Stuff to Discuss

Scarlett Johansson

I have been getting a kick out of all the invitations to stars and starlets by Marines to this years Marine Ball. Even good old Betty White scored an invitation which she politely declined. Now there’s a lady that would be fun to go to dinner with some time. 

Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake got invitations and accepted them, which of course resulted in a flurry of invitations to other actors and actresses. I think one classy way of declining was the way actress Scarlett Johansson declined an invitation to the Marine Corps Ball.

Johansson, who was asked to the major event by Sgt. Dustin L. Williams, wrote in a statement that she was moved by the military man’s gesture but unable to accept due to some other plans she’d made.

“I feel incredibly honored to have been invited to the Marine Corps Ball by Sgt. Dustin L. Williams,” the actress wrote. “Not only does Sgt. Williams deserve recognition for his bravery, selflessness and dedication to the United States and its people, but he also displays a cheeky talent for film making. Sgt. Williams, unfortunately due to prior commitments I will not be able to attend the Ball with you this year.”

The 26-year-old “He’s Just Not That into You” star did, however, offer some drinks.

“I am sending you a case of Moet and Chandon with gratitude,” Johansson continued. “In my absence, I raise a glass to you and all the men and women of the U.S. Marine Corps, past and present, in thanks for your continued commitment to preserving the safety of our nation.”

A case of Champagne, now that’s a nice way of saying no. I knew I should have taken the Marine Option in NROTC.

A new poll shows that President Obama’s disapproval rate among political independents has gone above 50 percent, in spite of his efforts to use the debt ceiling debate to seek approval from those critical swing voters. Support for Obama among independents has fallen from 42 percent in May to 31 percent, and disapproval has risen to 54 percent.

The drop in support among independents is critical because both parties have roughly the same number of hard core supporters. The 2012 election prize will go to the candidate who draws more independent voters, and Obama’s decline in that crucial demographic has dragged his ratings down among registered voters.

Speaking of politics, remember Donald Trump’s short run at the presidency? Well apparently he’s thinking about it again. With the polls showing the country fed up with both parties, and no clear front runner emerging from the Republican wantabees, the idea of an independent actually having a shot is not so far fetched. Trump would get a lot of those independent voters I keep talking about.

It’s an interesting idea but I think the reality is that he would get a good number of Independents and disenchanted Democrats to support him but in the end all he would do is split the Republican support enough to almost ensure Obama’s re-election.

Live Long and Prosper…..