O'Reilly's Glass House Shattered ? Again!

Chadman

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O'Reilly's Glass House Shattered ? Again!
Written by Administrator
Monday, 07 April 2008

USO to Send Al Franken, Tim Robbins and Ludacris To Entertain His Combat Riddled, Tortured Logic?

April 7, 2008 ? Hollywood (HuffPo / apj.us) ? Once again, Bill O'Reilly used his weekly column to skewer Hollywood for not visiting our troops nor making the kind of movies the Folks want.

"...[M]ost [stars] whom will not even visit our troops in the field even though the USO will pay for the trip. Scarlett Johansson and Robin Williams are exceptions, but many movie people are roughing it in Malibu, happy not to think about Islamic fascism."


Oh, Bill-O's played this gambit before. Last year, preening that he visited the troops in Afghanistan, he felt it necessary to demean the USO.

"In the past year only a few people like Toby Keith, Tom Arnold and myself have showed up," said the modest and fact devoid reporter.

'Course, he was wrong. Among others, those who have participated in recent USO sanctioned tours and events include Tim Robbins, Susan Sarandon, Tom Hanks, Cher, Dave Attell, Jamie Kennedy, David Allen Grier, Aerosmith, Carrie Underwood, Henry Rollins, David Letterman, Kid Rock, Jessica Simpson, Ludacris, James Gandolfini and Morgan Freeman. The late unofficial Mayor of Hollywood, Johnny Grant, made 50 USO tours. And Bill-O always seems to forget mentioning that his best bud, Al Franken, has been on six USO tours, including stops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Bill goes on to write of how these Hollywood types of today haven't signed up to defend this country.

"Perhaps, Hollywood people, you might want to examine some stars of the past. Did you know that James Stewart earned a chest full of medals for bombing the Germans? And Clark Gable flew B-17's in World War II as well. Charles Durning actually won a Silver Star at Normandy. Also, Lee Marvin and Charles Bronson both fought the Japanese in the vicious Saipan campaign. Contrast those men with the stars of today."

Perhaps, Bill O'Reilly person, you might want to examine some talk show hosts and anchors. Did you know Air America's Randi Rhodes served in the Air Force? Walter Conkite served in the U.S. Coast Guard and flew bombing raids over Germany. Jim Lehrer served three years in the Marine. These veterans, among other talk show hosts and anchors you've degraded in the past have served. Contrast those servicemen with, say, YOU, Bill, who didn't serve a day in your life (not including the combat you may have mentioned two or three thousand times that you faced as a journalist in South America).

Then Bill-O closes with another lecture on how Free Speech works: "There is a difference between loyal dissent, a good thing, and trying to make your country look bad. You, Hollywood people, often do the latter. And the Folks know it. So, please stop."

So, Bill, allow me to close on how people in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks.

There is a difference between honest reporting, a good thing, and trying to make people look bad by demeaning to make you look better. You, Bill, often do the latter. And the Folks know it. So, please stop.

Steve Young is author of "Great Failures of the Extremely Successful" and his "All the News That's Fit to Spoof" appears on the LA Daily News Op-Ed page every Sunday... to the left of Bill O'Reilly's column... really!
 

Double Two

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I will give you the point that Bill O'Reilly goes overboard in his attacks on Hollywood. While I might not agree with their politics, especially Robbins & Sarandon, I applaud them for participating in the USO events. However, one must recognize that some of the productions coming out of Hollywood are slanted, anti-American, far-far left-leaning & defeatist. Redford & Cubans recent films come to mind and I read that production has started on Oliver Stone's movie about George W. Bush. Even my friends on the left will admit this film, at best, will not be kind to our President and in all probabilty shine the worst possible light on our Commander and Chief. Don't even get me started on Michael Moore.

I respect your opinion and this thread Chadman but you must see my point. It's a shame that along with fighting terrorists, the War in Iraq and the far-far-left who ARE pulling against their own country...we must also battle some in Hollywood. They are making films that lose $$$ and make points that most Americans do not agree with. I guess it makes them feel better but I wish they would produce one--JUST ONE film that portrays America in a good light. Can you name a positive film about America that Hollywood has made in the last 8 years Chadman? Until then, I think Mr. O'Reilly's opinions about Hollywood carry more weight. Have a great day and don't spend too much time looking for that positive picture about America. Hollywood does not make them.
 

Chadman

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I would agree that many - probably most - in Hollywood are very liberal, so your point is well taken. My point is ongoing, and just like to point out the blatant hypocrisy that O'Reilly spews in many cases. He has been highlighted here by a couple of people as being fair and conducting solid interviews and making the same kind of essays. I was not defending Hollywood - just posting an analysis of an individuals rant - and the folley of it.
 

Toledo Prophet

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Maybe its because I am an indepdent; maybe its because i am a student of history who understands my country's warts; maybe I dont look too deep into a movie's possible ulterior motives; maybe I just dont get to enough movies.

But, what movies are out there, now or recently, that portray an anti-america agenda? I just dont see it, and feel this "argument" is crutch that those on the far right, who still maintain support for our president, use to convince themselves (and their followers) that all is good, its just the media, or in this case, hollywood's fault.

Like i said, though, i dont get to enough movies. I only see chick flicks that my lady friend drags me too. :mj07:

Although I did see Vantage Point and the Book of Treasures (national treasure sequel). Did not see any bias anywhere in those.:shrug:
 

Double Two

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I do not view the recent films released by Redford, Cuban, Moore and Oliver Stone's new production about President Bush as a crutch TP. They are just pieces of garbage. If one does not recognize the films are anti-American sir, then I guess your lady friend has to spend the entire night explaining those chick-flicks to you(which come to think of it..I would probably need her to explain them to me as well:D). Seriously, I don't think there is any question about some of the films coming out of Hollywood as being very far-left and anti-American. Surely you have to see my point TP?!!? I do not "Blame" Hollywood or the media for any of the problems this country faces today. I just wish they both would stop "Blaming" America and have a little more respect for their country. Remember, "Blame is only for God and small children"!!!:yup Respect your opinion TP and have a nice afternoon!!!
 

Chadman

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I think there can be a big difference between being anti-Bush and anti-American. In fact, I know there can be. I think there are a large amount of people that used to be Pro-Bush that are no longer in that camp - none of them I would consider to be Anti-American. Although, when I look at some of the defenses of what is being done to the privacy and rights of Americans, it does make me wonder on what being Anti-American could mean.

It gets tiring for me when the two are intertwined for convenience, or to paint others in a negative light. The more it's done, the harder it is to not go after posts along these lines. Not that many here care, just sayin'.
 

Toledo Prophet

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D2,

Nice response. My girlffriend spends a lot of time expalining stuff to me, but I am able to follow along with the chick flicks. Most of the time. :mj07:

Anyway, I would not consider Moore "Hollywood." His movies are like books penned by Ann Coulter. And, I dont think the publishing industry is pro-far right. You know what you are getting when you sit in the theater or crack open the book.

But, as far as the others, I dont think a movie that comes out as being against the war in Iraq as inherently anti-american. That would make a lot of people in this country anti-american. Then again, those on the far right would consider those of us who have issues with the war and its execution as being anti-american. But, that is just their spin, in my opinion.

Uh, is Hollywood liberal? D'uh.

But, that does not make it anti american. thats a problem I have with your post. There is nothing anti-american about me, and I have plenty of liberal leanings.

But, then again, I dont get into the whole 'you disagree with me, so you must by anti-american' spin that the operatives of both parties seem to fall back on. And, I do think folks like O'Reilly lean on that line a lot.

So, while there may be a lot of liberal themed movies coming out of hollywood, I still dont see a line of anti-american movies coming out. Unless you count movies where the "bad guy" is a crooked U.S. pres or senator, but in all of those movies the hero is a traditional apple pie eating american do-gooder. You dont consider those anti-american, right?

But, I think another interesting question can be posed. Do you (or anyone) consider movies like Platoon or Jarhead to be anti-american. They feature U.S. soliders and the brutality of war. Yet, most of the characters I saw as heros or at least people trying to overcome a real chitty situation. Nevertheless, I feel there are probably plenty of people who would consider those films, and their fellow ilk, to be anti-american.

Anyway, its an interesting discussion. Producers, directors and movie studios have their own biases. Most of the time, the bias is the bottom line, and a blantant anti american screed will no go over well at the box office. Perhaps that is why someone like DePalma had to go out and get the $$$ backing from someone like Cuban to get Redacted out.

Most importantly, how about the Phillies finally getting some runs. Hope the bullpen holds on for you! :weed:
 

The Sponge

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I will give you the point that Bill O'Reilly goes overboard in his attacks on Hollywood. While I might not agree with their politics, especially Robbins & Sarandon, I applaud them for participating in the USO events. However, one must recognize that some of the productions coming out of Hollywood are slanted, anti-American, far-far left-leaning & defeatist. Redford & Cubans recent films come to mind and I read that production has started on Oliver Stone's movie about George W. Bush. Even my friends on the left will admit this film, at best, will not be kind to our President and in all probabilty shine the worst possible light on our Commander and Chief. Don't even get me started on Michael Moore.

I respect your opinion and this thread Chadman but you must see my point. It's a shame that along with fighting terrorists, the War in Iraq and the far-far-left who ARE pulling against their own country...we must also battle some in Hollywood. They are making films that lose $$$ and make points that most Americans do not agree with. I guess it makes them feel better but I wish they would produce one--JUST ONE film that portrays America in a good light. Can you name a positive film about America that Hollywood has made in the last 8 years Chadman? Until then, I think Mr. O'Reilly's opinions about Hollywood carry more weight. Have a great day and don't spend too much time looking for that positive picture about America. Hollywood does not make them.

Good Lord. Smurph? This is DTB on steriods. Word for word from nitwit neocon radio or Fox News.
 

smurphy

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Sponge, don't drag me into your battle with Double Two.:nono:
 

The Sponge

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Sponge, don't drag me into your battle with Double Two.:nono:

You need to be heard. You Anti American peace lover hunk of crap. Strap a set of balls on like Eddie H does. You and your famous quote "we are all just temporary internet alliances" Kinda love the time you said that:mj07: By the way isn't that contest coming up soon? The one where we get one clue every day? the lady from Big Brother was the answer last year. Les Moonves hooch i think.
 

The Sponge

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Thanks for the complement Sponge!!!:) Your kind words are always appreciated!!!:yup
Oh your kind words brings out the best of me. You think every person that maybe, just maybe, might be right about this farce of a war likes being called Anti American. Really strange is the people fighting to get those kids the hell out of that hell hole with no end in sight are always label the ones who are Anti American? To me only a complete jackass would buy into that crock of shit. :yup

On another note congratulations on your Philly pick. I was kinda shocked you would take that game because usually we are on opposite sides and i had them to.
 

smurphy

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You need to be heard. You Anti American peace lover hunk of crap. Strap a set of balls on like Eddie H does. You and your famous quote "we are all just temporary internet alliances" Kinda love the time you said that:mj07: By the way isn't that contest coming up soon? The one where we get one clue every day? the lady from Big Brother was the answer last year. Les Moonves hooch i think.

Oh man, please no - that damn contest killed me. I must avoid it at all cost.

Try as you might, I am not going to be like Mr. Haskell - he's insane. I'm almost electable. My drinking is an issue, but I've yet to get a DUI, drive off a bridge, or be caught with an 8 ball.

Go team!
 

djv

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Billy will not know what to do after we get smart and depart Iraq. And of course election is over. He might start on where we should vacation again. I'm waiting for his ideas on China. He is so none interested.
 

smurphy

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You need to try harder then...

My intentions are always there, but the alcohol makes me lose focus.

Speaking of which, I would pay to see Gardenweasel on that stuff. Could you imagine the level of paranoia he would reach? His average post is already like he's been on a 4 day coke bender.
 

The Sponge

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Speaking of which, I would pay to see Gardenweasel on that stuff. Could you imagine the level of paranoia he would reach? His average post is already like he's been on a 4 day coke bender.

kinda explains a lot. Never took in that angle.;)
 

Spytheweb

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I do not view the recent films released by Redford, Cuban, Moore and Oliver Stone's new production about President Bush as a crutch TP. They are just pieces of garbage. If one does not recognize the films are anti-American sir, then I guess your lady friend has to spend the entire night explaining those chick-flicks to you(which come to think of it..I would probably need her to explain them to me as well:D). Seriously, I don't think there is any question about some of the films coming out of Hollywood as being very far-left and anti-American. Surely you have to see my point TP?!!? I do not "Blame" Hollywood or the media for any of the problems this country faces today. I just wish they both would stop "Blaming" America and have a little more respect for their country. Remember, "Blame is only for God and small children"!!!:yup Respect your opinion TP and have a nice afternoon!!!

You think anti-Bush is anti-American? Who has killed more Americans than Bush. Americans swear an oath to the constitution of the United States, not loyalty to any one man, a moron at that.

Wanting to save lives is anti American?
 

redsfann

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My intentions are always there, but the alcohol makes me lose focus.

Speaking of which, I would pay to see Gardenweasel on that stuff. Could you imagine the level of paranoia he would reach? His average post is already like he's been on a 4 day coke bender.

Lunatic, uptight right-wingers don't do coke, Smurphy. Just ask George W Bush.....
 
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