topic Re: George Clooney's Petition in Community Chat

George Clooney's Petition

Topaz Gem — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 16:59:26 GMT

This is an extension of Lotus' thread about the Sony cyber attack. Clooney circulated this petition all over Hollywood and not one studio executive would sign it. What scares me about the demands is that NK states that what they've done is only a small part of a larger plan. I know our government and the entertainment industry is at a loss as to what to do to combat these cyber attacks, but now that one group has been successful, you can bet that other groups will follow suit.

On November 24 of this year, Sony Pictures was notified that it was the victim of a cyber attack, the effects of which is the most chilling and devastating of any cyber attack in the history of our country. Personal information including Social Security numbers, email addresses, home addresses, phone numbers and the full texts of emails of tens of thousands of Sony employees was leaked online in an effort to scare and terrorize these workers. The hackers have made both demands and threats. The demand that Sony halt the release of its upcoming comedy The Interview, a satirical film about North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Their threats vary from personal—you better behave wisely—to threatening physical harm—not only you but your family is in danger. North Korea has not claimed credit for the attack but has praised the act, calling it a righteous deed and promising merciless measures if the film is released. Meanwhile the hackers insist in their statement that what they’ve done so far is only a small part of our further plan. This is not just an attack on Sony. It involves every studio, every network, every business and every individual in this country. That is why we fully support Sony’s decision not to submit to these hackers’ demands. We know that to give in to these criminals now will open the door for any group that would threaten freedom of expression, privacy and personal liberty. We hope these hackers are brought to justice but until they are, we will not stand in fear. We will stand together.

Re: George Clooney's Petition

QueenDanceALot — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 17:05:46 GMT

Re: George Clooney's Petition

momma3gs — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 17:09:09 GMT

Good for you, George!

Re: George Clooney's Petition

Say Nay — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 19:12:21 GMT

He's an actor. No one very important in the scheme of things.

Personally I'm waiting for someone else to make a statement.

Re: George Clooney's Petition

Tinkrbl44 — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 19:12:25 GMT

Yea, George !!!

Re: George Clooney's Petition

Tinkrbl44 — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 19:15:16 GMT

Well, it's very unfortunate that this is happening, but I think MAYBE studio executives will be a little more thoughtful when approving potential movie projects.

While it might have been an attempt at "light hearted" film making, it sounds like it was mocking a powerful lunatic.

What could you expect?

Re: George Clooney's Petition

Topaz Gem — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 19:16:39 GMT

The FBI has confirmed that the hackers definitely came from North Korea. Also, it was revealed in the 12:00 news today that the hackers sent Sony a new message, praising them for pulling the movie, but warning them against any further action or there would be consequences.

Re: George Clooney's Petition

polar — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 19:24:10 GMT

Remember ""Speak softly and carry a big stick"" We've become a very weak country.

Re: George Clooney's Petition

Another new name Sue — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 19:29:47 GMT

I like George Clooney but not sure of the point of his letter or why studio execs would or would not sign it.

I read that Sony's security was not the best. Add to that the foolish decision to develop a film poking fun at a brutal world leader. They did this to themselves. It's a problem for all the employees whose personal info was hacked.

I'm sure all corporations are reviewing their cyber-security. It's a wake-up call.

Re: George Clooney's Petition

Marienkaefer2 — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 19:30:48 GMT

On 12/19/2014 happygal said:
I like George Clooney but not sure of the point of his letter or why studio execs would or would not sign it.

I read that Sony's security was not the best. Add to that the foolish decision to develop a film poking fun at a brutal world leader. They did this to themselves. It's a problem for all the employees whose personal info was hacked.

I'm sure all corporations are reviewing their cyber-security. It's a wake-up call.

ITA. Good post.

Re: George Clooney's Petition

Topaz Gem — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 19:33:57 GMT

On 12/19/2014 happygal said:
I like George Clooney but not sure of the point of his letter or why studio execs would or would not sign it.

I read that Sony's security was not the best. Add to that the foolish decision to develop a film poking fun at a brutal world leader. They did this to themselves. It's a problem for all the employees whose personal info was hacked.

I'm sure all corporations are reviewing their cyber-security. It's a wake-up call.

I thought that was a stupid thing to do also. They could have made up a fake name for the 'world leader', but hired an actor that looked like the real one. Everyone would have known who they were referring to, but since the character would have had a different name, then NK couldn't prove anything.

I think that in the future, Hollywood should stay away from poking fun at any public figure (good or bad) that is still alive.

Re: George Clooney's Petition

Free2be — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 19:44:18 GMT

Says he from his safe place on Lake Como?

I have very mixed feelings but coercion on any level seems distasteful. If it were your business that George is asking you to put in danger (theaters, human life inside), would you be as willing as he?

Sony can find another way to distribute this movie. In the meantime, the perps need to be hunted down and punished.

Re: George Clooney's Petition

Peaches McPhee — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 19:45:49 GMT

Scratching my head on this one.

What exactly does GC expect to happen as a result of his petition? Some sort of response by North Korea? I don't think NK is quaking in its boots about this.

Petitions such as this, I fear, are next to useless.

Re: George Clooney's Petition

AngusandBuddhasMom — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 19:49:48 GMT

I am guessing that Mr. Clooney feels that since he is a successful actor and his fans adore him that whatever he says will be done. I don't think NK adores George as much as George adores George.

Re: George Clooney's Petition

Peaches McPhee — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 19:55:48 GMT

On 12/19/2014 Caravaggio said:
I am guessing that Mr. Clooney feels that since he is a successful actor and his fans adore him that whatever he says will be done. I don't think NK adores George as much as George adores George.

That's the vibe I get too. But, trying to give GC the benefit of the doubt.

Re: George Clooney's Petition

Puzzle Piece — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 19:57:17 GMT

WHAT was his point and what is HIS solution. It's his opinion, his take but...............that's all. Why the big deal. Most Yanks are already of that opinion but they aren't celebs.

Re: George Clooney's Petition

Topaz Gem — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 20:02:14 GMT

On 12/19/2014 Peaches McPhee said:
Scratching my head on this one.

What exactly does GC expect to happen as a result of his petition? Some sort of response by North Korea? I don't think NK is quaking in its boots about this.

Petitions such as this, I fear, are next to useless.

In a related interview, Clooney said he thinks that Hollywood should band together to stand up to these cyber attackers. No one would sign because they didn't want to get in the cross hairs of the attackers, lest they be targets at a later time.

Re: George Clooney's Petition

mstyrion 1 — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 20:16:10 GMT

On 12/19/2014 polar said:
Remember ""Speak softly and carry a big stick"" We've become a very weak country.

In what way?

Re: George Clooney's Petition

AngusandBuddhasMom — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 20:17:21 GMT

Apparently if you need to ask how this country has gotten soft then you would not understand her point.

Re: George Clooney's Petition

mstyrion 1 — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 20:18:01 GMT

On 12/19/2014 Caravaggio said:
Apparently if you need to ask how this country has gotten soft then you would not understand her point.

enlighten me