Under the guise of his W. review, writer Ben Child asks if American stars with liberal agendas should shut up about Barack Obama. Citing The Hollywood Reporter, Child states that "having right-wing views in the U.S. film industry these days is a bit like being a card-carrying member of the communist party in the 1950s." Joe McCarthy was a Republican, so I doubt he would have persecuted the whiny celebrities who are complaining. In fact, I think that conservative celebrities painting themselves as victims is pure, unadulterated bullshit. Like their Democratic counterparts, they have mouths and are free to use them without fear of repercussion. If GOP-lovin' Sly Stallone is afraid Obama pen-pal Scarlett Johanssen's going to kick his ass, he deserves silence.

Apparently, celebrities and their political musings are not as common in the U.K. "It seems to be something of a tradition in the U.S. for actors to make public their political views, in a way which has not been seen in this country for a while," says Childs, before expressing his displeasure with the actors of any stripe discussing their personal views. I disagree, but concede he may have a point. No matter how earnestly they try, stars usually end up saying something stupid, thereby negating any value their other points may have had. I think conservative celebs should have the same opportunities to look like idiots, so speak up, folks!

Of course, I have an ulterior motive for encouraging this. I'm waiting for the day Elizabeth Hasselbeck pulls a gun she borrowed from Sarah Palin on the ladies of The View. It would be like the trailer for Falling Down Part II. Hasselbeck's the perfect example of why the entire concept of silenced conservative stars is horse-puckey. They can talk; they just like playing the victim. After all, do you think liberal Monty Clift was able to silence conservative John Wayne?