Brad Pitt refuses to get married until all can - good luck with that

[msmith537]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060908/ap_en_mo/people_brad_pitt

Brad Pitt has announced that "he won't be marrying Angelina Jolie until the restrictions on who can marry whom are dropped".

Sounds like a brilliant move on Pitts part to not get married.

I predict Angelina's reaction goes something like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_97QXIiLOI).

[Antinor01]

Actually, I have a couple of friends that are doing the same thing. And when people ask why they aren't getting married yet they explain that they are waiting until marriage is gender neutral.

[Chez Guevara]

The Sudanese (http://news.aol.co.uk/man-forced-to-marry-goat/article/20060908071709990002) approach to the subject of matrimony seems refreshingly enlightened to me.

[iamthewalrus(:3=]

It's probably best for all involved. I had a futuristic vision in which, five or six years after they were married, a horrendous international assassin ring forced them to kill many people and destroy countless buildings, automobiles, and outfits.

[bienville]

According to Wiki, Sarah Silverman has also said that she will not get married until same-sex couples are allowed to do so as well.

[faithfool]

Isn't that the same sentiment expressed by Charlize Theron?

[Hippy Hollow]

Unless Brad Pitt or Sarah Silverman are actually putting in work to ensure that all others can also be married - money, time, and effort - I'm suspicious of what impact this has on anything. If I was a cynical person I'd say this is a PR stunt that projects that Pitt's a caring soul... wonder if there are any other reasons besides those stated that motivates Braddy-boy to remain single?

[ouryL]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060908/ap_en_mo/people_brad_pitt

Brad Pitt has announced that "he won't be marrying Angelina Jolie until the restrictions on who can marry whom are dropped".

Sounds like a brilliant move on Pitts part to not get married.

I predict Angelina's reaction goes something like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_97QXIiLOI).

Angelina is a boy? :eek:
Oh! Sorta like a Victor/Victoria thing :smack:

[Miller]

Unless Brad Pitt or Sarah Silverman are actually putting in work to ensure that all others can also be married - money, time, and effort - I'm suspicious of what impact this has on anything. If I was a cynical person I'd say this is a PR stunt that projects that Pitt's a caring soul... wonder if there are any other reasons besides those stated that motivates Braddy-boy to remain single?

Right, because gay marriage is such a popular cause among Americans. Pitt would probably get better PR by coming out in favor of puppy stomping. I'm likewise suspicious of how much benefit this does to gay marriage, but it sure as hell isn't doing it any harm, so I say good for Brad. Even if this is ultimatly an empty gesture, it's not unreasonable to take it as a sign that he's offered more material support to gay rights advocacy groups.

[Little Nemo]

Unless Brad Pitt or Sarah Silverman are actually putting in work to ensure that all others can also be married - money, time, and effort - I'm suspicious of what impact this has on anything. If I was a cynical person I'd say this is a PR stunt that projects that Pitt's a caring soul... wonder if there are any other reasons besides those stated that motivates Braddy-boy to remain single?
How exactly does a person go about putting "money, time, and effort" into legalizing gay marriage? What are you supposed to do? March around with a sign offering people a dollar if they'll honk their horn for gay marriage?

Pitt and Silverman are doing all a normal person can do; publically announcing his support for the idea and working on getting people elected who'll legalize it.

[Carnac the Magnificent!]

It's all PR for the uber-gullible.

Have Pitt and Jolie sworn off diamond engagement rings, in light of the exploitation, abuse and murder of child diamond miners?

Did Jennifer Anniston return her massive bling from Pitt?

Gwyneth Paltrow?

[panache45]

The Sudanese (http://news.aol.co.uk/man-forced-to-marry-goat/article/20060908071709990002) approach to the subject of matrimony seems refreshingly enlightened to me.
The best line: "As far as we know they are still together."

[Hippy Hollow]

How exactly does a person go about putting "money, time, and effort" into legalizing gay marriage? What are you supposed to do? March around with a sign offering people a dollar if they'll honk their horn for gay marriage?

Pitt and Silverman are doing all a normal person can do; publically announcing his support for the idea and working on getting people elected who'll legalize it.
I'd say fronting money for L/G couples to bring their cases to court. Scholarships for law students who want to work toward the cause. Showing up on a picket line.

I don't know Brad Pitt; he seems like an okay guy, so I guess I can give him the benefit of the doubt. I just don't see what not getting married does to help those who legally can't.

Miller - Pitt's a Hollywood star who has a pretty eclectic acting CV. He's not going for the John Wayne demographic, so I fail to see how this position hurts him in any way. Angelina similarly has taken on a number of causes (Third World debt, adoption) that aren't exactly middle America's cup of tea.

[Snarky_Kong]

It's all PR for the uber-gullible.

Have Pitt and Jolie sworn off diamond engagement rings, in light of the exploitation, abuse and murder of child diamond miners?

Did Jennifer Anniston return her massive bling from Pitt?

Gwyneth Paltrow?

If everything you do isn't good, nothing is? If I didn't donate to Katrina victims does working in a soup kitchen count for nothing?

[Walloon]

Angelina similarly has taken on a number of causes (Third World debt, adoption) that aren't exactly middle America's cup of tea.I'll put aside the question of just what or where "middle America" is, and ask: is there a part of the country where people just can't get enough about Third World debt and adoption? I'd like to hear more.

[Chez Guevara]

The best line: "As far as we know they are still together."
I concur.

I am also curious to know which of the participants was making the 'loud noise' during sexual congress.

[gazpacho]

I concur.

I am also curious to know which of the participants was making the 'loud noise' during sexual congress.I read that article before this thread and all I could think was. Man rapes goat and his punishment was to be awarded custody of the goat. It seemed really strange to me.

[Carnac the Magnificent!]

If everything you do isn't good, nothing is? If I didn't donate to Katrina victims does working in a soup kitchen count for nothing?


Um, no. But I wonder about the priorities of someone whose hired publicist stresses over gay marriage--here in a country wherein gays can live together, court, love, screw, adopt babies, and otherwise lead totally "normal" lives--while the celebrity effortlessly ignores one of the most evil practices on this planet, all the while giving his long line of sweeties bloody diamonds. We're talking legal technicalities versus misery, physical abuse, torture and death. We're talking about milking the PR teat for all it's worth versus not doing shit for people crying for international attention from self-indulgent celebs just like Brad Pitt.

Yeah, I suppose that's what I'm talking about.

[Kalhoun]

Isn't that the same sentiment expressed by Charlize Theron?
I once heard her say "It's not my bag" with regard to marriage. She may have other motivators, but it sounded like she just doesn't dig the institution itself.

[Kalhoun]

Um, no. But I wonder about the priorities of someone whose hired publicist stresses over gay marriage--here in a country wherein gays can live together, court, love, screw, adopt babies, and otherwise lead totally "normal" lives--while the celebrity effortlessly ignores one of the most evil practices on this planet, all the while giving his long line of sweeties bloody diamonds. We're talking legal technicalities versus misery, physical abuse, torture and death. We're talking about milking the PR teat for all it's worth versus not doing shit for people crying for international attention from self-indulgent celebs just like Brad Pitt.

Yeah, I suppose that's what I'm talking about.
It looked, from the link, like he answered a reporter's question; didn't appear that he hired a publicist to announce anything.

Regardless of what he may or may not have done in the past, isn't who he is NOW what counts? Maybe he had an epiphany. Maybe he feels guilty for squandering his wealth on meaningless stuff. Maybe Angelina is a good influence on him. His heart is in the right place on this, and many other issues. Give the guy a break.

[Larry Borgia]

Did Angelina accept a big diamond from Brad? Given her involvement in African causes I'd be surprised if she did. Whatever Brad did in the past is in the past. If I've thoughtlessly and unwillingly enabled a cruel and exploitive process in the past am I a hypocrite if I no longer do so in the future? Anything Brad gave Jen and Gwyneth are now the property of those two women. It's up to them what they do with their rings.

Normally I don't have much use for Hollywood types and phony charity, but Angelina Jolie seems like she really is trying to do some good in the world. If she drags Brad Pitt along--who, from every interview I've seen, is dumb as a post--so much the better.

[Annie-Xmas]

Maybe that's what's delaying Tom Cruise's marriage plans.

[Walloon]

Brad Pitt was close to completing a journalism degree at one of the best journalism schools in the country, the University of Missouri. Not so dumb.

[Larry Borgia]

Brad Pitt was close to completing a journalism degree at one of the best journalism schools in the country, the University of Missouri. Not so dumb.

I did not know that.

[DianaG]

Somehow, I suspect that Angelina Jolie isn't crying herself to sleep because she can't get Brad Pitt to marry her. I admire their resourcefulness in turning their decision not to get married into a plea for social justice, but somehow I suspect that it may have something to do with the three divorces they already have between them.

Carnac, Africa isn't the world's only source of diamonds. Lots of people make a point of purchasing conflict-free diamonds.

[Moirai]

I once heard her say "It's not my bag" with regard to marriage. She may have other motivators, but it sounded like she just doesn't dig the institution itself.


Yeah, like her first-hand knowledge of what a great union her parents had... Charlize's dad was an abusive drunken maniac, and her mom ended up blowing him away with a shotgun.

[Carnac the Magnificent!]

Brad Pitt was close to completing a journalism degree at one of the best journalism schools in the country, the University of Missouri. Not so dumb.

Great school, smart guy, perhaps, but it's hardly a brain-taxing curriculum.

[DianaG]

Wow, that was a lot of "somehow I suspect"s. Note to self: coffee, then posting.

Also, more info (http://www.amnestyusa.org/diamonds/index.do) on diamonds (http://www.conflictfreediamonds.org/), since I'm here.

[Mayo Speaks!]

It doesn't necessarily seem that he's trying any sort of social activism. It sound to me like someone asked "Why aren't you getting married?" and he answered "It doesn't seem fair when others aren't allowed." I don't think he called a press conference to announce it or anything like that.

And I know a few couples who are waiting until same sex marriage is legalized before they get married. Coincidentally, they're all same sex couples. :D

[Walloon]

Great school, smart guy, perhaps, but it's hardly a brain-taxing curriculum.Ohhhh, them's fighting words. :mad: I have a journalism degree. Did you attend the University of Missouri School of Journalism? If not, how do you know whether it is a brain-taxing curriculum?

The mean score on the SAT for journalism and mass communications graduates in 1997 was 1,083, while the 1994 college-bound seniors had an average of 1,003 on the test.

L.B. Becker, G.M. Kosicki, L. Porter, D. Watson, "1997 Annual Survey of Journalism & Mass Communication Graduates"

[Diogenes the Cynic]

I don't see it as necessarily an attempt to change anything but maybe an unwillingness to accept a privilege denied to others. It's kind of like refusing to eat at restaurant that won't serve blacks. It's not that you think you're going to change the restaurant, it's just that it's not a place you want to go to.

I'm not one to much care about celebrities' private lives or their activism but I also don't think it's necessary to always have to piss all over them any time they try to say or do something expressing an ideological point of view or assume that they can't actually feel sincere about anything. I likewise don't get why Jolie has been so mocked and ridiculed for adopting babies. There are worse things a person could do.

[Chez Guevara]

I read that article before this thread and all I could think was. Man rapes goat and his punishment was to be awarded custody of the goat. It seemed really strange to me.
Maybe the sex was consensual.

[hawksgirl]

Maybe the sex was consensual.
So "ma-a-ah" means yes?

[Uncommon Sense]

The best line: "As far as we know they are still together."
I thought the best line was "...because he used it as his wife."

[Apos]

Me and my current wife had this exact condition on marriage.

Then I got sick, and I didn't have health insurance. So much for conviction! The irony was that my wife's employer DID offer health coverage to gay couples that had domestic partner liscences (which she and I already had). So it was either marriage or a quick sex change.

I would note that this is EXACTLY what conservative pro-gay marriage advocate Jon Rauch predicted: keeping gays from marrying without good cause would contribute to the feeling that marriage is a parochial institution, not for everyone, quaint and particular. It is this more than anything else that is the real threat to marriage. It is those opposing gay marriage that will ultimately do the most to destroy it.

[ladybug]

Great school, smart guy, perhaps, but it's hardly a brain-taxing curriculum.
Ohhhh, them's fighting words. :mad: I have a journalism degree. Did you attend the University of Missouri School of Journalism? If not, how do you know whether it is a brain-taxing curriculum?

As a fellow J-school grad (University of Florida, class of 1997), I have to agree with Walloon. Journalism is a tough major in any school. I worked hard for my degree. I would imagine that journalism students at the University of Missouri, which has one of the best programs in the country, would have to work just as hard.

As for the OP, I don't know if Brad Pitt's statement will do anything to help supporters of gay marriage, but I don't think it will do any harm. Even if he was just dodging a reporter's question, he may end up promoting discussion. Not such a bad thing, IMHO.

[Chez Guevara]

So "ma-a-ah" means yes?
Exactly.

And a kick in the groin with a cloven hoof means 'no'.

[Mayo Speaks!]

Exactly.

And a kick in the groin with a cloven hoof means 'no'.
I've always just shaken my head from side to side. But now that I know the proper signal, I just need to grow a cloven hoof.

Q: Do you have the time?
A: *kicks questioner in groin with new cloven hoof*

That'll teach 'em!

[Carnac the Magnificent!]

As a fellow J-school grad (University of Florida, class of 1997), I have to agree with Walloon. Journalism is a tough major in any school. I worked hard for my degree. I would imagine that journalism students at the University of Missouri, which has one of the best programs in the country, would have to work just as hard.




Hard work, definitely. Intellectually demanding on par with the physical sciences, mathematics, computer science, biochemistry, finance, operations research, accounting, Russian, Chinese, etc., probably not. That said, there are certainly some brilliant journalists. :)

[handsomeharry]

Well, I think that the attitudes in America will certainly change now!

I also think that Angelina is doing this to her men. !. billy bob trades vials of blood. 2. brad won't marry until all can marry. (Hamlet?)

I also think that msmith537 has Pitt pegged.

hh

[DMark]

I am Gay and lived in West Hollywood. I met Brad once, very briefly, before he became famous. He lived about three blocks from me, in a house with 4 or 5 other guys - and no, there were never any hints it was anything other than good (hetero) buddies as roommates, despite the fact many had hoped he was batting for our team.

My guess is that his experience in living in West Hollywood, one of the Gay meccas of the world, might have something to do with his current activism.

Then again, the cynic in me says, "Wow, what a great line to give your girlfriend."

[MrDibble]

Carnac, Africa isn't the world's only source of diamonds. Lots of people make a point of purchasing conflict-free diamonds.

...nor are all African diamonds conflict diamonds. The best diamonds in the world (see: Cullinan) come from South Africa and Namibia.

While I'm here - some people are just assuming that not getting married is all Brad Pitt is doing to bring about gay marriage. Do those people know what charities he donates to, which congressman he writes to, etc?

[TJdude825]

How exactly does a person go about putting "money, time, and effort" into legalizing gay marriage? What are you supposed to do? March around with a sign offering people a dollar if they'll honk their horn for gay marriage?

Pitt and Silverman are doing all a normal person can do; publically announcing his support for the idea and working on getting people elected who'll legalize it. Well, there are organizations you can donate money to. The ones that come to mind are Equality California and the Human Rights Campaign. How much actual benefit comes from each dollar donated, I couldn't say.

[cerberus]

I don't recall Pitt having a problem with this when the question of marriage to Anniston came up. Then again, actors view marriage more as a Lease than as a Buy anyway.

[jjimm]

I am Gay and lived in West Hollywood. I met Brad once, very briefly, before he became famous. He kissed my wife. Twice!

[DianaG]

I don't recall Pitt having a problem with this when the question of marriage to Anniston came up. Then again, actors view marriage more as a Lease than as a Buy anyway.
Pitt and Aniston got married in 2000. I don't remember gay marriage being a huge public issue in 2000. And as far as I can tell, these days, the vast majority of people see marriage as a Lease rather than a Buy.

Again, I don't think that this is the real reason they're not getting married. I also don't think that the decision to not get married is exclusively Brad's. Frankly, I'm inclined to think that the balance of power in that relationship is tilted just a bit in Jolie's favor. I could be dead wrong, of course, not knowing either of them. But she seems like a woman unlikely to accept any crap.

[Carnac the Magnificent!]

Frankly, I'm inclined to think that the balance of power in that relationship is tilted just a bit in Jolie's favor. I could be dead wrong, of course, not knowing either of them. But she seems like a woman unlikely to accept any crap.


No crap, eh? Are we talking the same Jolie once married to five-time married Billy Bob Thornton--the ultra-bipolar psychoboy of Hollywood? That relationship just screamed codependency and weirdness.


"Theirs was a very intense and very public marriage in which both frequently declared their intense passion for each other, referred almost constantly to their sex life (to NBC's Brian Williams: "He's about five blocks away, and I'm having trouble being with you" {2}), and famously wore vials of one another's blood.

Ann [Curry]. And why do you wear this?
Angelina: Because it's my husband's blood.
Ann: Which says to you what? Which means what to you?
Angelina: Which is beautiful to me, you know? Some people like diamonds around their necks or things like that. I think that's beautiful. And it makes me - it's his life. {3}

Angelina stated in interviews that she had finally found happiness and safety with Billy Bob Thornton, and that her darker days were behind her. In the same interview, she said that with Thornton,

Angelina: For the first time I've been happy.
Ann: Why weren't you safe and happy before?
Angelina: I don't know. Because if I didn't have my work, if I hadn't met Billy, I absolutely would not be here today.

http://72.14.209.104/search?q=cache:yeCXBhrXTmIJ:www.religionfacts.com/celebrities/angelina_jolie.htm+jolie+thornton&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=33

[pulykamell]

Great school, smart guy, perhaps, but it's hardly a brain-taxing curriculum.

Gotta agree with you here. Took two years at the Medill School of Journalism (which is up there with Missouri and Columbia as the best journalism schools), and, while it was rigorous and exacting (misspell anyone's name in an assignment, and you get an automatic "F," for example), it was hardly rocket science. Journalism majors, on the whole, were a pretty fun and sharp bunch, but it's not terribly difficult coursework. Time consuming at times, sure. But no more than any other major, in my opinion.

[Equipoise]

No crap, eh? Are we talking the same Jolie once married to five-time married Billy Bob Thornton--the ultra-bipolar psychoboy of Hollywood? That relationship just screamed codependency and weirdness.


So, in your world, people can't grow and change for the better? It seems to me that Jolie's whole outlook changed when she visited Cambodia and found Maddox. After adopting him she grew up, discovered her previously-hidden maternal instincts, found a conscience, became an activist, and because of it totally alienated Thornton, who wanted his spooky-ookie, fun-loving, weird and wild partygirl wife back.

Pitt pretty much coasted through on his talent (yes, he does have talent), charm and good looks. He and Anniston seemed perfect together for the time they were together, but then he met Jolie, who showed him a socially-aware path he hadn't previously been exposed to. That he'd always wanted kids and Maddox was a perfect kid and they got along well didn't hurt. I don't believe Jolie broke up his marriage, but I believe she was right there when it did break up and them getting together was the most natural thing in the world.

Maybe I'm too gullible. I don't care. I'm usually a pretty cynical person, but when it comes to Pitt and Jolie, I believe totally in their union and social awareness.

And besides, how the heck do you know what kind of diamond ring, if any, Pitt has given Jolie?

[Carnac the Magnificent!]

So, in your world, people can't grow and change for the better? It seems to me that Jolie's whole outlook changed when she visited Cambodia and found Maddox. After adopting him she grew up, discovered her previously-hidden maternal instincts, found a conscience, became an activist, and because of it totally alienated Thornton, who wanted his spooky-ookie, fun-loving, weird and wild partygirl wife back.

Pitt pretty much coasted through on his talent (yes, he does have talent), charm and good looks. He and Anniston seemed perfect together for the time they were together, but then he met Jolie, who showed him a socially-aware path he hadn't previously been exposed to. That he'd always wanted kids and Maddox was a perfect kid and they got along well didn't hurt. I don't believe Jolie broke up his marriage, but I believe she was right there when it did break up and them getting together was the most natural thing in the world.

Maybe I'm too gullible. I don't care. I'm usually a pretty cynical person, but when it comes to Pitt and Jolie, I believe totally in their union and social awareness.

And besides, how the heck do you know what kind of diamond ring, if any, Pitt has given Jolie?



I don't know what you do for a living, ma'am, but you have a future at People Magazine. ;)

Seriously, I wish them the best, the relationship-on-the-rocks rumors notwithstanding.

[AveDementia]

So, in your world, people can't grow and change for the better? It seems to me that Jolie's whole outlook changed when she visited Cambodia and found Maddox. After adopting him she grew up, discovered her previously-hidden maternal instincts, found a conscience, became an activist, and because of it totally alienated Thornton, who wanted his spooky-ookie, fun-loving, weird and wild partygirl wife back.

Pitt pretty much coasted through on his talent (yes, he does have talent), charm and good looks. He and Anniston seemed perfect together for the time they were together, but then he met Jolie, who showed him a socially-aware path he hadn't previously been exposed to. That he'd always wanted kids and Maddox was a perfect kid and they got along well didn't hurt. I don't believe Jolie broke up his marriage, but I believe she was right there when it did break up and them getting together was the most natural thing in the world.

Maybe I'm too gullible. I don't care. I'm usually a pretty cynical person, but when it comes to Pitt and Jolie, I believe totally in their union and social awareness.

And besides, how the heck do you know what kind of diamond ring, if any, Pitt has given Jolie?

There's another version of the story that says Thorton didn't want a new baby at the time and Jolie went ahead with it against his wishes. There were also rumors that he was opposed to it because of the general shadiness of many agencies working Cambodian adoptions. All Cambodian adoptions have stopped at the moment because corruption was so bad, and also, the head of the agency that Jolie used was busted for buying babies from poor women and passing them off as orphans. Article here (http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2004/01/05/news/news03.txt).

Any concerns about Maddox possibly have living parents were brushed aside by Cambodian officials who said they investigated and found no wrongdoing, but possibly they were helped in the cleanup by Jolie's 1.5 million dollar donation to the impoverished Cambodian government for a community development/nature conservation project. It wouldn't be the first time that ever happened.

And I can't say much about her maternal instincts when she has been calling the paps to photograph her and Maddox when they go out ever since Billy Bob left and she was trying to recover from the incestous overtones of her open-mouthed kiss with her brother at the Oscars. It's basically a way to give herself a better image. She admitted as much to Forbes in an interview (http://alljolie.wordpress.com/2006/06/16/angelina-jolie-exclusive-interview-with-forbes-magazine/). There's also another article that I can't find now where a photographer talked about behind the scenes stuff involving paps and mentioned her habit of setting up photo ops with Maddox since he was 7 months old.

She has turned her children into celebrities themselves with this behaviour, even to the point where a photographer broke into his day care/school trying to get a picture. She continues these photo ops and yet last year she complained that the photographers upset Maddox and made him cry when she just wanted to take him on a ride on a carousel in Paris. She should have thought of that when he was 7 months old and she used him to reform her image.

It's also been questioned whether she actually gives one-third of her income to charity as she repeatedly says she does, or whether it was just a one time thing, but I can't find the information right at the moment, and I'm a little pressed for time here. So that's my 2 cents, for now.

[Kalhoun]

There's another version of the story that says Thorton didn't want a new baby at the time and Jolie went ahead with it against his wishes. There were also rumors that he was opposed to it because of the general shadiness of many agencies working Cambodian adoptions. All Cambodian adoptions have stopped at the moment because corruption was so bad, and also, the head of the agency that Jolie used was busted for buying babies from poor women and passing them off as orphans. Article here (http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2004/01/05/news/news03.txt).

Any concerns about Maddox possibly have living parents were brushed aside by Cambodian officials who said they investigated and found no wrongdoing, but possibly they were helped in the cleanup by Jolie's 1.5 million dollar donation to the impoverished Cambodian government for a community development/nature conservation project. It wouldn't be the first time that ever happened.

And I can't say much about her maternal instincts when she has been calling the paps to photograph her and Maddox when they go out ever since Billy Bob left and she was trying to recover from the incestous overtones of her open-mouthed kiss with her brother at the Oscars. It's basically a way to give herself a better image. She admitted as much to Forbes in an interview (http://alljolie.wordpress.com/2006/06/16/angelina-jolie-exclusive-interview-with-forbes-magazine/). There's also another article that I can't find now where a photographer talked about behind the scenes stuff involving paps and mentioned her habit of setting up photo ops with Maddox since he was 7 months old.

She has turned her children into celebrities themselves with this behaviour, even to the point where a photographer broke into his day care/school trying to get a picture. She continues these photo ops and yet last year she complained that the photographers upset Maddox and made him cry when she just wanted to take him on a ride on a carousel in Paris. She should have thought of that when he was 7 months old and she used him to reform her image.

It's also been questioned whether she actually gives one-third of her income to charity as she repeatedly says she does, or whether it was just a one time thing, but I can't find the information right at the moment, and I'm a little pressed for time here. So that's my 2 cents, for now.
Well, if she is setting up photo ops, maybe she's being paid for them, and then donating the money to her many causes. Nothing wrong with that.

[Apos]

It's also been questioned whether she actually gives one-third of her income to charity as she repeatedly says she does, or whether it was just a one time thing, but I can't find the information right at the moment, and I'm a little pressed for time here.

Even if she only gives one tenth of her yearly income to charity once, I bet its worth a hell of a lot more than you will give in your entire lifetime.

[AveDementia]

Well, if she is setting up photo ops, maybe she's being paid for them, and then donating the money to her many causes. Nothing wrong with that.

The only two that I know of where that happened were her pregnancy announcement where the money for the photos went to Wyclef Jean's Haitian charity, and the Shiloh pictures which went to (I believe) some UN children's charities in Africa. If she were doing that on a more regular basis, I'm sure she would announce it like she does most of her other charitable ventures. Other memorable events like Brad and Angie on the beach with Maddox in Africa, and Zahara's first pictures where Angie took her to a mall just after she got out of the hospital were not for pay.

For whatever reasons, even for charity, I can't agree that it's in the best interest of the children to stir up so much interest in them by doing photo ops and even professional photo shoots (http://www.bartcop.com/angelina_jolie-maddox.jpg) for magazines.

[AveDementia]

Even if she only gives one tenth of her yearly income to charity once, I bet its worth a hell of a lot more than you will give in your entire lifetime.

I don't know if you meant this to sound as hostile as it comes across, but it does seem a little harsh. Did I offend you?

To go ahead and answer- you will never know if that's true or not because you won't see me on television talking about it. And I don't see what's wrong with questioning the truth when it comes from someone highly motivated in self-interest, and publicly admitting to such when it comes to their charitable acts.

My apologies if I offended you. That wasn't my intention.

[AveDementia]

Or I should say, I apologize for offending you. Sorry. My first apology came across as a non-apology because of the "if" and I didn't mean for it to.

[Kalhoun]

The only two that I know of where that happened were her pregnancy announcement where the money for the photos went to Wyclef Jean's Haitian charity, and the Shiloh pictures which went to (I believe) some UN children's charities in Africa. If she were doing that on a more regular basis, I'm sure she would announce it like she does most of her other charitable ventures. Other memorable events like Brad and Angie on the beach with Maddox in Africa, and Zahara's first pictures where Angie took her to a mall just after she got out of the hospital were not for pay.

For whatever reasons, even for charity, I can't agree that it's in the best interest of the children to stir up so much interest in them by doing photo ops and even professional photo shoots (http://www.bartcop.com/angelina_jolie-maddox.jpg) for magazines.
Well, she wouldn't be the first person to do a preemptive strike to keep her kids from being trampled by a herd of asshole photographers. Maybe that's what she has in mind. At any rate, I don't believe she'd attention whore herself at her childrens' expense, and she gives away 1/3 of her income to charity, so I'm not going to find fault with her occasional toothy smile toward the camera. She's the real deal as far as I can tell.

[fluiddruid]

Even if she only gives one tenth of her yearly income to charity once, I bet its worth a hell of a lot more than you will give in your entire lifetime.All right, let's cool down and not make this personal. Please remember that we are in Cafe Society. Thanks.

[Dangerosa]

There's another version of the story that says Thorton didn't want a new baby at the time and Jolie went ahead with it against his wishes. There were also rumors that he was opposed to it because of the general shadiness of many agencies working Cambodian adoptions. All Cambodian adoptions have stopped at the moment because corruption was so bad, and also, the head of the agency that Jolie used was busted for buying babies from poor women and passing them off as orphans. Article here (http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2004/01/05/news/news03.txt).


That's not an unusual situation with third world adoptions. Vietnam was shut down (it may have reopened) with the same issue, and I think Thailand and parts of India. Russia has been on and off for fifteen years, mostly governement process changes though (can't recall instances of someone saying "baby selling.") However, its probably better for these kids - horrible that it is - that their parents sell them to adoption agencies because the other option is whorehouses and functional slavery.

The U.S. State Department is the agency that is responsible for closing or opening a country to international adoption and evaluating rumors of baby selling. If Jolie got Maddox when Cambodia was open, the State Department didn't have enough information to shut them down.

And baby selling, while illegal here, is not unheard of, by any means. A few states allow adoptive parents to cover the living expenses of the birthmother during pregnancy. Its amazing how many birth mothers need fancy new cars as part of their living expenses. Its one of the dirty little secrets of the adoption world.

[sulamith]

Angelina found Maddox in an orphange while she was in Cambodia. She didn't contract with an agency and sit home stateside all comfy and wait for him to delivered. She found a child in a bad situation and wanted to get him out of it. Yes, she used an agency that turned out to be crooked, but so have many other, honest people seeking to adopt. Just because people seeking to adopt get duped by a crooked agency doesn't mean they are dishonest themselves.

Also, Angelina did NOT kiss her brother in an "open-mouthed" kiss. That's BS. Her mouth was closed. I don't know how to post pictures, but I am sure you can find it.

It seems the lady has people who want to hate her no matter what. If you are looking for a reason to hate somebody, you can always find it.