Not so very long ago, I posted a rant about celebrities who constantly put their political views where their mouths are. You know the kind: they start a press junket devoted to their latest film/album/book/comeback/rehabilitation, and instead decide they'd like to regale everyone with their views on the Middle East or homeland security. Because they're experts on that kind of thing.

Since then, I've had a revelation or two. First, I've had to admit this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black. After all, we, as bloggers, love to stand on our soapboxes and shout out our views to all who might hear. And don't we want people to notice? Don't we want them to say, "Dammit, you're right?" Don't we want every last person in the universe to realize we have all possible solutions to all possible problems? Such is the conceit, like it or not, of blogging: just like many celebrities out there, we're vain enough to think we have all the answers. So how can I, in good conscience, begrudge celebrities for doing the same thing?

I return to the same answer: because I'm a blogger. If you've read any number of blogs out there, you've seen that balanced coverage of all views isn't usually a high priority. So there you go: my blog is my fiefdom, and in my fiefdom, celebrities must adhere to a different code of conduct than I do. Because I'm an expert on that kind of thing.

My second revelation? I've discovered similar posts on other blogs, and--brace yourself--found a celebrity view I admired. Suddenly, I find myself wishing this celebrity would speak out more often, as his eloquent thoughts and views need to be heard by more people. So there it is again: I'm willing to take a stand against celebrities who espouse views different from my own, but quite lenient with celebrities who have a similar outlook. And again, in my fiefdom, this is perfectly acceptable.

I do, however, want to note these instances on other blogs and let you judge for yourself (just as long as your judgment agrees with mine). First, a post at The Spoons Experience cites an interview with Wallace Shawn (he of The Princess Bride and My Dinner With Andre fame, among others), in which it seems he finds everything from Broadway Theater to life in America terrifying. Mr. Shawn's shrill comments are exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about, and further solidify my view that all celebrities I disagree with should be muzzled. Second, a post at Astonished Head compares recent interviews given by Viggo Mortenson and Jonathan Rhys-Davies, in which Rhys-Davies comes off as considerably more articulate. May I draw special attention to the Rhys-Davies interview? When I read this, I found myself quite moved by what he said; mayhapst a tiny tear even formed in the corner of my eye. So yes, dammit, I happen to agree with his views on the subject, but I don't think that's the only difference in his interview. (I'm trying to give myself some wiggle room here, mind you.)

Mr. Mortenson arrived for his Charlie Rose interview wearing a "No Blood for Oil" tee shirt; he might as well have written "Ask me my views on the Iraq War" on his forehead with a magic marker. Mr. Rhys-Davies, on the other hand, was specifically asked by the interviewer if Tolkien's Catholic themes resonated with him. In other words, Rhys-Davies' answer was actually solicited by the interview; up to that point, he hadn't made any bold political statements. Nor did he show up for the interview wearing a shirt proclaiming, "Up with Judeo-Christian values."

Do you see the difference? I do. And remember, I'm a blogger.