I visited Lake Como for the first time last August and it is paradise. It is the unspoilt beauty of the lake and it's surroundings that make it so very special. I cant wait to return, the people are so warm and friendly and I support George and the villagers 100% in their quest to preserve this wonderful plase. I enjoy painting and came home with lots of stunning photos which will keep me busy for a long time.

Margaret Gibson, Chesterfield, England

"All Animals are Equal. Some Animals are More Equal than Others."

Clooney is a tool and a dyed-in-wool hypocrite.

Do you want to see the real "1984?" Just let Clooney and his ilk come into power and suddenly John Edwards 30,000 sq. ft. mansion will be officially designated as a 'green free' zone necessary for the public good while Hillary Clinton's "Thought Police" reign in Talk Radio.

Al Gore will rename his palatial mountainside ancestral retreat Manor Farm while sheep are taught to sing "your jets bad, Al's jets better" as Al flitters around the globe preaching global warming, heedless of his own monstrous carbon footprint.

Napolean is always right.
I will work harder.

That's what the proletarian masses will extol

Jack, New Prolitarian, USA

George is absolutely right.
Lago di Como is one of Italy's most breathtaking unspoiled sites. The charming lakeside villas (George's and others) add to the beauty of the scenery.

Adding lakeside parking and pontoons would be equivalent to making the piazza in front of St Peter's Basilica (at the Vatican) a parking lot.....

Lisa, Wingdale, New York , USA

Ahhh the life of a Hollywood activist... soooo many causes, thank heaven they can schedule it all in and never realllllly have to sacrifice, while they plead with hardworking families to send money for their causes.

I will start listening when George (or any of the other "I wish I was a Rat Pack-er"s) when one of these high calibers renounces their celebrity and begins activism for truly altruistic purpose. They could do all of these things annonymously, but then, it wouldn't be about "them".

Where will George and his friends go to play?

joanie, St. Louis, USA

Gayle dear, please stop talking.

Elizabeth Bennett, Fair Oaks, California USA

Good on George. I don't care if it is out of self interest of interest of the village, not everything has to be commercialised for the tourist. I would do the same in his position (although I doubt I would have much luck!!)

Sally, Newcastle upon Tyne,

Who cares about him, his views or anything else from "the Hollywood" set?

Barry Hartmann, Greensburg, PA

Hey John from Edmonton, Canada- I don't recall your dollar ever being worth much more than the peso so pipe down.

jeff, America, USA

OK, someone tell me why this is news. I'm sick and tired of these hollywood freaks making the news when ever they break wind from their pie holes. If the story isn't important enough to print without George Clooney's name in it, then it's not news worthy. This story would never have made the news if it was just one his average neighbors. I'm surprise they didn't find a way tie Paris Hilton's name into the story.

Dave, VA Beach,

To Scott from Waco, TX who said there were 900 in the population, 400 against so that means 500 were for the development. Some of the 900 are likely children who can't vote or sign petitions and many of the others won't vote either way or sign any petition for or against. So I think your math is a bit off.

Marlon, San Francisco, USA/CA

Como is a lovely place. Not sure how upset they would be by George's lefty friends though. I recall 30 years ago visiting a nice little folk festival along the shores of Lago de Como and at some point realizing the folk festival was actually a communist party rally. Later, when I returned to my US Armed Forces licensed car I found hundreds of commie sticks pasted over all my windows. The problem for George is that he's actually got what he wanted there - socialists in charge who don't really care about his money and fame.

David, Atlanta, Georgia/USA

the american responses here are pathetic as usual, neatly putting people into "liberals" or "conservatives". You're wasting your breath when comparing the democrats and republicans, when will you realize they're just separate heads of the same beast? Then, of course, spouting off because someone is successful at what they do. It's not his fault people like his movies and he can't walk into a store in the U.S. without getting mobbed by the celebrity watching psychos because of that. Let the man have his peace and next time actually read the whole article. People can visit the beach now, it's public and who would visit a paved over beach? I think you can see he's not trying to interfere with a village he's become a part of, but trying to save it's beauty.

jason kileen, New York, NY

Give him a break. If someone was putting a development like that near my house I'd sign every anti-petition going.

Rozza, Weymouth, Dorset UK

I wonder how many people would have signed the petition had Clooney bought the beach, which he wanted to. He wasn't so worried then about a change to an area. As someone else posted, he wants privacy he can build a house in the middle of nowhere.

Peggy, Blyth, England

From the comments I have read it would appear that few of the posters actually read the entire article. George Clooney has become involved as a local resident in a local issue. He has expressed his opinion on the proposed changes but clearly stated that he supports what the majority of the community favors. It was also reported that he is reclusive while in residence. He is probably correct that his presence does attract certain elements (papparazzi) in that I frequently see photos of him taken when he is hosting guests on his boat on Lake Como. All other considerations aside he has the right to an opinion on property adjacent to him just like any other property owner

Wilhelmina, Port Moody, BC, Canada

I'm ashamed of americans based on the loutish drivel being spouted in these comments. The article is not about dem/rep usa politics. It is about the desecration of a beautiful location for ill considered gain and I, for one, wish the residents of Lake Como, including Mr. Clooney, the best in their fight to keep it beautiful.

Raymond, Ft Worth TX USA

Raymond Perez, FT WORTH, TX

republican, democrats, whats the difference nowadays...we in Europe certainly dont give a damn for american politics. In fct why even bring a policital slant into this in the first place...?

To the Yanks who have written a response read the article again, Its not jsut Clooney who is opposing, the locals are too. Lake Como for those who actually have been there is a beautiful place however in the summer months like most Italian resorts becomes a trafffic jam so allow the local council to do something

tom, London, UK

Well la de da! He's like Kennedy and the wind mills - not in my back yard.

fay, Rossville, USA

More democrat millionaires? I would like to read that report. I guess you're saying these millionaires love having their money taxed to death (and then having it redistributed in a socialistic manner)? I agree with everything else you say, but the c'mon the media, press, hollywood is only but a minute part of society.

On Clooney, just another case of Hollywood buying up property and want everyone else around them to accommodate to their standards.

Jarrod Barclay, Dallas, TX

It's the developers....visit Pensacola Beach, Fl. and just look at what politicians let the developers ruin!!!!

It's named Portafino; but should have been named PORTA-POTTY-O!! The local residents on the island hate it; the local residents on the mainland hate it; but MONEY RULES!! ......that is, until the NEXT HURRICANE!

Samuel Clemens, odessa, usa/fl

who cares what Clooney thinks. He didn't attend University and spends his entire life memorizing scripts written by others and pretending to be someone other than himself. That qualifies him as nothing but a good mimic. he is also adept at namecalling and insensitivity towards those who would deign to disagree with his empty headed Hollywood mindset.

Nelson, Houston, USA

Wouldn't the other Hollywood leftists already have picked up the property there considering he has had residence there for 6 years? l2read

Dave, Omaha,

As a property owner he has a right to oppose any plans that will be determental to his value and personal pleasure. Albeit, he is a foreigner as many have commented on that fact. Nevertheless, he is a tax paying property owner with a vested interest. He just so happens to be a blockbuster movie star.

Hasani, Baltimore, MD

Frankly Scarlette, I don't give a Damn !
,

Ratt, Mt. Olive , Louisiana, USA

John from Canada: If people in Canada love liberals so much, and if you're in such great shape, why did they vote the Conservative in? Just curious.

Hildy, Laughlin, NV

i believe that travellers or tourists should fit in to a place, and not expect the place to fit around them.
i also feel that residents are often ignored when politicians are blinded by the shine of tourists' money.
If people want to see the Lake, parking could be built
somewhere where it wouldn't spoil anything - such as by an industrial estate on the outskirts of town - and people
could enjoy a walk through the town to get to the lake.
Are people so lazy? and politicians slavishly catering to this laziness, as they no doubt dream of pocketing the quick and easy money so they can retire and move out of the area to somewhere where they can buy natural unspoiled beauty and peace and quiet and leave the residents they exploited and cheated to suffer...
what next? a drive-thru viewing of the Pyramids of Giza?

Marco,
Birmingham (a city thoroughly destroyed architecturally by soulless, selfish politicians, most of whom no doubt live in big houses in the surrounding countryside)

Marco, Birmingham,

Scott, You forgot that George is famous and his signature is worth "A hundred other signatures".

Jim, Idaho,

He probably is right, his presence is causing an upsurge in tourism. He is also right in that it is absolutely NUTS to pave a beach! People go to the beach to lay in the sound not lay on asphalt! And it sounds to me with 400 sigs, which is almost have of the residents then it should not be hard to get more. I'm not a big Clooney fan but c'mon, build a parking lot 30 miles outside of town and bus them in.

Rick, Stewartstown, PA/USA USA USA

The criticisms here about "rich Democrats" are accurate. However, t's important to separate those observations from this particular issue as to the Lake Como proposed construction. Since Clooney owns properties there that would be directly affected by this project, as he also is a resident/citizen of the region, then his opinions should be taken into consideration by all involved (so should the opinions of all residents/citizens of the area). That he's a media noted personality only drives the negativism about his comments without regard for the project and the area themselves.

And to suggest that Clooney's Lake Como residency "put the area on the map" is absurd -- it's been a highly visited & much lauded area for as long as it's been there, certainly as long as contemporary travel has made it accessible to nearly anyone with the means to visit.

This project sounds loathesomely damaging to the area's esthetic and I think Clooney (also others w/similar opinion) make good sense.

-S-, Telluride, USA/CO

God you people, especially all the republican Johns. This is not about republican or democrats. It is about parking losts.

He is following what the majority of the residents want. You republicans sound jealous to me. So what if he is a movie star
he paid for his property inLake Como.

Go back to bed John and wake up on the right side.

By the way I am a Democrat and proud of it and least we are not jealous of a movie star that does not want a parking lot by his
property.

Gayle, San iego, , California,USA

Mr Cloony may be acting from self interest. In this case, his interest is undoubtedly also that of the other residents and the area generally. The works as designed would ruin forever an area of extraordinary beauty and grace, for what residents would undoubtedly come to feel was 'a short term and illusionary gain'. Get the designers back to their boards,there is ALWAYS a better solution. Here in England we know all too well the utter aesthetic and social disater inflicted by ill thought out schemes of this sort. And by the way,may I comment that I find John of Denver's phrasing devalues his argument.

helen, norwich , uk

I applaud any effort Mr. Clooney makes to circumvent what appears to be a horribly misguided local counsel. Paving a beach? Pontoon walkways? Parking lots?

Clooney is right about one thing: Italy's beauty. Italy is the most beautiful place on the planet, with the best art, food, beauty, sports -- culture, in a word. For quality and glamour, there is no competitor. And sometimes that culture will need to be protected.

One thing I have to correct Mr. Clooney on: I'm not sure about the paparazzi (a term coined by the great Fellini long before Mr. Clooney played a doctor on TV) following him, but I'm quite confident that Mr. Clooney's brilliant stardom has not yet outshone Lago di Como's. People have flocked to Como long before GC was born and will flock to Como long after he's gone.

It's a jewel and I hope the city counsel understand what makes it so. Please don't turn it into a tacky beach resort.

John, Beverly Hills,

Clooney can always try & sell it back to John Kerry if they lose their protest.

Stan(expat), USA,

Ummmmm Lucy, Londo, UK..... It cost $8.00 to see a movie in Atlanta and $10 in NY.... Still way to much money

Ron Shepard, Atlanta, Georgia

Dear Lucy. Over £6? You go to cheap cinemas. I pay £7.50 in the suburbe and £10 (plus 50p for internet booking in order to collect the ticket in a machine that never works) to go to Leicester Sq. They say that the cost of living in London is high. I say the cost o living in London is DISPROPORTIONAL. Somehow, people seem to enjoy it. Why else would they justify it? And, mind you, we have a socialist government...

Fabio C, London,

I agree with what he is doing. George is an advocate for a lot of other things nd he isn't just thinking about himself here. Yeah, its true that he wants his privacy, and that may be why he is fighting this thing, but if you believe that whole-heartedly, then what are the selfish motives for his campaign to help the people of Darfur? he isn't being just a snoody actor, but he's using his voice to help the people of the Como.

Alex, San Diego,

George Clooney is right! Leave a beautiful area alone. Someday I would like to visit the area as it is presently.

Susan Hirsch, Toledo, Ohio

Look, if anyone invested a couple million in a residence you would want to protect your investment. It makes no difference if you are a Democrat or a Republican, in Italy or the UK. I would love to love on a lake somewhere and if i did I wouldn't want it to be paved over. I disagree with "George" on almost everything he says politically, but in this case it is logical to protect your investment. Tourists don't go the lake to see a parking lot anyway, they go to see the LAKE!

Tom, Davenport, Iowa

i visited lake como too, and i agree! go save that place george! it's so tranquil and doesn't need more building.

Josh, NY, NY, USA

Clooney does not live as a recluse. He is regularly seen out and about, in particular at the best local restaurants, hotels and bars. I saw him playing basketball in the street with a group of the local children. Incidentally, all the locals I have met speak well of him. They say he is charming, friendly and they are grateful he has helped local tourism.

Tom Johns, Milan, Italy

The poor, yes I mean poor (but oh so gorgeous) man is obviously desperate to live amongst and retain lovely old unspoilt buildings and history. Is that nimbyism? That surely is caring passionately about something. He cares - where is the crime in that?

But may I recall that great line from that wonderful American rock group The Eagles: "Call some place paradise - kiss it goodbye".

Rose, Bath, UK

For once, I wnn't bag on Geroge because; according to the article, he attempted to purchase the land in question. My guess is that it was an honest attempt.

If you like your view from your backyard and want it to remain unspoled, make sure you own the land. Don't deny others their property rights because it might damper your morning coffee. George tried to do just that.

Conservative American, Des Moines, IA

Can he as someone who isn't Italian, really have any say over what happens in an Italian community? Other than signing a petition I mean. His options are pretty limited are they not? Serious question

Cindy, Foothill Ranch, CA

Clooney could move to Lago Maggiore, or Lake Constance - he has all kinds of money - what's the problema?

Morgan Smith, Santa Fe, NM

Hey, John,

Actually, Clooney talks like a Democrat and lives like a rich Democrat.
Kinda like Kennedy, Feinstein, Corzine, Kerry, Rockefeller, Warner, Kohl, Harman, Lautenberg and Pelosi.

MistrX

MistrX, Glendale, CA

Who said Democrats have to be poor? Just because Democrats want to share a little more of the wealth doesn't mean that they are against the creation of wealth. Cloonely may not be as generous in giving his time and money away as he possibly could, but I'll bet he does a lot more for noble causes than most of us. And on this house issue, though he may not have Italian citizenship, I'm sure he pays his share of local property taxes. His wealth has helped to restore and maintain an architectural gem. George is right to try to preserve the beauty of the Como site, and he has the right to get express himself on issues affecting his community.

Tom, Los Angeles, CA

Anyone who knows Lake Como must agree with George Clooney. My husband's family has had a villa on the lake in Tremezzo for 200 years and the beautiful park which is behind our house turns into a "peoples fest" most of the summer with horribly loud bands playing into the night. It kills the peaceful majestic quality of the lake. Unfortunately, it is happening all over the lake area.

BTW, I happen to know Giuseppe Mantero, the Mayor of Laglio, and he's a communist. So stop this Democrat vs Republican nonsense. In boca al lupo, George!

Davidia, Washington, DC

Now I know where to vacation. I'll be the one wearing the calf-length black socks, sandals, baggy short, Hawiian shirt and sombrero with two cameras hanging from my neck.

Lake Como, here I come!!!

Jack, Denver, colorado

Poor George....a mega wealthy liberal snob is all in a tizzy that cockroach commoners might be scurrying under his almighty feet while at his Villa he purchased from another mega wealthy liberal snob. A Villa he in which he resides only 3 or 4 months a year. By the way, isn't Clooney an environmental activist wacko? If so why does he have such a large vacation home that sucks up so much of our precious resources? He only lives there part time! How many other part time homes does he have? What's his total electric bill for all his homes each month? Does he fly commercial airlines when he wants to jet to his Villa(s). I highly doubt it. He probably jumps in a large private jet that rips holes in the ozone layer as he fly's in luxury to all his destinations. Typical Liberal. Do as I say not as I do.

Jim, Chicago, Ill, USA

The US movie prices are $8.50 in US dollars.

wjg, Lancaster, PA, USA

These Democrats are such phonies. They emulate their heroes, the Russian Communist Party leaders, who lived like kings while common folk lived in squalor.

William Penn, Philadelphia, USA

Not sure that worldwide publicity about his address is going to increase his privacy - maybe he has shot himself in the foot?

Andy, Seattle, USA

It is the hypocrisy that is often exhibited from 'movie stars'. They thrive on attention and the box office receipts that attention garners. Then when they do seek privacy, they want it to be in a destination often visited by tourists, only now they want it all to themselves. Why did George want to buy the small section of beach? He tried to buy it with those box office receipts so he wouldn't have to be bothered by the commoners. Go see his movies, but for God sakes don't bother him when he is trying to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

KJ, Minneapolis, USA

To say that George Clooney has put Lake Como is absurd. Lake Como was one of Italy's tourist attractions before he was born. He is as bad as Robert Redford trying to take over Utah or Ted Turner trying to buy up Montana. These millionares are beginning to make all the rest of us sick with their "problems".

R. Rutledge, Burleson, USA / Texas

Tim, Seattle. Spot on. 'Guided by what local people want' . Never.

Neil, Sheffield, UK

Carole King did the same thing in Idaho years ago. She moved into a back country area, then tried to block a public road that ran through her property. She campaigned to limit further growth--after she had hers

Wayne, Caldwell, Idaho

Clooney can leave anytime he wants & buy a new retreat. The locals cannot. The proposed "development" will change the character of the place, causing it to lose what made it attractive in the first place.

Mimi Forsyth, Waipahu, Hawai'i, USA

Nobody heard a peep out of George when the Supreme Court extended the eminent domain definition to allow towns to give private land to developers if they think that will raise money and ultimately be their idea of better for the community.
Since George doesn't object, the Italians should just condemn his property and build the parking lot on it, thereby increasing revenues from tourism without affecting the lake shore front.
George, good little Socialist that he is, should appreciate this solution.

mikeyG, Philadelphia, PA

If Cheyl Crow only uses one sheet of toilet paper I will decline to shake her hand if I ever get to meet her. Clooney is like most other wealthy celebs, do what suits you and to hell with the rest of us. In this case it is probably to the good of the town, but make no mistake if it was not, but to his benefit he would use his wealth and status to muscle the locals. They live in a parrallel world, and preach do as I say not as I do.

keith manton, houston, usa

I can't imagine anything worse than spoiling the beauty of Lake Como with a big parking pontoon. I agree with George and the other residents, it would ruin the unique landscape of a beautiful area.

Thoughtless bulding works have already ruined many beautiful parts of the world, why should a local mayor looking to boost his own interests be allowed to spoil a natural wonder?

Helen, Reading, UK

I feel Anakin & Padme will have a problem with this since this is where they shacked-up in Attack of the Clones.

Mike, Sperry, oklahoma

My fellow idiot Americans (especially ones who go by 'John') apparently don't know how to read. Clooney is not throwing his weight around - he is backing whatever the people who live there full-time want, as any good neighbor should do. So many people are angry and bitter at a man who has done nothing wrong to them or ever hurt anybody, they must be jealous is his success or something. --- And to the buffoon who said Clooney is just going to attract more Hollywood leftists to Como and then "trash the place" you are the ultimate moron. We as a nation are trashing Iraq and you bring up something as unimportant as that....I'm moving to Lake Como to get away from all the emotional loons here...

Dave K., Chicago, IL, USA

To add to what I just wrote: I'm a Conservative and I vote as a Republican and do not support the Democrat nonsense, much of which Clooney does. However, as to this issue, his comments make sense as the cumbersome project is described here. If the area's council wants an observation deck to observe George Clooney, then build it as described. If they actually want a place for an overrun of tourists to view the area, then choose a less intrusive area on the Lake itself. The project location suggests that it's Clooney and visiting movie stars that the area is trying to gain an "entertainment" (tourist) viewpoint for.

-S-, Telluride, USA/CO

John from Edmonton is a typical Liberal. " Everyone else is wrong and we are Right". Conservatives just want the government to leave people alone. Liberals think people need the government telling them what to do because their not as smart as Liberals are.
The main point I wanted to make is what does your comment have to do with the Lake Como story?

Basil, Montevallo, America

He want peace and quiet, but buys a villa right on the waterfront in one of the most famous tourist destinations in Italy. Why didn't he but 100 acres in the middle of nowhere?

TM, Los Angeles, California

Development of that type will certainly alter the landscape and vistas - forever. Even if the developers come to their senses and try to remove it, what was there will be lost. Sure Mr. Clooney is concerned, his status as a celebrity might just get the project canned. That lake is one of the most beautiful in the world. Leave it alone!!!

Bumper, Lake Gouldsboro, PA

Yes, we "envious" Americans understand the value of preserving natural and cultural treasures, despite Kay's condescending (and ignorant) lecture on the subject , and regardless of the blather seen on "the Beeb" regarding our travel habits. Sites of this nature also exist, surprisingly enough, in the world external to Europe so we do have some experience on the subject. It's basically going to become a compromise; realistically, nothing can (nor should) remain the same forever. These developers and Mr. Clooney's group will have to negotiate, but its certain that the project will be completed in some form or another. Count on it.

Robert, Corpus Cristi, TX

Amazing how bitter and petty some of the early comments are!! Well done George for supporting the locals and wanting to live a quiet unassuming existence in Como, tarmac over the local beach!! that tells you everthing.

Paul, Wales, UK

You folks on the right should know that when you spit out the word "liberls" like it's a dirty word, it only lets people know what a closed minded pea brain you are. Are there no rich CEOs that are conservatives? Anyway, all the other western countries are in better shape than the US (and we are Liberals!) and your dollar has sunk about 40%, does that tell you anything?

John , Edmonton, Canada

After reading the article and all the comments I have seen a common truth.
Americans don’t like Clooney and Europeans don’t want Lake Como’s tranquility ruined. I can understand both. Replace Cloony's name with "John Wayne" and the comments would be way different. So don’t take it personal.

pep, Texas,

I've been to Lake Como several times and I've seen Clooney's house. First of all, it's insane to put a car park anywhere in that location. Secondly, this area is a slice of heaven and it's ignorant for anyone to even consider such an idea, let alone the crowds that would gather in front of his house. He has a right to his privacy and the neighbors have a right to theirs. If this plan goes through and I were George, I'd sell and get out of there. The whole idea is wacko and there's a hidden agenda there somewhere.

Jojo, Sewell, USA/NJ

Typical, 'pull up the ladder' syndrome. George has his, now, you can't have yours. It wouldn't be good for the 'little people' now would it George. Just like no drilling off Martha's Vineyard for Teddy Kennedy, no riff-raff for George. Life at Lake Como must be almost as bad as Malibu what with all 'those people' actually thinking they have the right to use 'my beach'. And yet, see if you read anything or hear anything in the media about this. George is a darling and if they were to cast stones they would risk getting cut off when Ocean's 23 comes out.

Seatalker, Carmel, Calif.

Wow, why all the political ranting at Clooney? Did someone link this on a Republican website or something? Democrat/Republican leanings and whether they are rich or not and whether they raised your taxes in the US or not has little bearing on whether Clooney chooses to support a local campaign not to ruin a place of natural beauty in Europe through over-development.

If you read the article properly, he has simply signed his name and lent his support to a pre-existing local petition. He says he would support the local viewpoint either way. He is getting involved in his neighbourhood and is clearly accepted by the locals - he is not telling them what to do, dictating to the town or shutting out other residents or visitors. He has a right to complain to developments in his town, just like any other resident would (and has done)!

Good for him for getting involved with local concerns.

Philippa, Guildford,

Lucy, the last movie i saw (a month ago) cost me $16 to see, not $5

Nick Giordano, Franklin, NJ, USA

He has a right to petition to stop development near his property, but he doesn't have the right to lecture others about environmental stewardship if he isn't going to practice it himself. Several huge houses and world-wide pleasure jet travel doesn't exactly qualify him for spokesperson for the green movement.
The Hollywood left has alot to say about how others should live their lives...it just doesn't apply to them.
Does anyone think Sheryl Crowe really uses 1 sheet of toilet paper?

j house, Alpharetta , US

Wait a minute. 400 residents of Lake Como are against this, George Clooney adds his name to the petition, and all of a sudden - as Dr. John from Miami so eloquently puts it, "poor George, he cares only about George, what happen to the middle and lower class".

First off John, do you know anything about those 400 people? Perhaps until you do, you should take your blinded, fanatical hatred of others' ideologies to Iran or Afghanistan. America has never liked sheep; they do. Secondly, John of Denver, nice try with the Working Class Hero schtick. Again, 400 people are against it, and if they are wealthy, so what? You work hard in life, are able to enjoy a nice piece of beach-front property - and that is wrong? Oh, and by the way, if you read you'll see the people there have embraced him NOT as a foreigner, but as an Honorary Citizen. So, actually, he does have a say. Then again, I'm sure your your chipper personality, you'd be accepted in LOTS of places outside the USA.

Tom, London, London

Interesting views from the US. Anyway, having been to Lake Como a couple of times, I can see the point that George and his neighbours are making - it would be insane to pave over any small (and they are very small) beach area for a car park. The bottom line is that creating car parks for visitors does impact negatively upon the residents - the visitors are just that, and go home to somewhere else. The residents have to suffer the permanent loss of the beach and the additional traffic and noise pollution.. So I'm right with George on this one, even tho' he's indecently smooth and a Yank to boot.

clive, surrey,

Hit'em hard George, these middle-class mobsters, these quantity-for-quality motor-heads! Read them Yeat's "A Coat" though I'm sure these concrete mixers, Parking-Yard t Pete's never saw a verse except on the back door of a public toilet.

Eugene, Heidelberg, germany

Damn the little people build it in their neighborhood.

How are so many people responding with the people don't want this? Let's see, 900 total, 400 against, leaves 500 for it... Must be the public school system math.

Scott, Waco, TX

Some arrogance, thinking people ONLY want to go to Lake Como because GEORGE CLOONEY is there! Does George also think people just began to enjoy the cinema when he arrived in Hollywood too?

Suzan, Tulsa,, OK

As an American, I want to know when are they going to raze all of those old decrepit buildings and start building some McDonald's and some Starbucks? Thats' a joke.

Trust me, what these little Italian villagers don't know is that they are getting suckered in by a moderately talented Hollywood leftist who craves attention like a crack addict craves rock cocaine. He will be the one that will eventually bring in everything they don't want. Other Hollywood leftists will start picking up property there because he did and when that happens they'll trash the place and leave. Watch.

Fred, Dallas, USA Texas

Sure, who hasn't visited Rome b/c of Audrey Hepburn, nevermind the millenniums of roman artifact, the seat of the Catholic church and intrigue of the local population...give me a break. People do not visit L. Como b/c of actor/director Clooney. Saying otherwise is admitting your a sycophant to his aging highness. Certainly he has a right to voice his opinion re: a place where he holds property rights and a monetary interest...HOWEVER, certainly we have a right to call him out on a point of hypocrisy...goes to Africa to reflect on poverty and AIDS, and then when people who can't afford to live in L. Como visit, he shutters the town and gives them a swift kick out to sea. So much for the benevolence Mr. Clooney. I think your local AEA union member Paris Hilton said it best, "What?".

Shane, Fremont, Nebraska

First, as a Yank who lives 4-6 months a year at the sister lake of Como, Lago Maggiore, and as a naturulaized Italian married to an Italian, I can say he is right for the wrong reasons!

Italy should not, though does too often, do silly things like this. Often due to socialist work programs that are started and, just as often times, not finished. Nonetheless my suspicians are that Clooney is more indignant about his view than the well being of Italy.

And John of Miami, can you name a Democratic politician who is NOT a limousine liberal? Sure buy carbon credits like Gore, but only if you are rich enough to afford them! Travel like Pelosis and give out lobbyist jobs to all your sons like Harry Reid.

Politicians are all the same: narcissistic, vainglorious egomaniacal people. Full stop.

George , Arona, Italy

I wonder if my wife and I could vacation at the Clooney residence, for free, posssibly he's reading this, and might fly us over for a 2 week stay, then fly us back home.

Clay Leonard, Dacula, US/Georgia

This guy needs to get over himself. Does he really think people go to Lake Como because of him?? What an ego! Like most people, I have been to Lake Como because of its breathtaking views and beautiful villas. Who even knew he had a place there and who cares? I certainly could care less. I go to Italy for the food, art, scenery and people. Not for George Clooney.

But then again, what do you expect from Hollywood.

Brooke, Houston, Texas, USA

Oh dear a touch of the green-eyed monster from you americans! If you have ever been to Europe which is a continent not a themem park, then you would know how important it is to protect and preserve the integrity of these naturally beautiful places. Also if you read the article again you will note that actually it is a local campaign that Mr Clooney seems to be trying to help by lending his weight to. Most people who buy somehere like this whether a big or small property specifically choose the location based on tranquility. I think it's nice to see a second home owner actually geting involved with the local community and supporting it. And anyway, rich or not, if you live in a beautiful, peaceful place, or even if you don't, how many of us would like a great big car park built next to our house and live with the noise, litter, smells and risks it brings? Exactly!

Kay, Yorkshire,

Another fine example of the hypocrisy of the limosine liberals. He will probably say it is a environmental issue when all he wants is to have the keep the poor people away that he is claiming to champion.

troy, michigan,

John, there are more RICH Democrats than Republicans. Look at this example of many. They AREN'T the party of the little people. They just exploit them for their own needs. By the way, how did this turn into a political debate? George is a limousine liberal who wants his views to be pristine and that's it. He could care less about the rest of the townspeople.

Tim, Seattle,

$5 to see a film in America! Why do we pay over £6 in the UK?

Lucy, London, UK

These poor Hollywood brats. Must be nice to make so much money for not doing so much then tell everyone else how to live. We've got a word for them as the "common folk". Punks.

Tim, Seattle,

Typical Liberal, I have mine, you can not have yours.

Just as Ted Kennedy wants all of us to use and have wind power, but does not want it near his compound.

These liberals believe themselves to be our new auristocracy

Boettner, Spartanburg, SC

George has said some things in the past that I do not agree with Bu I do agree with him on this. A Pontoon bridge on lake Como? Are you kidding me? Why not set up a ferris wheel next to the tower of Pisa and put up bill boards in St Peter's square? Is there no end to tacky tasteless intrusions? Lets put a Walmart up next to Buckingham Palace or a hooters next to the Eiffel Tower.
I dont know all of the details and neither do anyone else accept the people who live there and they seem to be backing George. Developers have no love of anything but the dollar (or pound or lira ect) with out people like George standing up to them they would ruin everything

Dan , Frederick, US

"I do not blame George Clooney for wanting privacy and to keep the town a quiet place.He owns this retreat and deserves his peace and quiet. His stardom or his political
stance has nothing at all to do with this."Grow up people"

Beatrice Meeker Cacace, New Haven, Connecticut

Lake Como was around long befor Clooney decided to start buying it up for himself. It survived Hannibal, all the Ceasars, Napolean, Moussalini,and I suppose Clooney for awhile!

Larry , West Bend, WI USA

My main complaint about this article is the headline which tries to put it's own slant on George's position. The rest of the article is a balanced report but has been hijacked by a sub-editor's desire to be sensationalist !

Iain , Northampton, UK

My, my, my, but isn't he important? He BELIEVES people will come there to see him. How special, but in reality, I'm gald to see that he's branching out his department to other countries. That keeps him out of MINE!
Can you tell I don't like him?

Candy, Hobart, USA/Indiana

I am bored with this clown. He plays a "man of action" in his films, and again he is confusing acting with reality. He is a U.S. citiizen and a part-time resident of this town. If he truly is dedicated to the cause, he would take his celebrity out of the limelight and back it in a more subdued style. When are these blowhards going to learn that substance intelligence win the battle of debate, not emotion and style. George, please shut up and let your attorneys do the talking for you.

Craig, Western, WI/USA

Isnt this the one he bought from that guy...what's his name?
Oh yea,John Kerry.
Poor little liberals. They live like everyone the represent.

AHAHAHAHAAHHAhaahahahahahahahahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa..................

Tony, Covington , LA

Damn those paupers! Why can't they go somewhere like Tenerife eh George? Glad we can rely on you to protect the future of Italy by gracing it with your presence. Maybe you can come and save England next? That's being wrecked too!

Neil , Birmingham, U.K

My son-in-law is from Como, Italy and we've visited there. I wouldn't like to see the development either. Lake Como is so beautiful and too much development will ruin it.

Brenda, Atlanta, Georgia

George Clooney is a bore.

Alfredo, Miami/FL, USA

Good on you George.
Let’s not be all self-righteous, if any of us owned the villa we would do the same. He's only looking out for his investment. It's no different to having a council planning to build next to any of our houses, I'm sure we would all be very happy about that.
Sad self righteous people

M.B.Alam, Durham, UK

I agree with George! Look at the state of lake windermere now. Its like a mini blackpool with overcrowding, litter and amusement arcades etc. Greed and development go hand in hand and his action group should fight this one and keep the riffraff out.

Lynn Willoughby, Teesside, UK

The addition does not very attractive. A pontoon walk way sounds pretty tacky. The charm of Lake Como is the feeling of stepping back in time. I can only imagine the city buying all the old Coney Island Ferris Wheel to complete the look. It sounds to like the city is not really thinking straight.

Jeff in Miami, Miami Beach, USA/FL

I pay my five dollars, walk in and see one of his movies.

After that, he doesn't owe me anything, nor does he owe you. He is entitled to a private life. He is entitled to a quiet life.

I have never been to Lake Como. I understand it is visually nice. I have no idea as to the degree of public access to the lake. This proposal involves his property, so he has the right to be involved in the local political process. The proposal appears to be literally IN his backyard! So much for NIMBY!

David, Graham, Texas/USA

"Clooney talks like a Democrats live like a rich Republican" says John from Miami.

Most people don't know that there are more millionaire Democrats than Republicans. And there are more millionaires among Democrat congressmen and senators than Republicans. Dems own the media, the press, hollywood, TV (only radio they don't). They've brainwashed the world into thinking they are for the little guy. Pure hogwash. Dems are extremely selfish and exclusive 'club' oriented. The Repub party was formed to end slavery in America. If you never learned that in school, what does that say?
-Tom Roberts (former Dem)

Tom Roberts, Tokyo, Japan

Sigh, another rich, spoiled American flim star who wants not to be bothered by the little people. Clooney is always doing some kind of protest in which he throws his weight around. Is this any different? No.

Mahone Dunbar, Atlanta, USA

What is he supposed to do? He's rich and famous and trying to live quietly in peace somewhere... If he loves Como and the village he should be able to live there. He put the town on the map and now just wants to stop it from being overrun with tourists, who are only visiting because of him. He's supporting the town - I don't see why everyone is going off on him.

Paul, Los Angeles, CA

We old hands in Italy - millionaires or otherwise - are often asked by locals to help them protest against the worst outrages of local planners and we do, willingly. We only wish that protesters in England had had the nonce to raise an international stink before that country's historic city centres were gutted by speculators.

Anne, rome,

Obviuosly the 3 Americans who have made a comment and pop at George Clooney didn't read the story properly, otherwise they would have noticed that the protest committee has gathered 400 hundred signatures in a village with a population of 900. If it was all just about Clooney being against this decision he would be talking to his lawyers and not being involved with the local people.

Tim, UK,

The two Johns' ideas on what a democrat should be is amazing. The majority of
Deocrats in Congress are milionaires as are the liberal left in Hollywood. They want reform for "the people" as long as those people do not live next door. In 1993, I made 20k per year and the Dems raised my taxes because I was "rich". I watched Al Gore make the deciding vote. Hypocrites all..

Carey, Atlanta, GA

He added: “The question is, are local citizens in favour of this plan or not? I would have no problem accepting the plan if local people wanted it.”

I put the quote in because it seems previous respondents didn't read it.
Good luck Geoge, you have the makings of a great neighbour and local citizen.

Frank., London , UK.

I know Lake Como well and can applaud George Clooneys stance. It seems clear the planned development is proposed solely because Mr. Clooneys residency there. Of course he should get involved- and not only because he might be overlooked. And throwing his weight around and threatening to leave will show how solid the foundation of the project are.
George leaves=project dead. Wanna bet?

Rose, Brussels, Belgium

You mean he talks like your everyday Democrat, but lives like a rich Democrat. He's no different then the Kennedys and Walter Cronkite. All for alternative energy except when they try to put near Martha's Vineyard.

Sergei Kaminsky, Skippack, PA/USA

I think George is probably right on this one, and I am no Democrat. If they build this lot he could just as well sell his villa and move elsewhere, leaving the city with a beach that's paved over and no tourists. I think it's within his right to encourage other residents to oppose the move.

Tim, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

George is quite right! Lake Como beach is preferable to a parking lot and promenade with no doubt the usual cafes and fast-food outlets. And he did say he would go along with the local majority viewpoint - fair enough. He has put money and prestige into the locality and is a legitimate stakeholder. Why knock the stars? Envy?

Tony Gold, Denver, Colorado

Can you lot read? Clooney says that if the locals wanted it he would support it, but they don't, and I believe him. Since when could the word of local councils be trusted as to what people want? After all, he has no need to engage in this. If he was as selfish as you say he would simply move away. The parking will mean extra pollution, worse congestion etc. As for paving over a beach, how environmentally friendly is that?

alexandria, Sheffield, UK

Clooney is a rich democrat!

Pasquale, Colorado Springs,

Why, after reading this, does one suddenly feel the urge to pop in 'Team America: World Police"?

Kyle, Madison, Wisconsin

He' an asshole and a foreigner in Italy. Since when can a mega millionaire Hollywood Movie Star come into Italy and tell the people of Como what to do. I thought he is a good liberal and wants the best for the people. The rich are all the same, whats good for them and the Hell with the rest of us. If it didn't affect his property he could care less.

John, Denver, Colorado

poor George, he cares only about George, what happen to the middle and lower class can they enjoy Lake Como?

Clooney talks like a Democrats live like a rich Repulican

john, miami, usa/fl

I live and work in a once pristine, beautiful part of Southern California; developers with a "vision" have turned it into a hellhole of condos, strip malls, and the invidious "Planned Development."
I have been to Italy; Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Poland, et al are world treasures to me; the lakes and parks and wildlands should absolutely be 100% OFF LIMITS to any sort of "urban plan" that features additional building, clearing, paving, etc.
If anyone wants an example of corporate greed run amuck, you are welcome to visit Orange County California.
George: dude, fight them all and their stupidity; preserve the past and you serve the future.

Joe Pernice, Huntington Beach,

Clooney should abandon his Lake Como Home in order to reduce tourism that may spoil the area. How many are coming to star gaze? George should do the right thing .

Dennis D, NJ USA,

God save us all from "men of vision;" they'd love to build the infrastructure up - simple: MONEY.
Don't let 'em do it, George. You and your neighbors stand up and tell 'em to go to hell.

Joe Pernice, Huntington Beach, California

Give Clooney and his neighbors privacy!

Mary, Clear Lake, USA/TX

George Clooney,

Another in a long line of Hollywood hypocrites...

Maybe George and Babs Streisand need to reside somewhere near each other. She seems to have a problem with the common folk taking up her space too.

Bunch of phoney baloneys with too much money and room temperature IQs.

B. Taylor, Oklahoma, USA

Well if King George says, then King George gets. Us poor peasants rarely get to have a say in anything that affects our lives.

Curt Selser, Las Vegas, USA

Oh yes, because Clooney says so...it must be true. Everyone should have a chance to see and enjoy the lake. He is a guest there, not a permanent resident. He should have no say at all. Besides, this is the same Clooney that said Government needs to make hard choices at times, and sometimes not everyone will agree with them.....Guess what George, here is your chance to dislike one Government Choice....OUCH......

David, Holbrook, NY/USA

Maybe Mr. "Ecology First" Clooney should pick one part of the globe to live in, instead of jetting off to the four corners of the globe on a whim. Oh, that's right, he drives a Prius, when he's wearing his "global warming" face. If we are supposed to believe in the hooey of global warming, then perhaps it is time for celebrities like Clooney to start living locally, while thinking globally for a change, instead of believing their celebrity allows them to behave so arrogantly and hypocritically. I hope Laglio gets its development done without more of Clooney's "i can only visit here" arrogance.

Red, Riverton, Wyoming, U.S.A.

Unlike LA where to be a celebrity is to to be violated at every traffic light by paparazzi who can sell your image for money. Please don't let this happen to Lake Como, btw , why do they need lift access to the Lake? I smell a rat. If you can't walk to the Lake, don't go , capeeche?

Chris Prescott, WALNUT CREEK, California

Everywhere the Hollywood uneducated types move, they destroy it for everyone who has always called it home. They bring in their entourage, they jack the prices up on everything, and then demand they get ultimate privacy. I wish they would all just buy up an island and live together and leave the rest of the world at peace. They're stupid, ignorant people who know how to pretend. Wow, so impressive. GO AWAY.

holly, atlanta, USA

George should get over it...Italians for Italians.Like your average liberal, he just can't help interfering with others life's,and yet do not interference with his..A pompous,garden variety Hollywood ,self centered,"Wanna change your life,but lay off mine" He finds a place thats been there for 2000yrs,guess what,,,He wants to change it.....Italy has gobbled up Barbarians since time began,George too will be lost soon also! "Hypocrite".. . "LIBERAL GO HOME" CIAO
PS Drink the wine,things get clearer!

["NEVER MISS A GOOD CHANCE TO SHUT UP(George)....Will Rodgers"

Vincent L Nappi, North Port, fl.