George Clooney: Humanitarian

Amidst the glamour and cheek-kissing at the 2010 Primetime Emmy Awards, one moment shines bright: George Clooney's candid, but amusing, speech after being presented with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.

Mr. Clooney is that rarity: a man liked equally by men and women. Yes, he's a good actor, but what I admire most is his commitment to helping those in need.

In a town filled with colossal egos and those who are so out of touch with the real world inhabited by most of us with mortgages, shaky careers, and anxiety about the price of gasoline, it's refreshing to find a guy who's willing to use his celebrity to help those who desperately need help.

His speech was a call for others to get involved and to stay involved, long after the spotlight has moved on to the latest disaster du jour. With humor, he referenced those who did nothing to alleviate suffering. With a mocking smile, he said: "You know who you are."

The world needs more celebrities, and plain ordinary people like us, who are willing to work to improve the lives of others, even when the camera isn't documenting their volunteerism or when the human resources department isn't making notes for the company newsletter.

How refreshing to hear a Hollywood insider comment on contemporary America when the "strange times where bad behavior sucks up all the attention and press."

Mr. Clooney goes on to say that "...the people who really need the spotlight -- the Haitians, the Sudanese, people in the Gulf Coast, Pakistan -- they can't get any."

He concludes with: "Here's hoping that some very bright person right here in the room or at home watching can help find a way to keep the spotlight burning on these heartbreaking situations that continue to be heartbreaking long after the cameras go away."

So say we all, Mr. Clooney. So say we all.