Ed Asner says Obama is a corporatist and as such is not his president. Also says some in Hollywood hold back criticizing Obama's Syria war for fear of appearing anti-black-Hollywood Reporter

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9/6/13, "Ed Asner Explains Hollywood Silence on Obama, Syria: They 'Don't Want to Feel Anti-Black'," Hollywood Reporter, Paul Bond

"Another reason some Hollywood progressives have been reticent to speak out against war in Syria, according to Asner, is fear of being called racist.

"A lot of people don't want to feel anti-black by being opposed to Obama," he said.

Asner said Hollywood activists should read a Huffington Post blog item by Dennis Kucinich, where the former congressman lists the "Top 10 unproven claims for war against Syria."

"Whether it's a Republican or Democrat president, or Republican or Democrat Congress -- and it doesn't make a God-damned difference -- it behooves us to get off our ass and ask these questions," Asner said.

Farrell and Asner both say that beating the war drums on Syria is one of many mistakes Obama has made.

"I voted for him, but I'm not proud. He hasn't thrown himself on the funeral pyre. I wanted him to sacrifice himself. Instead, he has proved himself to be a corporatist, and as long as he's a corporatist, he's not my president," Asner said. "A lot of people have lost hope -- with the betrayals, the NSA spying ... People aren't getting active because 'Who gives a shit?' is essentially the bottom line."

Adds Farrell: "I'm frankly deeply disappointed in the president's foreign policy, war-making, his reliance on military rather then diplomatic responses, his use of drones, continued allowance of the Guantanamo prison. He's a disappointment to me and other people I know."

As much as Obama is loved by Hollywood power-brokers, Asner says he doesn't fear backlash by speaking against the president.

"Hollywood can't mobilize for that either," he joked. "If they try to punish me, what are they gonna do? Take away my pension?"" via Free Republic


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