And an F for motivation.
The Australian: Sean Penn's rescue bid sinks [September 05, 2005]I'll give him points for desire to help, but...EFFORTS by Hollywood actor Sean Penn to aid New Orleans victims stranded by Hurricane Katrina foundered badly overnight, when the boat he was piloting to launch a rescue attempt sprang a leak.
Penn had planned to rescue children waylaid by Katrina's flood waters, but apparently forgot to plug a hole in the bottom of the vessel, which began taking water within seconds of its launch.
The actor, known for his political activism, was seen wearing what appeared to be a white flak jacket and frantically bailing water out of the sinking vessel with a red plastic cup.
When the boat's motor failed to start, those aboard were forced to use paddles to propel themselves down the flooded New Orleans street. (Points off for failure to check gear before using it. If you take care of your gear, your gear will take care of you.)
Asked what he had hoped to achieve in the waterlogged city, the actor replied: "Whatever I can do to help."
With the boat loaded with members of Penn's entourage, including a personal photographer, one bystander taunted the actor: "How are you going to get any people in that thing?"I've heard it was a 4-person boat - and it was fully loaded. (Update - nope, only three. I found some pictures.) So that's a good question. The whole point behind a rescue boat is to have room for those you're supposed to rescue. But then, kids don't weigh all THAT much - and you need a photographer alone.
Honestly I don't think he's short on cash. He could have been a great spokesman for fund raising in Hollywood - start things off with a million and ask the celebrities out there to chip in the same. I know the Red Cross would have been thrilled to see that.
But I guess a photo op while rescuing little kids is more important.
J.