In this era of emails, blogging, tweets and the like, the act of writing a letter has dwindled. But the power of putting pen to paper remains intact for those who continue the lost art, and this Amnesty International PSA serves as a reminder of what a written letter on behalf of victims of injustice can help to accomplish.
In this spot, people talk about letter writing, what it means to them and what it can mean to those on the receiving end.
Directed by Kat Mansoor of The Hobo Film Company, London, and edited by Chris McKay of Cut+Run, this spot makes a strong case for the lost art needing to be found again in order to advocate for those in need.
Letters are indeed powerful. Every letter sent amplifies the call for freedom. Each one makes it harder for a president or police chief to ignore appeals for humane treatment and justice. Amnesty International has helped thousands of prisoners of conscience claim their freedom. Now it’s your turn to write for human rights.
Actor Steve Guttenberg Returns To L.A. Neighborhood Now Charred By Devastating Wildfire
Steve Guttenberg awoke Thursday morning to a grim reality: The treacherous wildfire that tore through the Pacific Palisades had left his once-lush neighborhood charred and unrecognizable.
With homes smoldered, streets emptied and friends scattered by evacuation orders, Guttenberg counted himself among the fortunate. His property was miraculously spared. But the actor-producer still struggled to reconcile his relief with the haunting sight of his ravaged, once lavish community.
"Just this morning, I woke up and I was really conscious of my mental state and my mental health, because the last three days, I've seen so much tragedy," said Guttenberg, pacing through the ruins of his neighborhood. He said his home has electricity but no running water.
Guttenberg thanked God that his block was safe, but he said about 20 homes were burned "pretty bad" in his 80-home community after wind-whipped fires tore across Los Angeles, destroying homes, clogging roadways as tens of thousands fled as the fires burned uncontained Wednesday. He said the fires are the worst he's ever seen in his 66-years.
The wildfires have burned the homes of several celebrities including Billy Crystal, Carey Elwes and Paris Hilton.
Guttenberg said he never expected all of this to happen.
"It's like when someone dies suddenly," he said. "It's like when someone gets hit by a car. You never expect that to happen. That's how shocking it was."
During Guttenberg's stroll, it was an eerie scene with scorched palm trees, homes reduced to ash and rubble, and the daytime skies casted an ominous twilight over the devastation.
"I've seen people scared, people in wheelchairs, mothers and fathers trying to find their kids, people having anxiety and panic... Read More