- How have you reacted to the first 6 months of the Obama presidency?

I am hopeful about it.  I think he is doing the best job possible.

- What acting role do you recall most passionately and why?

It was for a movie – Street Smart. In the late 80s with Christopher Reeve, who played the intrepid reporter. I played the role of Leo Smalls, a peculiar character.  A pimp. It was fun.  As an actor, I like playing different and varied roles.

- How do you feel about the recent “beer summit” with the President, Prof. Gates, and the Cambridge political officer?

I agree with the President that the police in this situation were acting stupidly.  I think they should have apologized.  The beer summit was a smart move on the part of the President to diffuse a stupid situation.

- How can we tell if the Obama admin — after four or eight years — is truly successful…what would that mean for the United States / the world?

I’m not that smart!

- What, if anything, has most disappointed you about the politics of Obama’s age?

Nothing.  The people who are against this administration are acting the way you’d expect them to.  I am not disappointed in the President. If you watch Washington, nothing happens there without a fight.

- Are Americans ignorant about the homelessness that results from natural disasters outside of the U.S. — if they are, how can we as a nation do that?

No.  I don’t think we are ignorant.  We have a lot of information that gives us the lay of the land as far as disasters are concerned and their effects in the US and aboard. We know what destruction looks like – we need to learn what preparation looks like. For hurricanes and other disasters, more of us need to be concerned with the elements of planning involved in staying alive and able-bodied so that we can help our families and community members who need assistance when disasters strike. That’s key.

- Lastly, do you believe young people are doing enough to help rebuild Katrina-afflicted homes as well as major American urban centers?

I don’t think it is a job for young people alone.  It is a job for the government.  It’s a job for individuals, families and communities; states and so forth.  We’ve all got to own up to our parts.

Popularity: 2% [?]