me wrong, I do understand your point of view, you don't want the medias to focus on celebrities but on the kids which is very important for me as well. If - for a certain reason - you became very popular within the next four weeks, would you decide to stay at home although it's your demand to show up and support the victims at the march?
What if the Obamas decided to be at the march? Would you tell them the same? Would you say "It's not your march, it's the kids'?" I don't think George and Amal or Oprah are planning to give speeches there.

by party animal - not! Fri 23 Feb 2018, 17:54

Today

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by LizzyNY Fri 23 Feb 2018, 19:32

Premiere isn't saying celebrities don't have the right to be at the march. She's only saying that she's afraid famous faces will take the focus away from the the kids and their message.

Celebrities can support them from behind the scenes with money, advice and help keeping the issue alive in the media. They don't have to actually be at the march. The issue isn't going to go away any tmie soon and there will be a lot that celebrities can do to help.

by carolhathaway Fri 23 Feb 2018, 19:58

So I misunderstood you, Premiere. Sorry for that!

by Donnamarie Fri 23 Feb 2018, 20:45

But sadly even if the Clooneys and Oprah don’t show up they have given money. And that alone fuels the right wing to make claims that the march is being politicized and funded by ‘socialist’ liberals. That was my point yesterday. As much as the kids want to keep their message their own they are representing how many of us feel. It’s not politics IMO ... it’s taking a stand for what is right. The march is already being negatively labeled by the conservatives. George Soros didn’t even have to fund the march, which we know is a lie. But it didn’t stop trolls from spreading this lie on social media.
These students are driving this movement and that won’t change. I think that is the reason wny everyone is taking notice. I think any celebrity who would show up will respect that these kids own this event. I heard this morning that there is an expectation of at least half a million will show up for the march in DC on the 24th.

by carolhathaway Fri 23 Feb 2018, 21:40

But they need money to organize, transport, feed and host these at least 500,000 youngsters going to D.C., not to mention all the other cities where marches will take place. I don't know if they'll have to pay for security, insurances etc. as well, but this all requires some money.

So these marches weren't possible without money...

by LizzyNY Fri 23 Feb 2018, 23:53

Carolhathaway - Anyone who goes to a protest march has to pay for transportation to get there and back. Sometimes they pool their money as a group and sometimes the group sponsoring the march might hire transportation. If people decide to stay overnight it's the same thing. If they're part of an organized group the group may pay or get special rates, otherwise everyone's on their own. A lot of the time the people attending live in the same city as the march, so when it's over they just go home.

They don't pay insurance and rarely hire private security because there's usually a strong police presence at any large march. I would expect there to be a very large police presence at this one.

by Admin Sat 24 Feb 2018, 03:47

The far right can never be pleased and there's no point in even trying, so I'm fine with them donating money. I hadn't imagined that a march would have needed so much funding, but obviously it does.

by Donnamarie Sat 24 Feb 2018, 04:36

Here’s what ‘The Washington Post’ is reporting regarding details for the march in DC ...

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by carolhathaway Sat 24 Feb 2018, 10:04

Lizzy,
thanks for your explanation!
I've only attended local marches so have no idea how nationwide protests actually work here, but a few years ago, we had lots of marches protesting building a national grid which crossed my area. And it was my job to coordinate these marches from our local government's side (the right to demonstrate is a basic right, so the government can't deny it but has to make sure that all the protesters are safe) together with the organizers and the police.
By the way: All the marches were peaceful and very disciplined.

Since these are kids, I'd see it a little different. They usually have no income, so their right to rally would depend on their parents' finances. So I think it's great to have a nest egg. By the way: All those who were injured in this shooting, do they have to pay for their medical treatment? What if somebody has a permanent disease? Or is traumatized very badly and needs psychological help? Who pays for that?

by it's me Sat 24 Feb 2018, 10:23

Really interesting questions

by What Would He Say Sat 24 Feb 2018, 11:44

carolhathaway wrote:Lizzy,
thanks for your explanation!
I've only attended local marches so have no idea how nationwide protests actually work here, but a few years ago, we had lots of marches protesting building a national grid which crossed my area. And it was my job to coordinate these marches from our local government's side (the right to demonstrate is a basic right, so the government can't deny it but has to make sure that all the protesters are safe) together with the organizers and the police.
By the way: All the marches were peaceful and very disciplined.

Since these are kids, I'd see it a little different. They usually have no income, so their right to rally would depend on their parents' finances. So I think it's great to have a nest egg. By the way: All those who were injured in this shooting, do they have to pay for their medical treatment? What if somebody has a permanent disease? Or is traumatized very badly and needs psychological help? Who pays for that?

George, the old George would have been sorely aware of this to... just as he was aware of Darfur.... the unseen tragedy....

That is where the money is needed.... I hope that was his intention when giving the 500k, I am presuming it was press released to gain traction from others especially celebs.... but joining the march was just plain wrong....

But he is stuck between a rock and a hp now....is he to be a no show or star of the show .... yet another press release....

by party animal - not! Sat 24 Feb 2018, 11:55

Mm, I think there is a halfway house here actually. I reckon they could be there but not necessarily to march but to support. If they should take the twins that could be really symbolic in terms of support. Many others have said they'll be there e g Whoopi Goldberg.

But I'm totally convinced George and Amal will ask them what THEY would like them to do.

by What Would He Say Sat 24 Feb 2018, 12:01

No PAN there is no half way house... they take the twins they create a media photo call... A celeb media photo call...Which WILL be seen as deplorable.... Make no mistake...

by LizzyNY Sat 24 Feb 2018, 12:26

PAN - If they are any kind of parents G&A will leave the twins at home. Bringing babies into what might become a very chaotic situation is dangerous. And I think WWHS is right. No matter what G&A's intentions, if the twins are there it will draw attention away from the purpose of the march. Can you imagine the frenzy of photographers trying to get the money shot of the twins?

Donnamarie - I had no idea they were turning this into such a professionally organized event. Jumbotrons and guest speakers? Music? I 'm not sure why, but this bothers me. I hope some of the money they raised is going to pay the hospital bills of the wounded and some of it will be set aside for future efforts - because this issue isn't going to be solved by one march.

by annemarie Sat 24 Feb 2018, 12:43

Politicians have the power to change this mess they won't we have already seen that. This is political no matter what side your on to me anyway.

We have to vote the one's who don't agree out that is politics.

For the student's it's about what is right to stop the violence in schools.

I don't agree that a celebrity or a athlete should be silent because they are famous they have every right to care and be apart of the change.

The man child in the White House is already back peddling ,he is not going to bite the hand that pays him.

The kids and adults celebs included want these guns to not be sold. He is saying raise the age to purchase to 21 .

Celebs being there won't make a difference from start the NRA nuts have attacked these Kids .

People talk about their right to have guns, well all of us have a right to protest be you celeb or athlete .

They all want one thing for kids to be safe in school . If you believe what these kids are saying and trying to do

Is right it shouldn't matter if George or Lebron are standing with them .

Unfortunately, commons sense in America is fast eroding.

by annemarie Sat 24 Feb 2018, 13:00

I think the reason the march is going the way it is , is because they are trying to reach a younger audience. The one's who don't pay attention who might not vote.

In the 60's just marching waving banners using a bull horn was fine. Sadly, today everything needs to be pretty and high tech.

by party animal - not! Sat 24 Feb 2018, 15:09

Don't get me wrong. I don't think they are likely to be at the march for all the stated and obvious reasons that we know. They will be taken care of nearby.

And the last thing the Clooneys will want to do is distract from the message.

But if asked their parents will allude just as Amal did yesterday to their childrens' potential future in the US. So symbolic.

As I said there is no way George will want to upstage the march. He will consult - if he hasn't done privately already

by Donnamarie Sat 24 Feb 2018, 15:49

LizzyNY wrote:PAN - If they are any kind of parents G&A will leave the twins at home. Bringing babies into what might become a very chaotic situation is dangerous. And I think WWHS is right. No matter what G&A's intentions, if the twins are there it will draw attention away from the purpose of the march. Can you imagine the frenzy of photographers trying to get the money shot of the twins?

Donnamarie - I had no idea they were turning this into such a professionally organized event. Jumbotrons and guest speakers? Music? I 'm not sure why, but this bothers me. I hope some of the money they raised is going to pay the hospital bills of the wounded and some of it will be set aside for future efforts - because this issue isn't going to be solved by one march.

There has been a GoFundMe page set up to receive donations for the students and their families. The State of Florida is paying for all the funerals of the beautiful children who lost their lives. They will also provide counseling for students. The Broward (the county in which the school is located) Education Foundation is also raising funds to financially support the students and families of this tradegy.

This march sounds very similar to the Women’s March last year. There were Jumbotrons set up at various locations to allow for the crowd to hear speakers. It was a huge crowd and even though there were famous people in attendance and who spoke it did not in any way overshadow the purpose or spirit of the event. So many people who came with a unified message. I hope that this event will be as effective. Organizing an event like this is massive. The students probably didn’t realize what a huge undertaking it is. It seems smart that they have a professional group of people to handle all the details. What should not get lost in this effort is the message of these passionate students. George and Amal are smart and sensitive people. I trust they will do what’s right for this event and what’s appropriate for their family.

by party animal - not! Sat 24 Feb 2018, 15:59

Yep. Here it is:

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by annemarie Sat 24 Feb 2018, 16:20

It is great that the State of Florida is doing so much for the victims and their families.

by annemarie Sat 24 Feb 2018, 16:22

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March for Our Lives

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Updates 1

My name is Cameron Kasky. I am a student at Stoneman Douglas.

I created the #NeverAgain movement as well as the March for Our lives. Our team has been working hard since day one.

The funds will be spent on the incredibly difficult and expensive process that is organzing a march like this. We have people making more specific plans, but for now know that this is for the march and everything left over will be going to the victims' funds.

These donations are not tax deductible.

Thank you.

by party animal - not! Sat 24 Feb 2018, 19:25

Gucci have just donated $500,000 to #Marchforourlives

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You may also have seen some of the survivors on Ellen, receiving another $50,000

by party animal - not! Sun 25 Feb 2018, 14:05

Samuel L, Jackson tweets:

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Brilliant

by annemarie Sun 25 Feb 2018, 14:13

I have to remember not to read the comments some of these people are idiots trying to act intelligent.,

by carolhathaway Sun 25 Feb 2018, 21:44

Annemarie,
that's something I try to remember every time I read these strange comments...

Are there really morons who blame Hollywood for being responsibke for shootings? In Europe, we watch the same movies and don't have this amount of shootings.
I'd suggest that a mentally stable person isn't influenced by these movies, and other ones shouldn't be allowed to buy anc own guns...

by Admin Mon 26 Feb 2018, 04:03

carolhathaway wrote:Are there really morons who blame Hollywood for being responsibke for shootings? In Europe, we watch the same movies and don't have this amount of shootings.
I'd suggest that a mentally stable person isn't influenced by these movies, and other ones shouldn't be allowed to buy anc own guns...

Going off topic a little, it's not quite so simple. What we see and hear around us very much influences our thinking. Our brains evolved a long time ago and can't really cope with the imaginary, so the brain generally deals with things such as films, tv news and so on as though they're real. Pretty much all mainstream Hollywood action films (and even some 'nonviolent genres such as romcoms) and most action TV shows are based on the idea that the bad guys have to die at the end.

[As an even more off topic comment, that same brain limitation treats people we don't know but 'see' often (tv actors, news readers, George Clooney etc) as though they're people who are genuinely in our lives. That's because we evolved living in relatively small groups and our brain seems to have a trait for classifying all humans we come across as 'my tribe' and 'not my tribe' and - because not everyone in our group will be related to us - it does this by putting all the people we 'see' regularly into the 'my tribe' box. Thus, George Clooney to us is much more significant a figure in our lives than just some actor - to our brains he's classified somewhere along the lines of a family member, or a neighbour or similar. Our poor old brains can't deal with the idea that we'd spend so much time talking and thinking about a human we haven't met, and concludes therefore he must be part of our everyday lives. If George were to be seriously hurt, or god forbid, die, we'd feel it as much as if it had happened to a person close to us)]

Therefore, to someone who watches a lot of tv and films, it does become sort of true (to the brain that can't tell the difference between fantasy and reality) that shooting people is an option.

So why doesn't this happen so often in other countries? My guess it it's partly viewing habits, partly social and partly availability of guns. In the UK, which has the most similar TV and film viewing habits as the US, it's possible we may want to go on shooting rampages, but guns aren't available - even the police don't carry guns. The social part, which I think is the most important part of the answer, is harder to isolate as there are so many factors that affect a nation's mentality. My theory - and it is just a theory - is that the US seems to be founded on the idea that they're constantly under attack and need to defend themselves at all times. I can't think of many other countries who believe this so deeply that it's baked into their founding charter that civilians need to be armed. I think that's got to have some affect on a people's mentality.

Anyway, just my two pennies and sorry for taking us far off topic! Slapped wrists.

by LizzyNY Mon 26 Feb 2018, 12:36

Katie - To most of us in the US the right to bear arms is an abstraction. We know we have a right to own guns but we don't do it because we have police and the armed forces to protect us - and we trust them to do it.

Those who own guns are in the minority.The fanatics who feel the need to be armed because of some sort of imminent attack are an even smaller group. Thanks to the rantings of the NRA and Trump these nuts have been driven to a paranoid fear that the government is going to take away their guns and then they won't be able to defend themselves. Against what? The government, because it's coming to take their guns! (Do you see the circular reasoning here?)

I don't know how this will play out, but IMO the 2nd Amendment fanatics are the true threat. They're the ones who are armed and threatening the rest of us.

by party animal - not! Mon 26 Feb 2018, 13:16

Two knee jerk thoughts:

Levels of money and power involved - goes without saying..........

When the second amendment became part of the Constitution, the weapon of choice was a musket - not so often said

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