More than 130 people affiliated with the “Star Trek” franchise,?????? ????? ????? including actor/activist George Takei, have signed a “Trek Against Trump” statement harshly criticizing the Republican presidential nominee and supporting Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
The list, released Sept. 29, includes actors, directors, writers, producers and others who have worked on five “Star Trek” TV series and 13 movies over the last 50 years.
Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu in the original “Star Trek” series and six feature films, has spoken out against Donald Trump on numerous occasions. In July, he released a video in Spanish, aimed at his Latino fans, in which he recalled being incarcerated with his family as a child during World War II because of his Japanese ancestry.
Noting that Trump has made disparaging remarks about Mexican immigrants, Takei said, “He is playing upon the same fears and ignorance that once led this country to intern my family … Donald Trump is a dangerous man, but your votes can ensure he never comes to power, and history does not repeat.”
Of the latest effort, Takei said, “Many in the ‘Star Trek’ family, myself included, took a stand to honor the values the show stands for.” Among those joining him were:
? Justin Lin, director of the just-released “Star Trek Beyond.”
? John Cho, who played Sulu in the last three “Star Trek” films.
? Garrett Wang, who played Harry Kim on “Star Trek: Voyager.”
? Linda Park, who played Hoshi Sato on “Star Trek: Enterprise.”
? Hana Hatae, who played Molly O’Brien on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” Rosalind Chao, who played her mother, Keiko O’Brien, on “DS9” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” tweeted in response, “Hana! I am proud to be ur Star Trek mom!”
? Michael Okuda, who was the scenic art supervisor for most of the “Star Trek” TV shows and movies. He and his wife Denise, who also signed the open letter, wrote “The Star Trek Encyclopedia, Revised and Expanded Edition: A Reference Guide to the Future.”
The statement reads as follows:
“‘Star Trek’ has always offered a positive vision of the future, a vision of hope and optimism, and most importantly, a vision of inclusion, where people of all races are accorded equal respect and dignity, where individual beliefs and lifestyles are respected so long as they pose no threat to others.
“We cannot turn our backs on what is happening in the upcoming election. Never has there been a presidential candidate who stands in such complete opposition to the ideals of the ‘Star Trek’ universe as Donald Trump. His election would take this country backward, perhaps disastrously. We need to elect a president who will move this country forward into the kind of future we all dream of: where personal differences are understood and accepted, where science overrules superstition, where people work together instead of against each other.
“The resolution of conflicts on ‘Star Trek’ was never easy. Don’t remain aloof – vote! We have heard people say they will vote Green or Libertarian or not at all because the two major candidates are equally flawed. That is both illogical and inaccurate. Either Secretary Clinton or Mr. Trump will occupy the White House. One is an amateur with a contemptuous ignorance of national laws and international realities, while the other has devoted her life to public service, and has deep and valuable experience with the proven ability to work with Congress to pass desperately needed legislation.
“If, as some say, the government is broken, a protest vote will not fix it.
“Have you just turned 18? Have you moved? Have you never voted before? Some states have early registration (early October) and/or absentee ballots. You can’t vote if you are not registered. So make it so. Go to https://www.rockthevote.com , a non-profit, non-partisan organization, and fulfill your civic duty. Because, damn it, you are a citizen of the USA, with an obligation to take part in our democracy!
“Do this not merely for yourself but for all the generations that follow. Vote for a future of enlightenment and inclusion, a future that will someday lead us to the stars.”
The open letter was initiated by Armin Shimerman, who played Quark on “Deep Space Nine.” ?To see the complete list of names, visit “Trek Against Trump” on Facebook.