Brian Bolter's Blog

I was happy with my outlook on Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Didn't like 'em. Oversaturated. Collecting kids like rare automobiles. Inane Hollywood faux-lationship. I turned the channel when they came on, or at least turned away. Saw Ocean's 11. Refuse to see 12 & 13. Really wanted to see "A Mighty Heart" about slain journalist Daniel Pearl. Couldn't stomach 2 hours of Angelina Jolie so I didn't. And then ... this.

Brad Pitt is trying to save New Orleans. Not in some low budget, superhero flick kind of way. But honest to goodness, boots on the ground in the wasteland that was ... the Lower Ninth Ward. Pitt is not just lending his starpower name to a new housing initiative in the forgotten community. He's commissioned 13 architectural firms to build 150 affordable, eco-friendly homes in a campaign called Make It Right. AND ... pledges to match $5 million in donations. $5 million! Not chump change.

Let's get over the idea that no-one should rebuild in this part of town. At least the homes have to be five to eight feet off the ground. And that Brad Pitt has a selfish interest in architecture anyway. He's seen the frustrastion firsthand in this town ... most observers can't say the same. Pitt is doing what anyone with the privelege of a position of influence should do ... using it to make a difference in the world. That's what he's doing here. Rebuilding this cultural treasure is obviously an issue near and dear to my heart, as most of you know. Keeping it in the public conciousness. Refusing to let poverty and geography destroy one of the truely unique cities in this country. Of all people ... Brad Pitt is on the scene to save the day.

Now how am I supposed to come to terms with the incongruent entities? A papparazzi  mess of good looks and higher than thou social conscience ... versus ... real support, in a real disaster that can make real change. Damn you Brad Pitt. Now I have a passing interest in your father-son travails with little Maddox and all the others. I guess I will buy that Details magazine, even though your picture is on the cover. But let me just say ... thank the heavens you're not Tom Cruise! I would implode.