“Americans: We can endure higher prices for food and gas if it means putting the screws to Putin. Consider it a patriotic donation in the fight for freedom over tyranny.”
Actor George Takei began receiving backlash online after the former Star Trek star tweeted out a message Friday afternoon telling Americans they could shoulder the weight of an American economic conflict with Russia.
Americans: We can endure higher prices for food and gas if it means putting the screws to Putin. Consider it a patriotic donation in the fight for freedom over tyranny.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei)
"Americans: We can endure higher prices for food and gas if it means putting the screws to Putin. Consider it a patriotic donation in the fight for freedom over tyranny," Takei wrote.
Hey rich guy, you can endure this, but us working class people, this is crushing us. But what do you car looking down your nose at the people who make your world run… pic.twitter.com/fswIEOpqMX
— Britt Griffith (@britttgriffith)
But with prices already rising due to inflation and many Americans feeling the pain at the pump at gas stations across the country, the actor’s economic and international policy advice was not well received.
This right here is some pretty out-of-touch elitist bullshit. Half of the US has already been struggling just to get by, wading through a pandemic that our gov has shirked responsibility to, and now he expects people to pay for punitive damages for more wargames. You pay, George! https://t.co/h8dwkV0UIB
— Johnny Akzam (@JohnnyAkzam)
Users online were quick call out Takei for being out of touch with the realities that many Americans are facing trying to make ends meet.
“We can endure higher prices for food and gas. But some can endure them more easily than others” pic.twitter.com/38KIyNVCpD
— Viva Frei (@thevivafrei)
Many social media pundits were also quick to note Takei's wealth in context with his comments. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Takei is worth approximately $14 million.
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
