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Thursday, Mar. 13, 2008

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When Clooney Came to Dinner
Thank you, Joel Stein, for the wonderful story about George Clooney's visit [March 3]. You totally confirmed for me what I had thought was true: Clooney is just a cool, down-to-earth dude you would love to have a beer with. If there were more people like Clooney in Hollywood (people who don't mind laughing at themselves rather than who are dying for attention), young actors wouldn't be living such chaotic lives. Next time you have Clooney over for dinner, let me know — I'll bring the wine!
Marc Falco,
Norristown, Pa., U.S.

Last year I was having dinner with friends at a restaurant when Clooney walked in with a small party and took a table in the corner near the door. On my way out I paused for a moment, caught his eye, told him I hoped he would win the Oscar and then moved toward the exit. What happened next surprised my friends, who had urged me not to invade his privacy. Clooney called me back to his table, stuck out his hand and asked my name. Then he said he greatly appreciated my coming over. He really is as Stein portrayed him.
Bob Wechsler,
New York City

Stein's excellent article brought back memories of another down-to-earth movie star. In the '60s I attended a meeting with colleagues in Hollywood, and we were in the Ambassador Hotel the night Barbra Streisand had her opening at the Cocoanut Grove. After the show there were stars galore in a hospitality room. Two associates and I decided to crash the party, which was easy. To make a long story short, I spotted Henry Fonda all by himself and said, "Hello, Mr. Fonda." His first words were "Call me Hank." I mentioned I had been raised in his home state of Nebraska, and we must have talked for 20 or 30 minutes. He said he hated these types of parties. He was a really nice guy, just like George.
Jim Christensen,
Santa Maria, Calif., U.S.

Clooney is apparently a rich, famous, handsome guy who is dedicated to his craft, doesn't take himself too seriously and makes those around him who aren't quite so rich, famous or handsome feel good. Wow! In this age of self-centered, ego-driven tabloid stars, it's nice to know there's someone out there to whom Paul Newman can hand the torch.
Kevin Statham,
Sanger, Calif., U.S.

The Power of Communication
Tim Padgett's article "Cuba's Chance" made it abundantly clear that both Cuba and the U.S. have the opportunity to terminate 46 years of trade embargo and name-calling [March 3]. The people of Cuba deserve economic reform and the quality-of-life improvements that will come with it. Cuban Americans should also have the chance to return to the country of their birth whenever they so choose. U.S. leaders should stop shooting from the lip and open a dialogue with Raúl Castro to accelerate a needed change of course for Cuba. If the U.S. can trade with China, Saudi Arabia and other nations that do not exactly embrace democratic principles, then there is absolutely no reason it cannot do so with our neighbor a mere 90 miles [150 km] away.
J. Patrick Grimes,
Cambridge, Mass., U.S.

Dictatorships require isolation if they hope to survive freedom's onslaught. Fidel Castro's five decades in power were less the product of brilliance and charisma than the result of the U.S.-enforced isolation. Uncle Sam's embargo provided Castro with the shield he needed to survive the demise of the communist bloc. The embargo denied Castro nothing he couldn't buy elsewhere, while his totalitarian communist system has destroyed entrepreneurial initiative, squandered wealth on weapons and brought abject poverty to the Cuban populace.
Tony Gonzalez,
Weeki Wachee, Fla., U.S.

A Good Heart or a Good Angle?
Bob Geldof's piece about President George W. Bush's impact on Africa revealed that my heroes can be fallible [March 3]. I would have expected a more nuanced perspective from Geldof, a man who has worked so hard on the African continent. Sure, the Bush Administration has poured millions of dollars into Africa, and that's certainly laudable. However, it sounds naive of Geldof to attribute this to Bush's desire to live up to the American ideal of "the Good, the Fair and the Just." Though Geldof pointed out that China and India are aggressively investing in that continent, he didn't make the connection that U.S. aid to Africa is also a self-interested investment. Geldof disappoints with his simplistic view of Bush's agenda in Africa.
Mitra K. Shavarini,
Lexington, Mass., U.S.

After reading Geldof's article, I had to rethink my feelings about our President. It has been easy over the past several years to criticize his ability to lead our country. But after reading about his unreported positive contributions to millions of Africans, I have a renewed sense of faith in the American people. We elected a President who by most measures hasn't done a very good job but has a good heart. I hope that next time around we will elect someone with a kind heart and good judgment.
Larry Kimmel,
Bend, Ore., U.S.