George Clooney calls for boycott of Brunei-owned hotels

by PigPen Sat 30 Mar 2019, 14:08

from Joanna...
IVE JUST READ NEWS ABOUT GEORGE CALLING FOR
A BAN ON USING HOTELS BELONGING TO BRUNIE.

CAN SOMEONE FIND THE STORY ON CNN OR BBC AND
POST IT ON HERE ?

I HOPE HES NOT PUTTING HIS HEAD ABOVE
THE PARAPIT TOO MUCH NOW.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

The late-night host labeled Clooney's comments as "chickenshit tokenism," suggesting that if he really wants to get back at the oil-rich country, to stop driving or using oil.

Bill Maher took aim at George Clooney's call for the boycott of nine hotels that are owned by the Sultan of Brunei — a nation soon to implement criminal laws that would implement the death sentence on those who engage in gay sex — during Friday's Real Time with Bill Maher.
On Thursday when Clooney voiced his concern about Brunei in a guest column for Deadline, the actor asked, "Are we really going to help fund the murder of innocent citizens?" He went on to say, "I've learned over the years of dealing with murderous regimes that you can't shame them. But you can shame the banks, the financiers and the institutions that do business with them and choose to look the other way."
"Every single time we stay at or take meetings at or dine at any of these nine hotels we are putting money directly into the pockets of men who choose to stone and whip to death their own citizens for being gay or accused of adultery,” Clooney wrote.
Speaking with guests Andrew Sullivan and S. E. Cupp, Maher said Clooney's call for action "bothers" him because he considers it an example of "chickenshit tokenism."
"Brunei has passed a law that you will be stoned to death if you are gay or committed adultery, and here we come back with the call from Hollywood celebrities to boycott the Beverly Hills hotel," said Maher to his guests, referencing Clooney's column. "This really bothers me because it's chickenshit tokenism. What about Saudi Arabia? If you really want to get back at them, stop driving or using oil."
Sullivan also weighed in on Clooney's boycott by saying, "The nice thing about a free society is that you can have a political life and then you can have your actual life. Not everything has to be political." He added, "We shouldn't be dictating our lives by religion, according to the dictates of wokeness. It kills the vitality of a free society."
"George Clooney is a smart guy who knows about the issues in the Middle East. He made a movie about it called Syriana," Maher quipped.

The new law in Brunei is set to take effect Apr. 3.

by PigPen Sat 30 Mar 2019, 14:14

deadline.com/2019/03/george-clooney-sultain-of-brunei-hotels-boycott-beverly-hills-hotel-anti-gay-laws-brunei-1202584579/

[size=39]George Clooney: Boycott Sultan Of Brunei’s Hotels Over Cruel Anti-Gay Laws[/size]

The date April 3rd has held a unique place in our history over the years. Theologians and astronomers will tell you that Christ was crucified on that date. On April 3rd Harry Truman signed the Marshall Plan, arguably the greatest postwar intervention in the history of man. The first portable cellphone call was made on April 3rd. Marlon Brando was born on that day.
But this April 3rd will hold its own place in history. On this particular April 3rd the nation of Brunei will begin stoning and whipping to death any of its citizens that are proved to be gay. Let that sink in. In the onslaught of news where we see the world backsliding into authoritarianism this stands alone.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Brunei isn’t a significant country. Its population is less than 500,000 people, pretty small in relation to most of its neighbors, The Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia. But Brunei has oil. This year it was ranked as the 5th richest nation by Forbes. Good for them. Of course they haven’t had an election since 1962 and have adopted the most extreme version of Sharia law so, not so good for them. At the head of it all is the Sultan of Brunei who is one of the richest men in the world. The Big Kahuna. He owns the Brunei Investment Agency and they in turn own some pretty spectacular hotels.
A couple of years ago two of those hotels in Los Angeles, The Bel-Air and The Beverly Hills Hotel were boycotted by many of us for Brunei’s treatment of the gay community. It was effective to a point. We cancelled a big fundraiser for the Motion Picture Retirement Home that we’d hosted at the Beverly Hills Hotel for years. Lots of individuals and companies did the same. But like all good intentions when the white heat of outrage moves on to the hundred other reasons to be outraged, the focus dies down and slowly these hotels get back to the business of business. And the Brunei Investment Agency counts on that. They own nine of the most exclusive hotels in the world. Full disclosure: I’ve stayed at many of them, a couple of them recently, because I hadn’t done my homework and didn’t know who owned them.
They’re nice hotels. The people who work there are kind and helpful and have no part in the ownership of these properties. But let’s be clear, every single time we stay at or take meetings at or dine at any of these nine hotels we are putting money directly into the pockets of men who choose to stone and whip to death their own citizens for being gay or accused of adultery. Brunei is a Monarchy and certainly any boycott would have little effect on changing these laws. But are we really going to help pay for these human rights violations? Are we really going to help fund the murder of innocent citizens? I’ve learned over years of dealing with murderous regimes that you can’t shame them. But you can shame the banks, the financiers and the institutions that do business with them and choose to look the other way.

Below I’ve listed the nine hotels. It’s up to each of us what we want to do.
George Clooney

The Dorchester, London
45 Park Lane, London
Coworth Park, UK
The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills
Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles
Le Meurice, Paris
Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris
Hotel Eden, Rome
Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan

by party animal - not! Sat 30 Mar 2019, 16:42

Bill is right - in theory - but what do you do? Hold up your hands, say 'Oh dear' and do nothing? At some point everybody has to stand up and be counted.

It came to light because it was announced by Brunei. The Saudis and many other Muslim states do this as a matter of course, and they don't make announcements about it. Just as they didn't announce the killing of Khashoggi.

This story caused me to check out some of the other upmarket hotels in London - and I found any number of hotels owned by Saudi princes - the Savoy, Claridges (where the Monuments Men cast stayed), the list goes on.

I've never stayed in any of them, but I have had a drink in some. It causes me now to think again.

by ladybugcngc Sat 30 Mar 2019, 16:52

I think we have to ask ourselves why the Sultan of Brunei decided NOT to stone to death liars, gossipmongers, oppressors...?

To answer this question, you have to understand the end goal of those who seek to gain control of global wealth and the tools they are using to reach that goal.

The GLOBAL attention given to this "story" fuels the stage for

a. people sympathetic to LGBQT issues

and

b. people who believe they are the righteous sent by god (a god given right) to avenge what the perceive to be wicked.

I don't think the sexual habits of consenting adults should have legislative platform on a global, national, or local level. As a Bible Believer I choose the Bible to be my guide and judgment is the Almighty God/Jesus ALONE.

I truly believe George Clooney's stand to boycott the hotels lend absolutely no help to consenting adults who's sexual choices will be judged by a human and murdered by stoning. I also believe choosing to make his boycott public only fuels those who believe they have a GOD given right to avenge such actions.  I believe George Clooney's choice to boycott should have been a private decision.

My bottom line, humans don't have the God given right to legislate the sexual habits of consenting adults.

by annemarie Sat 30 Mar 2019, 19:13

Your right ladybug humans don't have the right , but they make it their right. As for George I think he was right
hitting the rich in their hearts which is usually their pockets is one way of taking a stand. Unfortunately, many rich don't care about anyone but themselves . I doubt many will even boycott.

by ladybugcngc Sat 30 Mar 2019, 19:48

annemarie wrote:Your right ladybug humans don't have the right , but they make it their right. As for George I think he was right
hitting the rich in their hearts which is usually their pockets is one way of taking a stand. Unfortunately, many rich don't care about anyone but themselves . I doubt many will even boycott.

Annemarie, Amal taking on cases to support the LGBTQ community is a help to the LGBTQ community.

George Clooney boycotting luxury hotels will do absolutely NOTHING to help the LGBTQ community. For every one person who choose to boycott the LUXURY hotel, 2 people will be energized to take a room there. And making that stand publicly only FUEL people who believe they have a god given right to avenge who/what they perceive to be wicked.

by annemarie Sat 30 Mar 2019, 20:07

Maybe, it will maybe it won't but it's a start.

by ladybugcngc Sat 30 Mar 2019, 20:12

annemarie wrote:Maybe, it will maybe it won't but it's a start.

A start to what?

by party animal - not! Sat 30 Mar 2019, 20:35

Yep, Annemarie, you're right. Better than sitting on your hands and doing nothing, that's for sure.

If nothing else, we have all been made aware and if just one person benefits it's got to be better than doing nothing other than gaze at our navels.

As I've said I'm unlikely to be going to certain very nice hotels for that reason, and I'm likely to check out others before I go.

by ladybugcngc Sat 30 Mar 2019, 20:50

Annemarie and PAN I have to disagree,

I think, if the LGBTQ want change they wil have to look to Amal and others to continue their support of the LGBTQ community in court cases.

Wealthy people refusing to stay at particular luxury hotels can't help them.

by party animal - not! Sat 30 Mar 2019, 22:23

Mm, would you be saying that if you lived in Brunei or Saudia Arabia or Qatar or any of the other eight countries where this happens not only to the LGBTQ community but also to women for say accused adultery (thought not proven because there are not proper courts)?

Or would you be grateful to someone who is famous on a worldwide scale bringing this degree of publicity which may help just a little bit? And would the world be having this conversation if George had not put his head over the parapet?

Maybe you speak as a shareholder

by party animal - not! Sun 31 Mar 2019, 02:16

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

by annemarie Sun 31 Mar 2019, 03:51

[size=39]Elton John Joins George Clooney’s Call To Boycott Sultan Of Brunei’s Hotels Over Anti-Gay Laws[/size]
by Anita Bennett

March 30, 2019 1:25pm

9

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

NEWS
BOYCOTT
ELTON JOHN
GEORGE CLOONEY
SULTAN OF BRUNEI

Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock

[size]

Elton John has joined George Clooney’s call for a boycott of nine hotels owned by the Sultan of Brunei, after the Southeast Asian leader’s nation enacted new laws making homosexual acts punishable by death, starting April 3.

[/size]

[size]
George Clooney Trashed For Brunei Hotel Boycott On 'Real Time With Bill Maher'

“I believe that love is love and being able to love as we choose is a basic human right. Wherever we go, my husband David and I deserve to be treated with dignity and respect – as do each and every one of the millions of LGBTQ+ people around the world,” John said in a statement Saturday.
The Grammy-winning singer and founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation went on to commend Clooney for speaking out on the issue.
“Discrimination on the basis of sexuality is plain wrong and has no place in any society. That’s why I commend my friend, George Clooney, for taking a stand and calling out the anti-gay discrimination and bigotry now being enshrined in law in the nation of Brunei, a place where gay people are brutalized or worse,” the statement continued.

In an exclusive guest column published on Deadline Thursday, Clooney criticized Brunei’s announcement that the country will impose the death penalty for gay sex or adultery.
“On this particular April 3rd the nation of Brunei will begin stoning and whipping to death any of its citizens that are proved to be gay,” Clooney said. “Let that sink in. In the onslaught of news where we see the world backsliding into authoritarianism this stands alone.”
The Oscar-winning star called for members of the public to join him in boycotting the sultan’s hotels, including the famous Beverly Hills Hotel and the Bel-Air in Los Angeles.
Clooney argued that Hollywood is capable of applying pressure to address human rights violations.
“Every single time we stay at or take meetings at or dine at any of these nine hotels we are putting money directly into the pockets of men who choose to stone and whip to death their own citizens for being gay or accused of adultery,” he wrote.
John also took to Twitter Saturday to inform his followers about the issue, and to list the names of the Sultan of Brunei’s nine hotels and their locations.
You can read Elton John’s full statement below.
[/size]

“I believe that love is love and being able to love as we choose is a basic human right. Wherever we go, my husband David and I deserve to be treated with dignity and respect – as do each and every one of the millions of LGBTQ+ people around the world.
Discrimination on the basis of sexuality is plain wrong and has no place in any society. That’s why I commend my friend, George Clooney, for taking a stand and calling out the anti-gay discrimination and bigotry now being enshrined in law in the nation of Brunei, a place where gay people are brutalized or worse. As George has said, the Sultan of Brunei owns many luxury hotels around the world – hotels which David and I have found it impossible to visit since the Sultan’s plan to push for shar’ia law in Brunei became public. Our hearts go out to the good, hardworking employees of these properties, many of whom we know to be gay.
We recognise that sovereign countries will make decisions for their own citizens. But we feel we must send a message, however we can, that such treatment is unacceptable. We must never underestimate the power of our voices – and our actions – to spark the change we need to see.”

by ladybugcngc Sun 31 Mar 2019, 04:28

I speak as a person who understands the global dynamic.

You have every right to believe wealthy people who choose not to stay at a particular hotel can help the LGBTQ cause. Please read my first post. I explained in detail my position on why this is given global attention.

Again, you have every right to believe this boycott can make a difference in the LGBQT community. I understand it not only does NOTHING to help that community, it fuels those who believe they are the righteous sent by God to avenge what they perceive to be wicked on a GLOBAL SCALE.

by annemarie Sun 31 Mar 2019, 04:46

Ladybug this boycott is to help those in Brunei who will be killed. And as Pan said this has brought interest to this Elton John is speaking out and boycotting these hotels. This may also cause others to find a way to do more and help people in Brunei.
George speaking out has brought attention to something many may not have known about and don't agree with.

by ladybugcngc Sun 31 Mar 2019, 16:00

Annemarie,

Again I understand the global dynamic. You have every right to believe wealthy people boycotting luxury hotels can help the people of Brunei. I understand this ONLY fuels those who believe they are the righteous sent by god to avenge what they perceive to be wicked.

Annemarie, why did the people of Brunei not pick liars to stone?

by annemarie Sun 31 Mar 2019, 16:47

My guess is because Homosexuality and Adultery are more important crimes to them and their beliefs.

by Way2Old4Dis Sun 31 Mar 2019, 19:15

Boycotts have been an effective tool in shaping public policy for a long time. Need I remind you of 1955 Montgomery, Alabama? Fox "News" personalities being taken off the air? Boycotts may not change minds (and who gives a shit; I'd rather have protection under the law), but they do change behaviors and policy.

High-profile clients boycotting hotels does damage to the brand. Brand damage affects the bottom line. Losing money forces a reconsideration of what caused the boycott, and the only way to undo the damage is to undo the offending policy. That's a simplified overview, but it's just missing are the time and culture elements that determine how long it takes to play out.

It may not solve the world's problems, but as has been said, it's better than doing nothing.

by ladybugcngc Sun 31 Mar 2019, 19:26

annemarie wrote:My guess is because Homosexuality and Adultery are more important crimes to them and their beliefs.

Interesting... That's the mindset that's driving ISIS and other evil doers who believe they are the righteous sent by god to avenge what they percieve to be wicked.

Amal's work in fighting for the rights of aduteres and homosexual can lend a more effective outcome to their community. I don't agree with the lifestlye; I'm a Bible believer and it's my position the God of the Bible/Jesus ALONE is the only entity that can judge these actions.

Wealthy people choosing not to stay in a paticular luxury hotel CAN NOT HELP adulters or homosexuals anywhere on earth or beyond.

by ladybugcngc Sun 31 Mar 2019, 19:27

Way2Old4Dis wrote:Boycotts have been an effective tool in shaping public policy for a long time. Need I remind you of 1955 Montgomery, Alabama? Fox "News" personalities being taken off the air? Boycotts may not change minds (and who gives a shit; I'd rather have protection under the law), but they do change behaviors and policy.

High-profile clients boycotting hotels does damage to the brand. Brand damage affects the bottom line. Losing money forces a reconsideration of what caused the boycott, and the only way to undo the damage is to undo the offending policy. That's a simplified overview, but it's just missing are the time and culture elements that determine how long it takes to play out.

It may not solve the world's problems, but as has been said, it's better than doing nothing.

Interesting...

Please do me a favor Way2. Don't compare the transatlatinic slave trade where 6-15 million died, 200 years of unthinkable slave conditions, followed by institutional racism, that led to the boycotts in the south, where people were beaten and murder in their stand.

to

Wealthy people choosing not to stay at a particular luxury hotel.

You have every right to think this boycott can help change a law, however do me a favor and NEVER compare it to the boycotts where people died in an effort to end hundreds of years of unthinkable life conditions.

by annemarie Sun 31 Mar 2019, 21:41

You have every right to think it won't, George and others are trying to help so that no one dies because of their sexual orientation.

If the attention from the rest of the world helps in any way that is a good thing.

by LizzyNY Sun 31 Mar 2019, 21:47

Ladybug - I agree with your statement that humans don't have the right to legislate the sexual habits of consenting adults. And, yes, homosexuals do make an easy target for fundamentalists of many religions. I don't know what they're afraid of, but you're right, persecuting homosexuals is an old go-to trick for fanatics. If you believe being gay is a crime against God, then leave the punishment in God's hands. In the meantime, stay out of other people's beds!

I don't think a boycott will have much of an effect, except maybe on the employees of the hotels who will lose tips and possibly wages if the hotels cut back their hours or even let them go because of lost revenue. And that would be true if we were talking about Motel 6 instead of luxury hotels. The principle would be the same. That doesn't mean it's wrong to bring publicity to the issue. And there's no reason why taking the issue to court can't happen at the same time as a boycott.

What ticked me off most was that the criticism was coming from Bill Maher, an armchair liberal if there ever was one.

by Way2Old4Dis Sun 31 Mar 2019, 23:01

Please do me a favor Way2. Don't compare the transatlatinic slave trade where 6-15 million died, 200 years of unthinkable slave conditions, followed by institutional racism, that led to the boycotts in the south, where people were beaten and murder in their stand.

to

Wealthy people choosing not to stay at a particular luxury hotel.

You seem to be a little mixed up. You're comparing the celebrity/hotel part of one equation with the racial oppression of the other. Try this: bus boycott : racial discrimination :: hotel boycott : stoning for homosexuality. Get it?

I don't agree with the lifestlye

Homosexuality is not a "lifestyle." This comment alone disqualifies you from any reasonable position of debate, IMO.

I'm a Bible believer and it's my position the God of the Bible/Jesus ALONE is the only entity that can judge these actions.

So you believe in the Bible, but also believe that the God of that Bible sits in judgement of those created in God's image based on who those creations love, love being the basis of all Bible teachings. Interesting...

by Way2Old4Dis Sun 31 Mar 2019, 23:13

My bottom line, humans don't have the God given right to legislate the sexual habits of consenting adults.

But humans do have the moral obligation to protect and defend everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, equally under the law. I think that's the point.

by What Would He Say Sun 31 Mar 2019, 23:51

Interesting to think “mega rich peeps” are as blinkered as ordinary peeps.... and as influented by celebrity (Un)-Endorsement ....

Never thought about that one before....

by LizzyNY Mon 01 Apr 2019, 00:26

Ladybug - Meaning no disrespect, but perhaps you can explain something to me. You say you are a Bible believer and that only the God of the Bible/Jesus ALONE can judge. Is Jesus God? If Jesus is God, who was the God of the Old Testament? Who was the God that Jesus believed in?

I am not questioning your beliefs. I'm truly trying to understand. Just as I cannot understand how people who follow the teachings of Jesus can be anti-Semites, since he was a devout Jew and never denounced his religion.

by Donnamarie Mon 01 Apr 2019, 04:10

Just catching up with this huge discussion today. Watched Maher’s show last night. Thought the criticism of George was typical of those who don’t like celebrities weighing in on politics or worldly issues. Thought it was an cheap shot calling George’s announcement an act of tokenism ... and misplaced in George’s case.

I don’t know what the Bible or God has to do with standing up for basic human rights. Moral and human values are independent of religion. Way2 made this point. George is calling out reprehensible behavior. Better to call it out, bring attention and send a message as Elton John said.

by Admin Mon 01 Apr 2019, 08:05

I'm not a believer in boycotts because it rarely affects the people at the top, but does hurt the workers. The Sultan of Brunei is one of the richest people on earth: not staying at his hotels won't make one bit of difference to his unimaginable fortune. However, George is absolutely right not to want to contribute to that wealth. Sadly, I'm not in the salary bracket to have ever considered staying in these hotels in the first place, but now I'm pro-actively not booking them.

I do however believe that everyone has the right to avoid dealing with companies/organisations whose policies you don't agree with. Which reminds me, is George still shilling for Nestle?

by LizzyNY Mon 01 Apr 2019, 13:53

Donnamarie wrote:Just catching up with this huge discussion today. Watched Maher’s show last night. Thought the criticism of George was typical of those who don’t like celebrities weighing in on politics or worldly issues. Thought it was an cheap shot calling George’s announcement an act of tokenism ... and misplaced in George's case.

Donnamarie, consider the source. Maher is a celebrity who talks politics all the time - but he uses his position to criticize everyone else. I don't remember the last time I heard him say anything good about anyone using their celebrity to make a difference.

I don’t know what the Bible or God has to do with standing up for basic human rights. Moral and human values are independent of religion. Way2 made this point. George is calling out reprehensible behavior. Better to call it out, bring attention and send a message as Elton John said.

Re: the Bible - Ladybug said as a Bible believer she thinks only God/Jesus can judge . I think if you believe in God or the Bible you are expected to stand up against violations of human rights.

by Way2Old4Dis Mon 01 Apr 2019, 14:43

However, George is absolutely right not to want to contribute to that wealth. Sadly, I'm not in the salary bracket to have ever considered staying in these hotels in the first place, but now I'm pro-actively not booking them.

Bravo, Katie.

by ladybugcngc Mon 01 Apr 2019, 15:23

Donnamarie wrote:Just catching up with this huge discussion today. Watched Maher’s show last night. Thought the criticism of George was typical of those who don’t like celebrities weighing in on politics or worldly issues. Thought it was an cheap shot calling George’s announcement an act of tokenism ... and misplaced in George’s case.

I don’t know what the Bible or God has to do with standing up for basic human rights. Moral and human values are independent of religion. Way2 made this point. George is calling out reprehensible behavior. Better to call it out, bring attention and send a message as Elton John said.

Way2, Donna

Amal is taking on LGBTQ court cases, that is where something like the stoning of adulterers and homosexuals is best handled.

A CELEBRITY CALLING OUT THIS BEHAVIOR ONLY FUEL THOSE WHO BELIEVE THEY ARE THE RIGHTEOUS SENT BY GOD TO AVENGE WHAT THEY PERCEIVE TO BE WICKED. This is the mindset of ISIS and other evildoers around the world. Homosexuality and adutery are considered offeneses they believe god is calling them to AVENGE ON A GLOBAL scale.

Amal's LGBTQ court case deals with the matter, without bringing about the attention that fuels this mindset on a global scale.

Wealthy people boycotting particular luxury hotels can do nothing to help the stoning of people in Brunei. And again, only fuels those who believe they are the righteous sent by god to avenge this matter. My first post explains my position in detail.

by annemarie Mon 01 Apr 2019, 15:45

That's what you believe, others feel they can help by letting the world know the actions taking place in Brunei.

Even if the boycott does nothing more people are aware of the situation and can decide if they want to visit brunei

and spend their money there.

People can make their own choices if they don't care about the killing of innocent people so be it.

If they do care they can spend their money else where.

There is nothing wrong with George who is a human being who cares about others and celebrity second trying to show the horrors that are about to take place.
are happening in Brunei.

by ladybugcngc Mon 01 Apr 2019, 16:09

Way2Old4Dis wrote:
ladybug: I'm a Bible believer and it's my position the God of the Bible/Jesus ALONE is the only entity that can judge these actions.

So you believe in the Bible, but also believe that the God of that Bible sits in judgement of those created in God's image based on who those creations love, love being the basis of all Bible teachings. Interesting...

Yes I believe the God of the Bible is a God of Love and Judgment. As a Bible Believer, I was asked this question: What's more powerful God's Love or God's Judgement?

My concern is the mindset of ISIS and other evildoers who believe they are the righteous called by god to avenge what they percieve to be wicked on a global scale. I don't believe humans have been called by god to impose violence, to execute moral judgment. As a Bible Believer, I believe Church Leadership can take a stand against moral issues (sins), I don't believe they have the right to execute violence to avenge those issues.

Again Annemarie wealthy people boycotting only fuels evil doers who believe they have the right to avenge such action. Amal's LGBTQ cases will be more effective in helping homosexuals and adulterers. I believe, according to the Bible God/Jesus will judge moral issues, gossip, liars, homosexuality, adulterers,...

by LizzyNY Mon 01 Apr 2019, 17:09

Ladybug - I don't necessarily disagree with what you've been saying, but I am curious about what you believe. In my earlier post I asked if you could enlighten me. You haven't answered my questions.

Again, no disrespect intended. I'm just curious.

by annemarie Mon 01 Apr 2019, 20:11

[size=39]George Clooney On Boycotting Sultan Of Brunei-Owned Hotels Part 2: Good People Cannot Be Complicit By Doing Nothing[/size]
by George Clooney

April 1, 2019 7:26am

13

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

BUSINESS
BREAKING NEWS
GEORGE CLOONEY
SULTAN OF BRUNEI

Photo by Maria Laura Antonelli/REX/Shutterstock

[size]

Last Thursday, George Clooney wrote a guest column for Deadline calling for the immediate boycott of nine luxury hotels owned by the Sultan of Brunei, including the Beverly Hills and Bel-Air hotels in Los Angeles. Clooney was reacting to the enactment of laws that make it potentially legal to murder gay people by stoning them. The reaction to his first column was swift; some of it cynical. Clooney asked to clarify and further explain his position. From here, the courage of speaking up before the rest of the world waits for a cruel tragedy to act is urgent enough that he can have as much editorial space here as he needs, as often as he requires it.

[/size]

[size]
George Clooney Trashed For Brunei Hotel Boycott On 'Real Time With Bill Maher'

I’ve been asked to give dozens of interviews over the last couple of days. For the most part there’s no need. My statement stands as is. But since there have been people who have legitimate questions about the effect of pointing out these hotels owned by the Sultan of Brunei, I do believe a couple of clarifications are in order.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
The first question everyone asks is if a boycott has any effect on the intended target or does it just hurt the people who work at the hotels? I share those concerns, but to equate their situation with the fact that this week the 5th richest country in the world would take a young woman who is found to be gay, bury her up to her neck and have 25 men throw stones at her head until she is dead seems unfathomable. This exact argument was used during the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. And yes a lot of hard working, presumably innocent bus drivers were hurt … but no one would argue that the boycott was for the far greater good.
Another question is, “Isn’t this about a bunch of rich people staying away from hotels that I could never afford?” These are very expensive hotels, but the bulk of their business isn’t individuals but companies. I’ve been to these hotels when I was doing press events set up by the studios. I don’t know any companies that want to put money in the pocket of a murderer once they know.
Now they know.
It is also true that the Sultan won’t be terribly hurt by a boycott, but the scores of companies he funnels money through will distance themselves. That’s what a boycott does.
The most dangerous issue is Brunei’s neighbors. Indonesia has plenty of human rights issues, but they haven’t stoned anyone yet. But there was a law on the books, and if Brunei isn’t met with loud, forceful resistance that shakes their business establishments, then anything is possible.
For those that want to play “what-about-isms,” what about Saudi Arabia, Iran, Sudan, Somalia? There’s a long list. Well then, get to it. We all do what we can. For my part I spend the better part of my days chasing corruption and criminals led by some of the worst human rights violators in the world. And we do it by chasing their finances and confronting the establishments that they’re laundering money through. Believe me, no banker living in London wants to be outed as a human rights profiteer. Sunlight is the great disinfectant. Boycotts are sunlight.
You can’t make the bad guys be good, but you can stop the good guys from being complicit.
Let me just paint you a picture: 20 years from now, you or your kids are asked, “Is it true that the guy that owned all of these great hotels was stoning gay people to death?” And you say “yes.” The next question will be, “And you still went there?”

[/size]

by party animal - not! Mon 01 Apr 2019, 21:47

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

by party animal - not! Mon 01 Apr 2019, 21:53

'Sunlight is the best disinfectant'.

Well said, George

by ladybugcngc Mon 01 Apr 2019, 22:01

LizzyNY wrote:Ladybug - Meaning no disrespect, but perhaps you can explain something to me. You say you are a Bible believer and that only the God of the Bible/Jesus ALONE can judge. Is Jesus God? If Jesus is God, who was the God of the Old Testament? Who was the God that Jesus believed in?

I am not questioning your beliefs. I'm truly trying to understand. Just as I cannot understand how people who follow the teachings of Jesus can be anti-Semites, since he was a devout Jew and never denounced his religion.

Lizzy,

God is defined many different ways by many different people. I make the reference: "God of the Bible/Jesus" so it is clear I'm referring to the Bible-God. Your following questions:

“Is Jesus God? If Jesus is God, who was the God of the Old Testament? Who was the God that Jesus believed in?” … “how people who follow the teachings of Jesus can be anti-Semites, since he was a devout Jew and never denounced his religion”

I would yield to a Bible Scholar, to answer. As you know the Christian faith has many denominations with varied schools of thought. A Bible Scholar would better explain how that works and the anti-Semites question.

It's important to me is people understand religion, politics, and the pursuit to gain control of global wealth are extremely connected. What some religions define as moral decay lends to the religious school of thought: they are the righteous chosen by god to avenge what they view as moral decay. Politics: military activity where WAR has not been declared, military action have not been defined, and there is drafted designated end. Wealth: economic oppression is imposed with greater and greater intensity across the globe.

by party animal - not! Mon 01 Apr 2019, 22:03

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Great piece here

And more
support.................https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1111652061001584642

by LizzyNY Mon 01 Apr 2019, 22:15

Well said, George! I know a direct response to Bill Maher would be pointless, but I really wish George had put him in his place. It's nice to see George is getting so much support.

Ladybug - I really do understand how geopolitics and religion intersect. I was trying to understand your beliefs. If you don't feel you can explain sufficiently, that's o.k..

by ladybugcngc Mon 01 Apr 2019, 22:24

"Let me just paint you a picture: 20 years from now, you or your kids are asked, “Is it true that the guy that owned all of these great hotels was stoning gay people to death?” And you say “yes.” The next question will be, “And you still went there?"

Answer: I chose to stay at luxury hotels not affliated with Brunei.

by annemarie Mon 01 Apr 2019, 22:28

That is the point of the boycott people now know and can go and stay somewhere else.

by LizzyNY Mon 01 Apr 2019, 22:48

Ladybug - Just a note to say we all make decisions based on our own personal filter. Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who is openly gay, has no problem with Chick-fil-A whose owners are strict conservatives and support anti-gay organizations and policies. He won't patronize them, but if others do - well that's their choice.

PS -He did a great interview on The Breakfast Club radio show. I saw it on Daily Kos' Staff Picks on Saturday (3/30): "Pete Buttigieg may be our first openly gay president...". but I think it may be on Youtube as well. This guy is great!

by ladybugcngc Mon 01 Apr 2019, 23:50

LizzyNY wrote:Ladybug - Just a note to say we all make decisions based on our own personal filter. Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who is openly gay, has no problem with Chick-fil-A whose owners are strict conservatives and support anti-gay organizations and policies. He won't patronize them, but if others do - well that's their choice.

I totally agree.

by Donnamarie Tue 02 Apr 2019, 00:04

I wish George had been able to directly respond to Maher and his panel’s criticism on Friday. The panel tried to argue a cliche when it comes to celebrities and causes. George could have not only beaten back at that cliche but made the salient points that he wrote in his statement. Would have liked to hear Maher’s comeback. Regardless George is right on point.

by party animal - not! Tue 02 Apr 2019, 00:08

The brilliant New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on the subject

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

by annemarie Tue 02 Apr 2019, 00:21

[size=38]Jacinda Ardern speaks out against new Brunei law punishing gay sex with death by stoning
2:25PM

1 NEWS
[/size]

SHARE