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Photo for the post 'Sometimes You have to Walk Away From the Money'

 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30112778/?flv=1

 

So the Indian/Asian American actor in this photo was a lead character on the hit Fox television show, "House".  He also had a string of Indy movies that did quite well.  He was building a steady career and was a legitimate actor.  It's easy to estimate that he was/is grossing over $2million a year from his acting career, which is no small change and a huge salary for most people in America, especially in today's harsh economy. 

Well on Monday, his last episode of House aired.  He decided he NEEDED to become a member of the White House staff and become a "liaison" for the Asian community.  One, I couldn't believe the episode, because they killed him off in such a vicious manner.  Two, I couldn't believe the reason for leaving the show.  Who turns down the fame and money in order to be a social conduit???  Who has the ability to stop a career that is on the rise for an uncertain world in politics??  Who has the fortitude to say that I want to make a difference and actually leave a high paying job for the world of social service??

Well the actor Kal Penn made that decision and he stuck with it.  I will definitely follow his story and see where this path takes him, but whatever comes of it, he made a tough decision look very easy.  Even as his star was rising, he decided he needed more.  He needed to do more and he needed to be more.  Some would argue that he didn't need to quit his current industry and could have done more in his current capacity as an actor.  Clearly, he felt different,  Either way you look at it, you have to be impressed that he walked away from the money.

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  • Jason Wiley

    New York,
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  • I am a marketing executive at Jive Records, but life is about more than where I work.I am a dedicated husban…

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Jason's Latest Commentary (6)

  • November 17, 2008

    Voting is suppose to be anonymous, so I question the validity of the poll.  Also, who was responsible for the poll?  Either way, I don''t quite understand how allowing someone to be committed and become a more stable home can be bad for anyone?  Also, how does other people getting married affect others, i.e. even if a heterosexual couple gets married tomorrow, it won''t affect me, so why would a gay couple affect me.  "RIGHTS" is a powerful word and why shouldn''t everyone have the same rights?  I thought that was the point of this country....  If someone can explain why it''s so bad for same sex marriage other than, I think it''s wrong, then I will agree, as of now, I could care less if anyone wants to get married.  Because I have heard a lot of reasons why it is bad if a committed couple can''t be married; i.e., legal, in death decisions, property, etc.

  • November 11, 2008

    It''s interesting because both of our recent posts are about the overwhelming emotions that we are all feeling by the election of Barack Obama.  There are a lot of hard times ahead of our new President.  I hope we all give him time and work to help him accomplish the necessary things to make this country successful.

  • September 26, 2008

    I know I will do my part to make sure it happens next year.  Even though I spent most of my time in the hospital.  I would do it all again to make sure the picnic happens

  • August 4, 2008

    Okay, but lets be honest, there is a general type of person who is urinating in public, in the middle of the day, with no influence of alcohol or drugs.  Is it good to start that path with a child so early? 

  • July 20, 2008

    This is where I have always wondered about the translation of the Bible, because I do not believe that anyone should ever fear, i.e. be scared, nervous or un sure about GOD, but always have faith that his will and his love will carry you through anything.  To me, by having faith in him and believing in his WORD, you will always try to live life as he would want you.  Unfortunately, everyone is human, so no one can ever live life perfectly as we should, but in trying to live a GODly life, you are also assuring and displaying to everyone your Faith in GOD.  If I have Faith in him, why would I Fear him?

  • June 30, 2008

    does it really mean family

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