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She's Actually Smart
Once there, Jolie began by citing the “remarkable education” of her seven years as Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations, and her visits to 25 refugee camps. She then proceeded to eloquently make her case that too often, “peace is placed before justice, often times instead of it. I believe there’s no enduring peace without justice.”
Justice, as she put it, should not be “a luxury for only rich and wealthy nations. In far too many places I’ve been, I’ve seen refugees returned to live among the same people who attacked them,” the same people who remain in power by “threatening more violence if we attempt to bring them to justice. We let those who destroyed their country decide the future for it.
She continued: “When crimes against humanity are punished consistently, the killers’ calculus will change. If they walk away, it sends a message that they need not worry. We need to arrest those indicted. Trials can change behavior.”
And finally, “After seven years in the field I have a lot to learn, but I do know that no mother who had her children killed in front of her, no young girl sold into slavery, no boy kidnapped and forced to be a child soldier, no young girl, like the three year old I saw with her limbs cut off, should be expected to forget. No one should have to choose between peace and justice.”
When the panel concluded, the actress, who was giving no interviews, was instantly surrounded by people who, in the name of world peace, had summoned up the courage to approach her for an autograph—not for themselves, you see, for their grandchildren. “Of course, I understand,” she replied, ever graciously, as the long fingers of her left hand scrawled her name across the programs. “I have kids, too.” Indeed. The most famous on the planet.
As Jolie left, Ted Sorenson, who as JFK’s speechwriter spent a lot of time with the most famous brunette of that era, summed up his impression of the actress.
“Frankly, I came a skeptic,” he said, “but am leaving impressed.”
John Talks Joe
Lloyd Grove is editor at large for The Daily Beast. He is also a frequent contributor to New York magazine and was a contributing editor for Condé Nast Portfolio. He wrote a gossip column for the New York Daily News from 2003 to 2006. Prior to that, he wrote the Reliable Source column for the Washington Post, where he spent 23 years covering politics, the media, and other subjects.
Oh yes. It's definitely a shock that Jolie, who has been harassed in the media for the last 10 years, renowned for her volunteer work, adoption of multiracial babies, position as a Goodwill Ambassador, and activist for third world countries might actually know what she's talking about. Revelation. Way to go, you investigative reporter, you really cracked a case. She's "actually smart"? You should be ashamed.
I'm smart! I'm having more babies! I'm smart! I'm with Brad Pitt! I care! I want my privacy! Here's some pics of ME!!! I'm smart! Enough already.
Clone this woman. Send me one.
So Nancy, after all these years! The most most mean-spirited comment I've ever read, no to mention the sickest...why would you even bring Jennifer Anniston into this in such a cruel way...Please let us know when
you grow up and get over your crush...also, Ted, Did she actually write her speech? Just because you love her sentiments dosen't mean you have to genuflect at her alter...
Pathetic!
I agree with CathyK83. She is smart, and on top of that, she truly cares. She's not trying to bring attention to herself, she trying to bring attention to the issues in other countries. If people just sat and listened to what she said, they might get to learn something, instead of the mindless criticizing they do!
To Nancy Collins,
I am also disappointed with your inclusion of Anniston in your article. You've clearly missed the point of the Jolie-Pitt foundation, of Ms. Jolie's efforts in humanitarian aid, not to mention the entire Peace, Justice and Reintegration endeavour.
CathyK83, you articulated it perfectly... Jolie, has worked for her wealth, but rather than waste it away on fashion, rehab and jail stints, she has devoted her life to worldwide issues, which countless people, especially those with fortunes, choose to ignore. Rather than grade her on talk and her intellectual ability, a closer examination and appreciation on the issues she speaks of is warranted and deserved.
Unfortunately her message was lost and a useless idea for an article was found.
Play on your strengths, Collins, and write about issues that inform and engage and hopefully motivate into positive action rather than simply entertain or try to.
Thanks.
Regarding the comment about Jennifer Anniston, I believe there is some truth in that statement (although it has nothing to do with the subject of the article). And I object to the negative remarks about Angelina in 2 of the 4 posts above. They are not deserved.
I'm sure that after Ms. Collins wonderful write up we can feel agree that Ms. Jolie has a better understanding of foriegn policy that Sarah Palin.....Could you now understand why some of us (Women) are insulted by Senator McCain!!!
Sorry for the typo...NOW AGREE.....That Ms. Jolie HAS the qualifications TO run for VICE PRESIDENT and not make a FOOL of US on an INTERNATIONAL level!!!!
Good for the Angelina, smartly using her fame as a way to help those without identity in the global conversation. She probably doesn't care a wit that aniston name gets mentioned. I can only guess (based on her actions) that she understands that she (Angelina's) fame is not the point, just the means to the end.....helping others.
I find it amusing when the uninformed call anyone of their fashionable choosing "smart," "brilliant" or "intelligent." Especially when any reference to anything of substance is ignored or omitted. How about writing a fair commentary of the actual position of Angelina spoke of? Those of us in the audience who use our brains assess whether she is "smart"?
"As Jolie left, Ted Sorenson, whoM as JFK's speechwriter spent a lot of time with the most famous brunette of that era..."
It's "who", not "whom" -- "Ted Sorenson" is the subject of the sentence. Don't make patronizing remarks about Angelina Jolie being "actually smart" when you're demonstrating that you have just enough command of the English language to muck it up.
As for Angelina, if she can do everything, all power to her!
I also find it amusing I can't seem to type! Doh! Here is the readable version:
I find it amusing when the uninformed call anyone of their fashionable choosing "smart," "brilliant" or "intelligent." Especially when any reference to anything of substance is ignored or omitted. How about writing a fair commentary of the actual position Angelina spoke of? Those of us in the audience who use our brains can assess whether she is "smart."
To Sempronia:
You make a good point - my bad.
This comment has been removed by The Daily Beast's editors.
This comment has been removed by The Daily Beast's editors.
Humanitarian work is always noble - especially when it is done by someone who has no incentive other than out of the good of their hearts. Angelina is a lovely ambassador, and she seems to be a good mother. I, for one, would be stunned if any mommy dearest stories came out once the children grow up. I mean stunned. She just seems to present, so loving, so maternal. And of course she is intelligent too. But some people won't let her live down Jennifer Anniston. What can you do?
Thank you.
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