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Penn, who left Baghdad later Sunday, is among scores of celebrities who have spoken out, but the first to travel to Iraq to express his concerns. Earlier this month, Martin Sheen and Academy Award winners Kim Basinger, Helen Hunt, Olympia Dukakis, Susan Sarandon and director Jonathan Demme were among more than 100 entertainers who signed a letter urging President Bush to avoid a war on Iraq.

I understand signing a letter to President Bush. I mean, I wouldn't mind sending him a letter about my own concerns, and the freedom of open dissention is arguably one of the greatest aspects of living in America. What I don't understand is why this is newsworthy. Why is it necessary to publish the names of the actors and actresses? Do people really care about the nature of Sean Penn, Kim Basinger, or Susan Sarandon's political opinions? Does the average person really take these opinions for their own, just because these people are famous? Why should their views be any more valid than any other citizen? I mean, what are their qualifications? Does playing a role like Jeff Spicoli (even though he did a killer job) substantiate your political views?

It is interesting that a guy who hit an extra, and was quoted as saying"

I had a house burn down once, and everything in life burned, except my family, and it was so liberating. I didn't have a bad moment about it. It sort of reinvigorated my interest in a lot of things. I wonder if there should be some kind of anarchy,

is suddenly so gung-ho about maintaining peace.

I don't necessarily mean to pick on Mr. Penn, as he's certainly not alone among the Hollywood Heads that believe their looks, or their acting, or singing abilities distinguish them as experts.