Philip A. Farruggio -- World News Trust
April 19, 2016
One of the worst sins one can commit is that of hypocrisy. How many times have we heard the phrase "Do as I say, not as I do?"
Yes, there are many levels of hypocrisy, but, stripped of its justifications and the illusion of being truthful, it can be such a turnoff. In the realm of politics, when people's lives or livelihoods are at stake by the actions of our leaders, the hypocrite becomes a scoundrel. In George Clooney's case, he becomes an "accessory to scoundrels."
George Clooney is a contradiction, at least in his professional and political life. On the one hand, the man has starred in at least three major films that "speak truth to power" and empire. In the film Good Night and Good Luck, about Edward R. Murrow and his battle vs. Senator Joe McCarthy, Clooney actually directed that film as well.
In two of this writer's 10 favorite modern films, Syriana and Michael Clayton, Clooney played characters who stood up to both The Military Industrial Empire and the corrupt corporate empire. Then, one reads how much of a (so called) liberal supporter he is of the Democratic Party. Yet, not enough for Clooney to perhaps support a man one would think he had more in common with, that being Bernie Sanders.
No, Clooney is supporting Mrs. Clinton, despite her terrible record of always being on the side of empire and corporatism. Clooney and his wife hosted a $300+k dinner at their home for both Mrs. Clinton and the Democratic Party; more so for her and less so for the party candidates (of course not including Bernie Sanders).
Supposedly, their "house party" raised in the neighborhood of, are you ready for this, $40 Million! Outside, along the roadway leading up to Clooney's multi-million dollar home, Sanders' supporters threw dollar bills at the cars of guests. Mrs. Clinton's camp was outraged, as were many of the Democratic Party operatives.
Clooney, when interviewed about this, showed this writer just what a hypocrite he really is. He said he understood why the Sanders people did it, and actually agreed with it. He added that the whole system of campaign spending is terrible and should be changed... but... HE STILL participates in it big time!
We must be living in some Mad Magazine cartoon world folks. Reminds me of the old joke: A guy complains to his friend about his brother. "My brother is acting more and more like a chicken. He makes noises like a chicken, will only eat birdseed, even began strutting around like a chicken. It's getting worse each and every day." His friend remarks " Well, you have no choice. You must get him institutionalized."
After a pause the guy answers " I can't do that. I need the eggs!"
PA Farruggio
April 19th 2016
(Philip A. Farruggio is a semi-retired baby boomer born and bred in blue collar Brooklyn NYC. He is the son and grandson of Brooklyn longshoremen, and educated at "free tuition" Brooklyn College, class of '74. Philip has written more than 300 columns since 2001 and his work is found on many fine progressive sites like World News Trust, Nation of Change, Information Clearinghouse, Intrepid Report, Sleuth Journal, Dandelion Salad, Counterpunch and Dissident Voice. He can be reached at