View Full Version : Ben Affleck (who knew?) SME on the Congo
"Ben Affleck testifies this morning on the Congo. The actor, most recently of "Argo" fame, will sit before the House Armed Services Committee to discuss the "evolving security situation" in the Congo and "implications for U.S. national security." He'll appear on a second panel, alongside Heritage's Jim Carafano and Jendayi Frazer, from Carnegie Mellon. The Pentagon's Derek Chollet, assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, and Johnnie Carson, assistant secretary of state for African affairs, will appear on the first panel". Info plus "watch it live" link: http://1.usa.gov/VLv1Ca
http://armedservices.house.gov/index.cfm/hearings-display?ContentRecord_id=b1e6e7e8-16c5-44b7-82f2-819128243357&ContentType_id=14f995b9-dfa5-407a-9d35-56cc7152a7ed&Group_id=13e47ffa-0753-47a7-ad5e-1ba7592015c9
I am absoultely ashamed and embarrassed FOR these idiots. I'd be seriously insulted were some lib politician to parade this mental midget in front of me to 'educate" me as to the foreign policy implications of congolese security.
Ret10Echo
12-19-2012, 15:30
Hill briefings are all meaningless (and expensive) kabuki theater...
Nothing to see here... Move along.
Skelepede
12-19-2012, 15:50
Say what you will about Ben Affleck, at least he didn't get a concussion on the way to the briefings. :D
Trapper John
12-19-2012, 20:03
Celebs with expertise on foreign intel/security? Makes sense to me. Why not? Next it's Gumby for SoS and Mr. Bill for SoD. That should work out well too :rolleyes: Hey, I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express! Maybe I should testify on something/anything?? :lifter
What did Ronald Reagan do before he got into politics? How did he learn about politics? (What political party did he belong to while he was learning the skills for his next career?)
Oh, but that was different.
What did Ronald Reagan do before he got into politics? How did he learn about politics? (What political party did he belong to while he was learning the skills for his next career?)
Oh, but that was different.
What was his college degree in?
Pat
What was his college degree in?
Pat
Social sciences and economics.
(Yuck and yuck!)
Sig - so Ronald Reagan as an actor, was brought in to Congress to testify on matters of foreign policy...?? Really...?? I didn't know that.
I saw a Sunday Morning piece on this - he's been very involved in the Congo situation for a couple of years now. I give him credit for trying to do something about it.
Richard :munchin
Social sciences and economics.
And Affleck's?
I think Reagan's background, including being president of SAG, was a little more substantive.
I would compare Affleck to Obama if I wanted to make Ben look like a political preten..., uh, ...contender. ;)
Pat
I think experience as an actor is probably the best skill set for getting elected...
Affleck is nothing more than an over paid court jester.
Sig - so Ronald Reagan as an actor, was brought in to Congress to testify on matters of foreign policy...?? Really...?? I didn't know that.
My point is that Reagan wasn't taken seriouslyin many quarters because he was a B lister. How did that work out for those who opposed his political POV (which went from left to right)?
MOO, it is well past time to dismiss as hacks, idiots, or "libtards" those who work in the entertainment industry. As an actor, Affleck's work has grossed over 1 billion USD in domestic ticket sales. He is now moving up the food chain as a director and a producer. (In some parts, he'd be called a "maker".)
But on second thought, let's do keep on insisting upon ideological conformity. Let's keep insulting and pushing away those who live their lives as they see fit. After all, that approach has worked wonders in the last two presidential elections.
Well, if your measure of success is income realization, all of us here (in the military) are abject failures. I guess you would much rather have Ben Affleck come over to your house to defend it than have me over there, after all...he makes SOOO much more money than I.
Your argument and advocacy of having Affleck advise Congress is illogical. You stated that Reagan was an actor and he later became elected President. What the hell does that have to do with an idiot from Boston advising Congress on Congolese security implications?
:munchin
Trapper John
12-20-2012, 18:55
I think experience as an actor is probably the best skill set for getting elected...
EXACTLY!! I recall lamenting that when the Clintons were elected (I meant the plural. What, you didn't really think we were just electing Bill did you?) that we have finally come to a point that in order to get elected to public office, the only skill that was required was the skill of getting elected.
And as DocIllinois pointed out:"This is giving me flashbacks of all the times I've had to explain to patients that Suzanne Somers is not, in fact, an authority on healthcare."
I am getting to the point that I think Celeb opinions should come with a warning "What I am about to say may have no bearing on anything at all and may be the stupidest thing that you have ever heard, but hey, I am famous so I am going to say it anyway"
And, Sig, as you pointed out, Reagan was not a Celeb and was a journeyman actor, was the President of SAG, and Governor of CA. Apples and Oranges. :p
MTN Medic
12-20-2012, 19:18
My point is that Reagan wasn't taken seriouslyin many quarters because he was a B lister. How did that work out for those who opposed his political POV (which went from left to right)?
MOO, it is well past time to dismiss as hacks, idiots, or "libtards" those who work in the entertainment industry. As an actor, Affleck's work has grossed over 1 billion USD in domestic ticket sales. He is now moving up the food chain as a director and a producer. (In some parts, he'd be called a "maker".)
But on second thought, let's do keep on insisting upon ideological conformity. Let's keep insulting and pushing away those who live their lives as they see fit. After all, that approach has worked wonders in the last two presidential elections.
Or you could listen to someone who has actually been there, has a first hand assessment of the security situation and ground truth knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of all players in the region.
What do we need that for? God forbid anyone hear the truth and not some playboy's interpretation of what is going on over there that he gleaned from some 'documentary' on Netflix. :rolleyes:
As an actor, Affleck's work has grossed over 1 billion USD in domestic ticket sales. He is now moving up the food chain as a director and a producer. (In some parts, he'd be called a "maker".)
.
I fail to see what him being an accomplished actor or director has to do with him being an expert on the Congo or Congress looking stupid for asking him to testify about something he knows nothing about.
ZonieDiver
12-20-2012, 21:34
Why does Congress like to put celebrity 'mouthpieces' in front of their worthless committee hearings? Because the 'news' shows tune in then. The Congress-critters don't care if the 'public' is informed, they just want their mugs on the tube.
As for Affleck-ted, I'll wait to hear what he has to say to pass judgement. Hell, he may happen to know a lot, I don't know. I'm sure a posse of "experts" would get NO 'coverage' - and Congress isn't going to do shit anyway, so what the F?
This is nothing new. Sally Field, Jessica Lange, and "she who shall not be named" appeared in the late 80's/early 90's to 'testify' about conditions with farmers, since they had all recently been in movies about farmers.
God Bless Steven Colbert for the balls to show them what idiots they were for asking someone like him to testify! (If you haven't seen the video, you should.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1T75jBYeCs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTDCgOvVOx8
Last edited by ZonieDiver; Today at 20:46. Reason: None of your business! Do I ask why YOU edit your stuff? Or, more importantlym, why you don't?
importantlym - no dictionary results :munchin
Ret10Echo
12-21-2012, 04:03
or Congress looking stupid for asking him to testify about something he knows nothing about.
Jefe... You assume the congress critters know something? :rolleyes:
Why does Congress like to put celebrity 'mouthpieces' in front of their worthless committee hearings? Because the 'news' shows tune in then. The Congress-critters don't care if the 'public' is informed, they just want their mugs on the tube.
And for someone like Ben Affleck, it also helps him bring this 'cause' to the attention of many out there who are otherwise involved in the current cottage industry business du jour of either decrying the fate of our nation at the hands of a sheeple-elected Kenyan, Muslim, Communist, mulatto, divisive, anti-American, nefarious, spendthrift of a POTUS or touting the end of the world as predicted by somebody's interpretation of their accepted scriptures or a stone calendar of a civilization no longer in existence.
And so it goes...
Richard :munchin
I am absoultely ashamed and embarrassed FOR these idiots. I'd be seriously insulted were some lib politician to parade this mental midget in front of me to 'educate" me as to the foreign policy implications of congolese security.
Celebs with expertise on foreign intel/security? Makes sense to me. Why not? Next it's Gumby for SoS and Mr. Bill for SoD. That should work out well too :rolleyes: Hey, I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express! Maybe I should testify on something/anything?? :lifter
Keep in mind that Mr. Afleck has a inside line on intelligence, foreign affairs and national security......CIA Agent Sydney Bristow.
Trapper John
12-21-2012, 08:55
Keep in mind that Mr. Afleck has a inside line on intelligence, foreign affairs and national security......CIA Agent Sydney Bristow.
I actually had to look this up- just shows how out of touch I am with pop-culture :D
Good one!
[COLOR="Lime"]And for someone like Ben Affleck, it also helps him bring this 'cause' to the attention of many out there who are otherwise involved in the current cottage industry business du jour of either decrying the fate of our nation at the hands of a sheeple-elected Kenyan, Muslim, Communist, mulatto, divisive, anti-American, nefarious, spendthrift of a POTUS or touting the end of the world as predicted by somebody's interpretation of their accepted scriptures or a stone calendar of a civilization no longer in existence.
You forgot the assh*le adjective and that the Mayans are still around, but other than that you are correct.
Keep in mind that Mr. Afleck has a inside line on intelligence, foreign affairs and national security......CIA Agent Sydney Bristow.
That was a great show.
You forgot the assh*le adjective and that the Mayans are still around, but other than that you are correct.
Maya descendents - yes; Mayan civilization...
Richard :munchin
MOO, a mover and shaker in the entertainment industry should be taken seriously as a political force if he/she decides to develop expertise on a policy matter. Such an individual will have the resources to reach out to experts, politicians, eggheads, and others who will contribute to the process. If said mover/shaker is also a celebrity, doors will open all the faster.
If one wants to say the person is unqualified to speak as a SME because the person is a lefty or an entertainer, they are opting out of a conversation that is going to happen anyways.
@sinjefe
To me, a person like Affleck is especially formidable because he can write a narrative (as a scrrenwriter), he can tell a story (as an actor), he can put asses in seats (as a celebrity and as a director), and he can get things done (as a producer). While we can debate from a variety of perspectives the quality of the products that people like Mr. Affleck produce, I think we dismiss the influence and impact of those products at our own peril.
YMMV/$0.02
Team Sergeant
12-21-2012, 15:14
I am absoultely ashamed and embarrassed FOR these idiots. I'd be seriously insulted were some lib politician to parade this mental midget in front of me to 'educate" me as to the foreign policy implications of congolese security.
Can't any worse than placing a body builder as Gov of Kalif or a third rate comedian as a senator or a singer as a congressman....
MOO, a mover and shaker in the entertainment industry should be taken seriously as a political force if he/she decides to develop expertise on a policy matter. Such an individual will have the resources to reach out to experts, politicians, eggheads, and others who will contribute to the process. If said mover/shaker is also a celebrity, doors will open all the faster.
If one wants to say the person is unqualified to speak as a SME because the person is a lefty or an entertainer, they are opting out of a conversation that is going to happen anyways.
@sinjefe
To me, a person like Affleck is especially formidable because he can write a narrative (as a scrrenwriter), he can tell a story (as an actor), he can put asses in seats (as a celebrity and as a director), and he can get things done (as a producer). While we can debate from a variety of perspectives the quality of the products that people like Mr. Affleck produce, I think we dismiss the influence and impact of those products at our own peril.
YMMV/$0.02
None of which has anything to do with whether or not he is an expert on the Congo and whether or not he ought to be testifying on such in front of Congress.
It's been two days since his testimony, which I missed. Did anyone on this site see his testimony and if so come to the conclusion that,
A: He is an expert on the subject
B. He is not an expert as to the subject
To folks such as myself who see that a Hollywood type is testifying before Congress on most any subject, we are immediately skeptical as to the why them. Living in the midwest I recall the testimony in the 80's from all the actress "farm experts" who testified about the farm crisis. It's a valid perception for many of us, at least at first glance.
Ben Affleck testifies in Congress about war-torn Congo (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-ben-affleck-testifies-about-the-congo-in-washington-20121219,0,6177815.story) Los Angeles Times
Update on the Evolving Security Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Implications for U.S. National Security (http://armedservices.house.gov/index.cfm/hearings-display?ContentRecord_id=b1e6e7e8-16c5-44b7-82f2-819128243357) Armed Services Committee
Rayburn House Office Building - 2118
Ben Affleck testifies in Congress about war-torn Congo (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-ben-affleck-testifies-about-the-congo-in-washington-20121219,0,6177815.story) Los Angeles Times
Update on the Evolving Security Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Implications for U.S. National Security (http://armedservices.house.gov/index.cfm/hearings-display?ContentRecord_id=b1e6e7e8-16c5-44b7-82f2-819128243357) Armed Services Committee
Rayburn House Office Building - 2118
Thanks for the links, I lasted 6 out of 15 minutes minutes listening to his testimony, put me in front of congress with a prepared written statement and I too can be an expert on anything. I am not saying that he is not an expert on the Congo, he may very well be but I will leave that call up to others who are much more knowledgable on the topic. What I did take away from his testimony was that he was not too impressed with the U.N.'s handling of the situation. The LA Times article quoted him as saying "I am not here to ask for precious American tax dollars, I am here today to respectfully request you use the most important power you have, your collective voice as representatives of the United States of America,” What I heard him say was I am not here to ask for American tax dollars. The article was lacking to say the least and their misquoting him was uncalled for. It made him sound condescending which I did not gather from the testimony I watched.
ZonieDiver
12-21-2012, 22:24
l listened to him read his entire written statement. It lasts almost 13 minutes of the attached video clip. The other 31 minutes are comments by Representatives and questions they ask the three "experts".
Judge for yourself how knowledgeable Affleck seems, especially compared to the two "docs". Personally, I think he did a pretty good job and if his name plate had said "Dr. Smith" and I didn't know who the hell Ben Affleck was, I'd have been pretty impressed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8zUHG-K-dQ
Oh... if you don't have time to watch the whole thing, well... nevermind.
The best COA for the Congo is that it be colonized with a dictator installed...:munchin
It looks like the Huff-Post is fawning over Mr Affleck...
...why not, Al franken picked up a seat.
http://XXX.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/20/ben-affleck-senate-run_n_2340787.html
Celebs "testify" as "experts" for the sole purpose of bringing attention to a cause. I know countless people who become SMEs on topics they are unqualified to be experts. Cancer victims, PTSD sufferers, not to mention parents who quickly become child psychologists.
No one cares about the Congo. Ben Affleck does. If big names didn't bring issues like this to congress, they would likely never be heard.
No one cares about the Congo. Ben Affleck does. If big names didn't bring issues like this to congress, they would likely never be heard.Ben picks one of the poorest countries (if not the poorest) on the continent too bring to the attention of the USA?:confused:
Could it be that there may be an open seat since Kerry got the nomination for SecState?:eek::munchin
I would take a celebrity's opinion about a specific issue that they care about over a politician any day. Celebs with a cause are dedicated to that cause and generally have no ulterior motives (of course that doesn't include the "good press" and good image stuff). Politicians only care about themselves.
What specific credentials did Lady Di have regarding land mines? First ladies usually take up causes as well...Eleanor Roosevelt was largely responsible for the creation of the Tuskegee Airmen, Nancy Reagan - "Just Say No!", Laura Bush getting kids reading, and even Michelle O pushing kids health and fitness. Other than Laura Bush, what special qualifications do these ladies have?
Regarding a push for the Senate, who cares? Look at the dredge we have in Congress now. If Ben Affleck becomes a US Senator, at least you will know that AT ONE TIME he stood for something.
Giving the fiscal shit-hole that the USA currently finds itself in, he could at least chosen a country that adds value to the USA.
Call me a selfish SOB however, I'd like some type of return on our investment in certain countries.
Once a celebrity gets amongst those "seasoned" politicians, they'll become just like the rest of them...POLI freaking TICIANS!
mark46th
12-22-2012, 08:44
If Congress ever decides to investigate Patpong Rd, could I testify as an expert? Spent a lot of time and money there for a couple of years...
If Congress ever decides to investigate Patpong Rd, could I testify as an expert? Spent a lot of time and money there for a couple of years...
And their granddaughters are still talking about it down at the Amor! :D :D
Richard :munchin
ZonieDiver
12-22-2012, 11:38
Giving the fiscal shit-hole that the USA currently finds itself in, he could at least chosen a country that adds value to the USA.
Call me a selfish SOB however, I'd like some type of return on our investment in certain countries.
Once a celebrity gets amongst those "seasoned" politicians, they'll become just like the rest of them...POLI freaking TICIANS!
Part of Affleck's testimony, and answers he gave to questions, involved the 100's of millions of dollars the US was pouring into Congo - most "filtered" through the UN. His complaint was that we were getting "little bang for our bucks" (my phrase, not his), and that we needed to bring pressure to bear to ensure that it was being "done right" (again, my words).
He repeatedly emphasized that he was not asking for, or suggesting, more money.
mark46th
12-22-2012, 16:03
Affleck doesn't understand how foreign aid and the UN work? He is way too naive to be involved in Africa.......
Don't get me wrong...I could give a shit about Ben Affleck or the Congo.
Part of Affleck's testimony, and answers he gave to questions, involved the 100's of millions of dollars the US was pouring into Congo - most "filtered" through the UN. His complaint was that we were getting "little bang for our bucks" (my phrase, not his), and that we needed to bring pressure to bear to ensure that it was being "done right" (again, my words).
He repeatedly emphasized that he was not asking for, or suggesting, more money.Any time we (US) give $$$ to the UN, we're not going to get the most bang for our bucks. Its another form of welfare just under the disguise of aid.:eek:
Top 15 contributors to the UN budget, 2012[64]
Member state Contribution
(% of UN budget)
USA 22.000%
Japan 12.530%
Germany 8.018%
UK 6.604%
France 6.123%
Italy 4.999%
Canada 3.207%
China 3.189%
Spain 3.177%
Mexico 2.356%
South Korea 2.260%
Australia 1.933%
Netherlands 1.855%
Brazil 1.611%
Russia 1.602%
Other states 18.536%
Stay safe.
RE Post #46 - FWIW - it's not all about the "one world" tithing, many countries cannot contribute $$ but do contribute personnel (military and non-military) and materiel to UN operations.
Richard :munchin
The Reaper
12-23-2012, 18:47
Do the Chinese appear to be paying their fair share?
Should countries who are paying less than their fair share be given seats on the Security Council and important positions?
TR
RE Post #46 - FWIW - it's not all about the "one world" tithing, many countries cannot contribute $$ but do contribute personnel (military and non-military) and materiel to UN operations.
Richard :munchinAnd who pays for the "majority of" contributions of military & non-military personnel w/material? :munchin
Do the Chinese appear to be paying their fair share?
Should countries who are paying less than their fair share be given seats on the Security Council and important positions?
TRNope and no! Watch China closely you'll see that they're investing heavily and reaping the benefits of others contributions in Iraq, Afghanistan & Africa.