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EMarshallBuckles
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| Joined: | Mon Nov 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | Rockville (Near Richmond), Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 669 |
| First Name: | Marshall | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church,Episcopal Church,Baptist denomination,learning about RCC |
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Posted: Tue May 27th, 2008 08:13 pm |
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Although I have not always agreed with his politics, Martin Sheen has always been one of my favorite actors. I respect him and have enjoyed his performances. Just thought you all might find this article inspirational. And as one who once had to intervene using the police to stop my younger brother's drug use and misbehavior, I understand what he did and support him in it! Sometimes you have to "tough love" people!
Martin Sheen opens up about son Charlie's drug use
May 27, 2008 12:37 PM EDT
LOS ANGELES - Martin Sheen became "fanatic" when his son Charlie was using drugs.
"When a life is at stake and it's your child, you become fearless in a lot of ways. I mean, you just become fanatic," the 67-year-old actor says in the July/August issue of AARP The Magazine. "Nothing ever gets done unless it's done by a fanatic."
Sheen, who portrayed fictional President Josiah Bartlet on NBC's "The West Wing," tells the magazine how he intervened to save his actor-son.
"The only way I got to Charlie, frankly, was because he'd skipped out of the hospital. I had to pay the bill," Sheen says. "In paying the bill, I got to see why he was in there. He'd consumed an illegal substance; he was on probation. ... This was a criminal matter. And so that was the wedge; that was the leverage I had. That is what I took to the court; that's what I took to the sheriff. It was the only way I got him."
The veteran TV and film star, who battled alcoholism himself, also turned to Alcoholics Anonymous to help his son.
"I got sober through Catholicism, through my faith," Sheen tells the magazine. "I only got involved with AA when I was trying desperately to find a way to help Charlie, because I didn't have any skills."
Sheen also talked about his career and politics, saying he doesn't plan to run for public office.
"I'm not qualified," he says. "It's crossed my ego. I feel like a public servant. I feel like a responsible citizen. But I couldn't do it professionally. I don't have the temperament."
Charlie Sheen, 42, stars in CBS' "Two and a Half Men."
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ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co. CBS is a division of CBS Corp.
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On the Net:
http://www.aarpmagazine.org/
Last edited on Tue May 27th, 2008 08:17 pm by EMarshallBuckles
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TotusTuus
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| Joined: | Tue Oct 31st, 2006 |
| Location: | Alabama USA |
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| First Name: | Mark | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic (thanks Mom and Dad!) |
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Posted: Wed May 28th, 2008 08:11 pm |
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That's a great interview Marshall. Worth reading in it's entirety.
Thanks for sharing ...
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TTM!
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Steven Barrett
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| Joined: | Tue Nov 14th, 2006 |
| Location: | Hadley, Massachusetts USA |
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| First Name: | Steven | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Episcopal communicant, Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Thu May 29th, 2008 12:57 am |
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To anybody who's not as liberal as Martin Sheen and judges him mostly by his off-camera politics, he'll surely drive them up the wall.
But I've never seen a more versatile actor when it comes to playing all sections of the outfield when it comes to the key war/peace roles simply because he is a professional and takes his craft seriously. The president he played in the West Wing was no flaming "peacenik." And he played the role of Confederate Icon Robert E. Lee in Ted Turner's movie "Gettysburg."
I brought up these points to bolster what was in the story Marshall posted about Sheen's doggedness when it came to helping his son Charlie try and rebuild his fast spiralling life. When it came to playing the biggest role of his life, a role I share in my own life, as a father, you have to be dogged, versatile, courageous and sometimes harsh. Shortly after my first son was born, my dad pulled me aside and told me in no terms I had "to be a sonofabitch" at times. This requires ruthlessness. Not, of course, the kind of cold calculating ruthlessness for arbitrary, petty and meanspirited reasons. But there are going to be those moments when you cannot and must not hesitate to throw your entire weight, and whatever else is at your disposal to do what you feel necessary to save a horrible situation from getting worse, or to prevail in an effort to simply put an end to a crisis once and for all.
I can't say for sure what was going through Sheen's head while he was shooting Gettysburg. But there was a scene where he was riding along side Tom Berenger, playing the role of the more reluctant and cautiously minded Lt. General James Longstreet. The latter (who became a Catholic years after the Civil War) wanted to fight a more defensive battle against the Union Army led by an even more cautiously-minded general, George Meade. In this instance, Sheen delivered one of the most telling "talks" and said quite emphatically that in the major battles of life, "there can be no holding back" and all the forces had to be thrust against the enemy if eventual victory is to be won. Unfortunately for the Virginians, that line of thought led to the disastrous frontal attack at Cemetery Ridge more famously known as Pickett's Charge -- which Lee took full responsibility for. If you've seen the movie, it's difficult forgetting Sheen, like Lee, riding atop Traveller, lamenting " it's all my fault, it's all my fault."
Let's fast-forward to Sheen's battle for Charlie and how he described himself, "fanatic," and what he felt compelled to do in order to save his son's life: he literally had to play the SOB role, and leave Charlie at the mercy of the court system. A priest once told me the greatest act of love I could've shown for somebody I felt very strongly about was to just let her go after I got a "good old fashioned dumping." Ouch, did that hurt! What hurt worse afterwards was the regret I felt for not taking the good padre's advice. Sometimes you got to behave in very paradoxical fashion, and ruthlessly so, in order to achieve what you believe is so vital enough to justify the expense in taking such chances.
I bet everytime he saw a crucifix, Martin Sheen couldn't have felt otherwise during his darkest moments with Charlie. After all he had the example of another Father's darkest day when He, too, allowed the sacrifice of His Son --but on behalf of all His children. And Satan was defeated. Right now, he's just a dead foe walking. Yes, extremely dangerous -- but a dead foe walking, nevertheless.
The substance abuse problems faced by Martin and Charlie Sheen will never go away. They'll always, always, have to be on their guard against a relapse, just as we must always be on guard against the powers of that defeated foe. I understand their challenges all too well because, I, too, am an alcoholic who's had his rough moments with the law: three DWIs -- but also twenty years of sobriety as well. I'm not saying this to brag, but to give witness to the power of prayer and love; especially all those hours spent saying the rosary by my parents who waited up far too many nights out of fears that either a cop or a pries or both would beat me to the front door. But, despite all the relief they must've felt inside, there was also the disgust, and tiredness of it all, and yes, because of this, I "got it" shortly after the door was closed. I heard the music, or got the silent treatment. Believe me, the latter was worse. And, I know how much more they hated having to give it than I could've imagined in a million nights at the bar back then.
Nevertheless, despite all the rough moments I gave them in the hardest and darkest years before I met and married my wife Ruth, we always stayed close; even venturing down to a father-son visit to Gettysburg one day back in 81, visiting all the major spots, and even taking a side trip to Sharpsburg,* MD. on the same day while we were awaiting a rendevouz with one of my brothers who was either taking or teaching a military course in nearby Carlilse. There seem to be far too many ironic memories and connections here for me to go with, but I think Sheen's greatest role and how he played it should be an example to all parents.
We all have our Gettysburgs. We may not win them; but it's how we approach them that sets the standard and hopefully raises our appreciation for what has to be done when the moment arrives.
* I thought Marshall would appreciate that Sharpsburg touch viz Antietam. And by the way Marshall, who's better as "Marse Robert," Sheen or Robert Duvall?
____________________
James Michael Curley to a young Thomas “Tip” O’Neill -- “Son, it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
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EMarshallBuckles
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| Location: | Rockville (Near Richmond), Virginia USA |
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| First Name: | Marshall | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church,Episcopal Church,Baptist denomination,learning about RCC |
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Posted: Thu May 29th, 2008 05:05 am |
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Oh, without a doubt, Martin Sheen was the best Robert E. Lee! He was just outstanging, in my humble opinion, and he did an excellent Southern accent!
I cannot remember the name of the movie, however, I first became aware of Martin Sheen some years ago when he played a role in a story about some Irish Priests. I thought he was great and continued to enjoy his acting when I saw him in other productions. I also saw Martin Sheen in person once. From 1980 through 1988 I worked as a Deputy Clerk with the U.S. Court of Appeals Clerk's Office in nearby Richmond, Virginia. Our office was in the same building, across the street from the Capitol of Virginia, in which the Confederate Government was headquartered during the Civil War (never did find any Confederate gold, doggone it!  ). Anyway, a movie about the assasination of John F. Kennedy was being filmed in Richmond (Richmond was supposed to be Dallas, dunno why they couldn't do it in Dallas, but they chose Richmond). Martin Sheen was playing President Kennedy. They were filming the limousine ride just before JFK was shot. The film crew wanted to use the second floor of the U.S. Courthouse for one of their shots so the Clerk of our Court agreed to keep the office open, that Saturday, so the film crew could come in to set up their cameras. I was asked to come and "baby sit the office", along with one of our Federal Police Officers who provided security for our building. So, I sat and read and listened to a radio for a few hours while they filmed outside. Finally the film crew said that they would not need the building after all so I closed up and went outside to watch them film for a while. I was down the street, away from the crowd of extras who were waving at "President Kennedy" (played by Martin Sheen who was riding in a look a like limousine identical to that in which Kennedy rode in his lat few moments of earthly life). As Mr. Sheen and the lady playing Jackie Kennedy passed by the cameras and came down the street towards me, of course the cameras were no longer on them, however, having a wry sense of humor, I got a manic smile on my face and waved enthusiastically. Mr. Sheen laughed heartily and waved back at me. He looked back at me as he went by, with a kind smile on his face, I smiled, gave him a "thumbs up" and waved again as he warmly smiled and waved back. I didn't get to talk with him, however, I did briefly chat with some of the other actors who were standing around. Later, when I saw the movie, I was amazed at how the actors and crew "did their movie magic" and made the scene look a lot like President Kennedy's final moments.
Anyway, again, although I don't always agree with Martin Sheen's politics, he is, in my humble opinion, a great actor and a decent human being so it seems. I hope that he might make some more movie and TV appearances and pray that the Lord will help him and his son stay off alcohol and drugs blessing them in any way they need to be blessed.
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Steven Barrett
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| Joined: | Tue Nov 14th, 2006 |
| Location: | Hadley, Massachusetts USA |
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Posted: Thu May 29th, 2008 02:31 pm |
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 Amen on Lee, brother. Inasmuch as I think Duvall did a commendable job -- my God, it's sure a lot harder playing an icon than it looks, especially if a century or more's passed. After all, didn't Moses use an old Springfield when he liberated the Spaniards from the Israelites? And to think I scored a 100 pts above the nat'l avg on the SAT for history back in 70. See what the Sixties did? Who knows, some of us history experts wind up working as fellow federal deputy clerks in another district, esp. one that gave racial hatred over busing a real bad name, and it was in the North!
Sheen put more emotion into his portrayal of Lee, and made him human; whereas I think Duvall might've played the stereotypical image of the ever discrete Southern Gentleman too much, to the point that his Lee lacked that "killer instinct" which the general most certainly had.
And it takes a "killer instinct" to be a "Killer Angel" when it comes to saving our kids. What a pleasant irony considering we both agree Sheen was the "better Lee" and played the role in Turner's "Gettysburg," that was based on Michael Shaara's historical novel "Killer Angels."
Yeah, when it comes to protecting one's kids I don't know of anyone who wouldn't shed a moment's hesitation to create thousands of empty chairs in other people's homes if necessary to protect his or her own. Thankfully that level of drama wasn't faced in real life by Sheen, nor is it ever likely that we as individuals, or anyone short of a law enforcement officer, governor, military officer, US Rep/Senator, and ultimately a President with the authority to vote for or actually order other people's kids into such situations will have to make such a momentous decision.
It sure as heck wouldn't take a even a New York second to make that decision on behalf of our own to request the people with autority to exercise it with due diligence and respect for the law. Collateral damage isn't necesssary, unless one's talking about taking out all of something like Whitey Bulger's gang and God knows how many people they've ruined through drugs, prostitution ... you name it. Two places I had to be careful walking through in Boston lest anybody connected my name with my stamped signature on so many Federal grand jury subpeonas I prepared for the Organized Strike Team's legal eagles: the North End and South Boston, aka "Southie."
Y'know, I get a little nostalgic when I watch those Civil War films of Turner's. War was hell; but for so many people scratching through meager almost death-like "existences" as "dead civilians living" under the control of such evil bosses -- quite frankly, I can't help wondering why we allow our PC goons 'trolling the halls of the NEA and Dept. of Education (not to mention the other capitols), colleges, and local schools, to get away with so many ex-post facto blanket condemnations of generals who were only doing a dirty job nobody else wanted by treating them like mass murderers by today's standards.
Ugly and nasty as he looked and his record was towards Blacks, I can find a kinder word for Nathan Bedford Forrest than a city full of Whitey's. When the final toll's counted, the Whitey's and other mobster's death toll will far outnumber Forrest's atrocities by far. That takes some doing.
And Sheen's a much bigger man than many of our fellow conservatives will also have the guts to back down from their high horses to give him credit for. But let 'em fall: we know what's on the grass awaiting them.
____________________
James Michael Curley to a young Thomas “Tip” O’Neill -- “Son, it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
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EMarshallBuckles
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| Joined: | Mon Nov 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | Rockville (Near Richmond), Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 669 |
| First Name: | Marshall | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church,Episcopal Church,Baptist denomination,learning about RCC |
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Posted: Thu May 29th, 2008 03:50 pm |
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| I remember reading, somewhere, that if it had not been for so many officers, of both the Union and Confederate forces, being West Point graduates, the Civil War would have far worse than it was. I would add to that "also graduates of Virginia Militay Institute, The Citadel(a/k/a Military College of South Carolina), Norwich University and other military colleges and academies". One thing that deeply concerns me is that many of our young people are not getting any religious training, not getting any moral training, not getting any training in manners and basic good behavior. We could eventually end up in a "Civil War II" involving barbarians vs. civilized peoples and end up as a collection of barbaric tribes and territories. Either that or end up as a fascist state or communist totalitarian dictatorship because people have to be subdued after having become so barbaric. Some try to argue that relgion has been the problem instead of the solution, however, I disagree with them. Had it not been for the Judeo-Christian influences, our nation would never have grown, never have become and influential and wealthy as it has, become. Lee, and leaders like him, could be "killer angels', when they had to be, but they fought intelligently and reasonably and, when the fighting was over, they became civilized gentlemen again.
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Steven Barrett
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| Joined: | Tue Nov 14th, 2006 |
| Location: | Hadley, Massachusetts USA |
| Posts: | 1405 |
| First Name: | Steven | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Episcopal communicant, Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Sat Jun 7th, 2008 02:50 am |
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Excellent points Marshall. Sometimes we'll read about some "personalities" or pushy preachers, off-base churches trying to muscle their theology into the local bases, academies, etc. but by and large they get found out and weeded out because of their potential for causing security breaches.
Oh, but if we tried explaining that to some evangelical ministers, watch the sparks of indignation rise. (That alone should tell anyone how deeply they've already penetrated the ranks!) Catholics, as long as I can recall, have been "targeted" for evangelical conversion in the military and because for many years we were a numerical minority (at least within the AF officers circles around major headquarters) we couldn't help feeling like "outsiders." And, let's face it, in a business where conformity is expected, who wants to be the oddball? or even seen like one?
Yet, thanks to the Chaplaincy Corps (at least while I was growing up) that sort of in-your-face "we're the TRUE Christians" never got much further than the daily recitation of the KJV of the Our Father in the DoD-run schools until Madalyn Murray O'Hare won her case. (Frankly, we were relieved since were the "oddballs."  ANd I still laugh at the notion that taking forced prayer out of public schools contributed to the downfall of everything afterwards. It's a Protestantized forced myth. Here they were decrying the loss of school prayers, but doing nothing to insist upon stopping divorce rates in the Bible Belt, much less encouraging any pre -marital spiritualy-based counseling until not long ago. Much like the Confederates of old, they liberated themselves out of business before they realized they were getting their heads handed back to them by either the Federals under Ulysses Grant and their own "ya only need a bible to get ya by son, clergy. Remember how Lee begged for a draft but none of the states would even agree to agree they had a problem till they were licked.)
Thankfully, though, our military has always had a knack of detecting excessive spiritual movements and moving on them. It'd be no different with us if some of our people started an ultra ultra traditionalist movement (or the opposite so whacked as to make the Paulists look like Opus Dei  ) We have enough trouble with lazy generals not keeping an eye out for the nukes, much less do we need on top of that any fruitcake with messianic urgings after watching too many re-runs of LaHaye's Left Behind related movies.
Now, if we could only get the Pax Christi folks to see that anybody even slightly to the center of Thomas Gumbleton isn't a militaristic lapdog of the vast right wing religious conspiracy theory once espoused by a more leftist former first lady who became more comfortably realistic in her later life as a Senator. (If only she'd have ditched that damn abo rtion etc. stuff, too!) I had the honor, and I mean honor, of interviewing Cardinal O'Connor. He was a real gentleman in every sense of the word not only as a genuine man after God's heart--which of course as a Cardinal he naturally was--but he also had this sensible element of gravitas that wasn't laid on others like a lead plate when he'd engage in conversation. Well, he had to have those qualities and being a destroyer chaplain, eventually admiral before retirement into civilian diocesan service, he was groomed well in advance to take on NY. He wasn't a hawk, but he also kept the doves in check. Boy did he. But look at what he had to work with: Gumbleton, Rosazza, (Ct), Bernardin, Weakland, Hunthausen and that bishop in Amarillo. What a bunch, save for Bernardin. (Believe me, you wouldn't have wanted to interview Weakland  . Duty called, and so much $ for the inches, beckoned, though.
Let's always be respectful of our hiearchy, but I'd love to see just half of our bishops have experience as a chaplain. That'd really shake things up in DC! (Boy, don't I love to dream!)
You know, the irony here is that even though Martin Sheen would probably play Bp. Gumbleton in a heartbeat and be dead center on--I also believe he wouldn't be as rigid with his views on the miltary as he's made out to look in the press. Maybe playing Josiah Bartlett moderated some views, but there is something there in this man a lot of people haven't grown to appreciate yet. Every one of has something. I used to be a SUPER HAWK, much moreso than Dave, Brett or Greg could've envisioned or stomached.
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Come to think of it, I couldn't stomach it either. But I couldn't jump to the other far reaches of the other side's arguments either. Notwithstanding T S ELiot, or was it Joyce, the center does hold in some areas; the military especially.
Last edited on Sat Jun 7th, 2008 02:57 am by Steven Barrett
____________________
James Michael Curley to a young Thomas “Tip” O’Neill -- “Son, it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
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