From Jim Gilliam's blog archives
Where's Hollywood when you need it?
September 24, 2005 2:36 PM
What idiots. C-SPAN is still covering the rally even though all but a handful of people have left for the march. They're still covering it because people are still talking at the podium. Why didn't the organizers have a hard stop time for the rally so we wouldn't end up with images on national television of a sparsely attended anti-war rally?
I could rail on about how horribly stage managed this thing was. For all the vitriol spewed at the Hollywood anti-war liberals, we sure could use their help in putting on these events. When Bush gets on television, the imagery and lighting is perfect. Meanwhile, we've got some of the most creative people in the world on our side, and we can't put together a decent show?
Where's Hollywood when you need it? (09.24.2005)
Next Entry: How to make sure government doesn't work (09.25.2005)
Previous Entry: Anti-Iraq war protests just getting under way (09.24.2005)
Read the 32 comments.
Anonymous:
30 people went to the rally from the start! Dont blame C-span for not spinning the patehtic rally.
Sat Sep 24 2005 2:50 PM
will:
That is the truth. How can such amazingly creative people end up losing at the media battles? As a former GOP organizer, I can tell you that it is all about coordination and control of the situation. Sad that the only people who seem to be able to do that are the pro-war side.
Sat Sep 24 2005 9:26 PM
Lori Wilcox:
In contrast to the ideals, opinions and feelings of today's "Hollywonk" the real actors of yester-year loved the United States.
They had both class and integrity. With the advent of World War II many of our actors went to fight rather than stand and rant against this country we all love.
They gave up their wealth, position and fame to become service men & women, many as simple "enlisted men".
This page lists but a few, but from this group of only 18 men came over 70 medals in honor of their valor, spanning from Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, Distinguish Service Cross', Purple Hearts and one Congressional Medal of Honor.
So remember; while the "Entertainers of 2004" have been in all of the news media lately I would like to remind the people of what the entertainers of 1943 were doing, (61 years ago).
Most of these brave men have since passed on.
Real Hollywood Heros
Alec Guinness (Star Wars) operated a British Royal Navy landing craft on D-Day.
James Doohan ("Scotty" on Star Trek) landed in Normandy with the U. S. Army on D-Day.
Donald Pleasance (The Great Escape) really was an R. A. F. pilot who was shot down, held prisoner and tortured by the Germans.
David Niven was a Sandhurst graduate and Lt. Colonel of the British Commandos in Normandy.
James Stewart Entered the Army Air Force as a private and worked his way to the rank of Colonel.
During World War II, Stewart served as a bomber pilot, his service record crediting him with leading more than 20 missions over Germany, and taking part in hundreds of air strikes during his tour of duty.
Stewart earned the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, France's Croix de Guerre,and 7 Battle Stars during World War II.
In peace time, Stewart continued to be an active member of the Air Force as a reservist, reaching the rank of Brigadier General before retiring in the late 1950s.
Clark Gable (Mega-Movie Star when war broke out) Although he was beyond the draft age at the time the U.S. entered WW II, Clark Gable enlisted as a private in the AAF on Aug. 12, 1942 at Los Angeles.
He attended the Officers' CandidateSchool at Miami Beach, Fla. and graduated as a second lieutenant on Oct. 28, 1942.
He then attended aerial gunnery school and in Feb. 1943 he was assigned to the 351st Bomb Group at Polebrook where flew operational missions over Europe in B-17s.
Capt. Gable returned to the U.S. in Oct. 1943 and was relieved from active duty as a major on Jun. 12, 1944 at his own request, since he was over-age for combat.
Charlton Heston was an Army Air Corps Sergeant in Kodiak.
Earnest Borgnine was a U. S. Navy Gunners Mate 1935-1945.
Charles Durning was a U. S. Army Ranger at Normandy earning a Silver Star and awarded the Purple Heart.
Charles Bronson was a tail gunner in the Army Air Corps, more specifically on B-29s in the 20th Air Force out of Guam, Tinian, and Saipan
George C. Scott was a decorated U. S. Marine.
Eddie Albert (Green Acres TV) was awarded a Bronze Star for his heroic action as a U. S. Naval officer aiding Marines at the horrific battle on the island of Tarawa in the Pacific Nov. 1943.
Brian Keith served as a U.S. Marine rear gunner in several actions against the Japanese on Rabal in the Pacific.
Lee Marvin was a U.S. Marine on Saipan during the Marianas campaign when he was wounded earning the Purple Heart.
John Russell: In 1942, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he received a battlefield commission and was wounded and highly decorated for valor at Guadalcanal.
Robert Ryan was a U. S. Marine who served with the O. S. S. in Yugoslavia.
Tyrone Power (an established movie star when Pearl Harbor was bombed) joined the U.S. Marines, was a pilot flying supplies into, and wounded M arines out of, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
Audie Murphy, little 5'5" tall 110 pound guy from Texas who played cowboy parts?
Most Decorated serviceman of WWII and earned: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, 2 Silver Star Medals, Legion of Merit, 2 Bronze Star Medals with "V", 2 Purple Hearts, U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 2 Distinguished Unit Emblems, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with One Silver Star, Four Bronze Service Stars (representing nine campaigns) and one Bronze Arrowhead (representing assault landing at Sicily and Southern France) World War II Victory Medal Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar, Expert Badge with Bayonet Bar, French Fourragere in Colors of the Croix de Guerre, French Legion of Honor, Grade of Chevalier, French Croix de Guerre With Silver Star, French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Med al of Liberated France, Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940 Palm.
So how do you feel the real heroes of the silver screen acted when compared to the hollywonks today who spray out anti-American drivel as they bite the hand that feeds them? Can you imagine these stars of yester-year saying they hate our flag, making anti-war speeches, marching in anti-American parades and saying they hate our president?
I thought not, neither did I!
Wed Nov 2 2005 5:21 AM
Dave E.:
Well that's some intoxicating nostalgia.
War! Fuck yeah!
Wed Nov 2 2005 2:38 PM
Lori:
Ignornece once again rears its ugly head
Wed Nov 2 2005 3:41 PM
Dave E.:
That's a quaint insinuation, but I would argue otherwise.
I've often liked to think that my service, in whatever small way, contributed in protecting the voice of dissent. I'm willing to bet many of those you prop up felt the same way. But keep towing the company line and calling those who don't ignorant.
How bout those secret prisons in old East Block Europe we're using? Heck, why don't they just round up all us naysayers and throw us in? All 55-plus percent of this country?
Freedom on the march, wearing knee-high jack boots. No thanks, Lori Wilcox.
Yup, these are the days. Those heroes you listed in the copy/paste job of yours would sure be proud...
Wed Nov 2 2005 4:53 PM
Dave E.:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/01/AR2005110101644.html?sub=AR
Cite to our secret prisons, for my comment above. This, to me, is dispicable to the n'th degree.
Do not become the enemy.
Wed Nov 2 2005 5:07 PM
Lori:
The true patriots of this country chuckle at those who "cite" percetages and other drabble. You are where you are and who you are because of those who believed in this country and fought for this countries freedom here and abroad. It is so easy to forget all the things that we as a country have had to endure since we live in the present and only seem to care about our own personal gains. Sad, sad, sad.
Thu Nov 3 2005 6:09 AM
Dave E.:
"The true patriots of this country chuckle at those who "cite" percetages and other drabble."
It's absolutist phrases like that that makes me chuckle. Facts which illustrate the pillaging of this 'freedom' ideal people wrap themselves in are discounted as "drabble". It's just too inconvenient; too disjointed to fit neatly into a myopic view of the world. Evildoers sounds much better, more clearly defined.
You seem to like fetishizing the military to justify your patriotism...well, what do you make of what one of the most decorated marines in history has to say:
"I spent 33 years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of my time as a high class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism. I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. I helped purify Nicaragua for the International Banking House of Brown Brothers in 1902–1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for the American sugar interests in 1916. I helped make Honduras right for the American fruit companies in 1903. In China in 1927 I helped see to it that Standard Oil went on its way unmolested."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smedley_Butler
I suppose he wasn't a true patriot. See, I don't forget about the things this country has both endured, and more importantly, inflicted, to get to where we are today. Perhaps I'm cynical. But as George Bernard Shaw opined, "The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who haven't got it." I'm not so naive as to think the path of our history is laden with rose petals.
I do remember our nation's warriors. I remember people like General Butler, in his own words, because it is important for perspective...not because it makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
Sad sad sad, indeed.
Thu Nov 3 2005 12:43 PM
Lori:
The most amusing things are stated by the most singled sided, depressed and cynical. If only they could laugh at themselves as we laugh at them. I would guess you believe that John Kerry is some sort of hero too. Silly man. I stand proud of this country, the men and women who have, and continue to defend it here and abroad, and I fly my American Flag in their honor. Simple me!!
Thu Nov 3 2005 7:02 PM
Dave E.:
Silly?
Besmirching Kerry, who volunteered to go to Vietnam, and then saying you fly your flag to honor those that defend our country. All in the same breath.
That's not simple; that is silly.
You said it, not me. Boy I wish hypocrisy was painful.
Thu Nov 3 2005 7:30 PM
Anonymous:
Lori,
It looks like you somehow equate being in the service with supporting this chickenhawk administration ( virtually all of whom had "other priorities" when it came time for them to put themselves at risk.)
The reality might shake you up. A number of Iraq war vets are launching congressional campaigns for Congress as Democrats, including Paul Hackett, who is running for the Senate from Ohio.
Once the propeganda was peeled away, it turned out that Right Wing icon Pat Tillman, who was killed in Afganistan by American fire, was opposed to the war in Iraq according to his brother and parents. What's more, he had asked a mutual aquaintance to set up a meeting with Noam Chomsky for him when he was next stateside.
Furthermore, the "Greatest Generation" who fought and defeated Fascism and are so often held up by Republicans as archtypes of patriotism, elected FDR to 4 consecutive terms.
By sending them into a corrupt war lacking decent strategy, armor, combat pay or VA benefits, this new breed of repblican does not support the troops one bit. And slowly it is coming out that the troops feel the same way about then...
Thu Nov 3 2005 8:47 PM
Lori:
My job is done, I knew posting on this would get all you pantywaist liberals flapping you lips with your tainted views. You all cite single stats - the majority still walk the proud line. Its been fun, God Bless America and the Red White & Blue.
Fri Nov 4 2005 4:51 AM
NJGuardsman:
Lori,
It's a shame today's Hollywood elite would follow the example set by those who have preceded them.
Fri Nov 4 2005 9:37 AM
Dave E.:
Wrong majority, doofus: 60% now disapprove of Bush.
http://www.mydd.com/story/2005/11/3/18515/0263
And there you have it. Only a wingnut can achieve a feeling of smugness after a thorough demonstration of their own stupidity. Hate to break it to ya, but the jokes really on you...
Fri Nov 4 2005 9:38 AM
NJGuardsman:
Lori,
It's a shame THAT today's Hollywood elite DONT follow the example set by those who have preceded them.
Sorry for the type o
Fri Nov 4 2005 9:39 AM
NJGuardsman:
Dave, (or anyone else for that matter)
Could you please tell me the political leanings (% Republicans, %Democrats, % independents, %Conservatives, % Liberals) of those polled?
I’m putting money on the fact the majority are left leaning.
Could you also tell me if Bush has announced his bid for the Presidency in 2008?
Fri Nov 4 2005 1:37 PM
Lori:
Check again - You are the joke Dave. Being an American means many things, - none of which you able to grasp. Just keep putting your hand out and asking for more, never give of yourself and criticize the very foundation of America. Much easier than striving, sacificing, and contributing without asking for anything in return. The me, me, me attitude is getting very old. My "smugness", "stupidity" and a being "wingnut" is nothing compared to ...... (fill in the blank), sorry I cannot get down to your level of name calling - that is what most of the liberal minority are very good at. I really do feel sorry for your though - compassion, undertsanding and pride are wonderful things which you are lacking and I wish for you to someday experience them - once you remove the 1 dimensional eyewear. Take care, be happy.
Lori
Fri Nov 4 2005 7:04 PM
Lori:
Just a quick note Dave, I realy to enjoy jousting with you. Thanks
Fri Nov 4 2005 7:07 PM
Lori:
NJGuardsman - thank you!
Fri Nov 4 2005 7:17 PM
Dave E.:
You're a glutton for punishment.
Two things:
1. Would you prefer the name calling come from those that spin gullable nutters like you? Then I suppose the name "wackos" will suffice. From one of your own:
""The wackos get their information through the Christian right, Christian radio, mail, the internet and telephone trees," Scanlon wrote in the memo, which was read into the public record at a hearing of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. "Simply put, we want to bring out the wackos to vote against something and make sure the rest of the public lets the whole thing slip past them."
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2005/11/03/abramoff/index_np.html
GOP strategy in a nutshell. You've been played.
2. The people with there hands out with palms up, are the upper 1% income bracket begging for more billions in tax cuts.
"Over the ten-year period, the richest Americans—the best-off one percent—are slated to receive tax cuts totaling almost half a trillion dollars. The $477 billion in tax breaks the Bush administration has targeted to this elite group will average $342,000 each over the decade.
By 2010, when (and if) the Bush tax reductions are fully in place, an astonishing 52 percent of the total tax cuts will go to the richest one percent—whose average 2010 income will be $1.5 million. Their tax-cut windfall in that year alone will average $85,000 each. Put another way, of the estimated $234 billion in tax cuts scheduled for the year 2010, $121 billion will go just 1.4 million taxpayers."
http://www.ctj.org/html/gwb0602.htm
To cut social programs (including the Bush Veterans Administration cuts) in concert with padding the pocket's of the wealthy - in wartime no less - is tantamount to telling the poor to go fuck themselves for asking for a dime, while graciously obliging the hyper-rich for asking for hundreds of thousands.
Assuming you don't make $1.5 million +, why do you identify with the party that sucks you dry?
Newsflash, sista: your plastic patriotism is being used against you, to the ultimate detriment of every American, yourself included.
Sat Nov 5 2005 3:32 AM
Lori:
chuckle, chuckle, chuckle - easy boy don't get spit all over yourself - here we go with "percentages" again. Didn't you ever learn tht you can find stats that fit any picture you are trying to paint. Stand up like a man with your own thoughts and ideas and stop whinning.
Sat Nov 5 2005 5:26 AM
NJGuardsman:
“why do you identify with the party that sucks you dry?” – I don’t, I live in a Democrat controlled state (NJ) and all the state does is find ever new and exciting ways to separate me from my money. New Jersey pays more (higher) car insurance then anywhere else in the nation, we are as a whole the highest taxed population in any state (I don’t even think California beats us).
Yes this highway bill is FULL FULL FULL of “favors” givebacks, what have you - and that’s NOT what the American people put the Republican majority in office for, and for that they will be held to account (they should be called Democrats because of what they’re doing
Sat Nov 5 2005 7:38 AM
Lori:
Dave, I do not "identify" myself with any group or party. I identify "myself" with my own basic thoughts & beliefs. Aligning yourself with one party or group limits you from have original ideas, hence, this hampers you from a conversation without citing others rather than forming your own words. New concept for ya Dave??
Sat Nov 5 2005 8:01 AM
Lori:
By the way Dave, why didn't you answer NJGuardsman question regarding percentages of those polled - you seem to have all the stats!!
Sat Nov 5 2005 8:21 AM
Dave E.:
This is what I'm left to observe:
Someone sneering at all these crazy "stats" and further pontificating about how she discredits anything that isn't her own opinion. What a brilliant belief system. I guess, by that definition, no one can ever tell her she's wrong:
"2+2=4? No way! That's groupthink! You're a pinko! Get away from me with your tainted 'stats'!"
That is comedy.
And the polls? Well, presuming she and NJ both have opposable thumbs, it's fairly self-evident from the link that was staring at them how to find out about the new AP-Ipsos, Zogby, ABC-WashPost and CBS polls I posted about. Intellectual curiosity doesn't cost a cent, but wingnuts are walking warning signs of the price for not having it.
So. No substantive postings forecast in her near future. She can be effectively ignored now, unless someone wants to kick around a troll for a cheap laugh.
Sat Nov 5 2005 2:30 PM
NJGuardsman:
Yet again, it is shown that the left will manipulate data so that their conclusions come true.
Oh yeah please tell me when Bush announces for 2008!
I asked Dave or anyone else for that matter to show me the different % of political ideology of those subjects polled to support his/their opinion(s). He didn’t he dismissed the question and proceeded to personally attack Lori (kick around a troll)-(par for the course for libs)
You proceed to make untruths truths (Bush Lied about the war, Bush’s National Guard service, Rove outed a covert CIA agent for revenge, Shumer and friends will give a fair up/down vote on Supreme Court nominees, Democrats are strong on defense and against illegal immigration, Clinton did not have sex with that woman [OOPS, sorry - wrong administration]) and expect people to believe you.
Sat Nov 5 2005 3:19 PM
Lori:
Bravo Dave, you really have a way with "words". You defend your views by attacking another. Basically, it is sad. Possibly some sort of medication would be helpful to you.
Oh and were are the percentages we are eagerly waiting on Davey??
NJguardsman, thank you - you are a true gentleman with class. I guess all we can hope to accomplish here is to get Dave a sense of reality before it too late - being so far left I wonder is there is any hope!! Oh well, no real loss there.
Sat Nov 5 2005 8:03 PM
Dave E.:
If my posts showed up in neon, it wouldn't be obvious enough for these two clowns.
They're both on the internets, so I guess one must assume a rudimentary ability to function. That may be stretching things, though, if they continue to ask for these apparently vindicating percentages. The irony is that these national polls are all over the place. It's like, duh.
Oh well, one last time into the breach:
http://www.mydd.com/story/2005/11/3/18515/0263
That there is a link. You copy and paste it into your browser, then click "go". Like magic, it takes you to a page with a small essay (don't worry, it's not too long) commenting on other links to all the polls with all of the breakdowns of data and polling methodology to keep your precious little wingnut minds busy for some time.
Man what a train wreck this thread has become. I'm off to take a silkwood shower after this descent into the freaking twilight zone.
Sat Nov 5 2005 11:34 PM
Lori:
Duh Dave - looks to me you are on the internet. Do us all a favor - Think before speaking - we can only wish. You are obvisouly trying to play to an invisible audience (do you hear voices also) - try having a conversation instead. Bravo.
Sun Nov 6 2005 6:22 AM
NJGuardsman:
Dave
Been there looked there didn’t find anything as to political leaning/ideology, BUT I did find this little tidbit of info. I think things are not as bad as the democrats & liberal media make it out to be.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postpoll110305.htm
(IF WRONG TRACK) What's the main reason you feel that way?
11/2/05
Problems with Bush 15 (out of 100% of people polled)
Distrust of politicians, government, Washington, ethics in government/ corruption - (I’m thinking that the Post was thinking of the current administration)
7 (out of 100% of people polled)
Sun Nov 6 2005 7:09 AM
NJGuardsman:
Lori
I think we could get our points accross (do you hear voices also) with out having to resort to things such as these.
Sun Nov 6 2005 10:35 AM