The Strange Sean Penn

To say it in a few words: You have no inkling of the reality over here.

No one can doubt that Sean Penn distinguished himself as one of the best actors over the past few years. No one can deny that his roles in “Dead Man Walking” or “Milk” were magnificent. Moreover, Penn is one of the celebrities who helped victims of Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Haiti. All of these deeds I can accept. However, Sean, don’t bug me by defending the Venezuelan government each time the opportunity arises.

Sean, my friend, you do not live in Venezuela, and you have no idea of how things are. You have a mansion in Los Angeles, you make millions of dollars, and it is probably a fact that you can walk out of your house without the fear of getting robbed or murdered. You are a star, and I can bet that all you know about Venezuela comes from what the Venezuelan president tells you when you visit him.

To say it in a few words: you have no inkling of the reality over here.

It is certain that your house has electricity and running water, that no one rations you, that no one even dares to take away your private property, invade your private space, steal your car or even contemplate kidnapping you. I can bet that there is always food in your fridge and that no one can dictate how much you are allowed to spend on a trip.

My friend, Sean, I am certain that such things would not fly with you.

To be more explicit: Why don’t you just move here for a couple of months, live in a village and grasp how it feels to be subject to national imprisonment almost daily — to see in person how television agencies are being closed, how private property is coming to an end, how justice is controlled and political pressure is increasing, or how our nation is suppressed every time it dares to revolt and stand up for its rights?

My friend, Sean, I will continue to watch your movies, and I am inviting you to come spend a couple of months in Venezuela. From then on, I could see that your talks would be based on a true understanding of the Venezuelan reality.