"(September 11 was) an occasion to be brave enough to ask some serious questions about America's role in the world. Because it is always useful as individuals or nations to ask how we may have knowingly or unknowingly contributed to this conflict. Not to have the courage to ask these questions of ourselves is to betray the victims of 9/11."
-Maggie Gyllenhaal

These comments and others have been enough to cause angry users to force a Maggie Gyllenhall fan website into shutdown. I wouldn't consider myself a diehard fan of her movies (although I do recognize her contributions to Adaptation. and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind), but I can't help but wonder what all the fuss is all about.

This definitely proves that nothing is truly black or white. Freedom of speech is one of the fundamental rights and freedoms that are granted by democratic societies, but it goes far beyond that. As it stands, judging from the hostile reaction that Ms. Gyllenhaal's comments have received, perhaps our notions of free speech should be re-evaluated.

I consider myself liberal in my leanings, so I'll accept (but not necessarily agree with) any speech or sentiment, just as long as it doesn't promote hate, violence, discrimination, or ignorance. So, blatantly ignorant statements on same sex marriages and the denial of the holocaust get the kibosh. Stuff questioning the War on (T)error? Go for it.

Using celebrity status in order to promote causes is important, although a slightly more informed opinion would be nice. How do we know that entertainers know anymore than what they're trained to do? But, I must say, seeing Brittney Spears' endorsement of the current Bush administration while chewing gum on Fahrenheit 9/11 is actually quite amusing.

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