Hey! Actors, directors, and other assorted big egos! Not getting enough adulation at home for your mealy-mouthed anti-war blatherings? Go to another country, one that has lately been actively working against your own, and spew there:
New York film director Spike Lee led a chorus of criticism against President Bush at the Berlin Film Festival Wednesday, telling the president he had no moral authority to launch a war against Iraq. Going out of his way to praise the French and German governments for their outspoken resistance to the U.S. government's war moves, Lee said it was an outrage that Bush was ignoring world opinion in his rush to attack Iraq."When you think about it, the German and French governments should be commended," Lee said at a news conference after his film "25th Hour," about New York after the Sept. 11 attacks, made its international premiere.
"Too many people are being bowled over by Bush and Tony Blair in Britain. It's ludicrous to expect the whole world to follow what they want. America doesn't have the moral right to tell other people what to do. To say the whole world has to fall into line is you-know-what. I hope more people will rise up."
Lee, famed for his thought-provoking films about New York City, was joined by the cast of "25th Hour" in denouncing Bush. The anti-war comments drew thunderous applause from many of the 300 journalists and followed similar remarks from other U.S. celebrities in Berlin for the annual film festival.
Dustin Hoffman and Martin Scorsese added their voices to a peace movement sweeping Europe, telling audiences in Germany violence would not solve the world's problems and that they wanted to speak out against Bush, without criticizing America.
"I hope the world community will continue to voice itself and apply pressure on the U.S. government," said Edward Norton, who stars in Lee's film. "American citizens have to do it too. It's dismaying to see the unilateralism that the government is doing. They're aren't enough rational steps."
"It's nice being in Europe this week," he added. "Almost everyone in Germany and France is in sync with the governments. I almost forgot what it's like to be proud of my government."
Actress Rosario Dawson added she was frightened by the patriotic mood sweeping the United States.
"Any dissenting opinion is considered unpatriotic," she said. "It makes me upset. I'm embarrassed. It's my hope that Americans won't jump on anyone having a dissenting opinion."
Canadian actor Barry Pepper, who also features in Lee's film, added: "We're going to send our boys and girls overseas to kill -- and that's pretty sad." Hoffman also had some sharp words for Bush at a black-tie Berlinale charity dinner late Tuesday.
"I'm not anti-American but I am against the current administration's policy," Hoffman said to cheers. He said politicians were manipulating public opinion through the media.
"If there is no direct threat why are we invading?" he said.
Scorsese, a director famed for violent gangster films such as "Goodfellas" and whose latest "Gangs of New York" is competing in Berlin for a "Golden Bear" award, hoped war could be averted.
"It seems to me that any sensible person must see that violence does not change the world and if it does, then only temporarily," he said. "There must be people who remember World War II and the Holocaust who can help us get out of this rut."
A long list of Hollywood stars, including Martin Sheen, Sean Penn and Robert Redford, have spoken out against a new Gulf War. More than 100 celebrities have signed an open letter urging Bush to give peace a chance.
(Via A Small Victory.)
Posted by Andrea Harris at February 13, 2003 10:38 AMNote how Scorsese self-fisks when he claims that "violence does not change the world...only temporarily" and in the next breath mentions WWII...if WWII didn't change the world permanently, then I'm a Frenchman...
Posted by: Brian Swisher at February 13, 2003 at 11:29 AMAt this rate, I'll never see another movie. Seriously. It'll be Return of the King and that'll be it. Nothing but documentaries from here on out.
Posted by: Christopher Johnson at February 13, 2003 at 12:08 PMEven documentaries aren't safe. Two words: Michael Moore.
Posted by: Andrea Harris at February 13, 2003 at 12:37 PMAndrea, I just recieved a posting on Free Republic of an email update from Military.com (I am not a veteran...THANK YOU TO ALL OUR MILITARY!!)...Sean Astin is speaking out FOR our troops!!!!
I have posted the links and a quote on my blog
Posted by: Sharon Ferguson at February 13, 2003 at 12:46 PMDon't buy cd's - download them! And DVD burners are pretty cheap nowdays... you get my drift.
Posted by: Stan D at February 13, 2003 at 01:07 PMThis is my favorite line: "Actress Rosario Dawson added she was frightened by the patriotic mood sweeping the United States."
Posted by: RJT at February 13, 2003 at 01:18 PMIt's useful when the Hollywoodies shoot off their mouths. As parents, my wife and I don't get much chance to see new movies, and choice is easier by having an idiots list. Nope, no Spike: No Dustin: No Scorsese: No Redford: etc, etc.
Posted by: Jack at February 13, 2003 at 01:37 PMAh crap, not Ed Norton! Oh well, I already pissed off the wife by banning Clooney stuff, so I gotta take my lumps along with her now. Seeya, Ed.
Anyone keeping track of the non-idiot actors? I need a scorecard for the next trip to Blockbuster.
Posted by: Tom at February 13, 2003 at 04:47 PMThis was my favorite bit:
"It's nice being in Europe this week," he added. "Almost everyone in Germany and France is in sync with the governments...."
Kind of like in Germany 1933 to 1945, France 1940 to 1944. Being in sync with our governments is our highest duty, right? Very logical. Moron.
Posted by: Dave Himrich at February 13, 2003 at 04:48 PMTom,
The A-list would include Bruce Willis, Mel Gibson, Clint Eastwood, Charlton Heston, James Wood, and Arnold "the Terminator". I really like Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman but I don't know their leanings.
Posted by: Bob at February 13, 2003 at 06:03 PMI think boycotting a film or program because you don't like the political leanings of the people involved in the production gives the idea that their opinions have some merit. Part of the reason why these people spouting off is so humorous is because of the ridiculous sense of self-importance that they have thinking that anyone cares what they think or that they believe are having an influence on the direction of events.
Posted by: Emily at February 13, 2003 at 06:08 PMTime to go watch "The Professional" again. Gary Oldman and Natalie Portman are both conservative enough to make up for Jean Reno being...French. ;-)
Posted by: David Jaroslav at February 13, 2003 at 06:48 PMI think boycotting is an excellent time honored tradition. If you want to avoid watching a movie or TV program because an actor has a point of view that it may be unwise to get into a war before all other options are tried, and does not articulate that point of view in a way that doesn't offend you, then you should do so. Even if your reason is that any actor who questions going to war when your feeling is that we must have a war, regardless of the cost in lives and what the ramifications are, should be boycotted, it is your right to do so. If enough people do it, then it should send a message that any questioning of a decision to go to war will cause severe economic consequences to any actor (or other artist if the boycott is expanded to recordings) who dares to raise that question. It's the American way, right?
Posted by: Horatio at February 13, 2003 at 06:59 PMThe Oscars will not be watched in my home this year. I refuse to support Hollywood in any way.
Posted by: slickvguy at February 13, 2003 at 07:11 PMThe Oscars will not be watched in my home this year, and I refuse to support Hollywood in any way. No movies. I get "free" satellite TV, and that'll suffice.
Posted by: slickvguy at February 13, 2003 at 07:12 PM1) Sorry for that double-post.
2) There are few things more despicable than putting down your country while visiting another.
It's funny how a long-held image of a particular celebrity can be instantly blown to shreds. We assume we know someone's true character because of the roles they have played in movies, on TV, etc.
Know what I mean? You would EXPECT a Bruce Willis or a Arnold S. or a Heston to be right-leaning, by the types of characters they have portrayed.
But some of them are the exact opposite of what they seemed to be. For example, who would have though "Lou Grant" would be such a leftist woos? heh.
Posted by: slickvguy at February 13, 2003 at 07:19 PMAnother A-lister: Robert De Niro.
Hey, slickyguy, didn't you know that insulting your country while visiting another is the height of patriotism?
Posted by: scott h. at February 13, 2003 at 07:34 PMIf any of you angry persons happen to be in New York, you can find our favorite little protester at 49th and 1st at 1pm on Saturday, seriously.
Posted by: Matt at February 13, 2003 at 08:30 PM"If you want to avoid watching a movie or TV program because an actor has a point of view that it may be unwise to get into a war before all other options are tried..."
All other options have been tried for the past twelve years and 17 resolutions, as I recall. The "rush to war" is now in its second decade, but the celebrity foreign-policy experts keep setting the standard of proof higher every time new evidence of the threat from Saddam is presented. Seomeone needs to ask them what they think clear and present danger would actually look like, because I honestly don't expect most of them have really given it any thought. After all, we live in an age where an imminent threat is not that likely to apparent; was it on 9/10?
Posted by: David Jaroslav at February 13, 2003 at 09:17 PMIt is not only the right of individuals' to keep their hard-earned dollars from supporting those with whom they disagree - it is a moral duty. "Free expression" does not mean that one's "expressions" are free. No individual is obligated to pay for that which is abhorent to that individual. Let everyone pay for their own opinions. If a person cannot summon up enough support to hire the hall, tough. Do the work yourself.
You are right to say it is American to boycott that which one does not believe in. You meant it to be a denigration, sorta like calling someone a cowboy. As for me, I'm proud to live in a country where, for the most part and with important (and damaging) exceptions, I am not forced to support that with which I disgree. Iraqi's, for instance, cannot say the same.
Posted by: Dee Bates at February 14, 2003 at 07:10 AMI already boycott movies by most of these people. Which depresses me as I like Lethal Weapon movies but Danny Glover is a hate-Amerikkka type. I thought of a better way, boycott the companies for which they are spokesman. Glover is doing commercials for somebody, MCI I think. How about writing a letter to them telling them you will never buy their products while he is their spokesman?
Capitalism at its finest.
Veeshir,
I agree completely: shame can be a very effective political tool, especially on corporate sponsors who instinctiviely shy from controversy. Boycott MCI! And before anyone cries "censorship," that's when government does it. When private individuals do it, it's and EXERCISE of free speech, not an undermining of it.
Posted by: David Jaroslav at February 14, 2003 at 10:47 AMEven "The Return of the King" isn't safe. Two words: Viggo Mortensen
Posted by: Thom at February 14, 2003 at 11:57 AMAs I said in the comments on someone else's blog, I'll say this much for Mortenson (and no more): at least he had the nerve to say his spiel in America, on tv (the Charlie Rose Show).
Posted by: Andrea Harris at February 14, 2003 at 12:54 PMLook for a post on this on the blog. I just wrote a long comment which will make a good post.
Posted by: Andrew at February 14, 2003 at 02:58 PMYou know what's really sad?
These idiots--who could not scrounge up ONE sensible utterence between all 4--actually influence people.
GET A CLUE!
They are actors. They lie for a living. They work and live in total dream worlds.
They know nothing.
Morons.
Yet another A-Lister: Ron Silver
He was on Hannity and Colmes a few nights ago. I think I cheered out loud. As a bouns, a very fine actor as well
Posted by: Half-d at February 14, 2003 at 07:14 PMI will continue to boycott these blame-America-first actors, as many of you are also doing. But, I can vouch for the email campaigns targetting companies that support these actors with threats to boycott their products. It worked when the idiot host of Politically Incorrect compared children with mental disorders to trained dogs. Then again, when he claimed that the 9/11 terrorists were brave men. Note that he is no longer host of the show! I was involved in that campaign and I repeatedly emailed a list of the show's sponsors, as well as the network that was airing it. I always got an apology email in return (which shows that they are atleast watching their email), and the host was toast within months of the onset of the boycott.
This kind of effort, waged even at the single citizen level, got the attention of Bank America when they hired Bill "the other weasel" Clinton after his pardon situation got out of hand.
Damn, I wish the Danny Glover thing had occurred to me yesterday when MCI called my house with another one of those annoying offers. It would have been more fun to slam them for that!
Posted by: Doug Cote at February 15, 2003 at 05:09 AMI hate to break it to De Niro fans out there, but he's not an A-lister with the likes of Heston, Woods, et al.
He's a hard-core D fundraiser and spoke with Martin Sheen and Ed Asner at numerous rallies for Gore in 2000.
Just because he hasn't been as vocal on the war as the others, doesn't mean he's not in the same pod.
Sorry.
"The holders of the coveted statuettes who have dipped into their box-office receipts for the veep: Warren Beatty, Nicolas Cage, Kevin Costner, Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Tom Hanks, Tommy Lee Jones, Norman Lear, Jack Nicholson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Steven Spielberg, Oliver Stone, Barbra Streisand, Edward Zwick, composer Alan Bergman and "American Beauty" producers Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks. Each has chipped in more than $1,000 since January 1999."
I was disappointed, too.
Posted by: Jimg at February 15, 2003 at 02:42 PMHey, we don't have to hate DeNiro because he's a Dem. Who cares if he supported for Gore? I don't hate half the country--though I do think 90% of people can't drive and 78.98% have awful taste in music. What I hate are the idiot stars who spout their bull**it abroad like cowardly traitors. ("Cowardly traitors" as in the type who aren't even honest enough to be full-time traitors, only while on vacation and safely away from American ears.)
If DeNiro was abroad and saying things like these guys I apologize and will weep as every movie I love with him now has the effect of making me cringe when I watch it. It's already hurt me that Ed Norton said this.
Viggo, yes, at least he had the balls to say it here. Disagree with him, yes--I mean HELL yes, but at least he isn't spouting that shit to feel morally superior to his countrymen in the land of either a failed former imperial power or a failed former facist state.
Yup -- that's what upset me about the whole business: not what they were saying so much as the fact that they were so blatantly sucking up to foreigners by putting their own country down. I don't care what you believe: denigrating your own country in order to score points with people in another is not done. Do these huge egos not remember a little something called "adverse publicity"? Or maybe they think that they are so rich and famous now that they don't need "the little people" any more. Well, they wouldn't be the first Hollywood bigwigs to think that way. We'll see years from now which ones are still shopping on Rodeo Drive and which ones are scrounging through the garbage behind Spago's for scraps.
Posted by: Andrea Harris at February 16, 2003 at 03:29 AMKyle, I didn't say to hate De Niro or that I hated him.
I simply pointed out he's not in the same category as Woods, Heston, Eastwood and the others listed previously.
Geesh.
(And if it matters, I care that he supported Gore.)
Posted by: jimg at February 16, 2003 at 01:02 PMAttention Hollywood....I'm not that bored!!! I don't need you to entertain me!!! I don't need to spend our family's hard earned dollars feeding into your tripe...or your wallets.
Your double speak falls on deaf ears in this house and to all I know. You are either for us...or you are against U.S. There is no middle ground and no gray area for this issue.
You have the right to speak your mind, but be ever mindful that you are speaking your mind and not speaking for the American public. You are most certainly not speaking for me.
We don't need you...we feed you. And the gravey train from the pocketbook of this household has come to a screaching halt. This goes for any and all companies who are affiliated with you.
No, I'm not looking forward to or wishing for a war. I am a peaceful person. In 41 years of living I can say that I have never once been personally involved in a physical fight. I detest conflict and I avoid it whenever possible.
However, there are times that it is a necessary evil in order to preserve the lives and freedoms we enjoy. This IS such a time. The evidance is overwhelming.
You know who you are...and so do I. And there are millions who, like me, will close the wallet on you.
Posted by: Mama06 at February 17, 2003 at 09:26 AMThink about this people ..The Militant Muslims have threatened ANY country that sides with the US with terrorist attacks. That means, any country or person that does NOT agree with them they will KILL if they can. Is this the kind of world you want to live in? That IS the kind of world these Celebrities are supporting. Support them and you support the loss of your freedom!. If the militant Muslims are not stopped now, next year it will be harder, and in the not to distant future it won't be hard to stop them .... it will be TOO LATE!
Posted by: Gene at February 17, 2003 at 05:14 PMI just stumbled onto this site. How refreshing to know I'm not the only one who's sick to death of the self-righteous, self-centered, narcassistic, cosmetically altered, totally out of touch with mainstream American celebs whose only claim to fame is they are photogenic, can memorize drivel & make a living doing what kindergarteners call "playing make believe". I have not spent one hard-earned dime at the theater, movies, or rental places in years; I refuse to contribute to their continued bad behavior.
If it isn't bad enough that these spoiled & coddled ingrats speak whenever they are within a country mile of a microphone or camera in the US, it is appauling that they do it overseas. How dare they try to influence other countries (countries who peddle their movies, CD's, etc=$$) about America's foreign policy & proport to represent this country's opinion! THEY DO NOT SPEAK FOR ME! And shame on the media for confusing celebrity opinions with "real" news. If they (celebs) didn't get any press coverage they & their opinions would be impotent.
I would like to see the lot of them sign up to be "civilian first responders" when the next terrorist attack hits the US. Let them get their hands dirty cleaning up bodies & consoling survivors (no cameras, no photo ops). Let them open their wallets (for something other than contributing to the DNC) not their mouths.
Where is John Wayne when we need him!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
(to poster Doug Cote--thanks for the idea to get rid of MCI telemarketers by condeming their spokesman. BTW, Bill Maher is getting another talk show, on HBO I think. If he was obnoxious on network TV I can only shudder at what venom will come out of his mouth [READ: bypassing drugged & atrophied brain] on anything-goes cable. Time to sharpen those pencils & prepare to write to HBO condeming their total lack of dignity & respect for HBO viewers.)
Posted by: Linda at February 18, 2003 at 05:44 PMI am sick of people who make a living by "pretending" to be someone else; thinking that their status gives them a platform for treason!
They should stick to their day jobs! Better yet, let the Baldwin Boys, Sarandon and Lange, and last but not least "Barbra" all volunteer to be human shields to protect Saddaam! He has killed more Muslims than any Arab on earth, but America is the evil one according to the wise ones!
Don't be fooled, this is really about they want Clintonese days back!
No more movies and popcorn for me, aww well, they have forgotten how to entertain anyway!
Posted by: Lee at February 19, 2003 at 02:22 AMBelow is part of a letter sent to a news show who's guest today will be Janeane Garofolo & the topic is Hollywood celebrities protesting American foreign policy:
I (up until this point) have been a huge fan of West Wing. I have always thought Martin Sheen to be a great actor. I know he's been an activist for years but I think he & his fellow liberal, out of touch, egocentric, self-serving "friends" have crossed the line. Sadly, I watched my last episode last night. I also wrote down all the sponsors & plan on boycotting their products.
During last night's (Feb 19) airing of West Wing, Martin Sheen (& whoever wrote & produced that episode) showed their real motivation = profits/ratings/MONEY & a political agenda. It was very interesting that one of the shows story lines was about the US invading an Africa country & affecting a regime change. At one point (in the show) the 'president' was asked to consider more diplomacy & peace. Martin Sheen's character's response was an emphatic & resounding: "NO!". My take on this is that it's OK for Martin Sheen to take an obscene amount of money to utter these lines for profit, entertainment & his "craft" but protest the exact same thing in real life. Mr. Sheen, which is it? You cannot have it both ways. You line your own pockets supporting one position & then bit the hand that feeds you? What's wrong with this picture? Mr. Sheen, you are a hypocrite & and opportunist. If you REALLY had strong feels about war, you wouldn't have participated in the "make believe" character you portray. You said the lines for money. How does anyone believe your credibility? You just showed us that for the right amount of money you will change political/personal feelings.
As an aside to last night's West Wing I would also like to express my disappointment with the show's writing. Up until now, one of the most redeeming qualities about the program was that while we knew the administration was Democrat, there had been no low blows to Republicans. Last night that changed. There were several pot shots buried not too subtly in the story. It was very self-serving & blatantly politically motivated to discuss tax policies. There was also a very transparent "commercial" for Orange County, CA & Democrats. The only thing the writers got correct last night was by portraying a young Frenchman as a freeloading, arrogant elitist.
Please tell Janeane that most adults with half a brain do not think too highly of what pampered, coddled, narcissistic, overpaid, morally bankrupt 'Hollywoodies' think. In fact, just the opposite. When I hear the drivel coming from LA-LA land it reinforces that my opposing opinion is probably the right opinion. How can one take most actors seriously when their only claim to fame is that they are photogenic & can memorize (at least long enough to get it on tape) lines? Acting is an occupation (not an art as they like to delude themselves) that relies on the veneer [READ: looks] not intellect, substance or any moral conscience. Acting is something little kids call "let's pretend".
When I see celebs promoting/hawking a product, I laugh. How could I possibly take their word for something? They are PAID to stand in front of the camera & read prepared lines written to entice me to make a purchase. They key word is: PAID. For enough money, people will say ANYTHING. (Hence my earlier remarks on Martin Sheen & his West Wing character.) I go out of my way to avoid purchasing products promoted by most celebrities. Given their obvious shallow natures why would I believe them?
Please tell Ms.Garofolo that I will be willing to rethink my opinion of her & her "friends" when I see them, as a group, do something productive. Why don't they all volunteer to be 'civilian first responders' so that when the next terror attack hits they can go clean up the bodies. They'd rather hide in their mansions & write a check instead of actually doing something for real. Put your money (& arse) where your mouth is, Hollywood. Do something for a change because it's the right thing to do, not because you might get a sound bite or photo op.
You, Ms. Garofolo, are in a business that promotes violence & sex. Hollywood has done a huge disservice to our youth by filling their brains with pure crap. You contribute to the moral decay of our country. Whenever someone points this out, you all hide under the first amendment umbrella instead of accepting responsibility or making an effort to churn out something though-provoking & morally redeeming. You take the easy way out, pocket the money & walk away without a thought for the potential consequences of your actions. You are the first group to whine about first amendment issues but the last group to do anything positive to support the US & her freedom Shame on the lot of you!
If anyone's interested, here's a list of sponsors from Feb 19, 2003:
Cisco, Serta, Ford, Yoplait, Olive Garden, Toyota, Pontiac, Citizen's Bank, Mohegan Sun, Stop & Shop, Lincoln, T-Mobile, Pinesol, TGIF Fridays, Walmart, Domino's, H&R Block, Nissan, Chevrolet, Citi, Honda, Cheerios, Mazda, Tropicana, Sensodyne, Bounty & Outback Steakhouse
Write & threaten to boycott!
(I live in Mass. & some of the sponsors maybe local/regional. Sorry if some of the above is a rewrite of a previous post I made here.)
Posted by: Linda at February 20, 2003 at 03:57 PMWell. I don't watch West Wing -- never could stand Martin Sheen since, like... well, ever. And he always was rather smarmy IRL.
Really, I don't care what celebs do. Though it is rather painful to see them make such fools of themselves, and display their ignorance so blatantly. But money, fame, and the ability to act don't lead to greater intellectual abilities.
I will have more to say on this later.
Posted by: Andrea Harris at February 21, 2003 at 01:44 AMSay “No” To Hollywood
Have you had enough from the mouths of the Hollywood elite? Tired of the Bush-bashing? The anti-Americanism? The cruelty that comes out of the mouths of some of these “stars”? It’s time to send a message to Hollywood. And the message is: We’re not going to take it anymore.
Hollywood has always had its share of politically active pundits, but lately, probably due to the repugnant nature of the remarks made, they have drawn increased media attention.
Most recently it was Ed Harris with his anti-Bush remarks: “ Being a man, I've got to say that we've got this guy in the White House who thinks he is a man, you know, who projects himself as a man. Because he has a certain masculinity and he's a good old boy and he used to drink and he knows how to shoot a gun and drive a pickup truck, et cetera, like that. That's not the definition of a man, goddammit.”
Harris said this at a NARAL Pro-abortion gathering in front of all six 2004 democratic presidential hopefuls.
Harris, currently in the movie, “The Hours,” has also starred in “The Right Stuff," "Apollo 13," “The Truman Show,” “Pollack” and "A Beautiful Mind."
Actor George Clooney criticized Bush and accused the administration of running the government like the television show “The Sopranos” and had this to say about Charlton Heston:
"Charlton Heston announced again today that he is suffering from Alzheimer's." When asked if he went too far with his comment he said "I don't care. Charlton Heston is the head of the National Rifle Association. He deserves whatever anyone says about him." There really are no words to accurately describe how callous these comments were. But in Hollywood, you get away with this because you have the liberal media to back you up. Not too much has been made of it.
Several months ago, while in Spain accepting an award, Jessica Lange stated that George Bush "stole the election" and the U.S. people have been "suffering under his leadership," adding he "struts around like he is in some Wild West show" and that she finds him "absolutely reprehensible".
Said Lange, "I hate Bush. I despise him and his entire administration - not only because of its international policy, but also the national. Today it makes me feel ashamed to come from the United States - it is humiliating."
Lange also stated, "The atmosphere in my country is poisonous, intolerable for those of us who are not right-wing, so thank you for inviting me to this festival and allowing me to get out for a few days."
It’s sad that the very country that made her who she is is “intolerable” and she “needs to get out.” Too bad she didn’t stay out. Trashing a president while on foreign soil as she did, with the possibility of a war looming is tantamount to treason.
As Americans, we have the right to free speech. But remarks such as Harris’, Clooney’s and others made against President Bush and the administration should not go unnoticed by those who support him, and those Americans who support our men and women in uniform, who are now being sent off to defend our freedom.
The problem here is, you and I don’t get a platform to speak on like they do. As ordinary non-famous Americans, we don’t get to parade our views all over cable television and influence millions to say, sign a petition protesting war.
The petition the Hollywood peaceniks started, “Not in Our Name,” opposing Bush and any action he might take against Iraq, has now gathered 40,000 signatures, in large part due to media exposure. They’ve been given plenty of airtime to promote their cause, with activists like Susan Sarandon and her live-in love Tim Robbins appearing on Phil Donahue’s show on MSNBC among others.
These outspoken leftist Bush-haters are defended and treated like heroes, hailed by their peers for speaking their mind and taking up this cause.
And what do Bush supporters and Conservatives do? We support them. We condemn Hollywood’s stands against Bush and their anti-war rhetoric and ideologies, yet we’ll pay eight to $10 to see a movie, or we’ll happily give our kids money to go to the theatre.
Hollywood enjoys multi-million dollar weekend openings at the box office, paid for by many of us who despise everything their industry stands for. We are paying to see “entertainment” which also happens to be exceedingly violent, overly sexual, lewd, foul-mouthed, anti-American and anti-Christian. One recent movie even took shots at President Bush.
Hollywood has power. But we, as the movie-going public have even more power. Imagine the impact we could have if we just said NO to Hollywood. Say “No” to movies for a few months. Say “No” to video rentals for a while. The repercussions could be tremendous, and by far the best way to send a message to Hollywood. This would truly be hitting where it hurts. Maybe some of these stars would think twice before opening their mouths again.
At this crucial time while President Bush is facing criticism from Hollywood like never before, there has never been a better time to stand with him, and against those who disrespect him.
Hollywood has told you how they feel. It’s time to Show them how You feel. It’s time to fight back.
Dear Conservative Friends:
The comments made by some of the Hollywood left stated above are despicable, and they do not deserve our money at the box office or the video store. Lets show our president, his administration, and our men and women in the armed forces that we support them and appreciate them.
In order to show these leftist Hollywood loudmouths what we think of them, many conservatives are taking part in a boycott of Hollywood which began February 1, 2003. The original time period planned was three months, but people are only hearing about it now, so we think it should be extended through August 31, 2003. Lets send a message to the Hollywood elite that their views about Bush and America are not our views.
Bush supporters, conservatives, good upstanding Americans with traditional values, and anyone else who wants to send a message to Hollywood should avoiding going to all movies or renting any videos during this period.
I hope you will join me in standing against anti-Bush anti-American Hollywood liberals. Pass this message on to your friends who would be willing to join in this boycott. Lets send Hollywood a message that they can understand.
Posted by: Mary K. at February 21, 2003 at 01:55 PMSay “No” To Hollywood
Have you had enough from the mouths of the Hollywood elite? Tired of the Bush-bashing? The anti-Americanism? The cruelty that comes out of the mouths of some of these “stars”? It’s time to send a message to Hollywood. And the message is: We’re not going to take it anymore.
Hollywood has always had its share of politically active pundits, but lately, probably due to the repugnant nature of the remarks made, they have drawn increased media attention.
Most recently it was Ed Harris with his anti-Bush remarks: “ Being a man, I've got to say that we've got this guy in the White House who thinks he is a man, you know, who projects himself as a man. Because he has a certain masculinity and he's a good old boy and he used to drink and he knows how to shoot a gun and drive a pickup truck, et cetera, like that. That's not the definition of a man, goddammit.”
Harris said this at a NARAL Pro-abortion gathering in front of all six 2004 democratic presidential hopefuls.
Harris, currently in the movie, “The Hours,” has also starred in “The Right Stuff," "Apollo 13," “The Truman Show,” “Pollack” and "A Beautiful Mind."
Actor George Clooney criticized Bush and accused the administration of running the government like the television show “The Sopranos” and had this to say about Charlton Heston:
"Charlton Heston announced again today that he is suffering from Alzheimer's." When asked if he went too far with his comment he said "I don't care. Charlton Heston is the head of the National Rifle Association. He deserves whatever anyone says about him." There really are no words to accurately describe how callous these comments were. But in Hollywood, you get away with this because you have the liberal media to back you up. Not too much has been made of it.
Several months ago, while in Spain accepting an award, Jessica Lange stated that George Bush "stole the election" and the U.S. people have been "suffering under his leadership," adding he "struts around like he is in some Wild West show" and that she finds him "absolutely reprehensible".
Said Lange, "I hate Bush. I despise him and his entire administration - not only because of its international policy, but also the national. Today it makes me feel ashamed to come from the United States - it is humiliating."
Lange also stated, "The atmosphere in my country is poisonous, intolerable for those of us who are not right-wing, so thank you for inviting me to this festival and allowing me to get out for a few days."
It’s sad that the very country that made her who she is is “intolerable” and she “needs to get out.” Too bad she didn’t stay out. Trashing a president while on foreign soil as she did, with the possibility of a war looming is tantamount to treason.
As Americans, we have the right to free speech. But remarks such as Harris’, Clooney’s and others made against President Bush and the administration should not go unnoticed by those who support him, and those Americans who support our men and women in uniform, who are now being sent off to defend our freedom.
The problem here is, you and I don’t get a platform to speak on like they do. As ordinary non-famous Americans, we don’t get to parade our views all over cable television and influence millions to say, sign a petition protesting war.
The petition the Hollywood peaceniks started, “Not in Our Name,” opposing Bush and any action he might take against Iraq, has now gathered 40,000 signatures, in large part due to media exposure. They’ve been given plenty of airtime to promote their cause, with activists like Susan Sarandon and her live-in love Tim Robbins appearing on Phil Donahue’s show on MSNBC among others.
These outspoken leftist Bush-haters are defended and treated like heroes, hailed by their peers for speaking their mind and taking up this cause.
And what do Bush supporters and Conservatives do? We support them. We condemn Hollywood’s stands against Bush and their anti-war rhetoric and ideologies, yet we’ll pay eight to $10 to see a movie, or we’ll happily give our kids money to go to the theatre.
Hollywood enjoys multi-million dollar weekend openings at the box office, paid for by many of us who despise everything their industry stands for. We are paying to see “entertainment” which also happens to be exceedingly violent, overly sexual, lewd, foul-mouthed, anti-American and anti-Christian. One recent movie even took shots at President Bush.
Hollywood has power. But we, as the movie-going public have even more power. Imagine the impact we could have if we just said NO to Hollywood. Say “No” to movies for a few months. Say “No” to video rentals for a while. The repercussions could be tremendous, and by far the best way to send a message to Hollywood. This would truly be hitting where it hurts. Maybe some of these stars would think twice before opening their mouths again.
At this crucial time while President Bush is facing criticism from Hollywood like never before, there has never been a better time to stand with him, and against those who disrespect him.
Hollywood has told you how they feel. It’s time to Show them how You feel. It’s time to fight back.
Dear Conservative Friends:
The comments made by some of the Hollywood left stated above are despicable, and they do not deserve our money at the box office or the video store. Lets show our president, his administration, and our men and women in the armed forces that we support them and appreciate them.
In order to show these leftist Hollywood loudmouths what we think of them, many conservatives are taking part in a boycott of Hollywood which began February 1, 2003. The original time period planned was three months, but people are only hearing about it now, so we think it should be extended through August 31, 2003. Lets send a message to the Hollywood elite that their views about Bush and America are not our views.
Bush supporters, conservatives, good upstanding Americans with traditional values, and anyone else who wants to send a message to Hollywood should avoiding going to all movies or renting any videos during this period.
I hope you will join me in standing against anti-Bush anti-American Hollywood liberals. Pass this message on to your friends who would be willing to join in this boycott. Lets send Hollywood a message that they can understand.
Posted by: Mary K. at February 21, 2003 at 01:56 PMI don't go to the movies anymore, and I don't even watch much tv besides the history channel, because I can't stand even seeing these repulsive idiots. To hell with them.
Posted by: JimO at February 21, 2003 at 04:11 PMHaving worked in the entertainment industry before, these people even further disgust me with their hypocrisy. Just look at the actors who make these remarks and check their past movies. Ninety percent of them have been in a war movie! Oh, so they can take the money for this but yet wrap themselves in an antiwar comment. This is not antiwar, but rather anti-Bush. Where were these people when Clinton "wagged the dog" and sent 450 missles in a token effort to get the media off the attention his Lewinsky moments were generation coverage? Where were these actors when Clinton sent troops into Yugoslavia WITHOUT A U.N. SANCTION. Did any of those performers or actors actually give money when they appeared on TV after the 9/11 tragedy.
People, these people only care about themselves and and any adoration you can give them. They are takers who find the perfect photo op when they do make a contribution. They mock you, your values and even your religion
Having worked in the entertainment industry before, these people even further disgust me with their hypocrisy. Just look at the actors who make these remarks and check their past movies. Ninety percent of them have been in a war movie! Oh, so they can take the money for this but yet wrap themselves in an antiwar comment. This is not antiwar, but rather anti-Bush. Where were these people when Clinton "wagged the dog" and sent 450 missles in a token effort to get the media off the attention his Lewinsky moments were generation coverage? Where were these actors when Clinton sent troops into Yugoslavia WITHOUT A U.N. SANCTION. Did any of those performers or actors actually give money when they appeared on TV after the 9/11 tragedy.
People, these people only care about themselves and and any adoration you can give them. They are takers who find the perfect photo op when they do make a contribution. They mock you, your values and even your religion.
I think it would be very useful to have a complete list of hollywood entertainers that are against our president. I have no respect for these people who are undermining the president and making his herendously difficult job even harder. None of these flakes were concerned about war when clinton was in office. The list would help me be clear on who I wanted to support and who I wanted to boycott.
Posted by: lynne at March 8, 2003 at 05:26 PMI think it would be very useful to have a complete list of hollywood entertainers that are against our president. I have no respect for these people who are undermining the president and making his herendously difficult job even harder. None of these flakes were concerned about war when clinton was in office. The list would help me be clear on who I wanted to support and who I wanted to boycott.
Posted by: Lynne at March 8, 2003 at 05:26 PMI think the problem with a blanket boycott of hollywood movies over a period of several months is that its effectiveness is incredibly difficult to measure. A three month downturn in movie receipts could, and would, be attributed to many other things (including the crappy quality of many recent films). I've heard of some people trying to organize a boycott of the oscar awards show, and I think that could be a far more effective form of protest, if enough Americans hear about it. Besides, most people who feel the way we do will end up turning off the Oscar broadcast anyway, or throwing a shoe through the screen, once a few actors take the show hostage with their speechifying. Perhaps if someone created a site devoted to just a boycott of the oscars, and it got some publicity (perhaps if Drudge or Bill O'Reilly picked it up), it would send a strong and easily quantifiable message to Hollywood. I've seen a boycott of the Oscars discussed some at this site: http://www.boycott-hollywood.us/archives/000090.htm
Posted by: bf in jersey at March 18, 2003 at 04:46 PMI've seen something about some guy who wanted people to boycott the Oscars too, but in order to protest the war. Which is pretty funny, considering all the anti-war, or at least anti-Bush actors that will be on. As for me, I might just leave it on -- I'm not a ratings household, and anyway, I need material to mock. I hope it won't be as juiceless and dull as the Grammys were.
Posted by: Andrea Harris at March 18, 2003 at 10:13 PMThis is soooo sad; these ppl have the right to protest and say what they think... BUT your know what you would not have the right to say what you think in any other country so you ppl should be thanking your country instead of trying to tear it down with your stupidity...
Posted by: donna at March 20, 2003 at 08:04 PMLet's just start with you Donna, poor, poor deluded Donna.
"You would not have the right to say what you think in any other country..."
In fact, people all over Europe have the right to say what they think. And their leaders listened to them. It's this funny little thing called Democracy. You know, that thing we're supposedly bringing to the Middle East. You've heard of it, it's that thing of which fundamentalist Muslims are supposedly jealous?
Any of you knuckleheads ever hear of a guy called McCarthy?
Any of you hypocrites ever hear of a guy called Jesus? He was certainly anti-war. And don't throw out that "eye for eye" crap. That was in the old Testament and specifically repudiated by Jesus.
ANYWAY. Neither Osama nor Saddam would have any fucking power if it weren't for Bush Sr., Rumsfeld and Cheney.
And, let's not forget my propagandized compatriots. (Oh, wait, that's right. Only ignorant denizens of the third world are vulnerable to propaganda, not desperate, poor people in Middle America.) The French lost more soldiers in World War I than America has lost in ALL ITS WARS COMBINED. Perhaps they have a better sense of what war does, as opposed to Americans, for whom war is something you watch on TV and cheer for like a sporting event? And, while Hitler was taking over Europe, after he had already killed hundreds of thousands of Jews, America was carrying on normal diplomatic relations with him. In fact, the Bush family continued to conduct buisiness with Nazis even after we entered the War in 1941.
And as far as movies are concerned, the movie industry already waters down any thoughtful or remotely "offensive" movie for you people. What more do you want? How bout the kind of movies that were made with ths approval of the Chinese or Soviet governments (to the exclusion of anything not in line with government directives), only ours are all pro-Bush? Pro-Life? Pro-Creationism? That'd be a great way to celebrate the freedom we, nominally, enjoy in this country.
Posted by: Meghan at March 23, 2003 at 07:45 PMMeghan:
Actually we in the US have more freedom of speach than most European countries.
You can be fined for critizing the president of France. You can go to jail for saying 'I think those (fill in minority name here) stink!'
Much of what is said in the blogs and in newspapers are illegal in various 'enlightened' European countries.
They don't have the concept of iron-bound Constitution rights. Those countries that have Constitutions change them every time the wind changes. (I think the French are on their 6th Constitution.)
The British don't have a Constitution. Parliment decides whether the people have any rights today. (By a simple majority vote?)
"Any of you hypocrites ever hear of a guy called Jesus? He was certainly anti-war. And don't throw out that "eye for eye" crap. That was in the old Testament and specifically repudiated by Jesus."
How could you possibly speak for Jesus. He answered to God alone. How could you possibly know what he would say today? As I remember it, he resented organized religion and the clerics of the day. I would guess he would resent the modern day clerics supposedy speaking for him.
Don't mistake your hand-wringing and squeamishness for some sort of higher morality. You hold no corner on morality. And I suspect you do not speak for Jesus or God.
Posted by: JACITELLI at March 24, 2003 at 01:33 PMWe need to take the money away from people who go against the USA. Vote with your money. Don't buy or rent movies, don't go to the movie theaters, don't buy the merchandising products for movies.
We need to show some character now and live without the entertainment, take that same money and invest it in our children's future.
Posted by: Jill M at March 24, 2003 at 04:07 PMMeghan, you rock. I came across this site by accident, and found myself laughing at the silly "insights' of most of the writers here. Thank you for some semblance of reason.
To anyone with objectivity and insight, these arguments over conservative vs. liberal are like two ugly guys arguing about who is better looking, the guy who parts his hair on the left or the guy who parts his hair on the right. Dems and Reps are not really that much different. Neither has a clue about protecting the rights of individuals or freeing Americans from the oppressions of our too-invasive govt.
Consider these:
*If you argue that celebrities (or others) have the right to say what they think, you are lying if you think it matters where they say it, or to whom, or when. Rights exist regardless of political boundaries or hour the day.
*If you want to boycott their products, more power to you.
*It takes more courage to denounce the sitting president than to wave a flag and proclaim yourself a patriot. Being courageous doesn't make you correct, however. But these people are not cowards. And the true patriot is the one who wants what is best for his country, regardless of the status quo.
*When someone says that most people do not support the position of the US in this Iraq situation, he is correct. When someone says that Americans are seen by many other peoples as arrogant, he is correct, though it the US govt. that should take most of the blame for that. When someone says that the US govt. has supported, at one time, most of its current enemies (with dollars, trade, and more), he is correct. These things are facts. The only question is: have we learned anything from these facts? If so, we will recommend that the US govt refrain from intervention and preaching around the world, except when a broad-based coalition (UN?) supports that coalition.
*To recommend that the US change its policies is not to support terrorists or dictators (most of whom were practically created by the US govt). In my opinion, it is the best way to secure a safer world for future Americans.
*Dissent is good. Dissent during the Vietnam conflict brought a swifter end to what everyone now acknowledges was a mistake in the first place. See a parallel here? And dissent is one of the cornerstones of American freedom.
Wishing peace and safety for all,
Atlas
Um.... Atlas? Could you do your internet date-hunting somewhere else? This isn't the Yahoo personals. Thanks so much.
Oh yeah -- and your "deep" insights are just so... swoon! I just want to have your babies, you intellectual god you. [BUUURRRP]
Posted by: Andrea Harris at March 24, 2003 at 07:36 PMI am glad this is happening. I will cancel MCI this week, Also wrtie to NBC and boycott Tuesday Nights until they take Martin Sheen off.This boycotting seems to be working. Sponsors will pay attention to this.
Posted by: Larry Bolek at March 26, 2003 at 10:14 PM