Monday, March 23, 2020

Hollywood Good Guys - 2020



By now many of you have seen the celebrity montage of stars singing John Lennon's "Imagine" as a way to lift spirits during this time of crisis.  The response from most social media on them has been fairly brutal.

I do not feel like dog-piling on them, but I've always maintained that "Imagine" is one of the most beautifully written songs about straight-up communism.  And in this time of social distancing and uncertainty, Marx's message is not something people need to hear right now.

However, as much as this has absorbed a lot of the celebrity spotlight, I wanted to take a moment to point out some people who are using their fame and wealth for some real good.

RYAN REYNOLDS AND BLAKE LIVELY

These two movie stars donated $1 million dollars to Feeding America and Food Banks Canada.  I know that a lot of people are feeling food insecurity, hence the mad rushes at the super markets.  But these two have donated a significant amount of money to help make sure people will not go hungry.

RIHANNA

The pop star is having her foundation give $5 million dollars to help give relief.  These funds are designed to go to food banks, medical testing, and other such supplies.

ERIC STONESTREET

Best recognized for playing the character "Cameron" on Modern Family, he has donated 200,000 meals to the Kansas City Food Bank.

LECRAE MOORE

This Grammy-winning Christian rapper helped set up portable hand-washings stations for homeless people in Atlanta.


BETHANY FRANKEL

The reality star is having her  organization donate 1 million medical masks to hospitals.

KELLY RIPA and MARK CONSUELOS

They have also $1 million to help, especially in the New York City area.

LADY GAGA

Her cosmetics company will donate 20% of its profits to food banks in LA and NYC.

GODLEN STATE WARRIORS

The players and coaches are donating $1 million to the employees fo the Chase Center who are affected by the closures.

KEVIN LOVE

The basketball star of the Cleveland Cavs is donating $100,000 to help support arena workers who are out of job because of the cancelling of the season.



To clarify, I am not saying that everything that the above celebrities do are good and virtuous.  But especially in these times of struggle, it is not a bad thing to acknowledge those who use their significant influence and celebrity to help people in need.  And maybe it can help inspire others to do the same.

At least it seems more productive and helpful than singing the great Communist Anthem again.


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