The world has a new spokesman...

[Gary - K7GLD]

In yet another glaring example of Hollywood or similar entertainers taking themselves and their "popularity" WAY too seriously - and ascribing to themselves FAR more influence and authority than reality dictates, the following:

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JERUSALEM -- Actor Richard Gere has recorded a TV commercial urging Palestinians to vote in their election Sunday.

In a transcript obtained by The Associated Press, he said: "Hi, I'm Richard Gere, and I'm speaking for the entire world. We're with you during this election time. It's really important: Get out and vote."

Appearing with Gere in the spot are the head of the Islamic court in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and the spokesman for the Greek Orthodox Church in Jerusalem.

The spot is apparently an attempt to use both glamour and religion to get Palestinians to the polls. It will air soon. It's unclear what kind of sway Gere may have with Palestinians. One man who appeared with him in the spot said he'd never heard of Gere.

The ad will be aired on Palestinian TV and Arabic satellite channels in the next few days.

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This isn't about the empathy of world concern for stability in that region, but it IS about a steady stream of entertainers who seemingly set themselves above and apart from "normal" society - *I* sure don't recall EVER giving Gere - or ANY of his ilk - authority to speak for ME, on ANY issue!