Martin Sheen: 'Occupy movement represents hope and despair'

Martin Sheen has suggested that the Occupy protest movement represents the very best and worst of America.

The former West Wing actor told Reuters that the nationwide demonstrations are the public's logical response to being continuously misled by political and corporate leaders.

"I think it's an inevitable expression of the despair and equal measure of hope that people in the 99% bracket have, and thank God they're expressing it with their voice and encampments instead of with guns and Molotov cocktails," Sheen explained.

He went on to say: "It's outrageous what's happening in our country. And the rich don't get it, they don't understand. You can't just keep tripping over Lazarus every day that you leave your house.

"He's rotting in front of your house, you've got to be aware of it and you've got to become involved. It's a reflection of your own humanity or lack of it."

Sheen famously supported US President Barack Obama in the 2008 election and now says he is confident that Obama will win re-election next year.

"I think under the circumstances, with what he inherited, two wars, an economy in the toilet, he has done quite brilliant," the star commented.

"I'm very confident he will be re-elected and it's going to be a big surprise to a lot of people about how far in front he's going to be. The people get it - they know he's on our side. He's a good and decent man; he's middle class."

Sheen was recently honoured by the Chicago International Film Festival for his career accomplishments.

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Watch Martin Sheen in a clip from The West Wing below: