Note to Harrison Ford

Posted By Blackfive • [December 20, 2004]

"Contemplate the mangled bodies of your countrymen, and then say, 'What should be the reward of such sacrifices?' ... If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animating contest of freedom, go from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen!" --Samuel Adams

Amy K., who's husband is a Marine in Iraq, has discovered that Harrison Ford is slated to portray Marine General Jim Mattis in a movie about the Battle of Fallujah.  Mr. Ford has had some typical Hollywood stances about the War on Terror which is disappointing considering the roles he has played.  Who isn't a fan of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Air Force One, The Fugitive, Patriot Games, etc.?

Harrison Ford is to star in what will be Hollywood's first feature about the current Iraq war. Producers Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher have bought the option for No True Glory: The Battle for Fallujah, a non-fiction written by Slate reporter Bing West. The book is due to be published in May and tells the story of an assault on Iraqi insurgents in Falluja, from the perspective of US marines.  Variety reports that Ford is already attached to play General Jim Mattis, in charge of the attack.

Here's what Harrison Ford had to say about the American led war in Iraq LAST summer.  I especially like the line about everyone going for the big hit.  Pretty omniscient isn't he?

Harrison Ford has voiced his concerns over the American-led war in Iraq. The veteran actor said armed conflict was not the solution to Iraq's problems. Speaking in the Spanish capital Madrid to launch his latest film, Hollywood Homicide, Ford also took a swipe at US gun laws and the 'big hit' nature of the country's film industry. Ford, 62, said, "I'm very disturbed about the direction American foreign policy is going. I think something needs to be done to help alleviate the conditions which have created a disenfranchised and angry faction in the Middle East. I don't think military intervention is the correct solution. I regret what we as a country have done so far." And, despite having starred in the original Star Wars trilogy, Ford also attacked Hollywood for making too many films more akin to "video games" than real life. He added, "It seems everybody is going for the big hit, for the most return." And although he has appeared in action films, he said America's liberal gun laws had greatly contributed to the country's crime problems.

Having had the honor of meeting General Mattis on more than one occasion, I can honestly say NOONE will be ever to capture that man's essence and personality.  He is truly one of a kind.

Hopefully since Bing West is the author, the story will give a postitive perspective on the Battles of Fallujah that occured in April and November.

I, personally, intend to write a letter to Mr. Ford and ask if he's had a change of heart about his previous stance or if he just feels comfortable making money off the blood of United States Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and their families.

Regards,
Amy

I'll post her letter to Harrison Ford in the Extended Section:

c/o United Talent Agency
9560 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 500
Beverly Hills, CA  90212

Mr. Harrison Ford
c/o United Talent Agency
9560 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 500
Beverly Hills, CA  90212

December 18, 2004

RE:     No True Glory:  The Battle for Fallujah

Dear Mr. Harrison:

I read with interest your upcoming role as General Jim Mattis in the film No True Glory: The Battle for Fallujah.

My husband is a United States Marine proudly serving in Iraq.  He has been there since February 2004.  He was in a unit which provided support to the Marines actively engaged in battle both in April 2004 and November 2004.  We are all proud of his duty to his country and the people of Iraq.  Where one may disagree to the methodology of releasing Iraq from Saddam Hussein's grip, one should agree it was in the best interest of the Iraqi people.

I remembered hearing sometime last year that you had spoken in Madrid about your views of the current situation in Iraq.  To wit, you were directly quoted as saying the following:

"I'm very disturbed about the direction American foreign policy is going," said Ford, with US post-war casualties having exceeded those during the actual conflict.
"I think something needs to be done to help alleviate the conditions which have created a disenfranchised and angry faction in the Middle East.
"I don't think military intervention is the correct solution. I regret what we as a country have done so far," said Chicago-born Ford, 62.
"It seems everybody is only going for the big hit, for the most return," said Ford.

Mr. Harrison, my question for you is this:  Do you still feel the same way?

I don't believe that any person in good conscience could portray a man as incredible as General Jim Mattis (I do know him personally) and star in a film about these battles when they feel so strongly against the situation in Iraq.  To make money off of the blood of Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and their families while holding their goals in contempt is the epitome of HYPOCRISY.   I have been to funerals and memorial services for men who are much greater than a star who wants to go for the big hit, for the most return.  They may not have their lives open to the public and millions of dollars, but their legacy will live on throughout the military and those who were fortunate enough to know them.

Should you decide to continue in your role as General Mattis, my advice to you is this:
Rethink your previous position.  Listen to the men and women over in theatre who have made a difference over there.  Come down from your Ivory Tower and congregate amongst the hoi polloi of the U.S. military.  Maybe then you can get a better perspective of who we are and what we stand for.  Right now, you don’t have a clue, except what you read in the paper.

And for the record, Mr. Ford:  You are NO Jim Mattis.

Respectfully Submitted,

Amy

---

Comments

Note to Harrison Ford

"Contemplate the mangled bodies of your countrymen, and then say, 'What should be the reward of such sacrifices?' ... If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animating contest of freedom, go from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen!" --Samuel Adams

Amy K., who's husband is a Marine in Iraq, has discovered that Harrison Ford is slated to portray Marine General Jim Mattis in a movie about the Battle of Fallujah.  Mr. Ford has had some typical Hollywood stances about the War on Terror which is disappointing considering the roles he has played.  Who isn't a fan of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Air Force One, The Fugitive, Patriot Games, etc.?

Harrison Ford is to star in what will be Hollywood's first feature about the current Iraq war. Producers Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher have bought the option for No True Glory: The Battle for Fallujah, a non-fiction written by Slate reporter Bing West. The book is due to be published in May and tells the story of an assault on Iraqi insurgents in Falluja, from the perspective of US marines.  Variety reports that Ford is already attached to play General Jim Mattis, in charge of the attack.

Here's what Harrison Ford had to say about the American led war in Iraq LAST summer.  I especially like the line about everyone going for the big hit.  Pretty omniscient isn't he?

Harrison Ford has voiced his concerns over the American-led war in Iraq. The veteran actor said armed conflict was not the solution to Iraq's problems. Speaking in the Spanish capital Madrid to launch his latest film, Hollywood Homicide, Ford also took a swipe at US gun laws and the 'big hit' nature of the country's film industry. Ford, 62, said, "I'm very disturbed about the direction American foreign policy is going. I think something needs to be done to help alleviate the conditions which have created a disenfranchised and angry faction in the Middle East. I don't think military intervention is the correct solution. I regret what we as a country have done so far." And, despite having starred in the original Star Wars trilogy, Ford also attacked Hollywood for making too many films more akin to "video games" than real life. He added, "It seems everybody is going for the big hit, for the most return." And although he has appeared in action films, he said America's liberal gun laws had greatly contributed to the country's crime problems.

Having had the honor of meeting General Mattis on more than one occasion, I can honestly say NOONE will be ever to capture that man's essence and personality.  He is truly one of a kind.

Hopefully since Bing West is the author, the story will give a postitive perspective on the Battles of Fallujah that occured in April and November.

I, personally, intend to write a letter to Mr. Ford and ask if he's had a change of heart about his previous stance or if he just feels comfortable making money off the blood of United States Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and their families.

Regards,
Amy

I'll post her letter to Harrison Ford in the Extended Section:

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