During a time of crisis, like the one we are facing with the COVID-19 global pandemic, it is important to listen to the advice of experts: the science and medical community on the front lines, government and non-governmental bodies, the WHO, and *checks notes* Sean Penn. Yes you read that right. The actor, writer, and philanthropist was invited on CNN to chat with both Anderson Cooper and Dr. Sanjay Gupta (who is an actual accredited medical professional), and he was interviewed as a crisis expert.Penn spoke at length about how the US military can ease the crisis with their various techniques and training in crisis management. The interview, which occurred Thursday evening, saw Penn talking about how the military can “build hospitals in 25 minutes” and he asserted that the US military is the greatest humanitarian force in the world. “I wouldn’t blink before I would put the command and control in their hands a month ago, certainly today,” Penn said.[video_embed id='-1']Before you go: Gal Gadot and famous friends sing ‘Imagine’ to inspire hope[/video_embed]It might sound strange to have Madonna’s ex-husband included on a panel about crisis management, but Penn does not come without any credentials, as he is who is the founder of
CORE, an disaster relief organization on the ground in Haiti with a mission to rebuild lives and communities after the 2010 earthquake whilst coordinating with doctors, emergency workers and government officials. So perhaps he actually does have some insight into how to help.However, viewers have some choice words about CNN’s choice to have him on the same panel as the eminent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Some pointed out
the look of consternation on the faces of Cooper and Gupta whilst he was lauding the work of the US military, while
others couldn’t get over the fact that
Spicoli from
Fast Times at Ridgemont High was giving global aid advice. Some
took issue with his claims that the military can build hospitals in 25 minutes, but mostly, people were
angered that
celebrity culture and influence once again is
given a voice and
airtime over more seasoned front line workers in this crisis.Perhaps the best summation of everyone’s raised eyebrows was
this tweet: “I don’t know if you’re like me, but whenever I’m facing a difficult situation I always ask myself, ‘What would actor Sean Penn do in a time like this?’”[video_embed id='1925935']Before you go: Evangaline Lily refuses to social distance and faces backlash[/video_embed]
