There are many people out there whose absence would greatly improve world conditions. Dick Cheney, Michele Bachman, Glenn Beck…that line of country. In the old days people used to suggest that such people could “go jump in a lake” or “take three running jumps and go to hell.” These days people tend to be a little more inventive in their phrasings, like “may they get rectal cancer.” And so what?

Sean Penn will get no static or condemnation from this corner for that blunt remark. Paparazzi anger issues aside, he’s a man of honor, conviction and integrity. I’m being dead straight.