Sean Penn - Actor, Poet, Statesman

I normally don't give a damn about what Sean Penn (or any celebrity) has to say, but he used such a colorful turn of phrase at an Oakland Califorina town hall meeting this weekend that I had to blog it.

"You have broken our country; you have broken our hearts. The needless blood on your hands ... is drowning the freedom, the security and the dream that America might have been, once healed up from Sept. 11, 2001," Penn said.

"But now we are encouraged to self-censor any words that might be perceived as inflammatory, if our belief is that we should stop this war today. We cower as you point your fingers telling us to support our troops -- well, you and the smarmy pundits in your pocket -- those who bathe in the moisture of your blood-soaked underwear can take that noise and shove it, because we will be snowed no more."

The phrase "those who bathe in the moisture of your blood-soaked underwear" has got to be the funniest thing I've heard since he was satirized in Team America: World Police.

"Last year I went to Iraq. Before Team America showed up, it was a happy place. They had flowery meadows and rainbow skies, and rivers made of chocolate, where the children danced and laughed and played with gumdrop smiles."

Note that although I mock Mr. Penn I defend his right to say anything he wants to say, as well as my right to make fun of it. Hurrah for Free Speech!