Actors and Politics

Actors, actresses, and other celebrities have often used their fame as a platform from which to make political proclamations. One noteworthy example is Sean Penn, who frequently makes political statements. In 2008 at Coachella music festival, Sean Penn added himself to the lineup to make a speech. According to a Billboard.com article,

The actor, who baffled many when his name showed up on the lineup for this year's Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in Indio, Calif., plans to board a fleet of biodiesel buses and take about 300 people on an 1,800-mile trek across the U.S., ending in New Orleans.

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As the biodiesel buses make their way across U.S. cities, the plan is to have its members volunteer for local organizations or do whatever they feel inspired to do.

With the goal to "encourage individuals to take individual actions," the caravan will stop at campgrounds where they'll be joined by musicians, activists, artists, filmmakers and guest speakers.

Although this article provided positive commentary regarding Penn's plan, many observers were less supportive, as evidenced in this video of the speech titled "Sean Penn telling Coachella to join cult?"