Brian Austin Green: Why I Filmed New PSA

Michael Buckner/Getty

The budgetary shortfall in California is being felt acutely in public schools, but the parent of one student is stepping up to the plate.

Actor Brian Austin Green — father of Kassius Lijah, 8 — recently filmed a PSA alongside girlfriend Megan Fox to draw attention to the crisis, and tells PARADE he was happy to help.

“I was getting e-mails constantly from other parents like, ‘The kids are running out of paper. Can anybody help? And they need pencils too,’” Green, 36, recalls.

“The reality is that my son goes to one of the better public schools. I can’t imagine what some of the other schools in California are dealing with.”

In the video — filmed at Kassius’ school with real parents, students and teachers — Green concedes the couple take “some pretty good shots” at Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, but they say it is necessary.

“I think he has a sense of humor,” Green explains. “We weren’t worried about going too far. What’s too far is another two billion dollars being cut from the budget and watching our school system fall apart,” he adds.

Crediting Fox with being “so helpful and instrumental in raising” Kassius, his only child with ex-girlfriend Vanessa Marcil, Green says that he keeps his own role well-defined.

“I’m the daddy and I remind my son that I’m not around just to be his friend,” he reveals. “I’m here to steer him in the right direction and teach him lessons that I’ve learned and help him become a man.”

“I’m totally learning as I go,” he adds.

Comments

Awww, when I saw their picture at the top of the page I thought she was pregnant, which would have been so exciting!

Great job they’re both doing to support the schools though!

- Amy on April 9th, 2010

Awesome! The schools here in CA really need help. I’m debating homeschooling my son or moving out of the state when he’s old enough to start kindergarten because where we live, even the wealthy districts (where we DON’T live, haha) have had to cut library and guidance counselors.

- M on April 9th, 2010

Californians don’t seem to understand…EVERY state is feeling the crunch and having to make tough decisions and cuts. This is a NATIONWIDE crisis! STOP LAYING THE BLAME FOR CALIFORNIA AT THE GOVERNOR’S FEET!!! Kudos to you for supporting local schools and doing what you can, but you need to go back to high school government and finance and learn how inflation and the national budget and debt affect EVERYONE.

- Z.K. on April 9th, 2010

I think it’s a terrible thing to waste: a child’s education. And that is where we are heading. Children are our future. If they don’t learn, what will happen? seriously? we need to think in the future rather than what needs to be cut right now. I think scool’s should be the last to lose anything. At least I live in a district that gives every child a free breakfast if necessary. With the census going on, is it really necessary to send me a letter to state ‘be on the lookout’. It’s just tons and tons and tons of money being spent that could go towards education.

- mom of 3 on April 9th, 2010

Yes, momof3, it is sad that they cut education costs. Sadly, when we have a man like Obama running our country, money goes to the people who don’t work, have to many kids to support, and who don’t mind taking handout after handout from hard working people like myself. Until that stops, they will continue to cut budgets from schools and from our children to give to the lazy people out there. Makes me sick to my stomach!

- Allison on April 9th, 2010

To Allison:

Because President Bush’s “No Child Left Behind” Act did such amazing things for the public school systems, right? Not.

Education has not been a priority for the government in YEARS…that goes for California and every other state with these funding issues. Obama is far from perfect but he was fighting an uphill battle the second he became President. It’s kind of funny how desperate people get to attribute problems which have festered so long to a man who’s been in office not even two years.

Anyway…good for Brian and Megan. Schools are the last places which should be getting budget cuts.

- Erica on April 9th, 2010

So are you saying Obama is the reason why these people are lazy and are not working????

- mommyof2 on April 9th, 2010

I didn’t realize Brian and Megan were still together. Okay.

- Stella Bella on April 9th, 2010

No momof2 im not saying that. He does give them permission though and he allows it to happen. Instead of cutting the education budget, how about I dunno, cut the welfare budget??

- Allison on April 9th, 2010

wow allison, can you say captialism and selfish? cut the welfare budget, how ridiculous. i guess you were also against the health care reform were you? sad, so sad that people actually WANT their society to become more self-obsessed, more “i just take care of me and forget about the other people”. i suppose you also think that all those people who are unemployed and poor are in that situation by choice?

- JM on April 9th, 2010

Oh JM JM JM. Why don’t you feed,cloth, and shelter one homeless family for one year then see how “giving” you feel after. My family and I have worked hard for what we have, why should I give it away to those who are not willing to do the same. I am 100% against Obama’s health care reform, and if you talk to most doctors and health care professionals, the people who are really in the know about health politics, they are too. If you are for it, you are sadly uneducated and simply not a realist when it comes to this world. Obama will singlehandedly runin this country! Give me G.B anyday over this fool!!!!!

- Allison on April 9th, 2010

Allison, your comments are laughable.

- April on April 9th, 2010

April, I’m glad I could give you a laugh today. Democrats and Obama make me laugh too.

- Allison on April 9th, 2010

I have always been a fan of Brian’s. I think what he is doing is great for his son and the school.

Alison,
You are a fool and uneducated for making the statments you made. I wish you could live in my shoes for one week and see how you feel about the Health Care Reform. I have many family members who unlike me dispise Obama and his decisions; however, there views have some what changed because of my life and what has happened to me over the last year. They now see why I am an Obama suporting and support the Health Care Reform plan. I worked hard for my life and had money, a great job, excellent credit and good health until one idiot blew a red light hitting me and changing my entire life.

- Lauren on April 9th, 2010

Lauren, I don’t want to live in anyone’s shoes but mine-whatever shoe that may be. My life My choices. I just don’t want a government telling me how far I should go in life, or that we should all be equal, when not everyone is willing to work and sacrifice hard for it. Be responsible for yourself, your minor children, and your property-and I will be too. Don’t come beggin’ me for handouts that you did not earn.

- Allison on April 9th, 2010

so allison you really believe that people who never chose to be homeless and poor that it’s all their own fault and don’t deserve any help (and people like that actually do exist, if you don’t believe that then you are even more naive that i thought)? that is so sad, i hope you don’t teach your kids that attitude. i would hate to hear my kids being so selfish and inconsiderate.

it is a fact that the health care system in america as it was pre-obama was a sham, laughable even. the rest of us who live in countries that understand that everyone deserves health care even those who, through no fault of their own just don’t have the means to pay for it, at times cannot believe what your former president put your own people through, AND NO ONE DID ANYTHING???

as someone who comes from a country with a much more fair and equal health care system i can tell you, of course there are problems, but not for a second would i or anyone i know trade our system for yours. there is a reason why in countries like Great Britain for example (just one example i could name many), the citizens aren’t crying out to have their system be more like the american one was. they count their lucky stars that their politicians could never get away with what George bush and his predecessors got away with.

it’s a shame that you live such a selfish, egotistical and consumerist, capitalist lifestyle. luckily, i believe you do not represent the majority of the american people. and i do know many american doctors and other people high up in the medical community who know that this health care bill was important and valuable.

- JM on April 9th, 2010

JM…While I agree that people who work, are disabled(mentally or physically) minor children, and the elderly deserve healthcare, I have lived in the SLUMS of Houston Texas, and I can tell you, There are far too many people taking from the hard working individuals like me and YOU (i presume). That makes me very very angry. I am not terribly familiar with the healthcare system in other country’s, but I do know that most people who do not live in the US, wish they did, healthcare aside.

- Allison on April 9th, 2010

I AGREE with you April! Allison, I guess we all know what you are.

- mommyof2 on April 9th, 2010

I wish I could say my life my choices, but sadly one man has changed that and doesn’t allow me to have some choices any more. I am willing to work and wish I could but I have no idea when I will be able to do so. I along with others in my shoe shouldn’t have to “beg” for money, healthcare or assistance. I don’t want to be in this situation, but these are the cards I am dealt. I am thankful that because of the changes by our President, I am able to healthcare at a cost I can afford. After living through this experience, I understand what some homeless people may have gone through bc there have been days were I thought I could be where they were. I will never judge someone anymore and you should not either bc you do not know their story. I live in Chicago and live near the projects where there are a lot of homeless and “slums” as you would call them and that doesn’t change my opinion at all. People need to be more open minded and be greatly for what you have because some day it can all be gone.

- Lauren on April 9th, 2010

Hmm… I read “cutting welfare” in a comment and just stopped reading there. I cannot possibly imagine a person’s reasons for saying that. But never mind, I just stopped by to say that I’m glad Brian cares and tries to do something to help schools. And I’m also glad his kid goes to public school, and not some ridiculous private institution. Education should be free and for everyone. For this to happen, the conditions may not always be the best, but if the kids can learn, that’s what really matters.

- Lau on April 9th, 2010

Momof2- what am I?
Lauren-I am grateful for what I have. Very grateful. I have been on both sides. You don’t need to thank our president. Thank me and people like me-you will eventually be taking money out of my pocket!

- Allison on April 9th, 2010

I live in Canada and we are actually facing the same thing,cuts to education,teachers,class time etc.As a matter of fact we have a rally going on in my city tomorrow to protest these cuts to education.BTW Allison you are a very self-centerd human being.Perhaps you need to be validated.I don’t think a happy person would spend as much time as you responding to other peoples comments.Perhaps you are seeking someone to tell you that being,thoughtless,self-centered,greedy and unhappy are o.kay….good luck with that.

- itiswhatitis on April 9th, 2010

So Allison,
Because I graduated from college during the WORST economic crisis and got laid off from TWO jobs within 7 months of graduating, me getting unemployment benefits makes me lazy?? Wow. Thanks.

I started working at 14 years old (earlier if you count babysitting for neighbors and working in my church nursery), have NEVER been unemployed until the last year, have worked multiple jobs since I was 16 (working THREE jobs to put myself through college) and now have 3 part-time jobs that I barely get by on and allow me NO benefits whatsoever…yeah, I guess after reading all that, I truly AM lazy…

- Melanie on April 9th, 2010

wow Allison you are exactly the reason many people in my country think America would be the worst place to live, and that Americans are a joke. That you actually think G.B was a good thing for your country shows you are delusional.
Over here we have free health care to a point and the system works well, but could be improved. I work very hard for my money and am willing for my tax dollars to go to national health care that I can access when i need it. The Canadian way seems to be a really good idea that we could use as a base. Unfotunately there will always be bludgers (I think you use the term moochers?) but I’d rather that very small percentage get a free deal than live with a selfish and arrogant system like yours.
P.S. I apologise to those Americans on here who do not think like Allison, we don’t think you are a joke, just people like her

- steph on April 10th, 2010

Im not speaking for Allison, but in the beginning of this post she said “cutting welfare”, well how can anyone disagree about that to a point? Honestly…Im not big on “politics” and im sure everyone of you prob. know more about it than me,but some not every are lazy people that want to sit on their butt,live off food stamps,donations from churches,free lunches,medicaid,etc…..have 5 children under 10 yrs old and continue to have more children,when they cant even support themselfs moreless the children they are bringing into this world. They dont wanna work, they expect everyone to do it all for them! So, can you tell me thats right? keep supporting the ones like them? No….support the ones who are trying yes…heck they can sell news papers and make money on the street corner,may not be much money, but they are trying. Just handing people everything they need in life for free isnt helping them its enabling them ( speaking of the ones who abuse help) help the ones who deserve it,not abuse it. People who are hurt,handicap,abused,affected by accident ,etc.. they need it, and deserve it. helping the ones who expect it, live off it, and continually add to the # of children in their family, who are not even willing to help themselfs moreless the kids, that is wrong.

- lori on April 10th, 2010

Allison I agree with you 100%. I am sorry you have been beaten up by a bunch of out of touch liberals! I used to be a Social Work major so I know first hand that many people abuse the system. I got out of that field so fast! They make excuses for themselves and have absolutely no personal accountability. Yeah I get some people have had a hard life, but you know what so have I! You don’t see me crying about it, and sitting on my butt taking from others instead of working hard. That paycheck that I earn is MINE no one elses, but MINE! I worked my butt of for that paycheck. Put myself through college and graduate school and now I have a good paying job, but guess what?? I now get to pay for people living off the government instead of making it for themselves. What is the intensive of working anymore when 45% of my paycheck is taken by the government? I have no problem with them taking money to pay for public schools, road repair, our police, but I have a big problem with it being given to people who keep on popping out kids and refuse to work! And Melanie Allison is not talking about you. You have obviously done the right thing by going to college and bettering your life, and it is horrible with the economy the way it is that you can not find a job. You deserve unemployment. Allison and I are talking about the people who are lazy and expect the government to take care of them. People are so entitled now days. The government does not owe you anything. You are in control of your life; you take accountability for yourself and your actions.

- Ellen on April 10th, 2010

itiswhatitis how is it greedy to want to keep money for yourself that you worked hard to earn? My only responsibility is to myself and my family; not any one else or their family. I do give back to the community, but only to organizations that I choose. It is my money so I should be able to choose who I give it to. Common sense.

- Ellen on April 10th, 2010

JM Allison does represent the majority of Americans; look at Obama’s poll numbers.

- Ellen on April 10th, 2010

OH MY GOODNESS I LOVE OBAMA AND THIS SITE!

- Ellen on April 10th, 2010

Like I said before, if you find me self centered, fine. So if you are so giving, go pick up that homeless man on the corner and take care of him,and his meals, his cothes, his shelter, his drug problem. Do that for a year, he will not want to work,see if you feel so giving afterwards. Its so funny to me, all of the democrats (i am friends with many) tallking about helping, helping, helping—–but do nothing! NOTHING! What they mean is, I want someone to do it for me. I just wanna go to work, take care of my family and thats it, Just take care of those poor,sad people for me……………..DO IT YOURSELF! DONT MAKE THE REST OF US PAY FOR IT!!!

- Allison on April 10th, 2010

Steph,I agree with you. I have friends and family who grew up in the US and moved to Canada, Italy and France and LOVE it and would never return. I don’t know anyone who wants to move to the US for any reason. My family all wants out and they are mostly Republicans. I don’t have any problem with Republicans, I just wish they would stop hating on Obama and tell us what Bush did that was so great for this country in his 8 years of office, to make Obama in his first year look horrible.
Allison I will only thank you for not being in my life. Many of my family members are hard core Republicans, but none of them are even close to as ignorant as you. Even though I have no respect for you, I hope you never go through what I am because you could never handle it.

- lauren on April 10th, 2010

Lauren, Im sorry you have such a hard life. There have been times when my husband and I have made such little money that we could have applied for food stamps, etc…and gotten it, we just decided to take responsibility for our situation and not ask for anything.
Anyone who thinks that nobody wants to come to our country is delusional. Laughable. If you wanna get out-get out. One less person that the government has to worry about.
I want to line up all of the democrats, food stamp, welfare, illegal immigrants and machine gun em all!!!!

- Allison on April 10th, 2010

Allison, I said your comments were laughable before, but now they’re just frightening. I am so thankful that the majority of the country did NOT vote your way during the last election, and that Republicans do not endorse violence the way you do. Your last sentence is truly terrifying. If you honestly feel that way about other human beings, I suggest you seek help.

- April on April 10th, 2010

April-Most of us Republicans do feel that way, they just don’t say it like I do.

- Allison on April 10th, 2010

wow allison, or is that sarah palin? truly frightening that you might be passing on that attitude to children, and how sad to have such narrow minded views. honestly, i do think it’s sad to live such a self-centred life.

you are giving an example of a hypothetical homeless person who doesn’t want to work. again, i ask, what about all the poor and homeless people who DO want to work but who can’t get a job? in fact you needn’t even be from the absolute poorest neighbourhoods to know how hard it can be to find a job. but i suppose that’s their fault isn’t it? even though people here have told you their personal stories of how hard they’ve worked and desperately tried to get a job, sometimes the odds are just stacked against you.

ellen, if you are not a social worker anymore i can only say thank heavens for that. my mother has been a social worker for over 25 years with some of the most difficult cases you can imagine. and i know it takes a very special person to do that. you are obviously not cut out for that job if that’s the attitude you have towards people who are in desperate situations.

and yes i agree, what was bush doing that was helping the country so much other than making the rich richer and the poor poorer?

and allison, i don’t know what fox news has told you but it isn’t true that the majority of people who live outside of america wish they lived there. sure maybe some people come from third world countries, are impoverished and live under dictatorships might. but if that’s the standard you’re comparing yourself to then that’s a pretty low standard to have. i have many friends from many different european countries, who, yes all work and don’t “sponge” of the welfare system, and none of them would like to have your healthcare system. but i guess they’re just not selfish enough to believe that there is no reason to help people less fortunate than yourself.

- JM on April 10th, 2010

I want to keep posting because the more Allison says the more I laugh and I could use it today. I instead am going to hang out with my Republican family and be greatful that they are nothing like you. They would never wish me dead like you for having an opinion and standing for what I believe in. Then I am going to skype with my family in Italy to hear for the millionth time how they would never move back here.

- Lauren on April 10th, 2010

JM all you keep saying is how selfish I am- ARGUE YOUR POINT. The rich got richer because they WORK and the poor got poorer because they don’t. It is the classic democrat view-if I’m poor you need to help me because I am not willing to help myself and the democrats want the rich to feel guilty about it. And guess what? WE DON’T. And you will not have us stoop to your level and feel guilty for what we work for.
I am wondering ladies-how old are many of you? Something tells me about high school or college age? Usually people in that age range do not live in reality and dream of world peace and bla bla bla.

- Allison on April 10th, 2010

I’m 36 with three kids and a master’s degree, so no.

- April on April 10th, 2010

It’s obnoxious when people like Allison start stirring the political pot on what’s supposed to be a light-hearted blog about celebrity babies. You commented earlier about suggesting we take care of that “homeless man on the corner and take care of him, and his meals, his cothes, his shelter, his drug problem.” The fact that you’re assuming all homeless men are drug users speaks volumes for your character, or lack thereof. Also you want to “machine gun ‘em all?” It’s sad and scary that you posted that comment (and might I mention, not the smartest thing to put out there on the internet). Your statements are quite un-American.

- Marie on April 10th, 2010

Further, why are you curious about the ages of commenters who don’t agree with you? I’d be curious to know the age of a person who says she’d like to “machine gun” certain groups of people. I’d assume that’s something a teenager would say but I’d like to give our teens more credit than that. To have a difference of opinion is fine. To wish death on entire groups of people is not.

- Marie on April 10th, 2010

well said Marie.

- Melanie on April 10th, 2010

Ladies, at this point, I think we all need to agree to disagree. We’re just going around in circles at this point, and it’s pretty obvious by now that those of us who disagree with Allison aren’t going to change her opinion, and vice-versa.

- CelebBabyLover on April 11th, 2010

Congratulations, Allison! Once again ignorance has taken away from the initial topic. It truly is a marvel how so many times education is brought up and somehow turns into an argument about health care or some other grievance. No wonder so many teachers have been cut…our country hasn’t been receiving the necessary support in education for far too long, thus now we’re seeing the effects of uneducated people crying off-topic.
Yes, there are lazy people in the world. However, just because someone doesn’t share your opinion/lifestyle does not mean they are lazy or some other negative characteristic.
I’m sorry that the world has jilted you so poorly. Perhaps instead of blaming someone else, or calling for violence, you should be the change you wish to see in the world. Of course, that would mean that you would have to think of someone other than yourself or your family, so I won’t hold my breath.
If however, you prefer to remain in your mindset and are looking for someone to blame for this current situation, look no further than your like-minded selfish Enron boys. It was greed such as theirs (which your lovable G.B. so kindly looked the other way from) that helped put our country into the economic crisis we are currently in.

My sincere thank you to the parents, students, teachers, and Brian and Megan for helping to provide a voice for schools. I only hope that a positive solution is soon made to benefit our nation’s school system.

- cutback teacher on April 11th, 2010

I have read this entire thread and I feel completely sick.

Allison, the only thing I can possibly say to you is that you are the most ignorant person I have ever encountered on cyber-space – and believe me, thats saying alot. However, I don’t feel like “machine-gunning you down.” I know — it’s weird how educated and civil people tend to NOT solve their problems and disagreements with violence. But I digress.

In every society, there will be people who take advantage of the system. Democrat, Republican, Liberal, Conservative… blah blah blah. There will always be people looking for and willing to take advantage of handouts.

But to make such blanket statements and accept such wild generalities as your political philosophies — completely delusional. Not to mention ignorant beyond all else.

In this economy there are millions of people who have lost their jobs, their homes, their livlihoods. People who would do anything to work and support their families. People who cannot find work that will pay the bills. People who are encumbered with illnesses or disabilities. For you to sit on your high horse and pass such disgusting judgement on others is truly sick.

If I were a person as awful and unfeeling as you are, I would wish upon you some sort of soul-sucking illness that would cripple your funds and not allow you to work or your family to have peace. I would wish upon you and your husband the acute pain of unemployment and the sick worry that comes with it. I would wish upon you the unavailability of funds to put your children through college and the unending worry about their futures… Luckily, I am not like you. And more than likely, I would be one of the many people willing to offer you aid if you ever found yourself in such a position.

Open your eyes. This is the real world where bad things can and will happen. I just hope you’re ready when they do — and that you will not find that people are not as cold and unfeeling as you are.

- Ada on April 11th, 2010

well out “ada” and “cutback teacher”, i think that allison has admitted defeat. you both your arguments so eloquently and i agree wholeheartedly. one day, allison will have to wake up to reality.

- JM on April 12th, 2010

Ada and JM- I have in no way admitted defeat and as someone already stated above, we are just going to have to agree to disagee.
Cutbackteacher-It makes me so mad that they are cutting wonderful teachers such as yourself. I’m sorry that I got off topic, but it truly burns me up inside when I see so many people abusing our system and that in turn, takes things away from our chidlren!
As a parent to a child that will soon be going to school, I feel very passionate about this. A conservative will not change the mind of a liberal, and vise versa.
I got carried away with the “machine gun em all” comment. sorry-im sure that offended people.

- Allison on April 12th, 2010

I haven’t read the above comments b/c I have a feeling they’re mostly jabbing at other members.
However, I am proud that someone has stood up and out about this problem with the school systems. Who knows if it will do any good, but at least he can say he tried. That’s more than most can say!

- Stacie on April 12th, 2010

Do they not realize you need to make money to spend money? Our state government has no money to give out, if we want our kids to have things in schools, we are going to have to start paying higher taxes.

- Tia on April 12th, 2010

Allison, I honestly can’t believe that an adult would be shallow enough to say these things. I’m a republican, southern, and very conservative. I however believe in healthcare, and welfare. It isn’t about taking away what our country has established. It is about legitimizing it. People need healthcare. This plan is about the middle-class. Medicare takes care of those people who you called “lazy”. And honestly, how could you see them as lazy. I met a homeless man the other day. He is having to live in a van with his three children because his wife’s medical bills left them with debt, and he had to quit work for missing too many days. He wasn’t lazy. He still isn’t. But he is homeless. Those people, and the middle class deserve the money the government gives them.

- Beth on April 12th, 2010

Beth I could not stop laughing at your post HAHAHAAA!

- Grace on April 12th, 2010

Allison, I know you probably love Glenn Beck and all of the other nuts on Fox news but it’s time you do some research because the more you talk the more uneducated you sound. People aren’t laughing with you, they are laughing at you. You sound so ignorant that I actually feel pity for you and also Ellen. To be honest, I think both of you are selfish and I’m so glad most Americans are just as disgusted as I am of people like you

- Lee on April 14th, 2010