Often when I walked onto the set of the West Wing some of my colleagues would greet me with a chanting of “Ron, Ron, the neo-con.” It was all done in fun but it had an edge.
Since speaking in support of George Bush at the 2004 Republican convention I’ve become increasingly disadmired by members of my profession as well as many others. As of this writing my family tells me they still love me. I believe them, but stay tuned, as another presidential cycle is upon us.
I find myself increasingly amused as folks extrapolate my support for the Bush Doctrine and our battles in Iraq and Afghanistan to how I feel about everything. When backed into a corner I often describe my politics, quite snarkily I admit, as a little bit to the right of the left of center.
As far as I can tell, my politics, with regard to American foreign policy and projection of American power haven’t changed very much from what they’ve always been—what I would call revolutionary liberalism. I have always resisted reactionaries from the left or right, Democrat or Republican. At the moment, the reactionary forces on the left, the Democratic netroots and their supporters—Mickey Colitis from the Daily Cuss, MoveOn.org and the Moores and Sheehans—are more fearful to me than the traditional reactionary forces of the extreme right. And the Democratic Party seems to be listening to them.
Senator Joe Lieberman, the Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate only eight years ago, gave an extraordinary speech on national security last week that the mainstream media did not cover. It’s a shame. And it’s a shame the Democratic Party shunned Lieberman and tried to defeat him in a primary. They made it clear that there is no place for him in the party he’s dedicated his life to. I’m a Joe Lieberman Democrat.
JFK reportedly remarked, “sometimes the party asks too much.” He was referring to the deal his Democratic Party made with southern segregationists to maintain control of Congress. His words are as true now as they were then. Sometimes the party asks too much.
I count myself firmly in the tradition of Wilson, FDR, Truman and Kennedy…and yes, Reagan and George W. Bush. “Go anywhere, bear any burden,” “try to do our best to make a world safe for democracy.” Our national mission, a worthy and ennobling one, is to expand freedom where we can. These are revolutionary goals very much in keeping with our Founders’ vision. They are hardly conservative, let alone neo-conservative goals.
My reactionary former colleagues and friends were quite content with the status quo with Saddam in power in a post 9/11 world. I was not. Revolutionary, not reactionary. My friends sound a bit racist when they insist on Arab-Muslim incapacities to expand freedoms and maintain their faith. I believe the Arab world will work its way to achieve this. I know that it will most likely come about through internal Arab-Muslim struggles and not via external pressures, but I believe we are uniquely capable of helping it along. Uniquely, because our Founding scriptures declare, “all men are created equal, endowed by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights.” Revolutionary, not reactionary.
Many people felt that the threat posed by Saddam was more tolerable than the risk of removing him. I disagreed and still do. Many of these people now feel that the threat of a nuclear Iran is more tolerable than the risk involved in making sure Iran doesn’t have such capabilities. I think they have it backwards. Many people feel reluctant to acknowledge that the “war on terror” is a real war. There is an unwillingness to identify the enemy, which is clearly a world-wide, malignant, metastatic Islamic jihadism, that will only be defeated ultimately with the Islamic world rising to reject the cancer. We cannot fight a war by pretending we’re not in one. This requires transformative, upset the apple cart thinking. It requires people who are revolutionary, not reactionary. As much as we might like, we cannot return to a pre-9/11 world.
The President is challenging the world with a new order. There is always passionate opposition to change. Have grievous mistakes been made? Yes. But just as Wilson, FDR, Truman, Kennedy, and Reagan laid the foundations for fighting and prevailing in the Cold War, Bush has responded to 9/11 with a foreign policy revolution of similar magnitude: a reorganization of government institutions and appropriate legislation to meet the emerging threats.
Containment and deterrence are ineffective in this brave new world. There is no containment if you can’t see the enemy; there is no deterrence if the enemy desires death.
I believe the President’s critics are profoundly mistaken. I believe they misunderstand how he’s trying to protect us. I believe they misunderstand the nature of the threat. I believe they misunderstand history. If they succeed in dismantling what President Bush has set in motion, the results may well be catastrophic and history will never forgive them.
George W. Bush: a revolutionary liberal internationalist? History may so decree. Let’s wait and see.
My philosophy, at the end of the day, bottom line, as they say: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but labels never hurt me.”
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645 Comments
1. Righteous Bubba:Many people felt that the threat posed by Saddam was more tolerable than the risk of removing him. I disagreed and still do.
That would make you some kind of – my apologies for the technical term – dumbass.
Nov 15, 2007 - 11:40 pm 2. Flo:History will vindicate George W. Bush. Perish the thought (and the consequences) should the next president suppose that negotiating with terrorists and being really, really, really nice, will somehow prompt them to like us and so back off.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:09 am 3. Tom Zampino:Ron:
You are “spot on” today.
“I believe the President’s critics are profoundly mistaken. I believe they misunderstand how he’s trying to protect us. I believe they misunderstand the nature of the threat. I believe they misunderstand history. If they succeed in dismantling what President Bush has set in motion, the results may well be catastrophic and history will never forgive them.”
I could not have said it better nor could I agree more.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:49 am 4. Stankleberry:Heh, poor Righteous Bubba.
Nov 16, 2007 - 9:47 am 5. budding academic:great post. You’re a good writer as well as a great actor. Keep posting.
Nov 16, 2007 - 10:24 am 6. Peg:Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:18 pm 7. TMF:Keep on posting!
I’m hungry for more.
See you in the blog:)
No attacks in the US in almost 7 years since 911
Who would have thought that on 9/12? or the following year, 2 years, 4 years????
Id say you calculated correctly regarding the risk of removing Sadaam.
The terrorists have their hands full in Iraq and Afghanista.
Some have their heads full- of dirt- thanks to our brave GIs.
Sadaam in power, flaunting the UN inspectors, harboring Rahman Yasin the 1993 WTC bomber plus Abu Nidal and Abu Abbas, funding terror in Israel and no doubt elsewhere, was simply too much to take. Something had to be done
Couldnt agree more- soldier on buddy!
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:38 pm 8. Johnny:Mr. Silver, there a a great many issues upon which I disagree with you, but I have nothing but respect for the way you present your position on them and for your intellectual honesty in the way that you come to hold your opinions.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:39 pm 9. i.markevitz:Right on target, Ron. Good for you for being vocal in that dreadful town called “hollywood”
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:40 pm 10. Angel:I understand the necessity of preserving our national security, but why does the President feel the need to keep the American public in constant fear? I respect and admire you, Mr. Silver. But, when you take on the mantle of FDR, it is remiss of you to forget his immortal words in the wake of Pearl Harbor. As far as democracy in the Arab-Muslim world, I agree that the change will be brought to bear by the people. In Iran, there is a rather metropolitan, well-educated populace. But, if we pro-actively strike at them to get at their President, we will be shooting ourselves in the foot. Remember, the Cold War was won without firing a single shot. We will prevail in this struggle, but I believe GWB will be a case-study in the chapter on American foreign policy debacles.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:40 pm 11. David:Ron, I was a less than successful actor in the 90’s up until about 2003 In NY & LA. I made the mistake in 1994 of expressing a right of center philosophy to a theater company I used to work with, and never really recovered. For a time after that, I kept quiet, but eventually, I could no longer take the uninformed herd mentality that is so prominent in the entertainment industry, and began speaking out again after the 2000 election. I eventually became exhausted by the closed minded & narcissistic attitude of most actors et al; They talk diversity, but it is the least diverse community I have ever known. There is no diversity of thought! Due to this, I finally lost my love for participating in the arts and had to leave and pursue another career. my best wishes to you in the future for your brave stance; I truly know the ostracism that you encounter everyday.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:41 pm 12. name calling:Typical dema-con tactics…name calling…”you smell!” Great Post! Time will tell the leader that President Bush is…
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:42 pm 13. Jeff Simpson:The West Wing was a pathetic joke of a show. I especially loved the episode after 9-11 where they explained “why they hate us”. Nothing like being talked down to by a bunch of whiney Hollywood liberal a-holes.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:42 pm 14. Mary:Dolly:
Why aren’t you over there fighting?
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:42 pm 15. Lara Fields:Thank you Mr. Silver for having the guts to out yourself as a moderate and a patriot in Hollywierd. I love watching you act and I wish many more roles in movies and television.
You and Tom Selleck are two of the sexiest men on the screen.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:43 pm 16. Dale:Ron,
You’re a bright light in a crowd of hollywood dimwits. History will prove you spot on.
Thanks
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:44 pm 17. Cliff NYC:Thanks Ron for such a succinct explanation of where we are today. For me, Ronald Reagan was crucial in the early formulation of my politics. Your post, like Reagan’s speeches, explain my politics with such clarity. I am a conservative and we most likely differ on domestic politics. But if we allow radical enemies to destroy our great republic, it is all for nothing, if we don’t protect our liberty, none of us will have the freedom to disagree. Thanks Ron I appreciate your stand for freedom.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:44 pm 18. dano:Ron…Bravo! As an American jew I cannot fathom how others in my tribe ridicule GWB! Like I have told my kids…Pray for peace but be willing to fight (and die) for freedom! By the way you are a great actor…how bout a serious run for office bases on libertarian pro-defense platform?…dano
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:44 pm 19. Jones:Budding Academic stated EXACTLY my thoughts to you Ron;
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:44 pm 20. DavidB:Please keep Posting and Acting. We will continue to tune in.
Right on Ron….. the fact that I am a conservative in Hollywood means that it is I and many others that need to “come out of the closet” as it were. The biggest problem I see here is that most of the left in this town are ONLY left for career expediency….look at the also-ran actors and directors that stand on the side of the Hollywood left for the sake of being SEEN to hopefully get their next project green-lighted. Brian De Palma is one of many since he hasn’t done much good in many many years. Raise a leftoid ruckus and watch the fawning Hollywood left reach out to you.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:44 pm 21. Ron V.:Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:45 pm 22. arthurp272:Thank you for your courage to speak the truth and common sense while living and working in the bastion of left wing ideology. The U.S. under Bush is now doing what the UN was mandated to do after WWI. The UN or “League of Nations” was not created to hand out bags of rice and fertilizer to the poor nations of the world. On the contrary, it was created so the free nations of the world would as a group apply so much pressure on rogue nations and dictatorships, so those nations would never be in a position to start another world war. The UN has failed miserably to show any such unity of purpose. A UN with that purpose would have brought down the handful of tyrant nations long ago and the world would truly be a better place.
Ron Silver… a beacon of clarity from the left coast…. well done.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:45 pm 23. MacDaddy:Hey Righteous Bubba,
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:45 pm 24. steve comins:You’re kidding, right?
The lemming line starts over to the left. Pathetic.
Oh, and by the way, where’s your “righteous Bubba” indignation with Bill Clinton, John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, etc., etc., etc., who ALL INSISTED and STRONGLY said in no uncertain terms that Saddam was an immediate and dangerous threat, had WMD (which unless you are a complete idiot you know he did, else I guess all those Kurds just happened to die simultaneously in the middle of the day…what a coincidence!) and that he MUST BE REMOVED.
Huh?……I don’t hear you.
Ron, I want to think of myself as a conservative Democrat in the mold of HST or even JFK. However untill the current party is saved from the post-modern-communist American left I will label me Republican.
Regardles of the now, history will look well on this president and back his call to war. War sucks, but slavery to islam is worse.
Steve Comins
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:46 pm 25. The Onramp Podcast:Our show has been looking for someone in that 25% of America that still supports President Bush. It’s interesting to count you among them. If you are willing and available, we’d like to have you on the show to discuss your views and how you feel about the constant onslaught of negative press the President receives. For further information, don’t hesitate to e-mail.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:46 pm 26. Paul C Bopko:Ron is spot on with his assesment of the present situation in Iraq and the extreme threat posed by the extreme leftist in the Democratic party at the present. Congrats to him for standing up and supporting the Presidents attempt to protect us.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:47 pm 27. Conservative History Teacher:“I find myself increasingly amused as folks extrapolate my support for the Bush Doctrine and our battles in Iraq and Afghanistan to how I feel about everything.” – couldn’t have said it better myself.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:47 pm 28. Stan:It is so sad that the Left’s hatred of George Bush is so great that they have blinded themselves to the realities of today’s world. Ron, you are right. The question is – how do we open their minds to reality, before they windup destroying us?
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:48 pm 29. Steve:What a great read!It’s a shame others in your industry don’t have your courage.As a former democrat I am blown away by what the party has become.The mere fact that you actually have to have “courage” to speak your mind is beyond sad.The party that I was once proud of has been taken over by a bunch of thugs.Treats, intimidation,lies,and hate are now the hallmarks of their leadership.Keep speaking out and watch your back.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:48 pm 30. Ron V.:Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:48 pm 31. Greg Dail:Thank you for your courage to speak the truth and common sense while living and working in the bastion of left wing ideology. The U.S. under Bush is now doing what the UN was mandated to do after WWI. The UN or “League of Nations” was not created to hand out bags of rice and fertilizer to the poor nations of the world. On the contrary, it was created so the free nations of the world would as a group apply so much pressure on rogue nations and dictatorships, so those nations would never be in a position to start another world war. The UN has failed miserably to show any such unity of purpose. A UN with that purpose would have brought down the handful of tyrant nations long ago and the world would truly be a better place.
A great description of the politics of denial. History is full of failed leaders acting on their desires rather than reality. If the Dems get the White House, and I think they will, this will all come to a head. I expect an event that will dwarf 9/11.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:49 pm 32. steveo:I have never left a post anywhere, at any time prior but your eloquence and passion has moved me to do so. Thank you. And may God continue to keep you alert and focused on the truth. We need more like you.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:49 pm 33. gary:well articulated Ron…our concern remains with those to your far left both domestic & abroad who strive to undermine the right, not realizing they’re also undermining the center of our great nation.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:49 pm 34. xristen07:no offense, but I admire your writing more than your acting gigs lol (maybe I just didnt like your character on Chicago Hope). I hope you dont mind, I copied an excerpt of this brillantly written article on my Myspace profile.
You can find me by doing a search on Myspace, type in my email:
xristen07@yahoo.com
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:50 pm 35. Gary from LA:Ron Silver, I’ve never heard of you and I’ve never seen your acting – but I’m now a HUGE fan!
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:50 pm 36. Scott in Houston:Those who think we need to figure out why they don’t like us and to get them to like us by being nice are so completely naive. What if we had taken the same approach with Hitler? Why, oh why do the Nazis hate us so much? Why do the Japanese hate so much that they would attack us unprovoked? This world would be a very different place if we had not ended it when we did. And if we don’t prevent Iran from supplying Hezbollah or Syria with a nuke, Israel will be forced to take the action that the US is impotent to.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:51 pm 37. stephens:Uh…righteous bubba seems to be wuite an eloquent man. And, the party affiliation is clear as he can only spout invectives such as “dumbass” to someone he disagrees with instead of presenting a logical position on the issue. Liberals are the biggest hypocrites in the country. On the one hand, they want world peace, harmony, human rights, etc… but on the other hand, they are not willing to fight for it. They sure will talk about it though.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:51 pm 38. Ralph:Great letter from a great actor, you are what is right about Hollywood. No pun intended. The likes of Depp, Redford, Hanks, and the rest of the misguided hollywood left should be ashamed of letting their hatred for the president cloud their judgement on what is best for our Nation.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:51 pm 39. Herb:Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:51 pm 40. Ken:Thanks for your comments. It’s really sad how the “whack-o” left of the Democrat party has dragged them down. I just can’t believe that after 9/11 people put the blinders back on. We are in a war, whether we choose to fight or not. They have been fighting with us for years, now we are finally fighting back. Stay strong and keep your head up. I really appreciate actors/entertainers that stand up and say things like you’ve said. I know it effects your career sometimes, because these people have such closed minds and don’t want to work with you. It’s nice to hear common sense from Hollywood once in a while.
Well said and very brave considering the reverse MCarthyism currently running through your industry.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:52 pm 41. Andy:Righteous Bubba is living in denial.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:52 pm 42. SPY:Keep up the good work Ron!!!
I’ve admired your principled stand amidst an industry that has lost touch with a vast majority of the American public.
Perhaps even more telling is we have ill-informed celebrities commenting on matters of national security which is somewhat akin to a taxi driver giving me tips on brain surgery.
It is refreshing to find an articulate, reasoned voice that is able to question the company line and is not willing to be just another stamped out, vacuous cookie that Hollywood is famous for dispensing.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:53 pm 43. Traditional Libertarian Conservative:“The President is challenging the world with a new order”
That’s the problem with the Bushies and their apologists. The Bushies, Wall St. Journal and Neoconservatives are internationalists who have zero regard for the well-being of most of the American public or the United States of America in general. They cater to the interests of the multinational corporations and their multinational financial partners. The Bushies and Neocons use American taxpayer money to push their new world order and in doing so will cripple the United States of America as a superpower and economic powerhouse.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:53 pm 44. maurice:I still think you ought to play Robert Spencer in the movie.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:54 pm 45. B R:Well said, Mr. Silver.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:54 pm 46. foxforce91:You can see right here that after you offer insightful reasoning with historical context, all “Righteous Bubba”has to offer is an insult. This is what their dialogue has become. They don’t reason anymore and your comrades, (no pun intended) in Hollyweird apparantly don’t feel the need to ever study history, (see Clooney’s remark about why we fought the Revolution – apparantly it was about Jesus – who knew?) Also, Neo-con is their little ethnic slur against Jewish folks who don’t follow lock-step with their Marxist mindset. Wear it proudly.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:54 pm 47. Barry:Could not have said it better myself. I keep asking Hillary supporters how, exactly, they expect Hillary to deal with terrorism when her husband, a far more skilled politician, either ignored it ( WTC bombing) or covered it up ( TWA flight 800). They have no answers- neither does Hillary. She’s just wanted to be President since she was 10. Never mind her credentials.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:55 pm 48. cubanbob:Mr. Silver,
When next your hassled by the Hollywood lefties remind them of the old aphorism “if my son is not a communist at eighteen he has no heart, if he is not a conservative at forty he has no brain”, then tell them you are over forty and have a functioning brain and therefore what is your excuse?
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:56 pm 49. Dennis:To bad there aren’t more revolutionary liberals like Ron and Joe who believe that we have to do everything and go anywhere to defend democracy! No “personal liberties” will matter if we aren’t a free democracy.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:57 pm 50. Josh Ebert:Ron thank you for your thoughtful article.
Ron, your the best! Hey if the ultra liberals want to label honest moderate democrats as your self, we aught to label them back. How about a label for the Sheehans and Moores out there, “Uber-lib”. Please use it freely.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:57 pm 51. DS3M:I understand the basis of your argument, but if that basis is built on fallacy, it too must fall.
Your argument regarding terrorism is informed by actions undertaken by your own government to encourage – no, Provoke – the very reaction you have displayed in such an eloquent manner. It is unfortunate that your good heart and admirable skills are being put to use trumpeting and continuing the perpetration of a false flag act of terrorism and it’s subsequent effects 9/12 and beyond.
And to anyone that wants to say something particularly negative regarding this opinion, I understand, b/c I used to be right next to you shouting. Until I closed my mouth, opened my eyes a little wider, and took a look at the evidence before me.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:58 pm 52. CW:No one loves this country more than I, but I fear it is lost and was written off long before we were here.
I recently read a quote by Lawrence R. Brown that I thought was very telling,
“Our fond hope is that by some accord of conscious purpose among the states of the world, the passion to expand and master can be eliminated from the politics of men. But when we grasp the living quality of human societies, we realize this is a vain and, indeed, a perilous hope. …Each society will seek to live its life regardless of the welfare of others. We know historically that some societies have destroyed others, as some species have destroyed other species. We know also of societies that have existed together. But we know equally that no society has ever long existed through the forbearance and charity of another. Each that has survived by its own material power.”
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:59 pm 53. Jack B:Hi yo, Silver!!!! Great column.
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:59 pm 54. TMF:I must say, the word “dumbass” did indeed come to mind recently
When watching the pathetic flip flopping buffoons during the Democratic debate
The only dumbasses are the ones who are going to vote for that wooden fraud, Hillary Rodham
Nov 16, 2007 - 12:59 pm 55. Brian A:God Bless you Mr. Silver. I like the way you think and find you to be a terrific actor. It is refreshing to read a real patriotic posting such as this.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:01 pm 56. Kevin Scott:While you are eloquent in the explanation of your views and adamant in the support of the present administration, I must say that you are glossing over a few important points. Number one being, there was an alternative to the bloodshed we’ve experienced over the past 5 years. You say”My friends sound a bit racist when they insist on Arab-Muslim incapacities to expand freedoms and maintain their faith”. I say it’s racism to bomb, kill and dismember all of the “Brown” people from another nation just because they sit atop a huge oil reserve. I am sure you can emply some degree of eloquence to explain our presence in that region but the reality is we are there for the resources. I’ve met a few folks whom agree with the President and his present policies, but whom also say this, “America First, We Need To Make Sure We Have Access to Those Reserves Too”. It is a different world but Damn……………
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:02 pm 57. Frank:Mr. Silver,
Bravo! clearity in world of disinformation. People on the left simply don’t want to understand the reality we live in and blame our government as if it provoked this war. They need to understand it is Jihadist who are killing their neighbors, gays, people of different faiths (particularly Jewish) and of course Americans. The Jihadist think we are weak however they will find out American strength and we will prevail.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:02 pm 58. Jim:Ron, the name calling simply displays the lack of maturity from the leftist and it seems easy to name call when they don’t understand the fatcs. I admire you unwavering patroitism.
Frank
Great blog Ron. You couldn’t more right on!
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:02 pm 59. Mary:Dave,
I too was an actor. But when I was “outed” as a suposed neo-con, no work has been available. I thought liberals were all inclusive. Yep, but not if you disagree.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:03 pm 60. Jim:Mr. Silver, you certainly are an excellent writer. Thanks for sharing your passionate, commonsense perspective and standing firm in the face of intense opposition.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:03 pm 61. Jeff Tucker:Thanks to Mr. Silver for this thoughtful piece. He is truly an awesome actor – finding out he possesses conservative values was like finding out Bob Hoskins is British – you’d never know it from the roles they play.
As a musician (and founder of the PAC – “Conservative Musicians for America” CMFA), I appreciate and admire his candor and honesty in an industry dominated by liberalism. It’s encouraging that there are still those who value some things more than their own bottom line – and they choose to express those values in a manner that makes me proud to stand up and say, “I agree, Ron!”
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:03 pm 62. Craig Mc:Great article Ron. It’s always amazing to me that FDR is often held up by anti-Bush lefties as an presidential icon.
As it happens, he’s my benchmark for fighting a war (if not concluding it). If Bush did even one tenth of the things FDR did to win WWII, lefty heads all around the world would explode.
It can’t be easy being the black sheep in a miserably conformist town. Don’t let them beat you down!
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:03 pm 63. av8ranger:There is a house on a prominent street near the Georgia governor’s mansion in Atlanta whose owner flies the nation’s flag at half-staff, has a casualty tally board in his front yard, and several signs imploring, “Stop funding the war in Iraq”. As you know better than this American, Stop funding there will only bring them here.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:04 pm 64. Vanessa:The Iraqi people could not get out from under Saddam because of the business being done with his dictatorship by the world.
So the truth is that all who had benefit from the dealings, had a hand in the crimes being commited because no one said no to doing business with him therefore allowing him to continue.
The best day for the Iraqi people was when we set in motion to go in there and rid them of Saddam and his cohorts.
Freedom’s cost is blood paid by those willing to lay their life on the line so that those who come after may live life free of fear and be able to seek a future full of promise.
A good example of idiocy is what is happening with Chavez.
The people are losing their freedoms and American hypocrites go and dine with the dictator, while those with a bit of money (the middleclass) are leaving the country.
I like what you wrote because it is the truth.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:05 pm 65. A>J.:SADDAM HUSSEIN and IRAQ had NOTHING to do with 9/11. How many times to we have to pound that into your thick conservative skulls. Stop making the connection.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:05 pm 66. BMoon:One thing that the 21st century adherents to the “revolution” have to understand, is that we are at war, not only with a particularly virulent, metastic form of Islam financed frustratingly by our own petrodollars, but with a contigent ideology that creates the conditions where the virus thrives and multiplies – the “new” leftism. It is neo-Marxist so that it blindly and stubbornly sees everything the US or traditional liberalism does as “imperialistic” or money-driven. It is relativistic so that the vilest inhumanity must be explained away in a strange, pseudo-intellectual, contortionist “non-judgemental” terminology. It is multiculturally post-modernistic, which forces one to see freedom producing ideologies and policies as equal to or even inferior to “native” ideologies and “cultures”, even if those are mortally oppresive to its citizens.
Basically we are dealing with an enemy on two fronts, Islamist terrorism and ideology, and its enabler – the mind-softening, moral-equalizing, universal acid of relativism.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:06 pm 67. Kay:Ron Silver is one of my favorites!
Most of the “Hollywood Stars” cannot talk without a script. I’ll put it a nice way. They are not to bright to be “stars”.
Mr. Silver you have a back bone and I thank you for being a stand up guy!
BTW Senators Clinton and Obama are two of the most liberal Senators we have in the Senate.
No attacks since 9/11.
The liberals think you can be friends with the terrorist. Give tham a kiss and all will be good.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:06 pm 68. Michael A Martin:Ron,
I don’t care how you spin it, Joe Lieberman is not a Democrat.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:07 pm 69. Kazem:Ron, you are somewhat wrong.
The danger from the reactionary post-colonial leftists FAR EXCEEDS the danger from the traditional right-wing reactionaries. These reactionaries on the left have no compunction making alliances with the ultra-right wing fascists, racists, supremacists, illiberal, intolerant, and totalitarians of the Islamic movement.
Even when religious Hamas kills peaceful Palestinian demonstrators in Gaza in cold blood, these leftists remain quiet.
So I am with you bro.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:07 pm 70. S. Weasel:I reckon it’s going to be a couple of decades before we have a verdict on the advisability of the Iraq war. In the long run, though, it is often better to act decisively and make a mistake than to negotiate and equivocate until the decisions are made for you.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:07 pm 71. EEKAMOUSE:I like how the vapid neo-trolls here love to bag on Hollywood…that is unless someone in Hollywood trumpets Bushco’s rhetoric. When that happens Hollywood is right on! America, F*ck Yeah!!
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:08 pm 72. Anonymous:mr silver; your commentary was both elucidating and well said. mr john kennedy and mr reagan had a lot more in common than mrs clinton and mrs thatcher. just as your right to swing your arm stops at my nose, islam’s right to practice religion stops at murdering innocent civilians whether muslim or “infadel”. i too deplore what has happened to the political parties, with extremists on the left and right determining who is electable, appointable, and worthy of confirmation. i cringe when senator schumer decides a person is ethically qualified for a post, just as i cringe when the national right to life endorsement is fought over by candidates. where are the feminist democrat women when they see a news story this week of a muslim woman in saudi arabia who was gang raped being given nearly 200 lashes and sentenced to prison because she got into the car with these men who were not her husband and thus incited the rape. do they really wish to live in such a “civilized society”? maybe if the new york times building is the next icon of america targetted for destruction they will get the message this is a war, and not one we instigated. you are correct, whatever one calls us, we know that civilised societies don’t condone bomb throwers, so what does that say about virtually all the muslim nations. i can’t think of one where mass murder isn’t a daily ritual, and as far as i can tell, “infidel” is anyone who doesn’t think exactly as i think.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:08 pm 73. carole:Here, Here, Mr. Silver!!! Thank you.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:08 pm 74. Don C:Ron, I battle liberals everyday. It is nice to know that we have you on the front line. If you listen to the left, 100% or 99% of the American people hate Bush. Oh, according to them, I am also an idiot for my beliefs.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:09 pm 75. Larry:Dear Mr. Silver – a pleasure to read your comments. We probably have our areas of political disagreement. But, America, for whatever its faults, is a great and ongoing revolution of a country, and needs to be defended.
PS – I think that “Enemies: A Love Story” is still some of your best work.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:09 pm 76. Steve D.:Great piece, Ron. It brought to mind Churchill’s efforts to get his fellow countrymen to recognize the threat posed by Hitler’s Germany. If they’d listened earlier, if they’d simply faced the facts like grown-ups, countless lives would have been saved.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:09 pm 77. Andrew:Great thoughts, Ron! As for “righeous bubba,” it’s a symptom of the mentally ill to throw poop rather than solid arguments at those with whom they disagree, but cannot offer any reasonable counter-argument. Anyway, his name speaks for itself.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:10 pm 78. Cynthia Williams:Mr. Silver,
Thank you for your words. I support you not because I agree or disagree, but because you have written a blog that is articulate, intelligent and thoughtful. Unlike the hateful diatribes of John Cusack that are full of vitriol and name calling.
Unlike Mr. Cusack, you have the opportunity to actually be listened to because you seem to have first and foremost, principals. Secondly, you have an intellectual connection to your point of view, rather than using 30 second sound bites off of CNN. You can intelligently debate your point and you don’t have to use the tactics from the weak: name calling and untruths.
God Bless You, you are a true American.
Regards,
Cynthia
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:10 pm 79. John Z:Well said. Glad to hear that not everyone on the left coast falls into lock-step with Liberal Left.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:11 pm 80. Sannin:Excellent post and articulation of the realities of the world. You are correct that we cannot go back to the pre-9/11 world, no matter how hard the Democrats try. The middle east is changing, with many people starting to believe they can have the freedoms that others enjoy. This is due to American efforts in the region–they’re seeing America put their money and unfortunely lives on line for the democratic principles we say we hold dear. You sir as well as Joe Lieberman are true patriots
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:11 pm 81. Todd:Ron..you have done something that many liberal pundits refuse to do..quote the constitution.
You have “identified” the spirit of our founding fathers, embraced it in your heart, and have defended the belief that all men desire the chance to be free–regardless of the circumstances.
You have intellectually taken up “arms” and have fought for this right. Sir, you have just embraced the same courage as the men who authored the documents that you have quoted! Bravo!
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:11 pm 82. Alicyn:There is nothing revolutionary about forcing an ideology on a group of people. There is nothing revolutionary about supporting a government that is obviously lining its pockets with tax money through blatant corporate sponsorship, and there in NOTHING revolutionary about buying the tagline that ‘they’re gonna get us, the second we turn our back’. Pre-emptive strikes don’t spread freedom, they spread fear and mistrust. Americans are hated in the global community for this very reason. We certainly can return to a pre 9/11 world, just like we returned to a pre Pearl Harbor world. If we stop bombing the hell out of these places and try to understand them, we’d get alot further alot faster…
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:11 pm 83. Gary from LA:Mr. Silver, I’m not at all familiar with your acting – I don’t think I’ve ever seen you before. That notwithstanding, I am, as of now, a HUGE fan! As a (moderately) red protist in the (extremely) blue ocean of LA, I’m happy to see I’m not completely alone. Working downtown, I’ve learned to keep my views to myself. My co-workers a just not interested in a different point of view! On the other hand, if enough closest centrists speak out, we may see a Red Tide in SoCal!…maybe that’s wishful thinking…
Righteous Bob, that “technical term” line was a funny one! So’s your position!
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:12 pm 84. Lumpy Goose:Thank God you are out there, Ron Silver. Your voice is critically important since it’s one of the only rational, sane ones that is willing to speak out in the midst of Hollywood.
I want everyone in the world to join together and hold hands and sing Kumbaya and create peace always and forever.
I really do.
I also know that there are many out there who want to cut my head off.
I’m very glad that what stands between me and them is George W. Bush and not Al Gore or John Kerry or L’il Johnny Edwards or Harry Reid or Nancy Pelosi or Barney Frank or Teddy Kennedy or any of the rest of them.
Thanks again, Mr. Silver!
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:13 pm 85. RS:Well said…….it’s nice to know that someone in Hollywood is still in touch with reality. A rare breed.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:13 pm 86. Hugh:Very well put, Mr. Silver. I appreciate the clarity and honesty of what you have written. I have long held that President Bush is more like President Kennedy than he is like President Reagan — cut taxes, strong on foreign policy and strong focus on the governemt’s role in domestic, social support functions.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:13 pm 87. Phil:God bless you, Mr. Silver. Every line you wrote was on point.
Now if we could only get you to register as a Republican.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:13 pm 88. RB:Ron:
Your speech at the republican convention in 2004, was inspiring…. Very inspiring. Thank
you for taking a strong position despite the ridiculous and historically uneducated positions of your peers. It’s pretty obvious that those within your profession have no clue as to the pulse of this country. This point is obvious since, every anti-war movie coming out is tanking. Quick point for those railing Bush for apparently squandering our countries goodwill. (Personally, I lived in Paris during the Clinton years and understood that they had a very low opinion of us then, well before Bush came into power.) Anyways, countries that have recently elected conservatives into office during the W administration; Canada, France, Germany, England, etc.
Ron keep up the good work.
You are a fine actor and a great American. I am glad I found your blob.
Sincerely,
RB
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:13 pm 89. Josh:Thank goodness someone in Hollywood has the guts to say what Ron says. This town is a hideous mess politically. The Jihad is real, the left is totally blind and is in a rush to throw Israel under the bus in the process of blaming the U.S. for the world’s ills. Too bad the Democratic Party has moved so far to the left. The Moores and Sheehans of this planet need to be confronted, but unfortunately Hollywood runs on fear. Most people out here are a bunch of cowards. Ron’s not. Time for LA LA Land’s centrists and conservatives to come out of the closet. The Left won’t even allow for the use of the word “Islamofascism.” That’s how scary it’s gotten, p.c.-wise.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:14 pm 90. Mugrum:David’s “herd mentality” phrase reminds me of a conversation I had with one of my coworkers, a recent UC Berkeley grad, in the IT dept of (——) Corp. Thought you might get a chuckle:
He: “GWB is absolutely the worst thing to ever happen to this country!”
Me: “Why?”
He: “All my professors said that…”
Me: “Yes, I’m sure they do… but what do YOU think?”
He: “Huh?”
What more needs to be said?
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:14 pm 91. Mark:Mr. Silver,
I have always enjoyed watching you on the screen and find you to be one of the finest character actors in film today.
I am even more thrilled when I see you appear on one of the talking head news shows because of your rational defense of the Bush Doctrine.
You wrote, “I believe the President’s critics are profoundly mistaken. I believe they misunderstand how he’s trying to protect us. I believe they misunderstand the nature of the threat. I believe they misunderstand history. If they succeed in dismantling what President Bush has set in motion, the results may well be catastrophic and history will never forgive them.”
I truly hope you are right but sadly I have concluded that those critics fully understand the threat and still choose sedition in order to hurt the President (and thus all Republicans) in order to achieve more political power. I see it as a simple power grab using lies and smears to deceive the electorate. I do question their motive because their own words on the floor of the House and Senate leaves me with no other option. These critics are either hypocrites of the worse sort or seditious demagogues trying to foment division in order to grab power.
Yes, there are many in the anti-war crowd that, I am sure, believe in their cause. It is not their motives that I question. But we should not compare Sheehan to Harry Reid or Hillary Clinton. The latter are traitors and their own words and actions confirm this.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:14 pm 92. Dave Lawler:Ron, you still do defend Pres. Bush for this war, mostly, I would think, because you feel what a dangerous man Saddam was. That could very well be true, but the thing about a war, when one invades another country for reasons that are not clear (WMD, Terrorists connections, etc.) is that YOU MUST WIN THE WAR!!! Pres. Bush, with no experience in war (inconvenient timing in that Vietnam thing) figured his
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:15 pm 93. Dot:Texas bullying way of doing business would be enough. So now we are in Afghanistan and Iraq, two countries with no standing armies, and we are not able to finish the job. We will not be able too, either. This doesn’t make me happy, but we are now a country of paper warriors. In this war, we have left it to our children to pay for it, and few people with any economic alternative are participating. Your politics on this do deserve a hearing, but the President you support does not do discussions, and he does nothing well enough to succeed. It is an empty president because. Also, the term neocon is a rude one. However, most of those who are called neocon, who support Bush and more militarism, also want low taxes, terribly high debt, and thousands of national issues that we have not faced over the last 37 years.
Also…keep acting and keep your opinions out there…
Mr. Silver, you have a new fan in Hollywood! Thank you for having the courage to stand up for what you believe in a world that screams for tolerance but is intolerant to views like yours. Bravo! Encore!
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:15 pm 94. Wil Burns:dano :
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:16 pm 95. thanks_from_NH:Ron…Bravo! As an American jew I cannot fathom how others in my tribe ridicule GWB! Like I have told my kids…Pray for peace but be willing to fight (and die) for freedom!
————————-
Yes, American Jews are flocking to the recuiting offices, to fight in Iraq!
Mr. Silver,
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:17 pm 96. Scott Griffin:I have been deaf to actors who feel it is their lot in life to abuse their celebrity with expert opinions on everything from the plight of the tundra to the new fad Global Warming. You make reasonable well thought out opinions and have not even told everyone who does not agree with you that they are evil and or stupid. It is easy to tune out the “I hate America” crowd of Hollywood elitists and relegate their “truths” for what they are. Now you have spoiled this virgin ground with intelligent thought. To your family, who you think still loves you, I would bet they know their father/husband is a brave man who is not afraid to speak his mind. They should be proud and I for one wish you only the best in your career.
Thanks for a thoughtful and mature response to the “hysterical” left who want to bury their heads in the sand and hope terrorism will simply go away. Too bad the mainstream media in this country are invested in defeat,along with the democratic leadership,and won’t present a fair presention of all of the facts to the American people. Notice how few reports from Bagdad appear on the Nightly News since the surge began to rout the terrorists.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:18 pm 97. Libby:Ron, thanks for making my day with your thoughtful, insightful post.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:18 pm 98. Chris in Atlanta:Thanks for trying to raise the level of discourse from mindless sloganeering. Much like the Zell Miller democrats here in Georgia, the party left you and not the other way around. Amazing how “liberal” has come to be defined by rigid orthodoxy (and a palpable fear of real debate) and “democrat” means he/she who yields to tyrrany.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:19 pm 99. Brian M.:Thank you for standing up for your beliefs Mr. Silver. I agree with your position wholeheartedly. I, too, am a democrat feeling increasingly abandoned by the party my family has supported for 100 years.
I thank you not only for your voice, but for your courage in posting your true feelings. It seems to me you’re risking career suicide by not towing the Hollywood liberal line.
Best regards!
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:22 pm 100. Paul:Nice post Ron. I like how you manage to disagree and not be disagreeable.
Interesting how the anti-war Democrat leadership think that lefty bloggers are their base. After shedding any credibility on national security issues appeasing them, I think they’re in for a big surprise at the polls in 2008.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:22 pm 101. Kevin:Thank you Ron! I couldn’t have said it better myself and thank you for speaking up. It must be quite a professional sacrifice to voice your opinion such as it is. I’ve never seen your blog but it’s now in my favorites.–Kevin
P.S. Bush will be vindicated, I just hope I’m around to see it.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:22 pm 102. jim:Excellent blog macdaddy,especially about wmds.I think president Bush will go down in history as one of the greatest presidents. When he comes into office he names 3 axis of evil.Iraq is almost there (in my opinion),North Korea is done with nukes, and that leaves Iran.That war will be an all air war that can be done on the weekend.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:23 pm 103. Rich Kelly:Great Job Ron
I support your rational and concise opinion. This country needs more thoughtful thinkers as you.
Hang in there against the isolationists and ostriches.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:24 pm 104. Tim:Bravo!! thank you for speaking up for the thousands of life long democrats who are embarrassed with todays party.
You are not alone, we owe you our support and we need to stand up to the radicals in the Middle East and here in the good old USA.
God Bless you and God Bless America
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:26 pm 105. TMF:Sadaam Hussein probably DID have something to do with 9-11
Stop making the non-connection
http://www.praguepost.com/P02/2002/20605/news1a.php
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:26 pm 106. alan stein:Ron
Your thoughts are a light unto the world.
History will prove this President’s move into Iraq was the right move at the right time for the right reasons.
Let us hope he gets it right on Iran too.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:27 pm 107. Ed McDermed:Ron
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:27 pm 108. Jim Stavracos:Thank you for taking up blogging. I will be an often reader. Your comments are a breath of fresh air in a political environment tainted by what I would consider an increasingly irrational and combative left. We need more Joe Leibermans in the Democratic party and more Ron Silvers in Hollywood. I will support you by making it a point to support your movies and viewing your Television shows or appearances.
Sincerely
Ed McD
Right on Ron. I admire your intellectual honesty.
The intellect of the United States Citizen has been dumbed down through the deterioration of the our school systems.
When citizens have access to well thought out conclusions as yours they will support our President.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:28 pm 109. J:Thank you, Mr. Silver.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:29 pm 110. Sean Morrisroe:Well said.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:30 pm 111. David D.:I’ll ignore the lesson on labels and say that you are more of a classic liberal than Moore and Sheehan. What kind of liberal fears sexism in a country with a female presidential candidate while remaining silent on a Saudi woman’s sentence of 200 lashes for the crime of being gang raped? Multiculturalism should not serve to enable barbaric behavior in the name of respecting other norms and mores. Sadly, modern Dems are the party of Ted Kennedy not John Kennedy. We should also not forget that bin Laden considered Iraq the front lines in his war on the infidels. It is in Iraq that we have crippled al Qaeda and planted the seeds of democracy in the Middle East. There is no detente when your enemy would happily die for the opportunity to take us with him.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:30 pm 112. Carol:Mr. Silver,
Your words have reminded me NOT to be ashamed of my beliefs regarding democracy and freedom around the world. If YOU can speak out in the world you live in, then surely I can admit the same in my world. You have given me courage to come out of the “Bush supporter closet” and say once again that I believe we are on the right course. Thank you so much.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:30 pm 113. Melanie Chitwood:I have to say this is one the most interesting articles I have read in a long time! I fully agree with everything you have said and only wish others had the courage to stand up for what is right and stop worrying about who they might offend. This country was founded on Christian values, yet we seem to have lost our way. It is of great concern to me the legacy we are leaving our children. President Bush is doing the best he can considering the mess Clinton left behind. Our leaders in Congress and the Senate do not seem to be getting the message as far as the wants of the majority of the people. How can we keep electing men and women to represent us who have no morals whatsoever. We must stand up to the terrorist threat and they are so blind to this. Do they not realize that we can either fight them on American soil or take the fight to them. I pray that this great country will return to the basis of its founding fathers belief and put God back in charge! Thank you very much for your article.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:31 pm 114. tim:Mr Silver,
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:32 pm 115. Ali-Bubba:your comments about latent racism amongst democrats isnt anything new. it is sad that those folks talk of equality, but, deep down, they really believe blacks, mexicans and muslims are little children that must be coddled. Muslims certainly couldnt be trusted to build a democracy! i recall that Abraham Lincoln sought the liberation of black slaves in the south. funny, it was democrats who insisted that slavery was a good thing. W will be vindicated and your beliefs, G-D willing, will be vindicated, too.
God bless you, Mr. Silver. I’m a conservative, and know that you are definitely to my left on many issues. But when it comes to supporting our nation’s military in a time of war, you and I are in 100% disagreement. Politics stops when our troops are in harm’s way. First, we win the war, then we’ll go back to our disagreements.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:32 pm 116. Bluejay9211:I have a new one for you. “Ron Ron your right on”. Ron most of your collegues prior to now were busboys and dishwashers, store clerks and a few ditch diggers and a few educated folks. Now they are making a living in a field that strictly deals with fantasy and making bads things turn good in 2 hours or less. Most have no concept of what nations must sometimes to to survive another generation. America should and will always do what is in its best national interest and sometimes it may require a little blood in the end. The reality is there are major forces surrounding us who are more interested and dedicated to our utter destruction than there are american citizens who are willing to fight back. The most commited usually will be the victor. I see this nieve mindset in congress, television, nightly news and every corner of the entertainment world. The liberal mindset in many ways is more dangerous to our national interest than an outside enemy in my view. It is in our national interest to survive another generation.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:32 pm 117. Terry Woods:“the enemy… will only be defeated ultimately with the Islamic world rising to reject the cancer.” Which they will never do as long as they perceive the invading crusader as their more immediate enemy.
I believe you do not misunderstand history, but rather may be ignorant of it. Look at any anti-colonial movement — first the invader is rejected, then the native population fragments into discrete political factions. Until the invader is defeated, all segments of society put aside their sectarian and/or secular differences and unite.
I agree with your statement: “we cannot return to a pre-9/11 world.” We must change the way we engage the world. A true revolutionary foreign policy is the policy of our founding fathers; we must continue the American Revolution and reject foreign military entanglements while embracing trade with all nations. We have slid backwards into reactionary policies by aping the empires that came before us, using military superiority to control trade.
We must reject the isolationism of trade sanctions and spread democracy not with the barrel of a gun, but by being an example to the nations of the world. We can only “liberate” the world by unclenching our own fist.
As for West Wing, I enjoyed the show, and your role was excellent, playing off your own this side/that side political image. The program was at it’s best when Clinton was president and the story themes showed what a “real” democrat prez would have been like. After GWB was elected, they should have flipped the page and done the same for the GOP; they could have left John Goodman’s character in charge (never finding the president’s daughter), or fast-forwarded to an Alan Alda presidency. In the end, they were intellectually dishonest having Smit’s win — America Loves Alan Alda!
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:33 pm 118. Gary B:Hollywood still lives in the time warp of McCarthyism of the 1950’s. Their civil liberties were trampled on and many people suffered paranoia and material loss from unjust accusations. It formed a hard shelled view of the world that is stronger today than ever, even after the real threat against them has passed.
Hollywood exists to weave stories of make-believe so it easy for them to suspend reality for their own sensation based outlook. Hollywood is based on “feelings”. 9-11 was based on fact. The torture and fear that gripped Iraq under Saddam was real, not based on feelings.
As an average Joe I don’t feel this administration is impinging on my constitutional rights. I’m glad they are listening to phone calls from Buffalo to Baghdad. The extremists are real. They want to do us harm. They will not allow their own death to prevent them from either converting us or killing us.
Freedom and government in Iraq can occur if we can keep the Sunni’s and Shia’s talking. It is vitally important that we have access to Mid-East oil. Is that a crime or do you want to sit in the dark? We also need an effective counter balance to Iran. The mullahs have broadcast their intentions. Are Pelosi and Reid tone deaf or are they just idiots.
Hold fast to your convictions Ron. If you suffer reverse McCarthyism and Hollywood generates its own blacklist of unsavory warmongers, you will be admired for your stand by people who understand the realities of this world.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:33 pm 119. Dan:The thing I like about Ron Silver is his quiet confidence. He may get drowned out by the shrill and hysterical anti-war left, but he just keeps plugging along. Keep it up, Ron!
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:35 pm 120. MikeG:Ron,
Wow…very well said. The isssues you raise at your non-traditional workplace are alive and well in corporate America. Working at a very large corporate law firm in NYC (blocks away from ground zero), I have learned to keep my views quiet, lest I too be deemd a hawk, neo-con, or worse an Islamaphobe.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:35 pm 121. Dan:I would like to thank Ron for a great post. I would also like to thank all the people who posted, regardless of whether they agreed with Ron or not, who kept it civil. I think most of our problems are due to the rigid taking of sides. It’s “us” vs. “them”, all the time. As an example of what I’m talking about, take the posts from Dave Lawler and Righteous Bubba. Dave thoroughly disagrees with Ron, but puts forth his thoughts without ripping apart Ron. Check out his last sentence. Bubba decides the best way to disagree is to just toss out an insult, as he obviously believes his opinion is the end all and be all and couldn’t be bothered debating or even putting forth his reasons for disagreeing. More of the Dave style in America, please, and less of the Bubba.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:37 pm 122. Dan:It is amazing that the producers of the current crop of formulated “America is the true evil of the world” movies are considered “brave,” “speaking truth to power” and “risk-taking” by the self-serving Hollywood elite…as if those producers risked anything but their backers’ funding. None has suffered anything for their “courage” except the delivery of a highly touted dud.
Ron, your decision to speak out in this environment is truly brave. You are risking your very livelihood.
Your great strength, contrary to most of all the other actors who can’t put three words together (see any given evening with Letterman or Leno) is that you don’t need a script. My guess is that most of your standard-issue Hollywood “friends” fear to engage you in debate because they know you would cut their arguments to ribbons in seconds.
What I wouldn’t give to see you and Dennis Miller take on Bill Maher and Bill Moyers!
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:37 pm 123. David Thomson:“I’m a Joe Lieberman Democrat.”
Life is not always fair. There is no room within the Democratic Party for Joe Lieberman and yourself. You are Republicans by default. The politically correct and dishonestly pacifist “elites” dominate the Democrats. They are not going to leave anytime in the near future.
One can only hope that Senator Lieberman joins the GOP. It would send a much needed message to the country informing the citizenry that the Democrats can no longer be trusted on defense issues. There is also a decent chance that Rudy Giuliani will pick him to be his running mate.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:38 pm 124. Linda:Thank goodness there are a few people in lala land that can think for themselves and aren’t followers like the rest of Hollywood. I applaud you for having the fortitude to stand up for what you and I and a great many Americans believe. Our troops and people like us are the ones that make America the greatest land on earth.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:38 pm 125. John J:Ron, you are a breath of fresh air in a land of polution. Thank you sir!
Ron, With the risk of sounding patronizing, which I just won’t do, I’ve been a great admirer of ur acting for many years, and I wondered why I didn’t see u cast in the major roles of the highly promoted films. Now the answer is coming into focus. There couldn’t possibly a “black” or even a “brown” list of “right” leaners could there be? In Follywood?
Now knowing some of your political perspectives I admire u for another reason. Pls. contact me if you decide to enter politics and need support.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:38 pm 126. DigitalBob:As conservatives, we generally do not kowtow to those who would try shout us down but you are in a precarious position career-wise. Evidently ‘liberal’ includes only speech or thoughts the left agrees with. I admire you speaking out on what you believe in and as proud conservatives and republicans we have the truth on our side. Best wishes with all you do. dB
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:38 pm 127. Michael Allan Leach:Ron,
I think you are a brave soul. Going against your industry is noble; however, I do find it interesting that those folks you work with are “tolerant,” “open-minded,” et al, unless you have a Jeffersonian/conservative bent in your philosophy. I think you are thoughtful in your analysis of American foreign policy. I wrote my master’s thesis on the Bush Doctrine, so your short essay was sound–from my point of view.
My best to you.
mal
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:39 pm 128. Dennis:Washington, DC
We are in Iraq for geopolitical and petropolitical reasons. We will probably be there for the next 30 years or until we no longer need oil….look at a map.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:40 pm 129. John:God bless you Mr. Silver. Can you imagine if FDR had to put up with this lack of fortitude to defeat our enemy by liberals, as Pres. Bush does? God bless Pres. Bush too. And may God forbid the election of another Clinton to the White House. One of them is far more than this nation ever needed.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:40 pm 130. mckinneytexas:I am on board with 98% of Mr. Silver’s views and only wish he had a wider audience. My only quibble is with the view that democracy is right for everyone. I believe democracy works with a society open to its underpinnings of tolerance, respect for individual freedom, etc. In time, anyone can be brought to democracy, but I don’t think it is wholly transferable in all contexts, and there is ample evidence that this is so. But, otherwise, Mr. Silver is an important voice that needs to be heard time and time again. The intolerance of the hard left, and the hard left’s hold on the Democratic Party make it very difficult for me, as a former Republican, now Independent, to find an alternative to the current batch of Republicans, only one of whom resonates with me to any real degree and McCain just isn’t generating the interest needed to win the nomination.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:40 pm 131. Ed:You are 100% correct Ron. It’s a shame most in Hollywood have no understanding of the real world. Maybe it’s the combo of too much money and play acting and way too many “yes” people surrounding them? Regardless, keep up the good fight!
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:42 pm 132. J. Wolfe:Revolutionary liberal internationalism? That’s what Iraq has now? Looks a lot like a sectarian civil war, combined with an occupation and a scarcity of essential services, employment and security. Silver’s and Bush’s fine schemes have also brought Iraq hundreds of thousands of dead, and several million refugees. I suppose it’s all good as long as you are not the one trying to live in the those circumstances. Maybe we should have an American Foreign Legion voluntarily manned and funded to fight the bad guys in other countries. That would put an end to the foreign adventurism applauded by Ron Silver. The Founding Fathers warned against foreign interventionism, but surely they didn’t have the wisdon of Bush and Silver.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:43 pm 133. Mike Cartwright:Just about the time I think the Democrats have lost all touch with reality, a voice of reason comes along. There are far too few Democrats engaging in reasoned discussion, and “Lets all hate George Bush” is not a platform.
Joe Lieberman is a true statesman, an honorable man being attacked by his own. All because he refuses to hold a party line that makes no sense.
Great article. If enough people start noticing the emperor is naked, perhaps change will come about.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:44 pm 134. mark:What about our cuddling up to the Saudis? Most of the world funding for terrorism passes through the Saudi banking system, lots of it from their country, yet your man cuddles up to them consistently. They are not really democratic, and they are most certainly religiously oppressive dictators, BUT they have money and oil, the only two things you need to be a friend to the Bush administration. Is that supporting democracy? Or Money? Or Oil?
How fearful and worried you all seem about a threat that is FAR less than many the US has faced before (Soviet Union-LOTS o’ nukes there folks, Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, England, Spain, France, etc etc) most of which were better funded, better organized, and had better strategies for winning. Our previous generations weren’t so afraid that they rolled over and gave up their freedoms. Ever hear this: “Give me liberty or give me death”, not “give me safety and take my liberty”. The cost of freedom is not just blood and treasure, but also some peace of mind given up for the openness and freedoms that truly ARE liberty, not just the cold comfort of physical safety.
For such a crowd of chest beaters and hawkish talkers, the current administration and their fearful followers REEK of fear. How many great desicions are made from abject fear?
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:44 pm 135. Charles Johnson:Stated very well!!! If people would only, listen, research, think and respond not react. Three cheers for Mr. Silver!
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:44 pm 136. Ross Odom:Thanks for your article, Ron. I think your voice will encourage other conservatives in Hollywood (and I think many exist) to disavow the liberal cabal, similar to how the Iraqi people are now standing up to the terrorists.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:45 pm 137. Dahniel:It is nice to read a point of view that is not only articulate, but devoid of vitriol. Thanks!
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:45 pm 138. Rebecca B.:What a wonderful column! It is funny, I never realize how numb my mind has become to all the garbarge thrown at it through media; television, radio and paper; until I read such words spoken as these! Thank you!
Rebecca B.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:47 pm 139. Zachary:Mr. Silver,
I respect opinions that differ from my own. I would like to see how you would defend Mr. Bush and Mr. Chaney’s 1) consolidation of power, 2) warrant-less wiretapping of innocent Americans, 3) his unmatched ability to create open-ended war contracts for people his family has been doing business with for years and 4) their efforts to further consolidate the wealth of this country in to fewer and fewer hands, creating a financially un-stable economy.
I too think Iran is dangerous, but I see the current administration licking its chops at the open-ended money grab opportunities.
Mr. Bush may have said “I didn’t take this job to pay my friends,” but he has done a bang-up job of it anyway.
Zachary
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:47 pm 140. Brian, The Squeaky Wheel:Sadly, the liberal left of Hollywood cries for ‘open minds’ but destroys those who do not agree with them (Or agree with what they are told to think… Like some of these actors and actresses have a clue).
I appreciate your rare boldness to think for yourself, and heaven forbid, say it out loud. I am a conservative and I trust there are issues we disagree on, but you are right about labels. Unfortunately Hollywood loves them.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:47 pm 141. Bernard:To paraphrase Ben Franklin, those who trade liberty for security deserve neither.
The President of expedient alerts, of suspension of Habeas Corpus, of American torture vindicated by history? In Conservative land vindicated may be synonymous with villified, so I suppose it’s possible.
Those bigoted Dixiecrats you referred to in the early part of your blog entry? They’re all Republicans now. You’re on the wrong side of history my friend, and on the wrong side of right and wrong as well.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:48 pm 142. Orange County Housewife:Dear Mr. Silver,
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:48 pm 143. TMF:You may enjoy this story: My Dad was a Marine Master Sergeant and one of my favorite memories of him was in 1969. There were protesters at the gates of Camp Pendleton when we went to pick up my Dad. He was arriving on a bus after a long flight back from a 13 month tour of duty in Vietnam. He was tired and it showed; he wasn’t young – he had fought in WWII and Korea also. As we left the base, he pulled the car over, had us get out and watched the protesters. A few walked over and called him a “baby killer”. I was SO mad, but I looked at my Dad and he had this nice smile on his face – NOT a sight I saw too often frankly. They continued to hurl invectives at him, but he just continued with that gentle smile. I asked him if he was mad. He turned to us and said, “That is the sound of freedom, and that’s what I fought for. Let me enjoy it for a moment.” He passed away in 1988, but he left five Americans who remember what he said and now it’s a badge of honor to us when someone riducules our conservative beliefs. Semper Fi Dad.
More on the Prague/9-11 connection
http://www.slate.com/id/2091354/
Fascinating reading
Suffice to say, it is an open question as to whether Saddam Hussein had involvement in the plotting and/or financing of the horrific attacks of September, 2001
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:49 pm 144. Greg Scott:Outstanding. Your thoughts are dead on. If it is our plight to breath life into notions long past – so be it. Nothing feels as warm as the blanket of freedom. Every generation of extremists always extols that “they” have an answer for what ills society suffers and if only we accept a comfortable mediocrity will we then survive – I say no. I say we stand for all of those who can not stand for themselves, I say we enable Americans to prosper by bringing our government back to the people – were it belongs. I say we stop forcing the top 10% of earners to cover the 90% of our tax burden. Little off point but I’m upset. Good-luck hey not for nothing but can’t you get a few of your like minded pals together and create a movie that demonstrates why this fight is so worthwhile, who we are fighting, how it is getting done, and how the common man and women can help.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:50 pm 145. Mireya Ayala:Great blog article! Thanks for standing up against these sort of far-left extremists who make it their life’s goal to vilify and demonize members of the Bush Administration. It is so sadly hypocritical that the Dems will use such tactics and neglect “tolerating” anyone who simply doesn’t agree with their ultra-liberal social views.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:50 pm 146. Bill:Well done Ron! One question for everybody, on the left, especially for those running for political offices:
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:51 pm 147. Tom:How, when and where would YOU stop the 2000 year-old declared jihadd?
NYC, DC, Shenkesville PA, La La Land again?
Were you and Dennis Miller separated at birth? I truly admire the mannerisms in which you convey your message? Keep up with the great posts and I will continue chiming in.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:51 pm 148. Amanda:P.S. This is my first time on your site!
Well said Ron. People forget when you lose your center & become obsessed w/being on one side, that’s when we end up with the Waco killings, bombing an innocent night guard the day Monica testified,the wall between the organizations built to protect us as citizens of a free, stron (& much envied)nation.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:51 pm 149. Keyser Sozay:Thank You Ron,
A voice of reason is refreshing from your profession. I stopped buying DVD’s and going to movies in my protest of the “smarter than everyone in the room hollywood crowd”! This is not a movie and the dead innocent americans do not get to get up and go home because someone said cut. Remember the old days in WWII when you would go to the movies and you would get an update on the war from a 10 minute reel of film in support of the USA and when everyone cheered? Seems like a lifetime ago!
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:54 pm 150. Rob:Ron,
I have always been a big fan of your movies. I have recently seen an old movie of yours with Jean-Claude Van Damme, “Time Cop”, and you play a great bad guy! Here, however, you have shown me what a good guy you are in the real world. I have also seen you speak in public before and would love to see you debate any of the Leftywood crowd…It would be a pleasure to see that. Thanks, Ron.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:54 pm 151. Paul:Ron,
I’ve always been a fan – you’re the thinking man’s Andy Garcia. I see a future in presidential politics for you. More articulate and passionate than Fred. 2012 I’m with Ron.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:56 pm 152. Brandon J:More afraid of Cindy Sheehan and Michael Moore than the forces who’ve gotten us into a costly war on false premises, a war at the moment without end?
May I ask what permanent effect if any Moore and Sheehan have had on our society or public policy? Sadly, I can’t see any. They were blips on the media.
(Are they really affecting the current Democratic Party? Prove it!)
As whatever you feel about Ms. Sheehan, she lost her son in the war. She has thus contributed more to the war effort than Ron Silver. Please allow her to grieve aloud. Allow her to scream out her anger. Allow her to ask questions.
But that Ron Silver is afraid of this anguished woman is just another example of his empty pontifications.
Maybe the cast of West Wing was not teasing this tired thespian because of his views, but because of the shallowness of his views and his inability to argue them in an intelligent manner. A William F. Buckley he ain’t.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:57 pm 153. Jon:Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:58 pm 154. Jason:It would be pretty cool if you wore a Savage nation cap to rehearsals when you greet your nutty liberal co-workers.
Thank you, Mr. Silver, you display one of the best qualities of all, the ability and willingness to challenge one’s own beliefs. Wisdom withstands all and only comes with this challenging of knowledge and beliefs gained through education.
Your co-workers obviously missed this lesson as there is always value in a reasonable difference in opinion. But the “insert message here” minds of some prevent honest debate, which is unfortunate.
Nov 16, 2007 - 1:58 pm 155. Adam Katz:I’m not crazy about your acting… but you’ve got balls, Silver.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:00 pm 156. Jeff Williams:Mr. Silver,
Your post was extremely well written and understandable, no wonder why you get grief from opposing points of view. Thanks for having the courage to speak your mind.
It’s too bad that so many people have to walk on eggshells in this day and age when similar convictions are held – but I think the democrats are moving so far left – that the rest of us are no longer willing to be patsies, and will stand up to their intellectual dishonesty, regardless of what label is affixed to us.
The only place I differ with you is my support of Bush – because he has completely abandoned our country when it comes to the protection of our borders and the illegal immigration issue. He started off strong, but the pressure and criticism of 7 years seems to be taking its’ toll. With luck we can elect someone a bit stronger next time around who will build on any and all positives.
And if that individual can find spokesmen such as yourself, they will be better off because of it. God bless.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:00 pm 157. Liz985:Of all the Democratic presidential candidates I only ever once considered voting for one — Joe Lieberman. I would say that makes me a “Joe Lieberman Republican.” Great post, Mr. Silver.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:00 pm 158. neal:George W. Bush: a revolutionary liberal internationalist?
Too much credit given our not-so-intelligent leader. GWB was told sitting presidents are NEVER thrown out of office in a time of war.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:01 pm 159. Chris G:That’s all.
In late ‘02 nand early ‘03 finding OBL wasn’t going well…so “let’s roll”.
I like how people speak of Bush, and throw in remarks about Wall St., Big Oil, and selling our souls for the rich; but we need that jack to buy all the stuff we want.
The main problem with liberals is they want the credibility, without the casualty or risk. That is why so many end up as professors turning non-liberal arts college courses into one long political diabtribe and begging for tenure like it is an entitlement.
Bush has waged the most pc, hyper analyzed war in the history of the world. He has fought to not make mistakes, not to win. History will vindicate him. In the meantime, liberals will take the opposite position of anything that requires ownership of a resolution.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:01 pm 160. Michael:Right on, Ron! Your detractors don’t denounce you simply because they are “liberal”. Rather, it is because of their complete disregard and/or ignorance of history and current events. Blame their uninformed parents, blame their teachers, blame their drug abuse, and blame their need to have others tell them what to think. But don’t confuse their opinions with intelligence.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:01 pm 161. NORMAN PAZOL:Ron, I couldnt agree with you more and think you show a lot of guts to stay the course in La La land with all of the liberal contigent in your business especially. You right on the money & deserve accolades for your courage.
sincerely
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:02 pm 162. Chet Gustavson:Norman Pazol
I am shocked to see such articulate and lucid commentary coming out of Hollywood. I am infinitely more shocked to see such political moderation coming from Hollywood.
This is the kind of person that whether you agree with him or not, you can still at least have a civil and intelligent debate with him.
“righteous bubba” is a prime example of the opposite. It takes more than childish ad hominem name calling and profanity to invalidate a clear, articulate, and thoughtful opinion.
I’m certain that Mr. Silver and I would probably disagree on politics at some point during a conversation, but from his temperment and skill with words, I think I might lose a debate with him. Too bad more people in politics, let alone Hollywood don’t aspire to Mr. Silver’s level of civility and wisdom.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:03 pm 163. PJG:Mr. Silver,
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:05 pm 164. Robyn:Any adolescent knows that it’s easier and more fun to go along with the crowd. It takes a thoughtful adult to stand on principle. Thank you for “manning up” in a public forum. Your former “chanting’ co stars are pathetic.
Excellent! Terrific post. You are not only a terrific actor, but a great man as well. Your family is lucky to have you.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:05 pm 165. Ann:Great post. Don’t let the nutjobs (like the so-called “Righteous” Bubba) get you down. You are doing well — please continue to speak out.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:05 pm 166. Fred R:Not only a great actor, but quite a good writer. Well said. I agree. I used to be a Scoop Jackson democrat, but few remember him. Now I am a Joe Lieberman democrat or left wing republican.
Keep up the good work.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:05 pm 167. Kay:Bravo! Mr. Silver. Keep on talking for all of us. We need people like you. Thanks.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:06 pm 168. Thomas Abella:Ron, it is great to hear that you are the same Ron that was there in 2004 and you are still as correct about America, our position in the world and the need to defend ourselves. Thank you and God bless you and The United States of America.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:06 pm 169. dougfromupland:Ron, you have my admiration for risking your livelihood to say what should be clear to anyone who understands the battle we face to save Western Civilization. It is profoundly ironic that the fools who want us to leave Iraq and surrender do not understand that the Islamofascists would separate them from their heads just as quickly as they would separate so-called neo-cons from their heads. Their naivete is more than foolish; it is dangerous.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:06 pm 170. 1proudneocon:Since when is being a neo-con a BAD thing. If that is what you believe in, be for it 100% and don’t compromise on your morals/values.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:06 pm 171. Xenophon:Dear Ron,
I share some of your sentiments. The nation is under attack from an enemy that will not rest. The world watches our resolve. The moment our guard is down, the moment our determination wanes, then the world will side with the psychological victor – the enemy. Then the attacks will be more generally financed and the enemy more widely accomodated. Then it is just a matter of time until an anonymous attack, logistically implemented by our trade or political adversaries, will cripple the US – a wmd atack on a major city. Run away from the present conflict and one insures the final attack. Courage often demands a price; every taunt is a part of that. Yours and my brothers and sisters stand that wall every day in Iraq and Afganisthan, and elsewhere, so that liberty can survive. We know the stakes and the possible outcome. Continue to speak out. Many of your detractors in your professional field do not understand that if we lose, they live within two of the ground-zeros (NYC and LA) and that their right of expression and lifestyle would be extinguished under Sharia. Their children live there, hardly safe under the politics of retreat. It is not about oil, or family ties of Bush and Saudi Arabia. It is about people who jumped to their deaths rather than be burned alive in Trade Center buildings I knew well. We are on the eve of an al queda defeat in Iraq, of an understanding in the more moderate moslem world that radical actions do not beget any progress. Present critics are worried that the US may prevail. They seek defeat.
Best regards and thanks for your courage.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:07 pm 172. B. Sides:You wrote, “Our national mission, a worthy and ennobling one, is to expand freedom where we can. These are revolutionary goals very much in keeping with our Founders’ vision.”
The father of our country would surely agree:
“The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.” — George Washington, First Inaugural Address, New York City, April 30, 1789
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:08 pm 173. Dave:I find when I’m seeking to gain respect by explaining my view that it helps to utilize childish name calling for those with an opposing view. I see you take the same approach.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:08 pm 174. Keith Emery:In business, I also find that no matter how incompetent, opaque, and corrupt my staff may be, we will be successful because our goal is success. I see you and the president agree with that approach.
Thanks so much Mr. Silver for your consistency in supporting the President in the war. Take care and good luck out there in Tinseltown.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:09 pm 175. Steve B.:It is sad to watch America break apart at the seams. (I am not an American)
You have allowed yourselves to be played as fools, and instead of taking a good intellectual look at yourselves and the world around you, you’ve turned world politics into a goddamned footbal game, without realising that elsewhere in the world, people DIE because of your lackadaisical attitude.
Read some books and learn some objectivity – even devout Muslim culture had no problems with America until it was clear that America was easily prepared to maim and kill people to fatten their wallets. Extremism is a REACTION to your warmongering. That is true, whether you accept it or not. They don’t hate you because of your (perceived) freedom, they hate you because for a good part of your history, you’ve caused unnecessary conflict and death.
I’m sorry to say it, as I actually believe in general America’s desire to do good, but if you really wonder why there are people out the who hate America, stop blaming them, and start examining real history. FInd out just exactly what events over the past 150 years lead to the Iranian Revolution. Find out exactly who armed Saddam Hussein with those chemical weapons. America is EVERY bit as dirty as the folks it points fingers at. In fact, if you count numbers, America is quite a bit dirtier. 2000 cilvilians killed at the WTC (may they rest in peace) is almost insignificant compared to the numbers of civilian deaths that America is responsible for. And I’m not making that up.
America, do the rest of the world a favour and become enlightened, reach your potential already! Quit it with the rhetoric and for f*ck sake, vote an intellectual into office.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:09 pm 176. Hamilton:Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:09 pm 177. RS:I used to be a fan of yours, but now I’m a big fan! Thank you for a well written and much needed expression of honest and positive beliefs about our country/leadership.
Hopefully, one day, those that name call others who disagree with their views and bad mouth their own country so easily will realize just how lucky they are to live in such a great and free country that allows it’s citizens to express their opinions.
Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:10 pm 178. Michael MacDonald:As the only Jewish woman under the age of thirty-five living in New York City who shares your opinion, I just want to say thank you! This article expressed the struggle I contend with daily and I strongly identified with it. I do believe history will show we were forward-thinkers, way back when.
I’ve been a low key fan of yours for years. I was surprised when I saw you on West Wing, a decidedly liberal-oriented show. I share the thoughts you expressed on your blog, and appreciate the way you did so, logically and without rancor. Certainly much better than the drivel from other so-called celebs.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:10 pm 179. Mike Regan:Mr. Silver,
I had viewed you in the past as a hollywood liberal.
Since 9/11 I have been amazed in how incorrect my assumptions of you were.
This article is outstanding! I hope you will try and publish it in the mainstream media.
Please also send it to The Factor, I hope Bill O’Reilly will tell his viewers about this well written article. This nation needs to read this!
WELL DONE!
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:10 pm 180. Ras Debol:Many of us say we believe in this or that but are seldom tested during our lifetime. I have no doubt that you have been. Your beliefs have surely cost you some work and put you at odds with many people in your industry.
There are many who would have kept silent, have hidden their beliefs or caved in under the pressure, you did not.
I admire you as a great actor, a man of character and a patriot.
I wish you well.
RAS
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:11 pm 181. Fred R:Unrelated rant:
I am against permitting undocumented aliens the right to have driver’s licenses. Why is it we never read about what benefits are available to the undocumented in OTHER countries.
I venture to say that if I (a US citizen) overstayed my visa in Mexico, Germany, Italy, England, or most other countries, I would not be eligible to obtain a driver’s license, state healthcare, or other “entitlements”.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:12 pm 182. Gary:Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:13 pm 183. Jeff Tanner:You have provided great thoughts, in an articulate manner, stating a solid position, coming from your heart. Thank you!
Excellent article. Silver gives hope to those like me who see Hollywood as dominated by the left. As we always suspected more reasonable voices don’t belong to those who open up and pop off with whacko ultra-lib, jew hating knee jerk talking points from the left but to those who reason their positions well, and really give serious consideration to what we stand for as Americans. Silver is a real mench. He proves there is a heart and mind behind his thoughts, actions, and words. I hope he continues to speak out. I just wish others in Hollywood had the courage to follow his lead.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:13 pm 184. Ray:Ron,
While I don’t agree with you about Bush’s true intentions, you are certainly not a neocon.
The term is a misnomer, suggesting they are “new conservatives”, when in fact there is nothing conservative about them.
They are what they accuse the left of being: big government, big spenders. They hide behind conservative rhetoric while pushing a (hidden) globalist, corporatist agenda at the expense of Americans in general and the middle-class in particular.
So while I can’t agree with you about what the administration is REALLY doing, I very much admire your thoughtful and articulate presentation.
I also think you’re a terrific actor.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:13 pm 185. deddog:Well said, Mr. Silver, I’ve just gained a significant amount of respect for you. Well said.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:13 pm 186. Roy:I do not hold up Bush for sainthood, but I have suggested that he will be the fifth face on Rushmore. His border policy suggests that it will be carved by illeagal immigrants. I still support the war and the troops and believe that those pesky WMD are in the Bekah Valley.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:15 pm 187. Tracy Worsley:Your wrting is excelent and it has been a pleasure to stumble upon you in my browsing. Keep it up.
Ron Silver is a patriot and he shows more dignity, intelligence and thoughtfulness in this article than then entire MSM and half of America. Some of the commenters here (Righteous Bubba) show their ignorance, simply by opening their mouth. I wish we could chose who we defend (as I am retired military and served in Iraq) and who we would rather didn’t benefit from our sacrifice (and those of police, fire and other first responders) but we can’t. I guess the best part about being an American is instead of leaving the incredibly stuipid to their own devices when they are young enough to be evolutionarily eliminated, we protect them too and ensure their survival t o make the rest of America suffer forever.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:15 pm 188. Shaker o Salt:Geez, you think you could get any more self-absorbed? Only 3 words are needed:
I.was.wrong.
2 more:
my.bad.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:16 pm 189. arthurp272:Ron Silver… a beacon of clarity from the left coast…. well done.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:16 pm 190. Robyn Davenport:Democrats: Dedicated to failure at any price.
Ron, your talent as a clear and concise communicator is impressive in print and on film. I applaud your educated opinions and your courage to stand against the tide in your industry. You are an absolute pleasure to read and to listen to when you make the radio rounds. So thrilled to find your blog! And good work for giving Senator Leiberman his due credit. His smart sensibilities and leadership set him apart from his peers. If only people would listen.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:17 pm 191. Dave:Hang in there Ron! Forgive them, they know not what they do!
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:17 pm 192. Robyn:Excellent! Terrific post. You are not only a terrific actor, but a great man as well. Your family is lucky to have you.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:17 pm 193. GT:Mr. Silver, thank you an eloquence that is has been missing in political discourse for quite some time. One can only hope that members of both sides of the issue would choose to emulate. This Reagan conservative looks forward to reading more from you.
.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:18 pm 194. Mike:Wow. A column based on rational reasoning. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:18 pm 195. Art Vandelay:Mr. Silver, I wholeheartedly disagree with you but I respect the fact that you are out there as an American Citizen expressing your beliefs. And I hope that you get acting jobs based on your acting abilities their compatibility with those roles and that you are not punished for your beliefs. And yes, you did a great job in that movie in which you played Alan Dershowitz. But I also think you should explore the option of going down to your nearest Armed Forces Recruitment Offices and enlist so you could play what I gather that you see as your most important role of challenging the world with a new order. Also tell the recruiter that you want to go Iraq and that you want to speak the 2008 Republican National Convention live via satellite from Iraq and tell everyone about your experiences. It’ll likely be a different feel than a podium in Madison Square Garden. As an actor, you could appreciate what great theater that will be.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:19 pm 196. msfanni:History will vindicate George W. Bush. And Hollywood will once again look like the IDIOT HYPOCRITES THAT THEY ARE!
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:19 pm 197. MP, M.D.:Mr. Silver,
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:20 pm 198. glass1on2full:It’s always been a pleasure to hear you speak and to read what you have to say.
Your head is on straight and your heart’s in the right place.
Wonderful blog. Mazel tov.
Be well.
Wholeheartedly agree Mr. Silver. I have read through many of the quips here and am encouraged by the positive responses.
What is the core reason for the lack of cohesiveness in our country against such and evil foe?
Islamic fascists murder innocents around the world all in an attempt to spread their ideology which surpresses freedoms and subjugates humanity.
Similar secular ideologies exist which also restrict humanity. In my view the Cold War did not end, our adversary simply found an odd ally and new pawns to manipulate with 1960’s anti-war tactics. Joe McCarthy wasn’t all wrong…who’s being blacklisted now?
BTW Angel: “the Cold War was won without ever firing a shot”…Vietnam, Korea, Hungarian and Czech uprisings,Berlin Wall, US troops in Germany, Korea & Cuba for decades…
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:20 pm 199. TheNightMaven:Right on Ron. To thine own self be true.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:21 pm 200. Tony Copelin:Mr Silver
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:21 pm 201. Stever:You have put into words far better than I could have ever written about my beliefs on todays political and personal beliefs. I will gratefully take many of your articulate answers and use them for my own answers when discussing various views with people on the left. Thank you for a terrifically written article.
Tony Copelin
SugarLand Texas
Kudos to an eloquent voice ‘crying in the wilderness’ of Hollyweird.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:21 pm 202. David:I’m certain that the war in Iraq will go down as a monumental success, especially seeing as we have found the WMD, the ties to Al-Qaeda before we arrived, and the evidence of an imminent threat to the United States of America.
We have dismantled a terrible dictator who kept terrorism out with a less functioning “democracy” that is only bound to result in leaders who despise us.
The only “challenge” the President gives the world is the support that family members of those entangled in Bush’s war without achievable objective must give to their loved ones being sent over there.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:22 pm 203. Joe Pepe:As a Republican, I have to say I would have voted for Joe Lieberman. Too bad the Democrats held a grudge against him because he had great crossover appeal.If you don’t stick up for your family and friends, if you don’t stand up for your people, if your not proud of your own religion and culture, why should I think you’ll stand up for me. Joe Lieberman is a stand up guy. Too bad you couldn’t get him to run Ron.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:22 pm 204. Andrew J. Himmel:Just as Winston Churchill was correct about the fascist threat from German, Italy and Japan 5+ years before WWII began, so is George W. Bush. History vindicated Churchill and so it will Bush. And, as then, the liberal appeasers of today will be relegated to trash heap of history.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:22 pm 205. Cal:Well said, Ron! Thank you!
For those who have been around awhile, they may actually remember JFK. I was still too young to vote at the time. And I was impressed by men of his calibre and integrity. I was also impressed with another man of the time, Hubert Humphrey. A quiet man but of strong principles in defence of his country.
I grew up in a Democrat family and after JFK died, the party shifted in a different direction. I became a Republican as I grew up, surrounded by Democrats in the family, because I felt that the Democrat Party left us behind. Others stuck with the party, even though their views diverged.
The Party asks too much of us. And we didn’t learn anything from Vietnam.
The Republicans took on the solid principles that were abandoned by the Democrats and ran with it. It was the Republicans who were for Civil Rights. For family. For strong defense. For fiscal responsibility.
I think that JFK would find little fault with Reagan or Bush. And men like Carter have little in common with JFK.
I’m sure that it is difficult in Hollywood, with their current views, to promote right leaning views. Back in the old days, it was men like John Wayne and Humphrey Bogart who were Hollywood role models and their views were respected. And rightly so.
Today, it is the views shared by people like Jane Fonda that seem to hold sway. They don’t understand what is at stake and what is needed.
I know that many won’t see the current Hollywood environment as that extreme and oppressive. But it doesn’t matter. Those people that stand on principle and convictions are the ones I want to see in office and to speak up.
Thank you, Mr. Silver. I appreciate your courage.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:23 pm 206. Bill:Ron, love your article, love your acting. Keep up the good work, if they will let you. I hope they do not black ball you as reactionaries once did in Hollywood. I am greatful that you can stand the heat for your convictions.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:23 pm 207. Brucker, MD:Ron,
I really enjoyed the piece. Critics of the war, US policy and of the US in general suffer from an almost pathologic inability to see any side or point of view that was not spoon fed to them. With the collapse of the Soviet Empire, we have no true, doomsday threats. This is true because preemptive doctrine has kept our enemies off their footing. Fight over there and the Isalmists can’t fight here.
Rather than acknowledge this, your critics would rather bury their collective heads in the sands of the daily KOS, the NYT and the syndicated news networks. When one is ignorant, it’s far easier to argue a ready made point then to research and educate yourself. I suspect this is what your critics are doing.
You, my friend took a pricipled stand for what is right and you did it in a very public way. Your detractors, on the other hand, hide behind the safety of the mob claiming that they are right because their chanting makes them right.
Their line of thinking is tragically wrong and I suspect that many of them know it. They’ve just bought into it for so long, that they have too much to loose for admiting that they are wrong.
They are pathetic.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:26 pm 208. John:Ah, the ease it is to being a liberal with your head buried in the sand, like Righteous Bubba. Don’t argue the merits, just resort to namecalling. Let’s say Mr. Silver is a “dumbass.” Prior to removing Ms. Hussein, where on the face of the planet was the United States military constantly being fired upon? Iraq. Saddam was paying the families of suicide bombers. Mr. Righteous is probably under 25 years of age; does he remember the bombing of the Marine barracks in Lebanon, the bombing of the Pan Am jet over Lockerbie, Scotland or the name Leon Klinghoffer? Now look at the places in the world where there is the greatest amount of famine, violence, and societal decay. It comes from places where freedom is extinguished by tyranny. Freedom is the answer and isolating ourselves behind ocean walls is not going to make the world safer or more free. Mr. Righteous, you sir, are the dubmass.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:28 pm 209. jbkunk:Oohrah,
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:29 pm 210. Kevin:Ironic how the left hates bush for trying to protect our country and our way of life and love those who have come right out and vowed to kill us.
I find it interesting that Hollywood is constantly bringing up the “blacklisting” that supposedly happened during the McCarthy era, but is very comfortable “blacklisting” actors nowadays, who don’t have the prevailing liberal Hollywood bent. Its what is wrong in this country. If someone has an opposing view, they are unpatriotic or a communist and no right to be heard. Its happening on both sides … there is no such thing as compromise or understanding anymore.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:30 pm 211. Tracy Worsley:Mr Vandelay is another one! How many times have you been to Iraq Sir? Mr Silver has I believe. Enough said. I was there and he is spot on. Why do the liberals always suppose to know what is best for everyone else? By the way the one idiot at the debate last night who showed up with his mommy doesn’t count. I would bet there isn’t a single guy in his outfit that likes him. You liberals can have him unless we get to use him for cover. Ummmm we volunteered knowing the stakes, you got the education and the pay but now you want to cry about what you had to do and don’t want to do it again. You volunteered! I guess I will have to start packing my survival gear cause if we allow the liberals faulty logic to take hold we are in deep trouble. By the way Mr Vandelay, when does your plane leave?
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:30 pm 212. Steve I.:Ron, Bless You for sticking to your guns. Folks like you and Joel Surnow should be given Purple Hearts for all the flak you take out in LA LA Land.
Thanks again.
Big fan.
-Steve
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:30 pm 213. Brett:Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:32 pm 214. Norm:While I could not disgree with you more, I applaud the articulate way you state your case. I am a Republican who believes that we made one of the biggest foreign policy gaffs in the history of our country. I do not believe President Bush will be vindicated by history nor do I think we are safer than we were prior to 9/11. What I do believe is that we have depleted our treasury, gutted our military, did damage to our constitutional rights, tortured prisoners, illegally eavesdropped on our own people, failed to get the ones who attacked us, put the Middle East on the knife-edge of a regional war, failed to call for sacrifice when our troops needed it and have given aid through our actions to those who would do us harm. It sounds good to park a carrier battle group off the shores of a hostile country and then turn their beaches into glass, but the reality is that we only further the causes of our enemy. We are a party that is not losing the political debate just because of the war. Instead, I believe we are losing it because we are not honest enough to tell the American people, “We got this wrong and now we need to do the right thing.” Lucky for us, the Democratic party is just as corrupt and marooned on the shores of ignorance as we are. We are no longer the party of Reagan but of fear and hate, and that truly saddens me.
Ron,been cheering you on since the start of this….you are my hero to stand up to the left-wing Hollywood elite. Do not stop…you are correct.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:33 pm 215. Dr. William M. Hatch:Ron: Your comments were right on. I have the same lament you have, where did all the real Democrats go? Where are people like Roosevelt, Truman, Stevenson and Kennedy? I watched the last Democratic debate. The candidates avoided answering any serious questions. I doubt any of them have a firm bone in their collective bodies. Bill
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:34 pm 216. Neer:Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:36 pm 217. Mark Holling:Followed a link here, read with great interest and found your blog to be well articulated, honest, and highly rational. I happen to agree with some of your sentiments and am tired of all the knee-jerk reactions of my fellow dems, who at this point are willing to chase after any shitstorm of blame and nutjob conspiracies; even the seemingly sane ones!
I applaud you hanging onto your convictions while many of your contemporaries undoubtedly change their spots.
Really enjoyed the well thought out post. I have to remind Angel who said, “…the Cold War was won without firing a single shot” of the Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, countless Latin America incidents plus lots of other nastiness that we all didn’t see. There were plenty of shots fired plus diplomacy but we were able to bankrupt them so they fell from within. Pretty hard to bankrupt the middle eastern countries who are pumping money out of the ground at $100 a barrel.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:36 pm 218. Steve in TX:What did we do after the Japanese bombed us at Pearl Harbor? Did we try to make peace? No, wouldn’t have worked. Did we retreat into our shell? No, would have brought attack on California.
Instead of cowering, we bombed mainland Japan with B-25s flown off of the USN Carrier Hornet in a daring raid that showed them what was to come. Then we beat the enemy all the way back to their homeland. We had no other option then, and we have no other option now.
How would our history be different if war was declared on Hitler during his first aggressive moves, rather than waiting until 1939? Appeasement did not work then, and it will never work.
History shows us that the only way to respond to aggressive tyranny is with crushing force. Any other strategy leads to further loss of life and misery. Not a lot of historians in Hollywood, eh, Ron? Kudos to you.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:36 pm 219. See Turtle:Well Said,
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:37 pm 220. Eric:Thanks
What does ennobling mean? As in:
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:37 pm 221. E. A. Keenan:Our national mission, a worthy and ennobling one, is to expand freedom where we can.
I’ve never read your blog and must admit I’m not even that familiar with your career, but I am very impressed with the views you express. I’ve been a Republican from the first time I was old enough to vote. I do feel President Bush and his administration have been “pounded” by the mainstream media and certainly by liberal and far-left groups. However, I am very disappointed in the presidenial candidates that are presently on the scene. I would honestly like to see someone run for President who is neither far-left nor far-right and who does not carry a “ton” of baggage. In trying to think of who that might be, the only person I could decide would really fit this description is Senator Lieberman–but I suppose he would not consider running and would find it may be a hindrance because he is Jewish. That would not be the slightest problem for me as I believe he is one of the very few people who comes from a position of knowledge AND common sense plus has VERY HIGH moral standards. So, just my thoughts and thanks to you for your ideas and column.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:37 pm 222. Darryl:The left is truly out of touch with reality. This is displayed by the constant criticism that Bush keeps trying to keep the population in fear. This opinion implies we have nothing to be afraid of. This is a huge disconnect with the reality. There are people who want to kill us. They have displayed that they will stop at nothing to achieve that goal. Just because they haven’t succeeded since 9/11 doesn’t mean they aren’t trying. That is precicely why we cannot afford to entroust our lives and the lives of our loved ones to a democrat president.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:38 pm 223. Donna Trump:Ron, I can’t believe you still support this administration’s failed war after 4 years. So you got rid of the dictator – fine and dandy. That was 4 years, a trillion dollars, about 3,000 dead US soldiers, a couple of hundred thousand dead Iraqis, and 2.5 million Iraqi refugees ago. This is all you can say for Bush’s foreign policy – that he got rid of Saddam? That’s delusional. It’s pathetic.
Deal with today’s reality, Ron. Democracy in Iraq? It’s a joke. The only thing Iraqis (the whole splintered country: Sunni, Shia, Kurds, urban, rural) agree on is that they want the US the hell out, now. If the US wants democracy, as you claim, they can’t deny what Iraqis want.
Bearing any burden in pursuit of freedom is all very well, but you have to have achievable war aims and a viable strategy. Vietnam proved this. You have to pick the right war, Ron, and then you have to WIN it. Otherwise, your policy means NOTHING.
America has not created security, peace or a functioning democratic government in Iraq. After 4 years, the country is in chaos. Nothing works. The capital city still lacks power and drinkable water. The reconstruction is a carnival of corruption. Spending a few billion on a new embassy, where even Americans refuse to work, isn’t going to change any of this.
You fail to acknowledge the utter stupidity of creating a power vacuum right next door to Iran. Bush’s war is a priceless gift to the Iranian Islamists. Regional hegemony has been handed to Iran on a platter. How on earth does this serve American interests?
And let’s not forget that the Taliban (remember them? the 9/11 guys) has re-established itself in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Invading Iraq has done nothing to prevent this.
I’d seriously like to know if your answer to this mess is to go into Iran.
It just won’t fly with American voters. Even the military is dubious about going into Iran, which will be a much tougher proposition than Iraq. It means a draft, a few trillion more in military costs (most of this borrowed from China and Japan, further weakening the US economy), and a renewed confrontation with Russia. Is this what you want?
If so, the ticket to Iran is – or should be – victory in Iraq. Presidents of republics, even the American republic, don’t have the right to fight endless wars, especially when the wars they do fight are fought as incompetently as Iraq. That’s reality. Deal with it.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:38 pm 224. Samir:Ron Silver supports torture and expects us to take him seriously. He is sounding like a crybaby.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:38 pm 225. Jay Ouzts:“There is an unwillingness to identify the enemy, which is clearly a world-wide, malignant, metastatic Islamic jihadism”
You can add misogynistic to the list of adjectives. It is amazing to me how the Democrats – the party that claims to be better for women than the GOP – ignores how women are oppressed throughout the Islamic world. (And for the record, I am male).
Great blog, BTW. We need more in Hollywood like you.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:40 pm 226. Eric Forbriger:Ron:
Well done!
I agree totally that the animus against Bush has prevented an honest appraisal of the correctness of the war on the islamic extremists.
I believe that the hatred is partially a payback against the grilling of Clinton, and the close victory he achieved against Gore.
The Iraq war is worth it, and the Dems can’t accept it.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:40 pm 227. Jane:Wish many more of the Lefties would take this to heart. They are destroying our Great Country with their ignorance
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:41 pm 228. SirRobintheNotSoBrave:These are revolutionary goals very much in keeping with our Founders’ vision. They are hardly conservative, let alone neo-conservative goals.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:41 pm 229. David:Conservatives, by your reasoning, don’t maintain the revolutionary ideals of the Founding Fathers. Not sure I agree with you on this point. The rest presented is as I think of it!
Thank you for your courage.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:43 pm 230. Dr Evil:“Our national mission, a worthy and ennobling one, is to expand freedom where we can. These are revolutionary goals very much in keeping with our Founders’ vision.”
Just about says it all right there.
Give ‘em hell Ron!
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:43 pm 231. Diego:Ron, that was well said. You seem to be a decent man with conviction of conscience. (I recall the “those are OUR planes” comment you made in ‘93). I am sure it is hard to be treated with respect in Hollywood now being an “ideological minority”. The Hollywood Left makes such sport of calling others who disagree with them “intolerant.” They have become what they hate. I hope this has not severely interfered with your career. You are a great actor and even more important…a great American. We on the Right do respect those who disagree on reasoned principle and not on group-think nonsense. (Hmmmm…maybe you and Dennis Miller should get a show together.)
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:44 pm 232. jason:not all democrats are communists, but all communists are democrats
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:44 pm 233. Onan:Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:45 pm 234. Michael Makatura:I wholeheartedly appreciate your commitment and you beliefs. I am an ultraconservative who happens to disagree with almost everything you believe…and that includes this war. However, that being said…thank you for logically and honestly putting to pen your arguments for the war. I agree with your sentiments, though not with the way to protect America.
Ron,
Very well written. I suspect we agree on many things, and disagree on a like number as well. However, what I most appreciate is a rational dialog without the hyperbole.
Best wishes in your career. You’re a terrific actor and I hope the Hollywood crowd does not impede your ability to thrive.
Regards
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:47 pm 235. MichaelWhitt:I love the term Revolutionary Liberal.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:47 pm 236. Marc:Bravo!!
Kudos to you sir on an extremely well written article. It was a pleasure to read. Best to you in the future…keep up the good work both in acting and providing a concise, intelligent, and intellectually sound arguement of you political convictions.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:48 pm 237. John Wathen:Mr. Silver,
You are a great writer, very eloquent and accurate, thank you and please keep writing!
You assessment is right on. I believe that every one of us is an individual with many varying points of view on any given issue. The political machines on both sides try to paint things in black and white, so as to segregate people instead of uniting us. They paint anyone with a very broad brush if they dare disagree with them on any certain issue, and thereby allowing others to view them as extreme to one side or the other, regardless of their true opinions about the other issues.
I too believe that we are at another historical crossroads like we were prior to WWII, when much of Europe just wanted to pacify Hitler and thought if we would play nice with dictators and fascism it would leave us alone. Unfortunately, the Chamberlain’s of the world still refuse to acknowledge history, and are content to bury their heads in the sand to the very real threat these Islamist cowards pose. Yes, cowards, not terrorists, only true cowards would use their children and the weaker-minded individuals to blow themselves up, I have yet to see Bin-Laden or his generals blow themselves up.
It is symbolic of our current society that thinks of itself first and decries anyone who dares get in their way. What happened to the JFK democrats, “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”?
I vote mostly conservative on financial and global issues, while voting liberal on most many social issues. I am unwilling to cast a vote for any democrat candidates because I believe they have lost their way by such a wide margin, they are controlled now by the extremists on the far left, and have no true concern, other than verbage without actions, for the constituents that elected them. Mr. Leiberman is the only exception to this rule, and look what they have done, and continue trying to do at every turn to this patriot and decent senator, it is egregious and only shows their contempt for differing opinions.
Those of us who used to vote our conscious regardless of party affiliation, cannot in good vote for candidates that will appease the extremists on the far left.
You Mr. Silver are a beacon of light in the darkness for those of us who believe in America and our fellow citizens more than we do in politicians and their self-absorbed power mongering.
God bless you Mr. Silver.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:50 pm 238. Darryl:Donna Trump, it seems your lengthy post, not steeped in the facts as they exist today, is an invitation to surrender. You know what happened when we surrendered in Viet Nam, hundereds of millions of Viretnamese and Cambodians paid for it with their lives. If we surrender in Iraq, will you be able to live with such a blood bath in the middle east? I suppose if you just blamed it all on Bush, you can live with it.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:50 pm 239. John A.:Mr. Silver,
I am a moderate liberal, and I can say I’m not a big fan of the President. However, the points you make are reasonable and there are key statements that ring very true, such as the inability to contain and deter this cancerous thought system of extremist Islamic terrorism. The true adherents of Islam need to reject these people en masse, as they are destroying that old and deeply rooted religion.
I appreciate your nuanced focus, that not all opposing political parties and viewpoints are bad, that people who simply have different ideas about the war aren’t evil. That nuance is sorely lacking in our modern political environment. We need to fix that. Right now, I’d be happy to see a Kennedy Democrat or a Reagan Conservative again. People of real principle. Yes, they all had their own flaws in their own way, but they believed in real freedom and great responsibility.
I still don’t see that in President Bush, and maybe I’m wrong. If so, I would gladly say so. I’d rather be wrong and change, than be convinced I’m right at the detriment of all else.
I wish you the best in all you do, and God Bless.
~J.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:50 pm 240. Aredee:As you said, the chanting was all in fun, but some of the diatribes aimed at non-neocons over the past few years has been quite the opposite: we’ve been called traitors, sore losers (for protesting the outcome of the 2000 Selection),al-Qaeda lovers, terrorist sympathizers, communists, and more.
30 years ago, the left was creating most of the sewage in the American body politic; the left thought it had a direct line to God and Truth with a capital “T.”
In more recent years the responsibility for the decline in political rhetoric falls squarely on the shoulders of the right.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:50 pm 241. Big Dog:Great piece and well written. You are entitled to your beliefs and I would believe that even if I did not agree with what you wrote.
It is a shame the liberals, who are supposed to be so tolerant, would use political beliefs to restrict the work of people in the entertainment industry.
Imagine the outcry if liberals were scorned in this industry because of their politics….
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:52 pm 242. Art Vandelay:I remember the bombing of the Pan Am jet over Lockerbie. And if memory serves me right, the Libyan Government was responsible for that. The Bush Administration, in 2006, restored full diplomatic relations with the same Libyan regime less than 20 years later. So much for being with us or against us. Read what Condi has to say about this: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2006/66235.htm.
How many Iraqi 9/11 hijackers were there?
Did you guys locate Saddam’s WMDs?
Why haven’t we put more of our resources on fully eliminating the Taliban? Because we are busy in Iraq.
How are we going to bring democracy in the Middle East when George “I’m for Tort Reform” Bush sued his way to the job in 2000? Along with other maneuvers that restrict the rights of black people to vote. Also, democracy means only counting some votes and not others.
Or more fundamentally, how we will introduce democracy in other countries when we have people in government who support the use of torture?
If you are young and able-bodied and support the war, enlist. And I made that suggestion to Mr. Silver.
We will win the war on terror if we actually go after the groups and individuals that attack us along with security measures at home. But we must do this legally and intelligently.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:52 pm 243. Abolt:I agree 100 percent Ron. Well said.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:53 pm 244. GLDR:Bush has proven to be nothing but malignant for our Nation and the World. He has damaged our fiscal and moral health, and he has diminished our ability to influence other nations, making the World more dangerous than when he took office. He squandered the unprecedented International outrage after 9/11 by following a Neo-Con (AKA: Keystone Cops) approach to complicated International dynamics. He cannot be forgiven for his stupidity. Neither can those who still cling to a failed ideology that may well have set our Nation on a path to self destruction.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:53 pm 245. Cathy:This was a wonderful column. I was a life-long Democrat until 2000–just got tired of the Clinton sleeze. GW is a great leader, as history will show. Bubba could never have handled 9-11 the way Bush did–he would have wanted to negotiate, and there is NO negotiating with this radical mentality. They just want to kill us.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:53 pm 246. Ralph:I’ve taught a class on JFK for years, and I totally agree with you that JFK was never like today’s Democrats–he was more of a moderate, and definitely about keeping the peace and above all keeping America safe, just like GW.
Mr Silver,
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:54 pm 247. oscar:Your a brave man in a “my way or the highway” industry. I agree on many of your points. I think most of the country is Socially liberal, Financially conservative and want to protect ALL US citizens even if it means fighting in a war. LOVE YOUR WORK.
Dear Mr. Silver,
As an actor and an entertainer I know how much courage it takes to have a view that is different than the misguided neoliberals. The Left-leaning entertainment industry punishes those in the entertainment industry who do not follow the Democrat Party’s platform. In essence, the Left has little to no tolerance towards those with a different point of view. I am more afraid of the Left, who are more apt to limit First Amendment rights in the name of “peace and justice”, than the Right. If a Democrat/liberal reads this post they will roll their eyes and dismiss it as trivial. Such is their arrogance and hubris. Thank you for your clear thoughts and courage.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:54 pm 248. Harold Zuckerman:Ron
I always liked your work but like many others from the right and left you have a higher opinion of your self then most of us do.
Why not continue to do what you do best….or if you think it’s the right thing grap a rifle and enlist.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:55 pm 249. Jack Kingston:Dear Ron, Reading what JFK and HST said I conclude that if they were around today they’d be moderate Republicans. I guess I’m a Lieberman Democrat who is disgusted at the bigoted, irrational, demented and seditious ravings of the Hollywood Left and its friends in the media. Its always amazed me how people who claim they “care” for the average Joe and Jane, world peace, fair play, etc. are so self centered, greedy, self absorbed and ego centered and treat many of their employees or people they perceive to “lesser” mortals like indentured servants. Hypocrits is too kind to describe them.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:55 pm 250. Stephanie Rubel:Ron, thanks for saying those things outloud. I felt very alone and was wondering why I was thinking so different than everyone I knew. At most social occassions I would be very quiet so as not to start arguments, but I would usually try to stick in, “I don’t agree” as I would go towards the buffet. I felt because I had lived in Israel, as a teen, and saw how we were hated by the Arab countries that surrounded Israel that the hate was real and deep. So I thought I was a war monger. And I didn’t even know what it was. I just knew I wasn’t willing to turn the other cheek. So I wasn’t shocked by 9/11 like ALL of my friends, I was shocked that it took so long. The rest I got from Oprah, she always says “when someone tells you something, believe them”. And I believe they want us all dead, they told us.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:56 pm 251. tony:thanks Ron..it takes huge ones to buck those wacky hollywood jerks on their very ivory towers..they are so far removed from the real world..wait til the bad guys come for them…tony.bronx NY
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:56 pm 252. Ken:I really enjoyed you in Veronica’s Closet.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:56 pm 253. Dean:Pre-emptive war is not American.
I appreciate your candor and intentions, but revolutionary liberal internationalist behavior is bankrupting our country and killing our kids. Easy to tout until you’ve been in combat.
I too am ultraconservative, but realize America can’t change the world to suit it’s fancy. And the taxpayers who have support all of this will eventually see, every great empire and civilization has attempted exactly what we’re doing now, and they all ended the same.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:56 pm 254. Franco:Ron, You have given your reasoning to us in a very persuasive and non- confromtaional manner. I could not agree with you more. You have just made a big fan out of me. Thanks for not shrinking into the closet about your views. Hollywood is not a friendly place if you are not a liberal. I just wish more celebrities would stand for what they believe in without worrying about who they may offend or what roles they may lose.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:57 pm 255. Lisa:Mr. Silver, thank you for your eloquent thoughts on both the War on Terror and the entertainment industry. The entertainment industry was infiltrated long ago by communists, as Ronald Reagan learned when he was president of SAG. Reagan was threatened so much he had to start carrying a gun around with him. The industry hasn’t changed much, except to switch over to Socialism and Stalism – i.e. threatening to take away away your job unless you keep your mouth shut about any conservative views. Is this freedom?? Is this tolerance?? Such as people like George Clooney and Susan Sarandon often talk about? Is this the party of Harry Truman and FDR? Both are probably rolling in their graves right now, along with JFK.
As for those of you crying out against waterboarding (which has only been used three times so far), think on this; if it’s a choice between the members of your family or waterboarding a terrorist, which would you choose? I’d really like to know.
Mr. Silver, thank you for your bravery in speaking out, please keep writing.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:57 pm 256. Dean:Pre-emptive war is not American.
I appreciate your candor and intentions, but revolutionary liberal internationalist behavior is bankrupting our country and killing our kids. Easy to tout until you’ve been in combat.
I too am ultraconservative, but realize America can’t change the world to suit it’s fancy. And the taxpayers who have support all of this will eventually see, every great empire and civilization has attempted exactly what we’re doing now, and they all ended the same.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:58 pm 257. Edward:Ron
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:59 pm 258. Art Vandelay:thank you for speaking out and for not being intimidated.
Ed
Ms. Worsley asks, “Why do the liberals always suppose to know what is best for everyone else?”
My response, “Based on what we’re seeing now, why do the few war cheerleaders that are left always supposed to know what is best for Iraq? Saddam was bad but was it worth it in lives, money, and heartache to bring in a new regime?”
Oh, if Mr. Silver goes to Iraq, I hope he sees the Iraq that exists outside of the Green Zone.
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:59 pm 259. Patrick Seaman:Ron,
I grew up in the era when republicans and democrats could argue and yell on the hill — and go drink together in the pub afterwards. Not agreeing with each other, but with some level of respect and decorum. Nowadays I think we’ve regressed to the era of 19th century yellow journalism.
Years ago I helped move JCPenney from Manhattan to Dallas. For the next several years I enjoyed wonderful lunch table debates with my new liberal friends. I never thought I’d miss that.
Thank you for your level headed sensibility. Thank you for having the courage of your convictions when it would be so easy to follow the reactionary and emotional crowd.
Thank you for your civility and grace.
Hang in there,
Nov 16, 2007 - 2:59 pm 260. William:- Patrick Seaman
I believe they misunderstand history. Now would this be the history that most conservatives know as interventionist policies only make things worse over time (i.e. blowback)? Or would this be the revisionism of history by Republicans that believe it is our responsibility to police the world? Wilson’s mistakes helped to lay the groundwork for the wars of the 20th century just as George Jr.’s mistakes if not corrected will lay the groundwork for the wars of the 21st century.
Beat that wardrum a little harder Ron. The majority is not listening. Not after the mistakes of Iraq. And boogeymen in Iran won’t do it either. The only thing Junior has done is most likely hand the government to the party of even bigger government for the next 8 years.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:00 pm 261. Angelo Zenga:Ron it takes courage as an actor to take such a stand. I comend you, and concur with your thoughts. Hollywood, as the results of the anti american anti war movies show, is out of touch with middle America. On the other hand I believe that you are. Thank you for standing with us.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:00 pm 262. aldo buccilini:YOU ARE A GREAT ACTOR AND A POSITIVE CONSERVATIVE LIBERAL,
ALDO
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:00 pm 263. Paterson Plank:Ron,
Outstanding article. I’m glad I came across your Blog. I will be back, often.
My political leinings are not important. I tend to read what I find interesting, from the right or left.
To only read what you agree with is boring.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:01 pm 264. The Cowboy:I am a right leaning American. I happen to agree with everything you said in this article. I am sorry that you get ridiculed for your support of freedom for others and at the same time happy to see that you allow it roll off your back. Those people who would ridicule you are the same ones who would stone to death Imus because of his comments. You said it best with the “sticks and stones”. Too bad they would only support the civil rights and freedoms of others when it’s beneficial to them.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:01 pm 265. Rosalie:…thank you so much for your courage to stand tall. God keep you safe, Mr. Silver.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:02 pm 266. HarryBalls:Ron, You clearly are a thoughtful and intelligent person who has been able to disassociate himself with the group mindthink around him. It’s rather ironic that those who foolishly believe that talk solves everything and who pretend that we are not engaged in a life struggle with Islama-fascists would likely be among the first to be silenced and stoned to death by them if they had the opportunity. There are times when I truly wonder if it is possible that more than half the world is below average. Just a thought. HB
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:04 pm 267. Brandon Shane:Rational dialog. We need more like this. I think most people in this country think exactly like you. It is the extremes that have hijacked the parties and put us in more danger than ever. History will be kinder to GWB than we can expect. The far left will bring down this great country of ours. There is maybe only 20 good years left here and the left will bring this country to its knee’s. Great column.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:05 pm 268. Gregory Peter:Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:06 pm 269. Jeff in Kabul:I can only agree more. You articulated the Bush Doctrine so well…kudoS to you for standing up to your fellow Hollywood loonies…it’s about time Republicans stand up to the assault from the Democrats…let our voices be heard! …GREAT JOB RON!
Art,
Not many of us have the training, experience, and opportunity to come to these places. Many do and are here.
If it was as easy as going to see a recruiter I’m sure you’d have already bought your ticket to third world country to protest real abuses rather than sitting in your livingroom fat, dumb, and snarky, complaining about all you have to put up with living in America.
Before you start commenting on what others are doing, let’s make sure your shoulder is to the wheel somewhere.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:06 pm 270. Jenn Coolidge:This administration has been such a disappointment on SO many levels! The missed opportunities to make this world a better place, the ruined lives, the graft the corruption!
IT BREAKS MY HEART
Bring the troops home NOW (my son included) and stop the senseless killing of innocent people for oil.
Restore the republic! Reinstate the Constitution! Reinstate the Bill of Rights!
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:06 pm 271. John:Hi Ron, enjoyed the post. I’ve often thought the entire political spectrum has inched left over the last 20 years. GWB is the new John Kennedy (leftists love to hear that)! Anyway I agree the current left has lurched instead of inched left again. Let’s pray what conservative movement that survives the next 20 years doesn’t follow them.
John
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:06 pm 272. to TMF:No attacks since 9/11? Why would there be? You don’t attack an enemy that is in the process of self-destruction. And we are doing just that – spending ourselves into debt controlled by China. Everything must be sacrificed at the alter of Israel. “Who should we attack next, Tel Aviv? We (the Neocons) don’t care how many Americans die for Israel.”
Why attack when they are in the process of moving every sleeper agent they wish inside our borders thanks to Bush not realizing that immigration, along with trade, puts us on a path to destruction.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:08 pm 273. Pablo:Well said Mr. Silver. I fought in Iraq during OIF-1, the early days. What we in the military called, “The Wild West”. One only had to be present during those days to see the gratitude from the people of Iraq. I was a truck driver that carried equipment all over the country. I did not sit on some base for my entire tour like many of our veteran protesters. I was there, with the people. As a unit, we logged over 2.5 million miles and saw many things, several of which have yet to be reported. During our tour and the amount of travel around virtually the entire country, it was evident that Saddam did two things with the money that he received from his corrupt “Oil for Food” program. Number one was build palaces and number two was buy weapons, lots of them.
My unit spent months traveling everyday to locations throughout the country with Special Operations to secure and transport missile systems back to BIAP for inspection and disposition. Systems such as Al Samoud missiles, hundreds of them, identified on the UN Banned Weapons list were everywhere.
Speaking of the UN, anyone wanting to really know why countries such as France, Russia, Germany and others did not support our invasion only has to read the “Oil for Food” final report. Even a preview of the executive summary will identify the vast influence and money trading back and forth illegally between companies within and supported by these countries.
You are correct to say that history will reflect the decisions made today. I for one refuse to allow the memory of my dead friends and comrades to be mocked or reduced to an insignificant blip in the story of this great nation.
I typically summarize my thoughts on whether we should have invaded Iraq by telling a short story. One hot day in May of 2003, while on the side of some forgotten road South of Baghdad, several children approached us to say hello and sell us cigarettes. One boy about 8 or 9 years old came up to me and presented me with an Iraqi bill. Most dinars at the time had Saddam’s face on them, but this was one of the few that did not. He gave me the bill while showing me the front and back and saying, “No Saddam”, over and over again. He then stepped back, saluted me and then wrapped his arms around me and hugged me as if I were a long lost family member.
I will never know what made this young boy do what he did. To have the courage to approach a stranger, dressed in “full battle rattle” and express such raw feelings of happiness and gratitude. For such a young boy, the future of Iraq to be compelled to share with me his sense of elation was a humbling experience and one that I think of every day of my life.
So when asked, as a veteran of this awful war, should we have gone there? Should we be there now? I say to them… ask the boy?
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:08 pm 274. Marty Mason:Bravo for you Ron Silver. It takes far more guts for a man such as yourself to take the positions you do, than for a weasly George Clooney to spout the Hollywood status quo. My hat is off to you, God Bless.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:08 pm 275. Richard:“Containment and deterrence are ineffective in this brave new world. There is no containment if you can’t see the enemy; there is no deterrence if the enemy desires death.”
Right on.
Here’s hoping it rubs off on them…but I wouldn’t hold my breath, mate.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:09 pm 276. raven:I am sorry, but anyone who can support Joe Lieberman should be disqualified from holding an opinion. And by the way before you point out the First Amendment – you and Joe Lieberman do not extend those rights to anyone who is a victim of “extraordinary renditions” (and there are and have been totally innocent victims whose lives were shattered) There are and have been young teens and 65 plus year old men there – however rabid they maybe, i assure you they are no worse than the teen murderers walking the corridors of our schools or our streets of Joe Lieberman’s ‘hood. Why dont we send all of them to Gitmo, without a trial, why dont we just disappear the gang elements of the US. Frankly why dont we send you and Joe Lieberman there as residents for life since both of you seem to love that hell-hole so much. Nor does that idiot from CT recognize the madness visited on the denizens of Iraq. After all it is a deliberate policy of the US government to NOT report civilian casualties inflicted on a nation whose only flaw was it had a dictatorial and murderous leader who derived his primary support and his chemical weapons raw materials from you guessed it, the United States.
That is hilarious since you do not know what hi-impact ordinance does to children born living with its detonations, nor does Lieberman, the coward, why dont his children get to the frontlines of any war.
THERE SHOULD BE A LAW, ANY LAWMAKER WHO VOTES FOR A WAR HAS TO OFFER UP THEMSELVES, OR A SPOUSE OR AT LEAST ONE CHILD OR GRANDCHILD OR NIECE OR NEPHEW TO SERVE IN FORWARD OPERATING BATTLEFIELD UNITS, now we will see how Joe Lieberman feels then or you for that matter.
Whatever happened to you Mr. Silver – this WAS the country of “give me your poor, give me your weak, give me your tortured, give me your persecuted”; founded on the principle that the state cannot be permitted to abrogate an Individual’s right to live free, speak freely, think freely, worship freely. Now this country tortures people as OFFICIAL policy (we all know human beings are not perfect, we are all flawed and prone to excess in times where fear dominates) and sends people it “disappears” (think USSR, Argentina, Chile, Peru, El Salvador, Guatemala, China etc) to countries where these poor souls are tortured with the full knowledge of the US government. This is revolting – and you are Jewish, you and Lieberman should know better, your history should make you amongst the first protectors of our humanity. No situation should permit institutional acquiescence to the debasement of human rights nor condone these crimes against humanity. And your support for it and the man who is singlehandedly shining the King of the US (i.e. Dick Cheney) and his peon’s (i.e. GWB) shoes – Joe Lieberman is preventing the the US Congress from eliminating this blot from our collective guilty conscience. If we become like our enemies, they have won, not us.
It is a sad day when ignorance and lack of appreciation of the gift the US constitution bestowed on those within its realm, and is overwhlemed by the fear mongers. I leave you with FDR’s immortal words (and even he succumbed to populist pressure with the despicable Japanese interment camps – just a matter of degree, there were no gas chambers there, nor crematoriums, but is there any real history of what happened to the thousands if not millions of families and their descendants in its aftermath). “Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”: FDR’s First Inaugural Address
If i sound somewhat sarcastic – it is not intended to be personal. Would like you to actually think about your ludicrous position statements, that is if you are capable. Humility and the ability to change course are the hallmarks of the greatest of men and women of history. Tenacity and perseverance are completely consistent with the values enshrined in our constitution. Inflexibility, stubborn-ness and the pursuit of fear as a means to consolidate power are the characteristics of history’s butchers, mass-murderers and dictators.
What are you – a Democrat? You are not even a Republican, since any real Republican or Conservative would never defend the state from destroying an individual’s rights as Joe Lieberman has enabled. After all, it was the enablers who permitted those giants of history your positions indirectly or directly elevate: Louis XIV, Adolf H, J. Stalin, Pol Pot, Mao Tse Tung, Zia Ul Huq, Shah Reza Pahlavi etc.
Your views would be laughable if it were not for the fact that you enjoy them because you are here and they are “there”.
If there was an election today in CT, Joe L would not have a prayer of winning – that is a bet, Americans like all humans make mistakes, once, twice – perhaps but almost never a third time, because they have something no other earth-dwellers have- its a sacred book of ideas called the US Constitution which guides and protects us and STILL serves as a (now wounded) beacon to all of humanity.
Raven
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:10 pm 277. Charmaine:I think you’ll see by the many comments made here in support of your positions that you are definitely not alone. The reactions against Bush policy are often emotional and based on a quasi-religious hatred that always accompanies extremism. A thinking person would see the courage of your position and that of our President. I too believe that history will be the best and final judge. Thanks for your fortitude!
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:10 pm 278. MrOns:I am a California Republican, and I too respect Senator Lieberman. If he represented California, I would surely vote for him.
As to the reference “neocon,”
libs have been throwing this one around for awhile now. The Strolling Bones (thats Rolling Stones, for you libs) even have a song, calling Bush, “my sweet neocon.” I think the libs use it because they think it refers to Republicans. But once again the facts get in the way. The term means “new conservative” or “new wave conservative” It was first coined and used by Senate Democrats in 1970 to label fellow Democrat Senator Henry “Scoop” Jackson and his supporters because they sided with Republican on the issues of abortion and school busing.
Well done Mr. Silver
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:11 pm 279. Normando:Thank you, Ron Silver. You are in my mainstream of thinking. Joe Lieberman and Tony Blair are both liberals with the sense to realize that liberalism cannot survive under misguided sharia law. We are in war with the forces of illiberalism.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:11 pm 280. Legal Immigrant:God Bless you!
You and Senator Lieberman are great Americans.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:12 pm 281. Realitycheck:Politics, today more than ever, is just a sport, with one side being really really horrible, and one side being good. Reality, however, is that most people agree with some parts of one party and some parts of the other. Most people aren’t the ones screaming….
To anyone screaming about how bad the Bush administration is..what would you do if someone walked up to you punched you in the face, took your wallet? Can’t call the police! Would you try to reason with him? Apologize for something done in the past and rationalize that he had a reason, and hope he doesn’t hit you again? Or do you hit him back, keep hitting him back, and only stop when he crys uncle, and only begin discussions after he swears he will never, ever do it again.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:12 pm 282. Robert Henry:Reality is that too many countries are content to sit back and let terrorism grow in their borders, because it is not aimed at them.
Like it or not, Bush has reached out and made it clear it is not the US’s problem, it is everybody’s problem.
Want to judge success? Listen how loud some of these countries are complaining…like their approval ever was in the best interests of the US….
Excellent blog Ron! It was fantastic reading and right on the money. It amazes me that so many Americans just don’t get the simple fact that we are in a real war against terrorism that absolutely must be won! President Bush has done a fantastic job protecting this country. Can you imagine what would have happened in WWII if the media had the same attitude & power it has today? If people could just remember 09/11 and how most everyone believed it was just the begining. The President will be sorely missed soon after the next election. I’m afraid that the majority of people won’t realize the real danger we face until it’s too late. I hope that you keep on explaing your beliefs and that our fellow countymen awake from the slumber of apathy. We aren’t perfect but we are without a doubt the good guys.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:13 pm 283. Tom Rosenblum:I love you man!
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:13 pm 284. Kathleen:Thank you Ron, for a great article. My daughter is a theatre arts major, and is having a very difficult time as a conservative at the California State University she attends. She stands true to her convictions, but has lost parts in plays because of her views.
The “tolerance” of the left is a joke. They are only tolerant if you conform to their views. Anything resembling conservative, or *gasp* Christian beliefs, is universally condemned and ridiculed by the left. They are the most intolerant group I’ve ever encountered.
Thanks again for a great article and continuted success.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:14 pm 285. RogerT:Wow, there is intelligent life in Hollywierd, and it goes by the name of ‘Ron Silver’!!!! You gave an articulate and thoughtful view of our current state. Many kudos to you and standing for what you believe in. I feel in my heart there are more ‘quiet, confident conservatives and supporters’ of the Bush administration than there are critics. If you all watch the Ken Burns documentary on the Civil War, or do your history homework – Lincoln was very much hated and had low marks as a president during the war, was even called a ‘baboon’ by many – but now he is revered. I believe history will prove the same of Bush… You have a new fan, Mr. Silver, God bless you….
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:15 pm 286. Goodbye Natalie:Mr. Silver,
I am amazed you haven’t been blacklisted by the so called tolerant jet set of Hollywood.
I too am a fan of Joe Lieberman not because I agree with him on most issues (I don’t) but I know that he loves his country and is a gentleman. Though I’m far more conservative than you to be sure, I admire someone that can rationally state their reasons for the way they think and how they arrived at their conclusions. I’m willing to hear the other side and debate.
Ironic after 50 years that the same ones that scream McCarthyism today are the same ones putting it into practice.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:15 pm 287. Jordan:Ron,
I applaud your open-mindedness in the west coast counterpart to the Southern Bible Belt. I, as a moderate conservative, heaved a lot of respect towards Joe Lieberman durning the Democratic Debates of 2000. His current situation in a party that doesn’t want him puts him in a position that should garner more attention. In the current atmosphere of sever bipartisan politics we should pay more attention to people who are getting kicked out of their parties. They (like yourself) are typically the only people focusing on the issues and not the politics; doers not talkers; revolutionaries, not reactionaries.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:18 pm 288. JOHN:It is pathetic how you and all these bright people who were taken by George Bush, and the illthought policies he grabbed on to prior to 9/11 (particularly those that dealt with Iraq), are four years later trying to defend the policies and the incompetent execution of those policies by trying to deify Bush. In fact, Bush was so focussed on Iraq and refighting the cold war during his first 8 months in office that he did not attend to Osama Bin Laden and the Islamic terrorists who had attacked the Coe, tried to blow up the WTC, attacked two embassies, and tried to disrupt the millienium celebrations on the West Coast. Eight months spend on SDI! Not only is Osama still at large but we are paying radical moslems, and wacky Venezeluans, close to $100 a barrel. Maybe since you are in Hollywood you can go out and rent the Machurian Candidate and see if that movie is more relevant than Nostradmaus in predicting the future.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:18 pm 289. glass1on2full:To Samir …
crybaby …
torture is not murder, and you support murderers..our torture was humiliation in Abu Ghraib…are the Arab/Islamist so weak that they equate humiliation with actual torture..
oh, I forget…they are that weak…didn’t a recent “peace” negotiation of an upcoming Israeli/Palestinian summit fall through because the head negotiator had to wait a humiliating 4 hours..
The Palestinian officials were reported to have been on the way to a meeting, at which a joint draft negotiating document was to be discussed, when they were stopped at a West Bank checkpoint near Jerusalem.
“We cannot carry out negotiations like this, we don’t go to negotiate with them in order to be humiliated. We represent the Palestinian people and the Palestinian cause this is a humiliation we can’t accept. We will propose never to conduct negotiations in Israel again,” Chief Palestinian negotiator Ahmed Qureia stated.
come on, who are the real crybabies…except instead of throwing fits they throw bombs..
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:19 pm 290. blog nerd:“Many people felt that the threat posed by Saddam was more tolerable than the risk of removing him. I disagreed and still do. Many of these people now feel that the threat of a nuclear Iran is more tolerable than the risk involved in making sure Iran doesn’t have such capabilities. I think they have it backwards.”
Amen, my brother.
At what point did the Left abandon the defining issue of classical liberalism: ANTI-TOTALITARIANISM?
The mind. It boggles.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:22 pm 291. M. Eiford:The lIBERALS, FeeeL(!) that the terrorists are forced into their anarchy by the BigBadWest(read America), that if we are nice to them they will like us. They will NEVER like us, because they hate our FREEDOM! They LOVE Control, and that is what they want. The terrorists must have Control so that they FeeeL sanctimonious, safe, and right. They cannot stand FREEDOM! In a situation of FREEDOM, someone might disagree with them, which opens the possibility that they are not RIGHT. Therefore they must have control. When they believe that they are rewarded by death, and that their death (and ours) furthers their cause, they are not negotiable. LolliPop Diplomacy by the lIBERALS says to be nice, give them a LolliPop, and they won’t behead us. Huh! They will take the LolliPop and then behead us.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:23 pm 292. scott:Why would anyone care what Ron Silver has to say on anything? You are not being ostracized in Hollywood, your people are being ostracized from society! Your thinking is a detriment to America as well as the human race and people are waking up.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:23 pm 293. Jason Clements:Mr Silver, thank you for a concise, well thought out post. While I do not agree with your stance on the war or Mr. Bush, I welcome coherent thoughts. That is something that is so missing in our public discourse. As I try to find my political footing in today’s world, I seem forced to wade through a sea of hyperbole and BS talking points. Thanks again.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:24 pm 294. Joseph:Ron, I admire your willingness to speak out and I agree with your assessment. People forget that Sadam paid the families of suicide bombers twenty-five thousand dollars to blow up innocent Israelis.
It’s interesting to note that number of suicide bombings in Israel has decreased since Sadam was eliminated. Oh, and to Angel, the Cold War was fought and contrary to your notion that not a single shot was fired, American blood was spilled in places like Korea and Vietnam.
But, alas, those who fail to learn the lessons of history are bound to relive it.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:25 pm 295. TMF:WHy is it that the most anti-semitic, incoherent, and mentally unstable comments here are from LEFTISTS?
Just wonderin’
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:25 pm 296. Jason Parise:It’s hard to care about the opinions of an obviously pro-Israel person like yourself, when speaking of what America should do. You seem to believe that military intervention and killing the enemies of your Israel is the only solution, when it is obvious to me that the march of time will change the nature of the middle east just as it already has done. Capatalism and the spread of ideas will have their effect, it always does.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:26 pm 297. Clark Westfield:Ron,
Very well written with well articulated views. You have come a long way from “Those are our planes!” days.
Very rational and logical column. It’s obvious that you know right from wrong.
Well said!
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:27 pm 298. Bob:Ron, in a bad sci-fi movie, you would be the renegade who leaves the enclosed colony on some distant planet, pronounced dead and vilified to stop others from following your path, having found your habitat was a prison and paradise and freedom waiting outside.
Your existence presents a critical problem for the left in Hollywood. You cannot be invited to parties or given honors. To acknowledge your existence validates your views. It is why eGore has been given an Oscar AND an igNoble prize.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:27 pm 299. I'm a moderate too:I think you are a excellent actor, but a political idot. You are not a moderate, a democrat, but a Neo-Con in denial. Keep acting, but stay away from the camera when you talk about politics. It makes you look stupid.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:29 pm 300. jD:Hey! Shouldn’t you be on strike? Heh, just kidding pal. Great article. Wish your numbskull friends in Hollywood had half your sense and logic. Keep it up sir.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:29 pm 301. Tom Shirk:Mr. Silver: Lincoln was vilified by his own cabinet members. The Secretary of War once used the phrase; “Mr. Lincoln’s painful imbicilities” to decry his handling of the Civil War. Someday doen the road, the truth will come out….
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:30 pm 302. Maniac:It is good to know that not all of Hollywood sucumbs to what is considered fashionable and politically correct. You have courage to take these views in a business that is so intolerant of any thing but the far-left position. For that alone, you deserve credit.
But you have also articulated quite rationally the foreign policy of the last years, which was not about Halliburton, blood for oil and US inspired conspiracies to blow up the World Trade Center.
It is too bad that the far radical left in Hollywood overpowers and shuns thoughtful people just like McCarthy. Perhaps if they were better educated and more tolerant, the debate in this country would be more honest. When supposed Hollywood luminaries like Sean Penn praise Chavez and condemn Bush as a Nazi, you have to wonder how much of a bubble they must be living in.
Regards,
Maniac
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:30 pm 303. Rome:This is for Ron Silver, and not
a submission for posting.
Sir:
You may be interested to read my blog at the following:
http://www.pressbox.co.uk/detailed/Arts/Why_is_the_Media_Liberal__37844.html
For other commentary of mine:
Braintweezers.com Jerome Ostrom
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:30 pm 304. Steve Brennan:Ron, The sheer number of postings expressing support for you and admiration for the clarity of your thought brings hope to my soul. I pray it does the same for you. I only wish that more of the “closeted” conservatives in Hollywood demonstrated your bravery. Who knows, it might turn out that Hollywood conservatives are not as rare a creature as the left would have us all believe.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:32 pm 305. Nancy Rice:Ron:
You are the most honest, intelligent and forthright actor in Hollywood. The rest of the
idiots make me sick.
I have always admired you and after reading this
article, I am convinced and want to praise you.
The way you have articulated how I feel too, is amazing.
I am a lone voice here in Southern California, surrounded by left wing loons. The left’s hatred of George W. Bush clouds their thinking. They are not rational.
You are terrific, I resect and honor you for
your independent thoughts and actions. I
know you vocally support the troops as I do.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for being
a bright light in Hollywood.
Nancy Rice
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:32 pm 306. Jim:Reality is that Silver, Liebermann, Abrams, and many others of the Neo-Cons are “reformed” Jewish liberals, who just happen to find themselves in company with the knuckle-dragging, Jesus-Loving, “fag”-hating, gun-loving, right wing yahoos who’s intellectual depth is measured in nanoinches. Why these hitherto informed people have departed so clearly from their roots is an important question. One answer, and likely the correct one, is that they are more concerned about Israel’s security than they are about ours. Sadly Israel, with an enormous store of good will generated by holocaust guilt, has nearly lost the moral high ground. When people like Libermann, et. al. argue for preemptive war, the cause of reason is lost.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:32 pm 307. Anonymous:Dear Ron,
I appreciate your well-thought out analysis. Thank you for having the courage and intellectual candidness to speak out so eloquently. It can’t be easy with the vacuous, uninformed and ignorant tinseltown folks.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:32 pm 308. Jay M:It is rare, no matter your political persuasion, to say what you mean and mean what you say and then stick by it…
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:32 pm 309. shoopeedoo:Lefty liberal, Hollywood Idiot, Communist? Ron, I support your right to free speech, but don’t the ridiculous comments posted below give you some idea how biased and immature your peer group is? Conservatism is moving backwards. Stop acting like 4-year-olds on a playground. Grow up. Enlighten yourselves. George W. Bush has started an illegal war and everyone in the world is paying heavily for it. Right now. In this moment. Hollywood is not full of dimwits. The red states are. Hollywood sees there is something wrong with people dying torturous deaths every day for a lying, greedy administration and they don’t want to stand for it. Those who trade liberty for security deserve neither.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:34 pm 310. Mitche Erickson:Among the Hollywood masses…one man stands tall. As a member of the United States Army, I salute you!
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:34 pm 311. Mark:Bernard is shaking in his slippers because he is afraid that W is out to get him. Bernard’s greatest fear is that Bush is vindicated.
What does a Bush vindication mean? It means millions of Muslims living in peace in a democratic and open society. It means the death of al Qaeda. It means fewer terrorist attacks. It means a more stable world economy. It means the spread of liberty.
No, Bernard can’t allow that kind of vindication.
Those bigoted Dixiecrats aren’t now Republicans Bernard. They are dead. And they died racist democrats. What else is new? Now their children may be Republicans but they abandoned their cultural racism for Republican values. You know those values instilled by Lincoln and embraced by every Republican leader since!
But I bet Bernard believes blacks are inferior and need lower standards whether its in education admissions or civil service requirements.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:35 pm 312. Rick:Mr Silva is part of a rare and dying breed, a gentlemen. I am a conservative republican and disagree with many of his stances/opinions. Yet, because he communicates with respect, logic, and a non-adviserial way, I listen. I only wish our Senators and Congressmen were as stately as he. As President Reagen said, “you don’t have to be disagreeable to disagree.”
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:35 pm 313. Anonymous:Dear Ron,
I appreciate your well-thought out analysis. Thank you for having the courage and intellectual candidness to speak out so eloquently. It can’t be easy with the vacuous, uninformed and ignorant tinseltown folks.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:36 pm 314. Righteous Bubba:I see that hundreds of posts later comment number one still stands as unassailable.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:37 pm 315. Moron.Org:Some interesting responses to you, Mr. Silver:
1. “I understand the necessity of preserving our national security, but why does the President feel the need to keep the American public in constant fear?”
Actually, it’s the libs who fear terrorists; conservatives are resolved to defeat them.
2. “Remember, the Cold War was won without firing a single shot.”
Truly non sequitur, the Soviets didn’t fly our own airplanes into our buildings either…
Bush Derangement Syndrome is a terrible disease. Instead, the libs should be guarding against George Soros and his totalitarian plans to run their lives.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:38 pm 316. Sissy Willis:A Drudge-a-lanche for Pajamas Media. Wicked cool, Ron. You’re a real trouper.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:39 pm 317. Chuck Warren:The only “dunbass” here, Bubba, is you…and the awful president who carried your namesake.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:39 pm 318. Ron II:Hey Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:40 pm 319. Sissy Willis:Well Done. I too was a liberal Democrat until Carter gave the world Islamofascism and embarrased me for voting for him. I realized then that I was actually a conservative. But now, whenever I hear the buzzword “Neocon” and see the context in which it is applied, I can’t help but wonder if that’s a code word for “conservative Jew who finally pulled his head out of his @$$ and found the only hope for the Nation state of Israel lies in anti-terrorist policies of America and therefore can no longer vote Democrat”. Can anybody help clarify term that for me?
AND and Instalanche . . .
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:40 pm 320. Dawn:Ron,
As usual you are right on target and I applaud you for your vocalness considering most of the aptly named La-La land group has it all wrong. Keep up the good work.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:40 pm 321. Guy Arthur Thomas:“Righteous Bubba :
Many people felt that the threat posed by Saddam was more tolerable than the risk of removing him. I disagreed and still do.
That would make you some kind of – my apologies for the technical term – dumbass.
Nov 15, 2007 11:40 PM
Well Righteous Bubba, if Mr. Silver is a dumbass in your estimation, from looking at your blog, hahahahahahaha, I’d say you have a long way to go before graduating to dumbass.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:40 pm 322. Rick Barnes:Ron-well done.You are a John Kennedy Democrat!
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:41 pm 323. Scott:As a Republican and an admirer of President Kennedy,I wish the Democratic Party had more John Kennedy Democrats.Alas,it appears most died or became Republicans.
They were always the loyal opposition.
Here is the thing. I firmly believe GWB went into this with noble intent. The problem is that
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:41 pm 324. Phil:no one on the planet can define “winning” in this situation and still have us there. If to win means toppling a monster and setting up elections then we are done and should come home. If winning means eliminating an army that deosn’t wear a uniform then it can never be shown as won. Terrorist like Al-Q bomb and terrorize all over the planet and if we kill every stinkin one of them in Iraq are we then to go to the Phillipines?. ..France?…Africa? Does Mr. Silver think it’s okay for the right to label anyone who disagrees with this policy as anti-American or a traitor? As long as we stay on the ground we can keep violence down but do you want your grandson walking a beat in this country in 10 years? When VP Cheney said he didn’t think it would take 6 months was he being honestly naive or lying? Neither answer bodes well for us. At the end of the day I believe the minute we leave is the minute that Iraq starts to transition to a Muslim extremist goverment. I do not believe it is worth one more American life for a war where victory cannot be defined or clearly won. Imagine if we took the awesome resources we have used in Iraq and insteadput that emphasis on our own securty in this country. The notion of fight them there so we don’t here is flawed. After we are done in Iraq do we use the same logic all over the world? It is just a mess. Mr. Silver will most certainly be welcome into the conservative circle to express his opinions while other entertainers with differing opinions will continue to be told to shut up about politics. It’s a shame it hascome to this.
“I’m a Joe Lieberman Democrat” – That analogy is spot on.
And about the Presidents critics being profoundly wrong…You could’nt have said it better and now I wonder if your Nostradamus reincarnate!!!
Way to go Ron, God Bless You and your family!
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:41 pm 325. chuck sylvester:thanks ron. from a southern socalled redneck. i know we donot count, but you and i know we do. long live you and rush. god bless. chuck
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:41 pm 326. louisr:Ron, you will always have work, because you’re a darn good actor and
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:42 pm 327. EDMAC:Hollywood knows that.
Keep speaking out, maybe that would give other “freedom defending liberals” a little more courage on their positions
Ron, This is my first reading, picked this up off of the Drudge Report. I have to say, I’ll be coming back more to read this page. Your grasp of history and today is amazing and could not be more right. We have to stand by our principals and this new terror we have must be matched with our firm resolve. More of our citizens need to stand behind our efforts to make a safer world. Thank for this article.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:42 pm 328. Vince:Thanks,Ron.Right on the money!
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:44 pm 329. Ed Hulse:Ron, I admired your courage and commitment during the 2004 election cycle, and I still do. I also appreciate the clarity and cogency with which you’ve consistently articulated your case.
I would describe my own political views as conservative with a libertarian bent, and though I’m a registered independent who generally (but not always enthusiastically) votes Republican, I conceivably could support a Democratic Party candidate who espouses the views you’ve expressed here and in other venues.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:44 pm 330. Loretta:Ron:
Thank you for your well written and well thought out opinion of President Bush and what he is trying to do. I only wish more people would realize it.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:44 pm 331. dlbizzz:Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:45 pm 332. DougC:Good article.
Want to make some money? Produce or star in a movie showing American soldiers, our sons, brothers and fathers, as the heros that they are for freeing 25 million Iraqis and Afhganis and getting rid of the Baathist and Taliban in those two Countries, respectively.
Left Wing cr@p like “Redacted”, “Rendition” and “Lions for Lambs” will never sell to the American public. Only leftist lemmings are dim enough to buy those as a true representation of our men in uniform. Thats because they have never served and dont know the truth.
Ron,
Well done article. You expressed for many, including myself, their feelings on a number of subjects. I have been an independent since Ronald Reagan who I admired. With the political landscape I don’t quite know who I can fully identify with. Similar to you, maybe a little bit to the left of the right of center.
And I too agree with what you stated so well, especially about Senator Joe Lieberman. Senator Lieberman’s experience is the best example of what the democratic party has become – turncoats to their own base. I would be ashamed to call myself a democrat based simply on how they treated a great Senator that represented his constituents quite well. He is a great American representative.
For me it is a sad commentary how the democrats have drifted so far away from its roots and are now pandering to the radical far left and socialist inclined groups. It is a bit frightening.
I wish you well in all of your future endeavors.
God Bless You
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:48 pm 333. Jeff:Ron,
Thanks for putting down your ideas and beliefs in such a thoughtful way. It would be nice, for a change, to hear the “ideas” of the far left instead of only the “hate Bush” or “blame Bush” rants. I don’t think any of them are capable of an original thought unless it is first screened, postulated, and approved by the left wing front groups (Soros, et al).
How about it lefties? Any original thoughts or God (oops the “G” word – yikes) forbid actual detailed and well thought out solutions to the problems the United States faces today, including timelines and budget – without raising taxes to pay for it?
The best thing that could happen to the Republican party, longer term, would be a Democrat elected to the White House in ‘08. After 4 years of continuous tax increases, massive increases in socialist entitlement programs, open borders, the virtual collapse of the health care industry, hospitals, and public school systems, and mismanagement of the country, the Republicans would dominate politics for the next 100 years.
Yee hah – Hillary in ‘08!
Go, baby..
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:48 pm 334. mike:WOW…for an actor, this gut is pretty bright. Too bad most of Hollywood tends to be cumber than a brick.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:49 pm 335. Tyrone:Very nice…..well put and very reasonable.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:49 pm 336. GStevens:Yet, as shown by comments like that of “Jim..11/16/07..3:32pm”, it is lost on the “head in the sand” liberals who seem to think that everything is our fault and if only we “chatted” a little longer or sent more money…all would be right with the world.
Pity we can’t get them to pull their heads out of the sand..or elsewhere (Hollywood, are you listening?)
Keep up the good work.
George Bush has an unfavorable rating in every country on Earth…save one. Israel.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:50 pm 337. Andrew:The fact that Ron Silver never mentions his true motivation for being a “Lieberman Democrat’ means he is as untrustworthy as Bush is stupid! Too much American blood has been spilt and too much of America’s treasure wasted to prop up the totally unAmerican concept of a religious state like Israel.
Ron…for once just be honest about where your true loyalties lie!
I believe… I am stupider for reading that post. There is a reason why people are calling you out Mr. Silver. You are wrong,and it makes it more maddening when you continue to be wrong and ignore facts.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:51 pm 338. Ziggy:Mr Silver,
Your words are quite eloquent, but I am not convinced. One of the primary arguments against this “war” in Iraq and Afganistan has been its basis: It was built upon lies, deceipt, and misdirection. If we ignore those uncomfortable facts, then, yes… Mr Bush is doing the right thing, I suppose. From where I sit (a bit left of center, with the occasional foray into the middle bits) neither Mr Bush nor yourself (though the impetus is not upon you) to answer a very important question: WHY did 9/11 happen. What is it that the USA has been doing since WWII that has caused, after 55 years, people of oppressed third world countries to finally strike back at us? Why don’t we talk about the nasty things the US has done in order to “preserve the nation”.. or do we accept our less than honorable deeds as the price of being the world leader?
Other oppresive regimes (UK, France,) have had their turn with terrorism, and perhaps it was only a matter of time that the world’s strongest nation had its unfortunate turn. Do I agree with Terrorism? No, not at all. It is cowardly and reprehensible. Innocent people who had nothing to do with US foreign policy suffered. However, if an oppressed people with no resources have no ability to fight a “legitimate war”, then they may feel their only recourse is to use their bodies and impose havoc. Bush used this tragedy to stage a war he and his ilk have always wanted.. a war that destabilizes the region terribly, but ensures that the US “Has to” keep a strong military presence in order to “keep peace”.
The men whom you named: FDR, Kennedy, Wilson, Truman, had much greater issue made their decisions; when they were required to become world leaders: World Wars imminent nuclear threat, etc. These men had these trials thrust upon them. The “war” of GW Bush was of his own making. Don’t think so? As yourself: Did 9/11 require a War as a response? Well, we STILL haven’t caught Osama (made a lot of hay out of not catching him, though.. didnt he?) and… as we both know… Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11. I do agree with your assessment on one point, however. History will judge GW Bush….and his supporters. Best wishes.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:51 pm 339. Brian:Mr. Silver,
Well said! I appreciate your honesty and bravery.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:51 pm 340. Lt. J. Fishman:Thanks for all that you do to support our war efforts, ensure victory and make the world a better place. Who could have imagined that today it is the LIBERALS who aren’t troubled by a future genocide in the Middle East if we were to retreat immediately, it is the LIBERALS who wouldn’t mind if a sociopathic dictator was still running his rape rooms, gassing the Kurds and Shia, and the LIBERALS are more concerned at defeating George Bush over defeating Islamic terrorists and the Mullahs in Iran. We love you Mr. Silver
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:55 pm 341. Mark:Yes Jim, we know that you know how smart you are. Your intellectual depth is immeasurable. Only idiots would love Jesus and support the 2nd amendment, right?
So your racist accusation is that Silver, Lieberman and Abrams love and care more about Israel than they do America simply because they are Jews. Wow – such brilliance. You are smart, you are.
Why don’t you sophists on the left try using your brain to FIRST understand our position before using it to come up with childish attack lines that have nothing at all to do with our policy disagreements? I know why not? Because you would have to actually think and that is just too tiring for liberals these days.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:55 pm 342. Art Vandelay:JeffinKabul,
Thanks for your service and God be with you.
I have traveled in the 3rd World and I am well aware of the abuses that go on in those countries. As an American, I worry about us becoming a Third World country. We have a small political elite that governs at the expense of the many and our income divisions get worse by the day. And when government benefits so few, democracy gets injured and our freedoms could be subverted through illegal wiretapping and torture.
However, it appears that you are questioning my patriotism. I knew that it would come to this. And this is what is horrifying and anti-American about this debate. We have gotten to the point where its “patriotic” to support a wreckless foreign policy. When anyone with an opinion that disagrees with those in power is considered unpatriotic, that’s dangerous. Branding a dissenter as un-American could lead to the “real 3rd World Abuses” that go beyond warrantless wiretapping and the torture of prisoners. Why? Because the other side is not the loyal opposition but an enemy, a perhaps treasonous one. And in our country, treason is punishable by death.
The Conservative movement is one that always needs an enemy to demonize. Whether its Liberals, Mexicans, gays, Muslims, blacks. There are enemies to America, such as the terrorists who attacked us on 9/11. Let’s the fight the real enemies, not the rest of us who disagree but are active, productive, law abiding American citizens.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:56 pm 343. Lt. J. Fishman:Thanks for all that you do to support our war efforts, ensure victory and make the world a better place. Who could have imagined that today it is the LIBERALS who aren’t troubled by a future genocide in the Middle East if we were to retreat immediately, it is the LIBERALS who wouldn’t mind if a sociopathic dictator was still running his rape rooms, gassing the Kurds and Shia, and the LIBERALS are more concerned at defeating George Bush over defeating Islamic terrorists and the Mullahs in Iran. We love you Mr. Silver
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:56 pm 344. Dr. Gene Wilkins:You wash yourself in FDR, and Harry Truman…and forget Harry’s “the buck stops here” Bush and certainly Regan never applied that philosophy…you chicken hawks are all the same…you never play the game…the army is looking for recruits…big talk, but no walk…Limbo, Henny, all those crackers…wear your American flag on your lapel, but no uniform…no guts…same old..same old crap says this veteran with the First Infantry Division…
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:56 pm 345. David:Hollywood is wholesale liberal hypocrisy, where free speech is celebrated so long as you are knee deep in political correctness.
I admire any actor or entertainer willing to self-identify as a conservative or Republican, as they will surely suffer the slings and arrows of La-La Land.
There is a reason why these people spend their lives in a land of make believe. It is the same reason why these same people make horrible political leaders.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:56 pm 346. Steve:C’mon Ron, Fess up like Ed Koch did when he switched to the GOP to support Bush. Is there anyone who wonders why life long Democrats like you and Joe Lieberman converted to the War Party?
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:56 pm 347. Prospector:Too many fools in the west feel that, with dhimmitude, our enemies will act rationally, fairly, and with mercy. This is the biggest mistake in war. Mr. Silver, you do not share these faults with your fellow celebrities and their like-minded travelers. It may be true that former liberal neo-cons and bible-thumping, republican evangelicals have found common cause, but it is also true that Al Qaida has found sympathy with treacherous, rat-bastard left-wing democrats.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:56 pm 348. Peg:Thank you, Ron Silver. So well stated, so clear and direct, so – right.
I hope that history proves GWB – and people who share your views – correct. I hope so not so we can say “I told you so” – but because the world will be a far better place.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:57 pm 349. Former Dem:Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:57 pm 350. Dr. Gene Wilkins:Well said. People need to think about what would we be looking at today if we had NOT invaded Iraq.
Do you thing Saddam and his two nut ball sons, would just be sitting there, as Iran builds nuclear bombs? I don’t think so. He would be doing everything in his power to beat them to it. How would the far left feel about TWO nuclear Nuts in the middle East? Two nuts that just about drove their countries into the dirt fighting a war for 8 years and killing hundreds of thousands of each others prople? We need to think of the “what if” in this case.
You wash yourself in FDR, and Harry Truman…and forget Harry’s “the buck stops here” Bush and certainly Regan never applied that philosophy…you chicken hawks are all the same…you never play the game…the army is looking for recruits…big talk, but no walk…Limbo, Henny, all those crackers…wear your American flag on your lapel, but no uniform…no guts…same old..same old crap says this veteran with the First Infantry Division…
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:57 pm 351. mister me:shoopeedoo: You are mistaken about Hollywood. Read Debbie Schlussel’s website to learn how Hollywood’s war movies of the past few years are all about trashing America and making the Middle Eastern cultures and people out to be victims. Some other idiot mentioned that there have been no attacks on American soil in 7 years. The idiot thinks this is due to Bush’s actions. It obviously isn’t related to ANYTHING Bush has done if every other day, the news shows how our airports, highways, ports etc. are not being protected. Otherwise, I agree with the very first comment. Mr. Silver is a dumbass, plain and simple. Hey neocon imbeciles: Bush and Cheney are killing your sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, not the Iraqis.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:57 pm 352. Vinnie V:Bravo Mr. Silver,
Just added you to my favorites. I identifed all to well with your original take on Chris Matthews. I am a JFK Democrat that has lost his party. I side With Mr. Bush. Imperfect yes. A noble cause for democracy in Iraq…absolutely.
Best regards
Looking forward to your next post
Vinnie
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:58 pm 353. John B:You are a brave man. I am sure it is difficult to risk your career and personal relationships as you have. You should know that out here in the hinterland you are much admired. Thank you.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:58 pm 354. tom morgan:Ron,
As well written as any defense I have seen of President Bush’s actions. Quite moving. Keep up the good work.
Nov 16, 2007 - 3:59 pm 355. jD:Liberals try to incite emotion in us by calling us “unenlightened” and “biased” and “immature.” But we in the GOP are logical beings and do not succumb to petty emotional prompts.
We read your posts and smirk to ourselves and say, “Man, it must be really miserable and depressing to a liberal.”
Your logic never adds up. None of your projects ever work, and you never want to solve a problem…only wish it away with “good intentions.”
If we call you names, it is because your party has proven itself to embody all of the handles. Good luck in life. The economy is roaring, our soldiers are winning, and if you feel bad about your life, send the troops a care package, or give a donation to the Fallen Heroes Fund. It’ll make you feel better.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:00 pm 356. to Scott in Houston:First off, who are you loyal to? The US or Israel?
I am reading a lot of traitorous posts here from people who think the US should be sacrificed for Isreal. We would have many allies, cheap oil, and not have the other threats we have from China if not for a very small but powerful group in Washington co-opting US policy to benefit Israel (not to mention sending them ENORMOUS amounts of money they turn around and use against us.)
It speaks volumes that you neocon traitors don’t know much about History. We VERY MUCH provoked Japan into attacking us by placing an embargo against them – an act of war. We were involved on the so-called Allied side in material support. We were not innocent then just as we were not innocent pre-9/11.
We were “hating” the Russians when they hadn’t even invaded our country. Imagine if they did. Then realize that is what we have been doing in the Middle East.
Also, Israel attacked a US ship and machine-gunned Americans on lifeboats. Those from the attacked ship, the USS Liberty, reject the “mistake” coverup. The “mistake” excuse is a blatant lie. Machine-gunning lifeboats is WAR CRIME REGARDLESS.
Israel was born from terrorist acts! What they engage in now, attacking civilians with the military, making unprovoked attacks on its neighbors, is terrorism in my book.
So, if you approve of Israel, you can’t even object to the “official” US-as-victim story of the attack at Pearl Harbor! After all, they were just engaging in “pre-emptive retaliation” – the Zionist term for “unprovoked attack.”
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:00 pm 357. Brian:Hello Ron,
Excellent commentary. You express your views with eloquence and intelligence, raising you above your Liberal detractors.
Rarely do I find someone with views which align so closely with my own. And living/working in Hollywood, I find I must basically ‘keep my mouth shut’ about things when friendly discussions turn political. No matter how intelligent or fact-based my points are, all I usually receive back is hate and lies. And in those situations it is pointless to continue.
Now and then, though, I do find someone who comes up to me afterwards and says quietly “you’re absolutely right. I’m a Conservative myself.” Usually that has to be said in private and quietly because sometimes jobs can be lost for it. So much for the ‘tolerant’ and ‘open-minded’ Liberals, I guess.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:01 pm 358. John:Seems your critics are ill-informed and crass.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:02 pm 359. alisa:Ron,
I like you.
I really really like you.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:04 pm 360. HarryBalls:Raven, I’m sorry but I couldn’t hear your comment. I think it was because your head was up your a** and you had a d**k in your mouth. Next time please speak more distinctively and intelligently. Just a thought. HB
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:04 pm 361. Jeff:I find it stunning that anyone on the planet still believes that George Bush was intelligent and persuasive enough to convince the majority of the U.S. Senate and Congress that invading Iraq was a good idea. I guess, what, that makes Bush smarter than all of them put together? I thought the Dem’s were supposed to be the smart ones? And yet they voted for it. Go figure.
It only takes about 3.5 nanoseconds of looking on the internet to understand (assuming the person looking has an IQ above 15) that the intelligence organizations of the entire planet thought that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction. And he also tried to convince anyone who would listen that he did, primarily (in his warped mind) to keep Iran from attacking him.
Wake up and smell reality morons, and stop with the lies that you’ve continued to state for so long you actually believe them yourselves.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:04 pm 362. dershowitz:Just read an article about how those few Republicans in Hollywood (all 5 or 6 of them) are afraid of being called Republicans because it might hurt their careers. Congrats for not being afraid of criticism and exercising your Free Speech rights!
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:04 pm 363. Scott:Ron,
Very well written and thought out. I respect anyone who stands up for their convictions. I also happen to agree with your sentiments.
I have always been confused by Hollywood’s mentality. What’s with this left wing political group think out there?
You are a great actor and a credit to your profession. That should count for something in Tinseltown, wouldn’t you think, lol.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:06 pm 364. DeepWheat:in re: A>J. [~ Nov 16, 2007 01:05PM] :
“SADDAM HUSSEIN and IRAQ had NOTHING to do with 9/11. How many times to we have to pound that into your thick conservative skulls. Stop making the connection.”
The People of Afghanistan had nothing to do with 9/11 either, but “Progressives” somehow still seem to think THAT war is OK… move along folks, there’s nothing [logical] to see here!
And if going to Iraq was excusable in the first place (what with all the Best Intelligence available at the time…), why, according to the Left, all we’ve accomplished is to drive the populace into an endless “civil war”. BUT, if we “re-deploy” all our troops to Darfur as they suggest, are we not sending them into the EXACT same situation?
Again and again and yet again we are assaulted with the venom, invective and towering IL-logic of the Left.
Observing Liberals at the dawn of the 21st century reminds me of my last visit to the Primate House at the zoo, where the residents spend their days swinging around the landscape and screaming at each other, all to no productive end. When they DO notice the humans on the other side of the glass, their most frequent response is to throw feces and scream some more… still to no productive end. *sigh*
Mr. Silver, I witnessed your address at the 2004 RNC, which together with GA Gov. Zell Miller’s speech marked some of the very best moments of the entire event.
On behalf of all Conservative Americans (many of whom are also Republicans), please accept our thanks for your passion, your courage and your patriotism. May God bless you, your family, AND your career, wherever the Muse may lead you.
~ May the God of our Founders watch over our troops, as they keep the watch for ALL of us here at home. Amen.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:07 pm 365. Cynthia:Wow – I’m impressed – thoughtful, ungoverned by specific partisanship, freshly minted from an independent mind in a world where it can’t be popular to be so. Thank you – it is always worth my time to read something so well thought out and clearly explained. Sadly there are too few of you who are able to do so.
Cheers!
Cyn
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:08 pm 366. Vince:You are a class act, Mr. Silver. This is my first visit to your site and I am very pleased with your personal courage, and your comments on the current crisis. You have the right blend of patriotism and passion. And why not? America is worth fighting for. Keep it up!
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:09 pm 367. Goodbye Natalie:JIM SAYS: Reality is that Silver, Liebermann, Abrams, and many others of the Neo-Cons are “reformed” Jewish liberals, who just happen to find themselves in company with the knuckle-dragging, Jesus-Loving, “fag”-hating, gun-loving, right wing yahoos who’s intellectual depth is measured in nanoinches. Why these hitherto informed people have departed so clearly from their roots is an important question. One answer, and likely the correct one, is that they are more concerned about Israel’s security than they are about ours. Sadly Israel, with an enormous store of good will generated by holocaust guilt, has nearly lost the moral high ground. When people like Libermann, et. al. argue for preemptive war, the cause of reason is lost.
Perhaps you were what Isaiah was thinking when he penned these words:
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.
I think the Hollywood crowd has finally arrived to board…Witness progressivism. Isn’t it lovely?
Faux elitism, vile, anti-Christian, anti-Semitic rant – almost covered all the bases in one post.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:10 pm 368. dman:Mr. Silver,
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:12 pm 369. Dee Gay:Well said.
You are so righ!!. History will vindicate Pres.Bush, just like it has Truman.
DG/
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:12 pm 370. Mister G:Like the popular bumper sticker says, “I am a Conservative, therefore I think….”
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:14 pm 371. Your Jewish Master:Hey Ron,
Great work. It’s hard being a Jew on the outside of average Jewish political opinions. And on the outside of those of your profession. Been there, done that!
I have always thought that GW Bush was a JFK liberal, not the ultra-conservative he is accused of being. Take JFK’s inaugural address and replace “communist” with “islamo-fascist” and you’ll see what I mean.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:16 pm 372. Ron B.:Thanks, Ron. Great work. I’ve now made Silver Bullet one of my few favorites.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:17 pm 373. Brian:Hey shoopeedoo,
It sounds like you need to grow up and and get educated. Bush did not start an illegal war. There was never an end the the first Gulf War. There was nothing illegal about us going into Iraq. Since there was an existing declaration of war, Bush didn’t need congressional approval. However, he asked for it anyway…and got congressional approval.
The “War in Iraq” ended on the day Saddam was captured. The fighting going on now has nothing to do with Iraq or Saddam…it’s terrorists who started a war against the U.S while we were freeing the Iraqi people from tyranny.
Now, we are there to help the Iraqis stabilize their government so they can defend themselves. These are people who have had no freedom for a couple generations. It’s not an easy process, especially when neighbors are salivating at the chance to conquer them as soon as we leave.
People like you would rather sit by and let the world be crushed by oppression, so as long as you get to keep your own freedom. Well, freedom comes at a cost. Fortunately for you, you live in a country where there are people who will die for your freedom even though you would not do the same. Those same people will give their lives to protect the freedom of those who live in other countries.
It’s too bad that arrogant pricks like you don’t think ALL people deserve the same freedom you have. You spend your time complaining and whining on the internet. You have no idea what real oppression is.
Don’t try to rewrite history. Hollywood doesn’t provide anything to the world except photo-ops with fake smiles. If Hollywood disappeared tomorrow, it would be no loss. It’s a self-important goat rodeo.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:17 pm 374. Scott:The moment ANY poster resorts to an Ad Hominem attack to allegedly make a point, they have conceded the argument.
All they have done is to show how little intellectual integrity thy possess, and to illustrate their inability to muster a coherent argument. The typical reply when they are called on this is more ad hominems.
Unfortunately, the primary purveyor of this tactic comes from the supposedly free-speech loving LEFT. Their way to shut down a discussion – real nice, btw.
YOu rock, Ron – keep up the good fight!!
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:18 pm 375. John Gress:Ron, I admire your courage to speak what is so clearly true. And to do so while your lively hood and career can be controlled by the doublespeakers. I will go out of my way to pay to see you in any movie or film and show my support in my little way. God bless you. Keep it up.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:19 pm 376. Susan:John
Ron it is so nice to have an actor say what I am thinking and supporting. That is a rare commodity. Thanks for speaking up!!
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:20 pm 377. Kory:Well Stated, Simply Put, and Right On The Point!
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:21 pm 378. Jersey George:Ron,
I’ve always admired your acting. Like your writing even more. Fight the good fight.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:22 pm 379. Robert Ellison:Hello Ron Silver: When will you run for President ? .. after all, you are a Democrat that the Democrat party is “kicking out” so to speak. In other words, you are “leaving” the Democrat party…. I remember once, on tv, that Dan Rather asked Ronald Reagan “why did you leave the Democrat party ?”… REAGAN replied, “I didn’t leave them, THEY LEFT ME.”… Mr. Silver, it looks to me like you are well on your way to being our next great Conservative President… ps: you are exactly right on all your points. .. pps: I am sorry your series “SKIN” was cancelled, as i loved it…..Have a good life..
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:22 pm 380. to Jeff:No, Jeff. Many people were saying the “intelligence” was faulty, including those in the community who admit they were under pressure to tell Bush what he wanted to hear…which, btw, was to find an excuse to invade Iraq even BEFORE the attacks!
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:23 pm 381. Left Is Right:So Ron, what exactly did Saddam have to do with 9/11? Where are his weapons? I realize that Rumsfeld has the receipt to some chemical weapons in his pocket when the Reagan administration sold Saddam weapons to fight the Iranians, but those weapons are long gone.
How did Bin Laden learn about modern warfare? Oh yeah, the CIA under orders from the Reagan administration taught him when fighting in Afghanistan in the 80s against the Russians.
If the neocons actually did know anything about history, which it is evident that they don’t, then we would all have learned from these past mistakes. The CIA term for this is “blowback”.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:23 pm 382. nomoregimmick:Hey, it’s better than Arron, Arron, the Saddam lover!
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:23 pm 383. Dick Shirkness:Mr. Silver: You should be proud of yourself for expressing your values in such a hostile environment. I must say you are quite articulate and passionate. I suspect that your antagonists do not have any idea about how nutty they appear to us in the fly-over country. God bless.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:24 pm 384. Paula:Here! Here! I’m so glad you are not afraid to stand up for your beliefs in liberal Hollywood! My hat’s off to you & wish more of the more conservative bunch in Hollywood would speak up as well.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:25 pm 385. rl in BR:If you neocons are serious about this “war” of yours, by all means, go ahead and join the armed forces and ship off to Iraq and kill some muslims for King George? If bush were serious about this threat, why doesnt he nuke every last one of these people so they are no longer a threat? All hat, no cattle! What a bunch of cowards!
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:25 pm 386. Vince:Bravo Ron, you are a ray of sunshine in a sad dark town.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:26 pm 387. juandos:Funny how leftist libtards, especially the Hollytards forget where they came from just a few years ago…
I’m sure they don’t want to remember this: http://tinyurl.com/3aqds4
or this: December 16, 1998
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
(http://www.fas.org/news/iraq/1998/12/16/981216-wh2.htm)
THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Earlier today, I ordered America’s Armed Forces to strike military and security targets in Iraq. They are joined by British forces. Their mission is to attack Iraq’s nuclear, chemical, and biological programs, and its military capacity to threaten its neighbors. Their purpose is to protect the national interest of the United States and, indeed, the interest of people throughout the Middle East and around the world. Saddam Hussein must not be allowed to threaten his neighbors or the world with nuclear arms, poison gas, or biological weapons.(there is more
Or this: FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 455 (http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2002/roll455.xml)
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:26 pm 388. Jacobin:Ron, perhaps you should research Wilson and the men who formed his New World Order concepts. It was Carnegie Endowment that discovered that the best way to change society is through war, so how do we start wars –> influence the State Dept.
The question therefore is, do you support the U.S. initiating or even inventing wars to change society?
“They seem to have had no very clear idea until Dr. Nicholas Murray Butler…got excited about the peril of the Allies in World War I and decided that the best way to establish peace was to help get the United States into the War. To this end he began to use the Endowment funds.” Rene Wormser, Foundations: Their Power and Influence (1958), Lead Counsel of the Reece Commission.
http://unitedelite.net/globalization.html
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:26 pm 389. GSB:Good for you Ron Silver. You are an original thinker, using your brain for something other than trying to impress others. If you are a centrist, then so am I. I am not a big GWB fan, but I have never said a bad word about him, nor tried to make others belittle him either. I’d like to know about other infuential people who are also reasonably mentally indowed.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:27 pm 390. AT:I am curious as to what these same folks were saying when Bill Clinton was bombing the Bosnians and when he was threatening Iraq with a military confrontation? Were they pro-war then? Did they demonstrate and call for an end to the war in Bosnia? I do remember Martin Sheen saying at the National Press club that he wished they would bulldoze the Pentagon. He almost got his wish.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:27 pm 391. Alan:Ron:
A standing ovation for you. Your voice is a lighthouse for those of us drowning in the sea of Libtards out here on the Left Coast.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:27 pm 392. John:Bravo.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:28 pm 393. Ralph:Gee, and I thought Hollywood was so open-minded. At least, that’s what George Clooney said when he went on about Hattie McDaniel winning her oscar.
Gosh, they really do not like anyone conservative there, do they?
ANd they expect us to listen when guys like Baldwin and Sheen forget they are only playing a part, and are NOT the President or in the FBI, etc.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:28 pm 394. Steve L.:Ron,
A “neo-con” was defined by those who coined the term as “a liberal that has been mugged by reality.” That they would use that to taunt you is laughable, and that so many libs masquerade as intellectuals is just one enormous farce.
I admire your courage and you’ll have my movie ticket paid for anytime.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:28 pm 395. Anonymous:M. Silver, I heartily agree with your observation of being informed what the remainer of your positons on a variety of issues must be based upon your statement of one (an increasingly common occurance it seems). I find it most irritating that after having given a full and nuanced accounting of the reasoning for a position I hold, to be told that I must also hold another position at complete variance with that reasoning; meaning (I am fairly certain, I hope there is another explaination), that the person believes I am a hypocrite or that the effort epended in explaining my reasoning was wasted because the person wasn’t paying attention to it. I hope you can continue to find it amusing, and wish I could, perhaps you have some advice on how to keep it amusing?
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:29 pm 396. Jill Sim:I wonder, Mr. Silver, how you can support an administration of war drum beating men who avoided at all cost the ‘national security needs’ of their time, aka their service, during the Viet Nam era, and yet in willful ignorance of the true costs of war, without hesitation, sent innocent men and women into grave peril, not to mention caused the deaths of an unspoken million innocent Iraqis, for what is tantamount to a lie?
And does this administration today support our troops? Truly?
The Bush administration manipulated the American people, played on fears and emotions following 911, a date which created a lot of Republicans, in order to fulfill a longterm goal of geo-political domination for the sake of an uninterrupted flow of oil and cash into the hands of close friends.
Follow the money.
Thanks,
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:30 pm 397. Anonymous:Jill Sim
It is INDISUTABLE that Saddam Hussein planned to launch terrorist attacks INSIDE the U.S.:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3819057.stm
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/06/18/russia.warning/index.html
“Russian intelligence services warned Washington several times that Saddam Hussein’s regime planned terrorist attacks against the United States, President Vladimir Putin has said.
“The warnings were provided after September 11, 2001 and before the start of the Iraqi war, Putin said Friday.
“The planned attacks were targeted both inside and outside the United States, said Putin.”
Given the Leftwing hysteria at Bush over a generic memo warning of al Qaida terrorism before 9/11 – - can you imagine the ear-shattering screeching from the Left if Bush had NOT invaded Iraq and Saddam had gone ahead with his plans to launch a terrorist attack here?
Leftist response to the War has been notable for two things:
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:31 pm 398. Anonymous:1. Stunning intellectual dishonesty:
2. Monumental hypocrisy.
It is INDISPUTABLE that Saddam Hussein planned to launch terrorist attacks INSIDE the U.S.:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3819057.stm
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/06/18/russia.warning/index.html
“Russian intelligence services warned Washington several times that Saddam Hussein’s regime planned terrorist attacks against the United States, President Vladimir Putin has said.
“The warnings were provided after September 11, 2001 and before the start of the Iraqi war, Putin said Friday.
“The planned attacks were targeted both inside and outside the United States, said Putin.”
Given the Leftwing hysteria at Bush over a generic memo warning of al Qaida terrorism before 9/11 – - can you imagine the ear-shattering screeching from the Left if Bush had NOT invaded Iraq and Saddam had gone ahead with his plans to launch a terrorist attack here?
Leftist response to the War has been notable for two things:
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:31 pm 399. Guy Davis:1. Stunning intellectual dishonesty:
2. Monumental hypocrisy.
Ron, you’re not only a talented actor, you’re a brave and intelligent talented actor. Bravo!
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:32 pm 400. Cathy:The right of all men and women to live in freedom is so important- and fragile. I do not understand those who are willing to write off the possibility of enabling freedom to bloom in countries like Iraq that need it so desperately. If we CAN help, we should do so. That is how those with courage live.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:32 pm 401. frank hackett:You had me on your side till you brought up lieberman,he is a zionist first before america.A turn coat of the first order.He wants to lead us into iran so that we are always at war with Israels neighbors.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:33 pm 402. Bliss:Mr. Silver
“Bravo” How very American! Let us who still love this country unite. Those who wish to dwell in the past……dwell away. Let us move forward together as a free nation. Again, very well done!
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:34 pm 403. Annette:David, Your atory struck a very sore spot in me. For 40 years I have had the misfortune to live in the Bay area liberal left coast and have only told my family but never told anyone else I was a Republican! I would have been a social outcast! You and I at least have had the privilege of knowing just a little about what the blacks feel like! Why don’t all of those rest of those card carrying, monolithic, anti-dialogue Soros liberals move out here and maybe the resultant weight will trip them all in the Pacific Ocean. They’d have a ball swimming around with everyone that thinks the same way. I also was smart enough to never tell anyone in my PHD program or else they probably would have flunked me. It’s terrible to live in this land of freedom of speech and know that if you share some of your opinions you will be chastised and likely yelled at instantly. Your article waars splendid, Ron. Thank you.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:35 pm 404. Toni S. Williams:Mr. Silver: Just wanted to add my own “well said” to the majority here. I am a revolutionary libertarian! You are very brave to speak out. You are man enough to take the “incoming”.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:36 pm 405. Wudndux:For all you who think the invasion of Iraq was to secure cheap oil: Why didn’t Bush et al just end the embargo? Saddam would have been happy to sell us all the oil we wanted, and a lot cheaper than going to war for it. Please don’t say he was too stupid to realize that. I am not stupid enough to beleive you.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:36 pm 406. LaPlaca:Ron: to bad more people in Hollyweird don’t share your passion your right on keep up the good work!!! Too bad more people in Hollyweird don’t have the B***s to speak out??? Also this goes out to Dr.G Wilkens from a Vietnam Vet from the “Big Red One” you’re an embarrassment to the men we lost over there, were did you work in finance, you’re a joke.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:36 pm 407. Mimi71:Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:37 pm 408. cw:Thank you for allowing intellect and reason rather than emotion dictate your beliefs. Oh, that others would follow your example! Congrats on a great post.
You are a fine actor and a very good man. Hang in there- “being right isn’t always popular; being popular isn’t always right.”
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:39 pm 409. Alexander:In the future, I’ll go see every movie with Ron Silver in it or writing it. It’ll give me something to do when I’m busy boycotting the rest of Hollywood.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:39 pm 410. David M:Frankly I have about as much desire to hear your opinion as I do Rosie O’s. You people are actors who have about as much information on current events as plumbers and I am not demeaning plumbers. Why in the world would anyone care what you, or Ted Danson, Martin Sheen or Kanye West think? I’d much rather hear from the valet that parks your cars. I don’t know why in the world people give a rats a.. about any of the opinions from a bunch of Hollywood blowhards regardless of where they may be politically. You are all a bunch of overpaid, self absorbed egotists.
Having said this, you have nice teeth. (And I am a rude idiot)
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:40 pm 411. Scott C.:Mr. Silver, you are dead right. While I consider myself right of center, I certainly do not count myself among reactionary Republicans, or the detestable (and traitorous, imo) far-left Democrats, which seem to be en vogue in this day and age.
It seems that men like you who, while not in complete agreement with all policies, take a political stand with a beleaguered and “unpopular” administration, bear an unfair amount of ridicule…and yet, I hear no cries of “McCarthyism” in your defense…
Regardless, you have my support, and utmost respect. Well done.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:40 pm 412. Mark:Ziggy, I am not impressed either. The war in Iraq was not built upon a single lie. Not a single lie. It was based upon our knowledge of the time. It was based upon the FACT that Iraq had signed a ceasefire agreement with us and had violated that ceasefire agreement so many times it was immeasurable. And I haven’t even mentioned the UN ceasefire agreement that was violated which led to 19 resolutions condemning Saddam’s actions. In fact Harry Reid, after voting in favor of the war, gave this very defense for why he voted for war with Iraq. The question was never about where his WMDs were – the question was had Iraq complied with the ceasefire agreement regarding WMDs. Had they? Yeah I thought so.
You asked “WHY did 9/11 happen. What is it that the USA has been doing since WWII that has caused, after 55 years, people of oppressed third world countries to finally strike back at us?”
The answer is simple. The US has spread freedom and equality and women’s rights throughout the world. That is what led to 9/11. That is why al Qaeda and their comrades despise us so much. Funny how this never occurs to you. Funny how you immediately look to blame your own nation.
You asked “Did 9/11 require a War as a response?” Such naiveté isn’t criminal but it surely is dangerous. It’s truly mind-boggling how asinine your arguments are. Don’t you get it? 9/11 revealed what is coming but next time it won’t be airplanes. It will be suitcase nukes. The threat to America is actually greater now than at anytime during the cold war. The USSR couldn’t risk war in this nuclear age. MADD worked. 9/11 revealed that we don’t face such opponents any more. We face mad men who will commit suicide on innocents to make a political/religious point. And look who is rushing to their defense – leftists like Bernard, Jim and Ziggy.
Ziggy, is there any connection between 9/11 and the first Trade Center bombing? Who did that bombing? What nation protected that bomber? Oh wow – you just reached a connection and you almost did it all on your own, lol.
You are truly dangerous people!
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:41 pm 413. Momydearestc:Thanks Ron, loved your artical. But, I don’t think the left has “misunderstood” anything. They want power back at any cost. Even at the cost of our soldiers. I have a kid serving and she feels that way too.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:43 pm 414. Wrong Sliver:Mom
Ronnie,
Your insight is limited to your own experiences. The hardest thing to ever overcome in one’s life is the ability to leave the safety of your own sanctuary and to see the world from a different perspective.
I use to be a conservative, but my experiences from traveling overseas and working with the poor, has given me a new outlook.
In the end, we all go somewhere away from this Earth, and at that time, the real value of being human and what it means to be human will shed light on the life you lived.
Ron…Wake up! You are in need of a good spanking. Take Care!
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:44 pm 415. M algore:The problem with the today’s liberals is the total lack of intellectual honesty.
When they’re in office, they are all for patriotism, listen to the candidates part time America loyalty, and when they not, to hell with America until they get power back.
They dont’t care about consequences, till in power. Listen to clinton and kerry of pre-9/11 and their saddamm condemnation.
True Hypocrites
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:45 pm 416. Joe Bic:I remember when Ron was in attendance for president Clintons first inauguration. He was upset that the Airforce did a salutory fly over in honoring the new administration. I thought Ron was a typical lefty who had no regard for military power. In short I had no use for his politics or him for that matter.
Over the past several years has he has become an outspoken “neo-con” I have paid close attention to what he has had to say whenever I saw him on television. Although I don’t agree with most of his liberal politics, I have come to respect him as free thinking man and one not willing to be defined by a specific party or stripe.
As the political discourse in Washington continues to degrade and politicians seek more opportunities to pander to their special interests, it is refreshing to know that there are some men like Ron who are risking friends, money and reputation to let his views be known. I am sure he will tell you that he is viewed by some of his colegues and FORMER FRIENDS as a pariah!
I had a friend ask me a question once relating to my own integrity in making a choice. He asked me if I was willing to give up something I have(reputation)for something I belive in. I couldn’t answer that question when it was posed. But many years later I find me asking myself that same question in important matters.
I wonder if any of the self rightous posters here would risk their next weeks paycheck to take a difficult political stand. I know I probably wouldn’t.
Way to go Ron!
Joe Bic
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:45 pm 417. Mel_:Thank you. It is about time that people in hollywood actually stood for something, rather than falling for everything. It is unfortunate that the Joe Lieberman’s of the world are being driven from their party. But thats ok, there are plenty of R’s available, we would be proud to affix one to the right of Joe’s (and all the others) name.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:46 pm 418. Scott:Dr. Gene Wilkins :
You wash yourself in FDR, and Harry Truman…and forget Harry’s “the buck stops here” Bush and certainly Regan never applied that philosophy…you chicken hawks are all the same…you never play the game…the army is looking for recruits…big talk, but no walk…Limbo, Henny, all those crackers…wear your American flag on your lapel, but no uniform…no guts…same old..same old crap says this veteran with the First Infantry Division…
Ah, the alleged Dr Wilkins proves my point by raising the tiresome CHICKENHAWK slur. Great slur, but NOT an argument, and intended to shut down conversation, and worth about as much as the paper to line Dr. Wilkin’s cage. That would make him , what, a Peacedove?
So your Appeal to Authority by touting YOUR service gives you WHAT in an argument? A moral high ground? NO, it just means that you were in the service, nothing more.
It gives you squat when you make ad hominem attacks. By YOUR logic, anyone who makes a comment outside of their area of expertise, or fails to “practice what they preach”
However, I’m sure it made you feel all good and squishy inside making the attack, didnt it? Again, all it does it make you look like an idiot, but this time, an idiot that happened to serve.
I’m sure that Wilkins will response with ANOTHER ad hominem attack, and that fallacious argument will be treated with as much respect as it deserves.
Your service does NOT entitle you to an Absolute Moral Authority card, so get over yourself.
Good job, Ron!!
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:47 pm 419. Henry Nicolle:Dear Mr. Silver,
If you please to disregard the fundamental concepts for governing in our united States, you may very well arrive at the conclusions you have stated and which Senator L. subscribes. However, if you oblige your arguments to be contained within the strict purpose and confines of powers granted and powers denied for the functions and policies of our government, you will discover that Bush is the top-scorer in treason for our last century.
I submit that your conclusions are based on faulty premises and cannot stand rational scrutiny.
You are correct when you state that Bush (current) “. . . is a revolutionary liberal internationalist”. This, Bush’s revolutionary conduct, under current delegations of power by us, the People, is treason.
It is our duty, our right of mandate and declared in 1776, to hold Bush, Congress and the courts to the bindings of the Constitution and to dismantle what Bush and the others have set in motion.
The results are already coming in, they are already disastrous abroad and at home and our decendents will never forgive us if we do not settle these crimes with immediacy and diligence.
It is not necessary to wait for history to judge us, we are creating that history today. We know what future awaits us if we do not destroy the rebels who are destroying our rights, our liberty and our ability to self-govern.
If, as I suspect, you believe that our constitution is “alive”, but an “anachronistic dead-letter”, then I suggest you look in the mirror and recognize a formerly free man who has accepted the chains of political correctness and become the betrayer of your inherent rights, your liberty and your conscience.
Best regards, – Welcome to Madame Dufarge’s list.
Henry Nicolle
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:47 pm 420. Raymond:Ventura, California
Ron,
I am an undeclared Democrat and I can sit down with anyone and truly listen and respect what they have to say whether they are right, left or spon on in the center. I always find it troubling when someone has to get punished or chastised for their “beliefs”. I sincerely believe it was classless what your collegues did with their little chant on many levels and in poor taste. I applaud anyone whom has the courage to express their views especially when they are thoughtful and provoking. My father in-law in a hardcore Republican and he and I can sit down and often enjoy an engaging discussion about politics and both walk away with something, an idea or a thought taken from the “opposing” view……… Today “This buds for you”……
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:47 pm 421. Rob:Its always good to hear a well reasoned argument rather than the sound bites and name calling everyone else seems to be spouting. We might not agree on everything, but most rational people will respect a well thought out argument.
Thank you.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:50 pm 422. John:Ron – my first visit to your weblog.
Thank you for being so clear and articulate in your thoughts and words.
You are 100% correct in your assertions and observations. I applaud you for standing tall for your beliefs and convictions in a Hollywood society which is cast as overwhelmingly in opposition to your views.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:50 pm 423. Larry:Ron,
Glad to see you think you are thinking. Awesome that your balls are growing and that finally, your prepubescent self is becoming aware of politics. Kudos to you.
‘All men are created equal’ stated in one sentence, prior to stating how racist your ‘friends’ sound in their rhetoric of ‘Arab-Muslims’ throughout the planet doesn’t equate to equality my friend. Why not just say that there are 2 kinds of Caucasians: Whites and White-trash, or god forbid the adverse.
Comparing yourself to FDR – I mean, come on young Padwon! First of all, you created some TV show aimed at giving government the ‘warm, fuzzy sweater approach’ to it’s handling of foreign affairs. I’m sorry but you didn’t start any revolutions, nor did any good for this country. Your pockets got fatter as you fuel the political zeitgeist aimed at taking away our civil liberties. Besides, how are you going to benefit, for your last name isn’t Bush. It’s Silver and frankly that indicates ‘Jew’.
I am glad that you are fueling the argument to keep us separate, as the more ‘they’ and ‘you’ can keep our minds believing we are separate entities based on religion, gender, race, sexual preference, etc…, the longer the veil of ignorance remains in this country that the people are powerless.
Here’s a thought: why not just try and convince people you are god herself and start a religion! That will give you a legal way to shelter your interests.
Sincerely,
A Patriot of the Constitution/Not a Patriot Act Condemning it and our forefathers!
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:52 pm 424. Dave:Ron:
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:52 pm 425. Michael:You are right on the mark. It’s time for some people to stop treating the war on terror like it’s just more fodder for cocktail party banter. This is a life and death struggle and whether we think so or not, our enemy certainly treats it that way. It stuns me that many of those on the left fail to realize that in an Islamic world they would not be allowed to exist. I assume that as a believer in Objectivism, my politics and yours are probably far apart on many issues but on this one I couldn’t agree more. Some of us have to be grown-ups about this.
Dave
It’s not suprising a liberal would support endless half-war, they always did in the past.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:54 pm 426. Tony:I was not aware (until I picked up your blog on the Drudge report) that anyone involved in the entertainment industry was even slightly conservative….. How refreshing and amazing!
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:54 pm 427. Justine:I was a fervent fan of yours till I heard the things coming out of your mouth when you spoke as a “real” person. Now I wish you had just stuck to acting so I could still enjoy your performances. I never understood those people who held political views against performers like Barbra Streisand. After you started speaking out, I understood. An aversion can be created. I really miss liking you. I also am not pleased with myself for reacting as I have.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:54 pm 428. Righteous Bubba:The only “dunbass” here, Bubba, is you…and the awful president who carried your namesake.
Sentences in English please or risk Tom Tancredo’s wrath.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:54 pm 429. Andy:Hi Ron,
You are spot on. Many people seem to be in denial that we are in a war. Thanks for having the courage to “swim against the current” in Hollywood and add not only balance but also sense to the debate.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:56 pm 430. connor_in:The democrats of today would be unrecognizable to the JFK, LBJ, FDR’s of yesterday…the old democrats would see more in line with the republicans of today. The democratic stronghold of the south has turned and voted republican many times and you also get men like Lieberman who are virtually ex-communicated from the Dem party
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:57 pm 431. David S.:Most intelligent people can’t watch the drivel that comes out of Hollywood anymore. Every statement in any television series and mainstream media news organization seems to be tainted with a liberal agenda ie: Bush-Bashing, Global Warming, Gay Rights, etc. And subsequently, those are the only issues that these people can talk about.
The Sheeple therefore cannot have a coherent conversation about geopolitical concerns and when you present a fact to them, they resort back to Code-Pinko, Move-On propogada (Bush Lied, People Died).
It is a truly lazy populace that eats that up. It’s easier than learning the more comprehensive truth.
And the media is making them more stupid. Turn on any network and view the crap that is presented. It’s scary.
There is such ignorance in the voting populace which is a direct result of our education system (that Bush had the audacity to set standards to improve with Leave no Child Behind) and the mainstream liberal media espousing nothing but an anti-Bush agenda. In this age of Islamo-Facism, “Entertaining Ourselves to Death” takes on a whole new meaning.
I enjoy you speaking out against the grain. Thank you for your courage Ron.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:57 pm 432. Matt:Ron Thank YOU! You see what the extreme left refuse to see. Thank you again!
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:57 pm 433. TMF:Take note leftists-
2 groups here in bed together against Ron Silver and others who support the current war effort:
The hard leftists
Raving anti semite nazis (disguised as “isolationists”)
Congrats, Dems. You are now aligned with Hitler
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:58 pm 434. Duff:Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:59 pm 435. Nick W:Thank you. You have articulated well the problem the U.S. faces in the entertainment media. Those in Hollywierd have always forgotten that they are but only a slice of America, America is not a slice of Hollywierd.
Keep up the great work and let us enjoy more of your writing.
Duff
Indiana
Unemotional, knowledgeable and eloquent. How great is that? One of the finest commentaries I have seen. How refreshing.
Nov 16, 2007 - 4:59 pm 436. Robert Montgomery:Mr. Silverman is only a temporary neocon. See, Mr. Silverman is doing what anyone who believes in an Israeli state would do which is have the US do its bidding. All you evangelicals and republican grass roots folks are being played like a tuba by friends of Israel.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:00 pm 437. Stone Cold Reality of this Situation:No attacks in the US in almost 7 years since 911
Who would have thought that on 9/12? or the following year, 2 years, 4 years????
Id say you calculated correctly regarding the risk of removing Sadaam.
The terrorists have their hands full in Iraq and Afghanista.
Some have their heads full- of dirt- thanks to our brave GIs.
Sadaam in power, flaunting the UN inspectors, harboring Rahman Yasin the 1993 WTC bomber plus Abu Nidal and Abu Abbas, funding terror in Israel and no doubt elsewhere, was simply too much to take. Something had to be done
Couldnt agree more- soldier on buddy!
Get the facts straight – the FBI funded the 1993 attack on the world trade center.
More admirals and 4 star generals have retired under this presidency than ANY other!
Bush Senior had brunch with the Bin Ladens as the towers fell in NYC.
Prescott Bush helped set up the Federal Reserve System (you know, that PRIVATE/NON GOVERNMENT related entity that we borrow money from + interest to keep our country moving? Your tax dollars go to pay the interest on these loans – not towards the debt.) Don’t you see people – we could bail ourselves out of this economic depression if we didn’t really on a central bank. Our forefathers were AGAINST this and it is written in your constitution – unfortunately, none of you, including Mr Silver, are capable of comprehending it as such.
Lastly, where do the terrorists have their hands full? We’re missing targets left and right. Who are these terrorists? We haven’t caught any of them. They are all sueing us for capturing them and WINNING!
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:00 pm 438. Steve M:Bravo, Ron! I have a feeling that where you to shake Sean Penn’s hand, the matter/ anti-matter explosion could be seen from space. Keep fighting the good fight.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:02 pm 439. TMF:As I said, I see 2 strains of Bush hater/conspiracist here:
Bona Fide Nazis
Hard Leftists
Which one are you?
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:04 pm 440. Maura Orla:Ron, thanks for not being afraid to swim against that cowardly, ignorant liberal tide.
There are so many people like you who the MSM tries to hide. But we are there, we are growing and we will be proved correct.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:05 pm 441. BILL BUETOW:RON……..WOW, SOMEONE FROM YOUR PROFESSION WRITING WITH A LETHAL COMBINATION OF FACTS, HISTORY, AND COMMON SENSE. YOU’RE GONNA UPSET MANY OF THE IGNORANT AND HATE-FILLED LYING-LIBERAL-LEMMINGS THAT HAVE BEEN BRAINWASHED BY OUR PITIFUL MAIN STREAM MEDIA.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:06 pm 442. Olderthandirt:I HAD THE PRIVILIGE TO VOTE FOR JOE SOME YEARS BACK WHEN WE WERE LIVING IN CT. I’M A TEDDY ROOSEVELT MAN MYSELF. ALSO SCOOP JACKSON, ZELL MILLER AND THE GREAT INDEPENDENT THINKER, DANIEL PATRICK MOYNIHAN.
TWO MUST READ BOOKS FOR HUMANS BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT…”THE CONNECTION” AND “TREASON” FILLED WITH FACTS THAT HAVE BEEN RELEASED AFTER THE 50 YEAR HOLD ON TRUTH EXPIRED.
IF YOU ARE A LIBERAL, BE PREPARED TO GET VERY UPSET WITH WHOMEVER YOU HAVE BEEN READING AND LISTENING TO.
MY AWAKENING CAME WHEN LYNDON JOHNSON GAVE THE COUNTRY AWAY THROUGH A LONG SENSELESS WAR AND A GIVE-IT-ALL-AWAY WELFARE SYSTEM.
THANKS FOR LISTENING.
BILL BUETOW
Iran is just fine right now, so we’re told by the IAEA. However, the minute they have the ABomb, things will go bump in the night. Then we’ll be told that the Persians just want to to join the ABomb club and here they are. Then Oops, it’s our fault that they acting up so excuse them, of course. Then, we’ll have to do something and do we really want the Socialists in charge at that time?
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:08 pm 443. Bill Bates:Mr. Silver,
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:10 pm 444. Steve M:I’m so glad to see you on the internet! You’ve done a lot of service for our country over the years and I know you must have a lot to say. I also am simply a fan of your films. As far as the work place chants, it’s simply a matter of incivility, in my opinion. I’m tired of the devolution of our culture and the “in your face” confrontations by the self righteous and misguided. Too much venom out there for my taste. God bless you and yours and have a beautiful Thanksgiving!
Peace,
Bill
At the risk of being overly pedantic, my word processing program substituted “where” for “were.” See? Conservatives can apologize.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:10 pm 445. spencer jones:Angel wrote: “Remember, the Cold War was won without firing a single shot.”
What? Are you kidding???
Have you never heard of the Korean War, or the Vietnam War? We lost thousands of troops in Korea, and 55,000 brave troops in Vietnam, fighting the communist proxies of the Cold War.
What about all of the freedom-loving East Germans who died in the struggle against their communist masters?
How about the first war in Afghanistan, after the Russian tanks rolled in? The Afghans paid one hell of a price in shed blood to eject the Russkies.
Resistance to the communists during the course of the Cold War cost many, many lives, my friend.
“Won without firing a shot”? What have you been smoking?
You are another good example of the way liberals re-write history in order to justify their flawed thinking.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:10 pm 446. someonewhogetsit:Very nice piece. You should be proud (and I hope your family sticks with you).
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:12 pm 447. DavidB:KEEEP smoking dat ganja Stone Cold Reality…..and add in a little cocaine for a spell.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:13 pm 448. Richard:Scott wrote: “Those who think we need to figure out why they (i.e., terrorists) don’t like us and to get them to like us by being nice are so completely naive.” The second part of that sentence is lazy and naive. Who wants to get them to like us by being nice? That’s absurd. Let’s stick to the first part of the sentence for a moment. Is it naive to want to figure out why they don’t like us? Where there’s an effect, isn’t it reasonable to look back at possible causes? It’s way too simple to believe or say that they don’t like us because of our freedoms. That’s so stupid. Anybody who believes that needs to think a little harder about why people act the way they do. I’m not giving any importance to their reasons, or putting any value on them, I’m simply saying that it’s absurd to believe that they don’t have reasons that are real to them for not liking us, and it’s equally absurd to suggest that a whole group of people, or wing of a political party, wants to be nice to terrorists so that they’ll like us.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:13 pm 449. Matt the Filmmaker from California:Ron, I’ve always admired your acting.
Now I have the deepest admiration for your giant, Buick-sized balls for willing to step into the cross-hairs of the New McCarthyism fanatics.
Hang in there!
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:15 pm 450. Lenny Kauwe:I find it amusing that your critics in Hollywood, don’t get that the images that most of the radical Muslim world is what comes out of Hollywood. The so-called vocal majority in Hollywood also do not understand the illogical position that they have is destructive to our country. Good Ron Silvers courage to stand up and shout!
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:17 pm 451. Susan Ray:I admire you so much for speaking out. I feel like we are being forced out of the conversation. For example on The View, positive comments about the President or anything positive about the administration are booed. It’s not ‘cool’ to support Bush. We are shunned by most all on TV. When they cover Republican debates, they only want to discuss social issues instead of National Security. My own brother told me that he is retiring when the new President is voted in 2009. It’s irrational. These anti-American movies are big sellers overseas and seen by our enemies. It reenforces their beliefs about this country already. My friends son was a Marine from Lima, Ohio that was one of many from the Lima group that was killed in July 2005. One of the channels like A & E had been following his group for a special. The special showed that their hauler was blown to tiny pieces and the marines had to be identified by DNA because their bodies were in pieces. The mother can’t discuss the painful loss of her son. However, when these people talk about the wasted lives in this war. It hurts them so much again. They know their son sacrified his life for the future of this country. I commend you for speaking out. Susan
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:17 pm 452. Willy:Screw the left wing dope somkin bed wetters.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:17 pm 453. Richard Young:From the moment the first G.I. boot hit the ground in Iraq, the Democrat party began undermining and betraying our troops and our nation. The hatred that Democrats feel for this president is sick. Sick. So if you think you are a Democrat, and expect to vote that way, consider this: People who yield to such hateful passions in making political judgements cannot be trusted to make any important decisions. Won’t it be interesting when the next terrorist event occurs in some big city Democrat stronghold…maybe 100,000 dead or something, and people like me say “Well, serves you right. Now do you get it?”
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:17 pm 454. M.Aristizabal:I totally agree. People feel at ease with what they are familiar with, regardless that there could be a BETTER way.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:19 pm 455. Steve:We are better off with Sadam GONE. The Democrats are trying to convince us that the opposite is true.
Now we should concentrate in defeating the Islamofascists.This as going to be difficult, so I am sure there will be an extreme opposition again.
If your like me, then you are a Classical Liberal. Seems most of your critics aren’t Liberal they are totalitarian, socialist, and/or anarchists.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:20 pm 456. M.Nice:I totally agree. People feel at ease with what they are familiar with, regardless that there could be a BETTER way.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:21 pm 457. RALPH:We are better off with Sadam GONE. The Democrats are trying to convince us that the opposite is true.
Now we should concentrate in defeating the Islamofascists.This as going to be difficult, so I am sure there will be an extreme opposition again.
… “Ron, Ron, the neo-con.”…
THE TERRORIST-CODDLING, AMERICA-HATING, PIAPS-LOVING, CAT-KILLING DEMLIBS USE THIS AS IF IT’S A BAD THING TO LOVE FREEDOM!!!
THANK YOU, RON SILVER, FOR LOVING AMERICA AND FOR EXPOSING HOLLYWOOD!!!
ELITE HOLLYWOOD LIBTARDS ARE FULL OF HATE!!!!
HATE!!!!!HATE!!!!!HATE!!!!!
AMERICA-HATE, AMERICA’S-GREATEST-PRESIDENT-HATE, CHENEY-HATE, FLAG-HATE, TROOPS-HATE, VALUES-HATE, RUDY-GIULIANI-HATE, ROBERT-NOVAK-HATE, JOHN-HAGEE-HATE, RUMSFELD-HATE, CONDOLEEZZA-HATE, PATRIOT-ACT-HATE, MCCAIN-HATE, FREEDOM-AGENDA-HATE, GOP-HATE, FAIR-AND-BALANCED-REPORTING-HATE, FOX-NEWS-HATE, COULTER-HATE, GLENN-BECK-HATE, BASEBALL-HATE, JOYCE-MEYER-MINISTRIES-HATE, TED-NUGENT-HATE, MALKIN-HATE, PERSONAL-RESPONSIBILITY-HATE, LIBERTY-BELL-HATE, FAITH-HATE, JOHN-GIBSON-HATE, HETEROSEXUAL-MARRIAGE-HATE, O’REILLY-HATE, HANNITY-HATE, HAL-LINDSAY-HATE, TRUTH-HATE, FACTS-HATE, MIKE-HUCKABEE-HATE, FAMILY-VALUES-HATE, FAITH-HATE, R.W.SCHAMBACH-HATE, ISRAEL-HATE, TROOPS-HATE, KJV-HATE, WILLIAM-KRISTOL-HATE, AND HUMANITY-HATE!!!!!!!!!!
THEY CAN’T EVEN THINK!!!!
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:23 pm 458. Ben:It is not the case that liberals do not believe that Islamic fundamentalists are a threat the the United States, on the contrary. We are in agreement on that point.
The point of disagreement is methodology at eliminating that threat. The Bush methodology, in spite of what you state, is reactionary. It aims to use a single weapon: conventional military force. That strategy has been shown fairly conclusively in the past to not work very well in winning asymmetrical warfare.
The reason is simple: conventional armies can’t win guerilla wars, in much the same way that infantry alone were shown to be unable to win industrialized trench wars 90 years ago. In fact conventional armies exacerbate the situation by their overbearing presence, creating more guerillas than they eliminate.
The true proactive solution is to avoid creating enemies to begin with. Islamic fundamentalists did not suddenly wake up one day and decide to hate the United States. They did so as a direct result of US support for Israel over many decades, which itself was necessary due to the need to project power in the Middle East in order to protect oil reserves: the same reason the Russians aligned themselves with the Arabs.
Israel is kind of like a old friend that constantly gets you into bar fights – someday you have to wake up and wonder whether it’s still in your interest to keep hanging out with that friend. We’re friend with them becuase we’re allies against Islamic militants, but we’re allies against Islamic militants because we’re friends with them: classic circular logic.
If the US invested the 40 billion being spent in Iraq every year into energy independence, then in a short while we wouldn’t need to project power into the Middle East anymore because it would be strategically irrelevant. So remind me again how it makes more sense to spend 400 billion dollars – that’s 3 Apollo moon programs even after adjusting for inflation – to maintain the status quo in the Middle East when we could withdraw the troops and use that money towards strategic independence?
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:29 pm 459. Kurgan:Mr. Silver,
Your actions are the thread that defines courage.
To stand and be heard, to the possible detriment of your livelihood, is admirable.
Frankly, I do not think I possess that same.
For that: I bow to you. You are included in my list of favorite public figures.
Kurgan.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:29 pm 460. Tom Leturgey:Mr. Silver,
Congratulations on being a “thinking man’s” actor, one who doesn’t just blindly accept the liberal-elite Hollywood Democrat party line that is agreed upon by approximately 2% of the country’s population.
Your column was very well thought out and engaging. Did I mention I liked it?
T
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:29 pm 461. John:Ron:
Beutifully done. I have never been able to understand peoples’ enchantment with the French Revolution when it is the American Revolution that changed the world. I have always believed that the American Revolution should be vigrously exported, in the best traditions of our Founders and people like Truman, JFK, Reagan and now GW Bush. I believe that history will treat him kindly and not because, as Churchill used to say ‘… because I intend to write it.’
You have my admiration.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:34 pm 462. Paul:Ron, Thanks for speaking out. It is nice to know there are actual American Democrats out there.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:34 pm 463. G. Gentz:I remember your comments in 2004 very well, not just your comments at the Republican Convention, but also your comments on talk shows. It was on these talk shows that your reputation comes from.
I do not care if you are a Republican, a Neocon or a radical right winger who likes to sound like a rah rah tough patriot. The fact is, that no matter how you attempt to couch yourself in this statement, you are all of these. The reality, Mr. Silver, is that you are not of some thoughtful, inbetween political philosophy, you are a right wing Republican period.
Again, you can think and believe anything you like, that’s the good thing about living in this country (or at least it was until Bush became president). The difference is that those of us on the other side of politcal thought do not suggest that people who think like you are unpatriotic or traitors. Unfortunately, that is the legacy left by Bush and his supporters like you and you have all diminished our democracy as a result. That, sir, is not patriotism.
As I stated in the beginning, I don’t have a problem with your political leaning even though I don’t agree with you. I remember your 2004 comments not so much by what you said (which were so often irrational), but by the arrogance with which you said it. That arrogance is not only what marks George Bush, but so many on the right wing who refuse to reason (it’s too easy to be what you all think is a “tough, patriot – of which you are neither. The result is the poisonous public discourse we now have in our country.
So please, Mr. Silver, stop trying to sugar coat what you are, for whatever reason you think that is necessary). The damage is done and you have little credability.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:34 pm 464. Lionus:“Joe Liebeman Democrat”???
Hahahaha…ya know…in MANY other languages, this phrase translates comfortably into “Fascist Swine.”
Face facts, Ron. Joe Lieberman has dedicated his life to JOE LIEBERMAN. He is no more a Democrat now, than he was the day he should NEVER have been nominated for VP of the Dysfunctional States of America.
Why do you refuse to trace your allegiance with Joe Lieberman to its true, and very natural and understandable origin? When others more closely scrutinize Lieberman’s true motivation (and yours), somehow it is the speaker of truth, whose motives are questioned…as opposed to holding your own feet to the fire in order to require you (and Lieberman) to stop hiding behind the facade of “National Security”.
Virtually EVERY former Empire CEASED TO EXIST the moment it began to conduct itself as though the rest of the wold could not live without it. If the world, at any given time, was sophisticated enough to divide and conquer every other Demagogue who felt they were entitled to RULE THE WORLD…why do we feel that OUR WORLD is incapable of doing so? We have TAUGHT THE CHINESE EVERYTHING THEY KNOW ABOUT CAPITALISM…and yet we are SHOCKED when CHina initiates a new arms ace, sells inferior products BACK TO US, and collaborates with NATION AFTER NATION who will ultimately bring this once great nation to its knees.
Corporate America, WITH THE ACTIVE ASSISTANCE of the Joe Liebermans of the world MADE THIS BED. Unfortunately, we are all lying in it.
CHINESE COMMUNISTS ARE NOT PLANNING TO UNSEAT THE UNITED STATES AS THE WORLD LEADER IN EVERY WAY, SHAPE AND FORM…
CHINESE CAPITALISTS ARE IN THAT BOARD ROOM.
Keep drinking the kool aid, Ron. You are serving your CHINESE MASTERS quite well.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:35 pm 465. Melanie:Mr. Silver,
I admire you very much for speaking your mind in such an eloquent way. I consider myself to the right of the left of center, as well. Neo-con? Consider the source: perspectives of a socialist. Good grief. One can’t even be an overall centrist without ridicule.
This Thanksgiving I am thankful for many things, not the least of which is GWB, our great country, the fact that my family is safe, and people like yourself, who are heard by so many people and use their platform in such a wonderful way.
Take good care and happy holidays to you and your loved ones.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:37 pm 466. RealityCheck:Ron, you are somewhat right of Attila the Hun. There is zero moderate about your beliefs and it is laughable that you can claim that.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:37 pm 467. Spirit of 1976:Instructions for “No Nation Building and a Humble Foreign Policy” as told by George W. Bush-
1. Install Dictator
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:37 pm 468. YT:2. Fund Dictator
3. Arm Dictator
4. Ignore Dictator
5. Fight Dictator
Rinse and Repeat.
You folks cannot be serious in your defense of this president or of any president for the last 30 years. Oh, if we all had money invested in wars and weaponry like our Monarchy in Chief and his family i suppose that things would be going swimmingly. Not that the U.S. dollar is worth anything anymore mind you. If you truly love America and remember and believe in “the land of the free”, support Ron Paul in ‘08 and the ideals upon which this country was founded. Not this BS “new order” that Ron Silver and Pappy Bush are trying to bring to fruition. For if this new world order comes to pass, we are slaves under a one world government and that doesn’t sound so Republican to me…
Just like GWB, Cheney, Lieberman et al Ron has a flair for pushing the big lie.
With all that has come out about dodgy dossiers, sexed up inelligence reports, rolling out the product, and nothing they said being true in the end how can anyone continue to fall for this cannard?
The neo-cons are going down. They may get their licks in on Iran but in the end they will rot in their own deception for an eternity. A clean break strategy indeed.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:39 pm 469. to Tony:“Conservative”? Being in favor of war for Israel is not being a “conservative.” It is treason.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:40 pm 470. joated:Well said, sir.
I can do nothing but shake my head when I hear people decry our participation in this war on terror.Our enemies have explicitly said they want nothing better than to kill us for no other reason than our existing.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:40 pm 471. Horacio:Thanks for being so brave. I hope you become a role model for a lot of actors that we know are of the same frame of mind as you but don’t know how, or dare to express their views.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:40 pm 472. Dave Rice:It is quite telling and sad that the very first comment, from someone calling himself “Bubba”, goes right to the heart of the matter. Fringe thinkers, primarily those on the left, perfer to show their intolerance of idea through name calling. As a lifelong democrat I expect the “Bubbas” (the fringe right) of the world to be ridiculous and …well… uneducated bufoons forever espousing argument even a 5th grader could challenge. Seems as of late the intolerant “bubbas” have moved left and taken intolerance to a whole new level. It’s not homosexuality, abortion or the removal of the 10 commandments that so enrage the “Bubbas”. It’s anyone who thinks differently than they do..
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:40 pm 473. don welch:ron, as this is probably the 500th post from this article, you will most likely not read it. others may. i am very conservative and can say you are the type of liberal i and others i know, admire and can support. it seems the whole world is on fire. we need to work together to confront these challanges and that is becoming harder to do as socialism expands. individual responsibility should trump group think every time.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:40 pm 474. Charles W Bott:Ron: Couldn’t agree with your view more. But more importantly I have sent it to my wife, who is a wonderful Jewish lady from Manhattan–need I say any more. I have been working on exposing her to a different set of values and your article will help. I know she respects you and I believe she had one of your kids in her class at the “Y” – purple room. Ring a bell? Keep up the fight!
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:41 pm 475. The Rude Dog:Ron Silver should be loved for fighting the power in his own industry for his beliefs.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:43 pm 476. inprovmomma:Most of his critics will never have the balls to risk their livelihood for their beliefs, mainly because they are bereft of a soul.
By the way, that first comment by Righteous Bubba shows that his parents failed him.
Lost in your somewhat rational opening is this statement:
Our national mission, a worthy and ennobling one, is to expand freedom where we can.
I am very confused sir where you find this mission articulated in our constitution, bill of rights, or even our federal statutes.
Our nations mission, sir, is to perpetuate the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness of our own citizenry. To throw of the bonds of servituted to foreign magnates and royalty. Nowhere do we address foreign policy, except to refuse to be ruled by others.
The Iraq foreign policy is diametrically opposed to our consitutional values.
The mission you have adopted does not exist in our founding documents, only theocratic, neo-conservative nation building values dictate this “mission” that you worship.
And that self same eurocentric view has blinded you to the significant mistake and danger that has been caused by trying to impose Western Democracy in mideastern kingdoms.
Our interference and nation building is the root cause of the rise of Iranian nationalistic defense stature – which in turn will lead to further Western interference continuing the spiral of destabilization.
I respectfully find your position a bad act by one in a terrible cast of actors. This is one show that should draw the curtain.
Don’t bother to take a bow.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:43 pm 477. Southern Democrat Wannabe:Ron:
What an excellent writer you are! And, I am so excited to find another “Democrat” like me. You may have noticed that the Democratic Party doesn’t do well in the South. I was hoping Senator Lieberman would get a chance to show just how many of us southerners would like to vote for a sensible, straightforward, and honest democrat. But alas, none ever seem to get into a position on the Democratic ticket to give us a chance. I hope that someday the Democratic Party of Sam Nunn and others returns. But I am not very optimistic. Until then, I like many others in my neck of the woods don’t seem to have our own party anymore. It’s either vote for common sense, national security, and traditional morals and faith, or vote to help not only the poor, but for a weak military, weak foreign policy, and weak moral values (if you call relativism a moral value).
Maybe more like you will speak up and take our party back.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:44 pm 478. Chris:Ron, I am a conservative, and while I’m sure there’s plenty of subjects on which we would disagree I’m glad to see men and women such as yourself supporting the defense of America in the face of ridicule and/or personal attacks.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:45 pm 479. Peter:You’re very honorable to place what’s best for the country above personal political preferences.
Whatever our disagreements in the future may be I now have a new respect for your opinions and a view that you are in fact genuine.
I think you’re an excellent example for people of all parties to understand when to be partisan and when to unite as Americans. Politics should stop at the waters’ edge.
Thanks for speaking up and good luck in the future.
Ron, I am a Harvard Law educated attorney who was a JFK Democrat in the 70s, so I completely empathize with your position. I also agree with all of your comments. The only people who view you as “far right-wing” have gone so far off of the left-wing cliff that John Edwards and Barack Obama appear to them to be centrists. They are clueless about the Islamofascist threat.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:45 pm 480. Vanessa:“”Dean :
Pre-emptive war is not American.”"
——————
I will tell you what is unAmerican.
UnAmerican is to have someone say to you over and over that they actively seek your destruction and prove it by their actions for the last 3 decades of attacks here, there and everywhere they are able and still have people say we are being pre-emptive…
Dean the war started a while back and they started the killing and destruction.
America is not perfect, because people are not perfect but we are the best thing going on this planet for hope and freedom.
Honest thought, facts on the ground and studying history….that will save us along with our brave warriors.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:45 pm 481. Horacio:Thanks for being so brave. I hope you become a role model for a lot of actors that we know are of the same frame of mind as you but don’t know how, or dare to express their views.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:45 pm 482. Horacio:Thanks for being so brave. I hope you become a role model for a lot of actors that we know are of the same frame of mind as you but don’t know how or don’t dare to express their views.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:46 pm 483. Brett:Ron, Thank you for the great posting. Well stated! I salute your bravery in the middle of the mindless group-think that is Hollywood.
I just want to clear up (and remind) all the liberal posters out there about some facts. First, we realize that Iraq did not cause 9/11, Al Qaeda did. That is why congress voted overwhelmingly to invade Afghanistan and fight Al Qaeda first (and the Taliban who didn’t cause 9/11 either). That was a proper course of action. Secondly, we invaded Iraq for dozens of reasons, which were all very well articulated on the White House’s own website, of course none of you libs spent a couple of minutes reading that as you were too busy watching Rosy or Michael Moore garbage. Contrary to all the lies and propaganda spewed by the Left in this country, the Iraq war had extremely valid reasons. First, Iraq was clearly a state sponsor of terror, as other earlier posters laid out, and not only harbored terrorists but actively supported them. Heck, Abu Mossab Al Zarqawi himself was actively creating Al Qaeda in Iraq before 9/11 even happened. You can read about that in the “Looming Tower” book, which by the way is not a right-wing book or written by a right-winger. Next, Iraq was shooting up missiles against our planes patrolling the no-fly zone, keeping UN investigators from having a chance to completely do their job in inspecting for WMD’s, and starving, raping and killing their own people, all while selling oil illegally to France, Russia, Germany and others. I know liberals are supposedly for the common folk, but funny how they are supporting Sadamm now and all his castles and riches. I thought the Left was supposed to be against people making huge profits over oil? How come they never mention the Oil for Food fraud that Sadamm was involved in as well as our so-called “Allies”?? But the most important thing, was the risk of the unknown. Due to a very much- weakened intelligence gathering capability after 8 years of Clinton, with a Clintonista still in control of the CIA (Tenant), we simply did not know what Iraq was capable of. We couldn’t take the chance that Iraq would not hand off a WMD to a terrorist outfit. There is no doubting that Sadamm would definitely have done so. Stopping him from murdering and raping thousands of his own people, and ending the threat of his hand-off of WMD’s which would have threatened the U.S., is enough right there to show that our invasion of Iraq was fully warranted. There are many more reasons as well.
It’s just too bad that the Left has acted, for purely political reasons, that: It is better to pit yourself and your religious Leftist followers against the President of the U.S. (than it is to pit yourselves against terrorism.)
They simply have no clue when it comes to terrorism. Electing any of the current crop of Dems is an extreme danger to the country. I’m no Dem but listening to Joe Liberman speak, it becomes real clear who is acting on principle and reason, and who is acting purely on politics and hatred. There will be case studies on the Left in the U.S. and how not to act in times of crisis.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:46 pm 484. Roger Ghannimacher:“And it’s a shame the Democratic Party shunned Lieberman and tried to defeat him in a primary.”
That’s when I stopped reading, because we didn’t TRY. We DID defeat him. Ned Lamont WON the Primary. There is little point in your being a jackass about it and saying we “tried.”
I expected more from a conciliatory, apologetic piece but to be forced to stop reading before a quarter of the way through? That’s inexcusable to force me to do that.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:47 pm 485. Peter:Oh, and for those naysayers, please carefully read the above posts by “Stone Cold Reality.” Such paranoid drivel (worthy of the Holocaust Denial movement) is what the far left has come to.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:48 pm 486. KC:Ron,
I disagree with some of your points but I have to say, well put. I don’t feel we were justified in going into Iraq and I think the world has had that opinion all along. I hope history will prove me wrong though.
KC
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:48 pm 487. Kathy:I think you should declare for the presidency.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:49 pm 488. Candi M:What a wonderful voice of reason you have been, Mr. Silver–You are, as they say, a class act–
Be well and God Bless–
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:49 pm 489. Scott:You know what is funny? I can just tell from the tone of most of these posts that most of you would be cheering along with the “Wolverines” in the movie Red Dawn. Now, who were they like? Hmmm, let’s see. They are like the freedom fighters we are labeling “terrorists.” You guys are so inconsistent.
Perhaps Ron Silver should do a remake of Red Dawn and be on the side of the invaders to help make his point, eh? Perhaps you can spin invasion in to “spreading democracy” or some other propaganda (Bush has opposed democracies with the Palestinians, Taiwan and indirectly in Pakistan, so we know the titular head of the neocons has not the slightest care for it despite bloviations otherwise.) The invaders in Red Dawn were just wanting to spread EQUALITY. They were the good guys, right? Those nasty terrorists the “Wolverines” just envied the Russian’s equality! That is why those American terrorists stole that high-tech Russian plane in Firefox! Oh, wait, that is another, unrelated movie…just like the attacks were unrelated to Iraq….
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:49 pm 490. PohlSE:I believe you are right on when it comes to the extremists ruling the democrats. The republicans are similarly slaves to the extreme factions inside their party. It is these extreme wings of each parties that are driving people, in record numbers, to complete apathy when it comes to politics. Furthermore; the Hollywood tendency to treat the rest of the country as misguided and ignorant adds to this backlash as well.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:49 pm 491. Nanci G.:Right on Ron! You are one of the first Hollywood Celeb’s that actually has something intelligent to say and backs it up with fact. I wish you could talk some sense into your commie co-horts in the biz. The way most of them think, they must be going to the same class at night. And I don’t believe the lights are on in the room, if you know what I mean. We need more people in this country like you – with backbone. These ultra lib’s are what has taking this country down a notch…pansies we don’t need in a time of war. They will be the first one’s the extremists go after. Remember…survival of the fittest! God Bless You Ron! Nanci, San Diego, CA.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:53 pm 492. cb:Ron,
I see that nowhere in your above screed do you mention the perpetrator of the biggest mass annihilation of American lives ever – Osama bin Laden.
Why is that? I challenge any Bush supporter to close their eyes and think back upon the day after 9/11.
Think back to 9/12 and what thoughts crossed their minds after watching the WTC horror before our disbelieving eyes. I am sure that every American wanted bin laden mutilated, destroyed, by any means necessary.
I also believe if you were to tell Americans on 9/12/01 that bin laden would still be on the loose seven years later mocking us by video, most Americans would have reacted in apoplexy or they would have thought that some pansy, peacenik commie democrat had become president in 2004, thus preventing capture of this ruthless thug.
Come on neo cons, be honest, on 9/12 (or especially after the moving bullhorn pronoucements at the site of the destroyed WTC) you never would have believed that Bush would be so incompetent in pursuing the biggest mass murderer in U.S. history.
Proof of this insanity is manifest by the ridiculous argument put forth by TMF above who states that there have been no attacks in 7 years..by his logic Clinton made us safer because when he was president when only a couple dozen americans were killed by islamic terrorists. By his logic, if Hillary is elected on Nov. 5, and we are attacked on Nov. 6, its because Bush did such a terrible job fighting terror. I don’t know how many times I have argued with neocons who condemn clinton for not getting bin laden, but give W a total pass for his clueless leadership the last 7 years.
Oh, right we are trying to get bin laden, I forgot. Its just this Iraq thing kinda got in the way (oh, and 1 trillion lost in not capturing this idiot.)
I believe as a liberal, New Deal, FDR, new frontier democrat, that getting Hussein was a luxury.
If you were to make a cogent argument that after waxing bin laden and destroying the taliban and al qaeda in Afghanistan by putting as many troops there as we have in Iraq and really accomplishing the mission of revenge and justice against this lunatic..then going after Iraq, I would be much more inclined to agree with your above premise.
I would also argue that before we nailed Hussein, we should take care of the REAL threat in the region which is Iran.
Because Iraq is a disaster, bin laden is free, Iran is developing the bomb and our position globally is far weaker.
What do you neocons not get?
I am not even going to go the war for oil or Israel route here.
Lets just say that the neocons have had a hard on regarding Hussein since the 90s (see PNAC) and used 9/11 as an excuse.
Its like OJ. He was beating the hell out of Nicole for years, so when she turns up with a slit throat, its not hard to connect the dots.
How can you OJ jurors (neocons) believe the “Iraq is responsible for 9.11″ or its the central front in the fight terror bs?
Ron, in summation, please, and I mean this with all my sincerity, please get your head out of your neocon…haze.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:57 pm 493. givemhell:Americans must ask themselves: where were we supposed to fight a war on terrorism?
Our tongue-twisted President chose a seemingly neutral ground to begin our fight against global terrorism and took out the “Butcher of Bagdad” along the way. I don’t disagree with those who say son was paying retribution for dad but his move into Iraq accomplished another unexpected goal: creating a battle ground.
Military historians will someday state that the President’s cockamamie Iraq invasion made sense. He didn’t take the battle to the enemy in the conventional sense that General Patton took the battle to the Germans. Bush simply moved the battle ground off U.S. shores where it landed on 9/11.
An argument can be made that the President underestimated the size of the swarm but he certainly flushed out those who would continue to exploit our open borders and fight us in downtown Manhattan and Kansas corn fields.
Do I believe the president and his administration had the military foresight to create such a plan? Of course not, but even an idiot is sometimes right.
One thing is for certain: our language-flustered President with the unappealing smirk can state, as Jack Nicholson declared in the movie, One flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, “But I tried, didn’t I? Goddamnit, at least I did that.”
For that I thank the President and support our troops.
I just wish he could talk gooder.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:58 pm 494. David:Well Written. Many people forget the liberal, or as Bush would state, ‘compassonate conservative’ things he has attempted/done. Aids Relief for Africa, No Child left behind, Medicare drug benefit. I don’t necessarily agree with all of these, but it is curious how Bush is ABHORED by the liberals.
Nov 16, 2007 - 5:58 pm 495. Joe Strouse:Ya know Ron, I ran into you on a New York City Subway years ago, we had a mutual friend, who I wanted to acknowledge with you. And you brushed me off, denying that you were even Ron Silver. And now, I can see why, you were actually right – your a douche bag.
– Joe Strouse
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:00 pm 496. Californiaguy:Ron: You are what I would term a common sense liberal. As a conservative, I have many liberal friends and family members. Needless to say, we have had good debates over the years. The one thing we all agree on is national defense and local police protection. Everyone knows if you can’t safely walk the streets or travel your own country, we’re through. I have seen you on numerous talk shows in the past and I thought you articulated your points very well. As for your West Wing cohorts, they are clueless..especially Martin Sheen and Bradley Whitford. When asked, “Do you want the USA to win the war on terror, yes or no?”, neither of them will answer just as the other far left Hollywood types refuse to answer. Thank you, Ron, for reminding me that not all is lost in Hollywood.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:01 pm 497. patrick novasio:you are a liberman democrat well i am a joe liberman republican.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:02 pm 498. John Marcus:Mr. Silver, your wisdom is needed not in Hollywood, but in Washington. You spell out with precision the danger that this world faces, and while many engage in kneejerk reactions to your approval of overthrowing Saddam, you recognize what they do not, or what they deliberately choose not to see: that if Saddam were still in power, the Iraqi people would continue to be tortured, terrorized and oppressed day and night, with innocent women being abducted and taken to government-funded rape rooms, those out of favor with Saddam and his sons fed alive into industrial shredding machines, and as horrifying as those acts are, even deadlier would be the prospect of Saddam attaining a true nuclear capability to counter the nuclear threat from Iran.
I consider myself very conservative, and I recognize that your political views are to the left of my own, but our views will not matter at all, if radical Islamic terrorism is allowed to spread. You and I are infidels in their view, and our only choice is to either convert to Islam, or be killed by the sword, that is how it is spelled out in their beliefs, and that is how they intend to conduct themselves.
Thank you for your insight and ignore the sneers of those who prefer to be ostriches. You and I my friend, are eagles, and we believe in freedom for all humanity, which is what the Democratic Party used to stand for.
Consider running for Congress, your constituents and America would be well served with honor were you to be elected.
Best Wishes,
John Marcus
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:03 pm 499. Frank:Ron you have a big chip on your shoulder—get over it cry baby.
As for Bush being some sort of great leader—you just keep telling ourself that—sheesh
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:03 pm 500. Insufficiently Sensitive:Nice job, Mr. Silver. Would that your commentors had at least half the common sense of your column.
The hate-Lieberman crowd is particularly hysterical.
However, since this is purportedly a blog, let’s see if we can’t get postings on closer spacings than monthly.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:04 pm 501. Sal:Mr. Silver,
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:06 pm 502. Tim Messer:THANK YOU!!! You have no idea what a breath of fresh air it is to see a hollywood actor not only speaking out on the issues that need to be addressed, but doing it FAIRLY and OBJECTIVLEY. I wish more of your colleagues would follow your example! Politically, I consider myself to be right of center even though I do take the liberal position on a few issues. However, since I began to support the war on terror I’ve now been called a “creepy old republican who needs to get a f@#king life” by members of my wife’s family who, unfortunatley, have been brainwashed into voting for democratic candidates even though the democratic leaders in my state continue to raise taxes and spend money like there’s no tomorrow. I salute you, sir. Please keep up the good work. No good deed goes unrewarded.
P.S. At the risk of sounding like a complete butt-kisser…LOVED you in ‘Timecop’!!
Dear Ron; Joe McCarthy has moved left. How nice of someone else to notice. Fanatics are determined by their words not their side. As the best of us gets worse, the worst of us gets even more worse; ergo the deevolution of the nation that is upon us.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:07 pm 503. Stephanie Baum:Fantastic piece of work. Thank you for sharing your thoughts…I wish the Hollywood left would collectively get a brain and wake up tp the realities you have so eloquently described.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:09 pm 504. City Lib:It’s all in your perspective. I think most Americans wanted to believe that we were a noble nation, fighting a noble cause. Eight years later we have had to collectively take a moral inventory because, on the face of it, most things can appear very noble, even war. However, 9/11 and the world it created for all of us, a world in which we now live, is far from the ideal of a Brave New World that Ron would like us to think it is or can possibly one day be. No, Righteous Bubba I don’t think Ron is a dumbass. He IS, however, very naive. Most artists are dreamers. Nothing wrong with that, I would that he would’ve done his research first though, before he even thought about defending criminals and deeply evil men.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:10 pm 505. Objectivist T:Hi Mr. Silver,
I would just like to ask for a little clarification her: who exactly are you? And, why are you at all relevant?
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:11 pm 506. Sally:Ron – Last time we saw each other was at Nate & Al’s. You were reading the NY Times editorial page – and I congratulated you on your fortitude. You are a stand-up guy, a fabulous actor and a person of your word. It is hard to believe that you are “of Hollywood.” Whether you are Democrat, Republican, blue, green or purple it does not matter. What matters is that you are able to see through the spin, formulate and stand up for your own beliefs. Bravo, Ron. Bravo.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:12 pm 507. humbleradio:Now, this is a guy who gets it. A liberal who gets it. They DO exist.
With that, let me just say, I hate the phrase ‘You just don’t get it, do you?” Hate it to pieces. But I thought I’d use a variant of it to open my comment here since it’s primarily a smug catch phrase used in ‘progressive’ advertising and campaign usage.
Anyway, Ron, you get it, brother!
You’re not pandering to the left’s demands, nor toeing the line for a party which you see, and which I, and many others have noted for its vast departure from its ideals and purpose. The once great Democratic party is now a clearinghouse for special interests, a crucible cooking up hate for Bush and friends, and a career killing field for anything that doesn’t toe their line. The Democrats have done 180s on so many positions that they would have supported and have supported if a democrat proposed them. But simply because Bush did, it’s ‘evil’, a word they use frequently now, yet criticized the president for his use of it to describe the 9/11 hijackers. “Evildoers”, remember?
But 180s from the left is not surprising now. It’s actually expected and completely predictable, since there are no ideals left on the Left. They’ve sold them off, wholesale, to get at our president. And by doing so, have sold off the integrity and legacy to the once great Democratic party, Hollywood, and the news media.
But not completely.
And that’s where you come in.
You’ve had to endure the Hollywood left’s pettiness and career damaging blacklisting for your very risky support of President Bush in a time of war. Pretty amazing isn’t it, when you consider just about 100% of Hollywood and the music industry in the 1940s wholeheartedly and without hesitation supported the president in a time of war with a Republican opposition candidate for the office dismissing himself from the race so that the president could remain in office to successfully fight and win that war. Can you imagine the Democrats today doing a similar thing?
Keep strong. Don’t let the pressure get to you. Remember, pioneers take the arrows.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:14 pm 508. Steve:Can’t agree with everything you’re saying, but I admire your tenacity and conviction. And to support GWB in Hollywood? You got balls, brother.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:15 pm 509. Frederic Dobbs:It must be some years back that I saw a short debate between Charlton Heston and, I think, Ron Silver. Silver took the liberal side but what struck me most that he was gracious in argument and that his comments were particularly intelligent.
I have the same feeling reading this letter, although it seems his position has evolved somewhat. People who have the flexibility to reassess their views from time to time are people I admire. It shows an active mind not afraid to change course as circumstances demand.
Eldridge Cleaver’s comments in later life also make good reading as a contrast to what he wrote as a young man.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:20 pm 510. Nick Duva:I believe that Ron Silver has a great deal of courage to stand and be counted for possessing conservative views about combatting threats to Americans, while suffering irreparable damage to his career in ubiquitously liberal Hollywood. His livelihood is at risk. He suffers financially for taking his stand. There are many in the entertainment industry who share Mr. Silver’s view yet have no courage to find their voice; or worse, some take a position knowing that it while earn them obscene profits from the movie industry. Receiving personal economic gain (the few) at the expense of our national security (the many) is innately evil. Ron Silver knows what is right and what is wrong, and so does much of Hollywood, it is just that the money clouds their vision.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:21 pm 511. Lizmeister:Dear Ron,
You wouldn’t like it if someone bombed your house, would you? So why advocate it for others?
Bombing defenseless countries is not only criminal, it’s cowardly.
And it’s time to get over 9/11 – four airplanes got hijacked and caused great damage, nothing more. Same as Oklahoma City and Timothy McVeigh.
Of course, you’ll delete this comment – you only post those that agree with you.
Lizmeister
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:26 pm 512. Tomb:Ron,
Nice job!
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:27 pm 513. Dan H.:Hang in there! You are doing a great job.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:27 pm 514. Chris:Excellent comments, Mr. Silver. It’s nice to see that some Hollywood folks haven’t completely lost site of reality or their minds, and understand the gravity of our situation. We may not agree, politically, on domestic policy, but your views on foreign policy are right in line with what this nation needs. God Bless.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:28 pm 515. Dave:Mr. Silver,
I have seen you on Hannity & Colmes in the past, passionately arguing your beliefs in a particularly erudite fashion. Colmes, while somewhat intelligent, seems to drink the Clinton/Gore Kool-aid. I would like you to know that as an Independent Conservative, it is nice to see a Moderate Democrat, in the mold of Senator Zell Miller coming out of Hollywood. Thank you for being a standard bearer for intelligent Democrats.
~Dave
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:28 pm 516. Jim G:I am often critical of actors using their celebrity to become political mouthpieces. It is far too hard for the media to avoid making their statements more public and in doing so lending an air of credibility to their thoughts that would otherwise not be present if they were just the average man or woman on the street. I admit to my bias that your thoughts mirror my own on this subject and for that reason my lack of criticism of your use of celebrity could easily be assailed. But the one thing that you have done that others of your craft fail to do is to use sound logic, reasoning, data, references and fairness in establishing your position. I applaud your work here in this blog. I also applaud Matt Drudge for posting this where more people will be able to see it, as I am certain that the mainstream media won’t give it the time of day—-thank you Mr. Silver
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:29 pm 517. Chaffer:Liberalism today is the bitter, hateful residue of the 1960’s
protest generation.
Remember the endless self-righteous scolding liberals gave us
then on every subject from war to poverty to racism ?
My god. Liberals are the ultimate flip-floppers !
Tolerate, open-minded liberals ? Their bigotry towards people
of religious faith, for example, stops just short of the progrom
mentality of Soviet Russia.
Racial harmony ? Give me a break. Liberals LOVE racial unrest.
They feast on it. Racism provides fodder for their huckster
spokesmen to pontificate and bluster.
Anti-war ? Sure, but only if it serves to decay American security
and sovereignty. Liberals swoon in the presence of leftist
tyrants ( Hugo ) but are blind to the evil of societies which
detonate their own children.
In a nutshell, liberals hate their own country and resent the
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:29 pm 518. Lame Cherry:God who made them. They are diseased, and their disease
infects and weakens everything it touches.
Dear Mr. Silver,
I can not tell you what your words mean to me in the depths of pride, gratitude and appreciation because I have appreciated your acting work from the beginning.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:29 pm 519. Steve:It bothered me greatly when I learned of what I termed your leftist views before 9 11 as I so enjoyed your abilities I could not understand how someone with your gifts could be a leftist. Since 9 11 though, I have gained an admiration for you in all of the ridicule you have endured and are still standing by your beliefs which I agree with on the whole. You have suffered literal attempted shaming by the Hollywood left and remain an American Patriot whether you deem yourself right or left.
It is a joy to read your work and watch your acting as I look for you along with a few other select actors to always watch whatever they do as they always make the work enjoyable.
God bless you and keep speaking. Hollywood needs more Andy Garcia’s, Miguel Ferrer’s and Ron Silver’s.
So well stated Mr. Silver, I’ve become a fan of yours through your brilliant grasp on the situation at hand. I’m in Hollywood aswell and its not a fun thing having to pretend to be something I’m not to appease the social circles.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:30 pm 520. Linlithgow:Ron, I really admire your courage; you’re spot on.
Your point was brightly illustrated last night during the Democrat debate. The same people who have decried the war in Iraq and lambasted our efforts to plant democracy in Iraq were roundly condemning Pervez Musharraf, even threatening to cut off aid if democracy and their Constitution weren’t restored.
So Saddam, who harboured Abu Nidal, used chemical weapons on his own people as well as Iranian troops, attempted to build a nuclear programme and reactor at Osirak (which Israel bombed), used Salman Pak to train terrorists on how to make bombs and paid the families of suicide bombers was a little kitten and Pakistan needs to be invaded (if you listen to Obama), and told support will be pulled if they don’t ‘reform’. Can you say disconnect?
Despite drops in deaths of our troops and civilians and a sharp decrease of attacks, NO DEMOCRAT last night was willing to admit that the surge might be working and perhaps they were wrong. Instead it is more important to lie and whip up their adulators with sound bites in order to get their vote. Power is more important than truth, apparently.
General Petraeus, who has served nobly, is mocked in a MoveOn.org ad, while Warren Buffet is treated like a star by the Dems on the Hill. Obviously, the Democrat party has its priorities screwed up, and I am glad there are people of sense who are Democrats like you, Ron, Joe Lieberman and Zell Miller.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:31 pm 521. Iowan:Wow!
I’m not a big blogger, but I haven’t seen this many people support anyone for anything!
Ron, it’s apparent you struck a nerve…and in a very positive way.
Those of us in fly-over country have little interest in left-coast lunatics, which is why your post is so refreshing.
Thanks for thinking!
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:31 pm 522. Eric Gurr:Spot on
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:32 pm 523. Bruce:This article is excellent. Over the last few years one thing the left has completely missed the boat on is old fashioned common sense. I think Silver frames the context perfectly. If you believe Iran is ok with nuclear weapons I have one little question; What if you’re wrong? Do you really hate George Bush so much, you’re willing to take that risk?
Read Kennedy’s Freedom from Fear. FDR was much more conservative in foreign policy and domestic than George Bush. What if FDR had today’s Democrats to deal with? Is Iran today Germany in 1938? Of course not, Hitler didn’t have a nuclear bomb.
Ron:
You’re a good guy and a good actor. Don’t like your politics at all, but hey, some of my best friends are conservative. I think it’s ridiculous to hire people in any industry based on their politics. Surely, you know, that in many industries Liberals are frowned on and in fact often not hired.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:33 pm 524. Mark:Scott I can only conclude that you are a lunatic. You need medical help. Anyone that compares liberators to conquerors is not only mentally disturbed but sick in the soul. Scott say this and say this with pride: President Bush liberated the Iraqi people. President Bush liberated the Afghani people.
You know I am convinced that people like Scott are so filled with vitriol and anti-American propaganda because they ultimately hate themselves. These people do need our compassion because they are not merely wrong about a policy discussion but are truly sick. Their sickness, if left alone, well eventually become destructive to themselves or their neighbors. I am not saying we need to force them into medical care but we should pray for them. They are clearly mentally and spiritually disturbed people but they are our fellow citizens. Scott I pray for you!
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:33 pm 525. Kenneth Connors:My hats off to you for standing up for what you believe in. With the debates over take no prisoners approach of the far left I’m surprised they let you make a living to support you’re family. Look on the bright side if they believed in God they be throwing Holey water at you!
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:36 pm 526. GoesTo11:Mr. Silver:
Being an outspoken supporter of our president and our war effort while living & working in the entertainment industry echo chamber is commendable. Thanks for speaking out.
BTW, the “dissenting” comments here are awesome. Israel/Jew haters, Troothers, conspiracy wankers, and Ron Paulians…Keep ‘em comin’!
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:37 pm 527. Jim:I never considered myself a conservative, even back in 2000-2001. I voted for Clinton in 92 and Perot in 96. I only registered Republican in 2000 to vote for McCain in the primary. I support gay marriage, limits on gun ownership, Palestinian rights, and am pro-choice (but anti-late term abortion). Point is, I wasn’t the stereotypical Bush supporter either.
However, having spent time in Berkeley (similar to Hollywood politically), I developed a true disgust for the radical leftists and even Democrats who watched the Wall come down in 89 but still blamed Reagan and America for the world’s problems.
Seeing Bush up there, having heard the 9/11 wake up call and doing his best to deal with Iraq before all the warning signs resulted in a catastrophic WMD attack… its made me respect him more and even agree with him on other issues that I would have ignored him on before. McCain is a great man and he would be better to be heading up a war, given all the sacrifices he’s made. But Bush has been steadfast and has connected with global leaders in Europe, Japan and Australia.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:38 pm 528. Edmund Jenks-MAXINE:Welcome Aboard!
Pragmatic and country loving democrats are very haed to find. It seems very hard to find that since of national brotherhood and that attitude that we all need to pick up the rope together (and pull) on some core issues that affect our Nation and our cultural way of life.
Thanks for pickin’ up the rope!
Thanks for standing tall.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:41 pm 529. Patti:Ron Silver…I love you!!!
That was great…too bad your colleagues in Hollywood will either totally dismiss this or fail to read it altogether!
But thanks…it was a gret read and I’m glad you’re on my side of things…it was getting lonely over here!!! I totally believe in the end, all will see that President Bush has been fighting for what he truly believes in…and that is protecting the people of the United States of America as was one of the oaths he took at his inauguration.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:41 pm 530. Mark:CB,
It took Israelis decades to track down and bring to justice some of the most notorious Nazis. It took the help of the brother of that nutty mail bomber years to find his hide out and that was in our own nation. The President is hunting down Bin Laden. This is a big planet and there are lots of places to hide. Osama has the money and friends to hide himself well, to boot.
Now CB, be honest, you are admitting your own incompetence by making the ridiculous and sophistic attack on the President that you make.
CB – just thank the President for actually trying to bring Osama to justice as opposed to the hapless joke of sending out the lawyers against him by the other Party’s CIC.
You know you whinny liberals think you are sounding smart when in truth you just reveal how utterly asinine your ideas are.
Come on neo cons, be honest, on 9/12 (or especially after the moving bullhorn pronoucements at the site of the destroyed WTC) you never would have believed that Bush would be so incompetent in pursuing the biggest mass murderer in U.S. history.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:42 pm 531. Dan Miljanich:Ron:
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:43 pm 532. Jim Treacher:When you do, hopefully, decide to run for public office, please let me know what state you’ll be running in so that I can make arrangements to move there in time to vote for you. You are refreshing.
1. Yes.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:47 pm 533. Mike Kurtz:2. You were great in Heat Vision & Jack.
3. Did I mention Yes?
Well done….you may make a difference. It is easy to stand up when all the idiots around you agree…you are a Patriot because you have stood up when it is not in your best interest. That is American….Mr. Silva..my hat is off to you! I am going to follow your lead and picket the film redacted when it comes to the Liberal Town of ASU. Tempe AZ
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:49 pm 534. Joe M.:Mr. Silver,I would like to congratulate you on your positions regarding national security post 9/11.Being employed in the entertainment industry,this took a lot of moral courage,and I thank you! Being a resident of NY’s Hudson Valley,I see much similarity to the Hollywood brand of liberalism circa:2007.In the aggregate,my political views are just to the right of moderate.I support the current president in regard to the war on terror,the establishment of Homeland Security Adm.,and the war in Iraq.(what was it,13 security council resolution violations?).Regarding poster Roy,I concur that it’s possible many WMD’s were moved to Syria’s Bakeh Valley.(Days before”shock and awe” began,satellite imagery showed loads of semi’s(covered and flatbed)clogging roads heading out of Iraq toward Syria.Why the administration didn’t make a big deal of this,I don’t know.Backchannel stuff I’m sure.Even if I did disagree with the President on Iraq,once our military is in theatre,it behooves all of our elected representatives to publically support the campaign until all objectives are achieved.We owe our fighting men and women that!WWII might not have had the same conclusion if every politician with an opposing viewpoint publically stated the war is wrong, or the soldiers are murderers,or FDR should be impeached!I base my opinions on what is publically available.History may invalidate my positions.But in the present,I am in full agreement with you,Mr. Silver!
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:51 pm 535. Todd McDaniel:Ron,
You are a beacon of fair-mindedness and intellectual honesty. There are sadly too few people in the world who will say what they believe without first polling to see what is popular.
I pray that more Hollywood elites will see the courage of your convictions and repent from the hypocrisy that they, the far left, intolerant people, who want all of us to be tolerant of their views but the favor isnt reciprocated.
How can they preach tolerance to us and express so much hatred for President Bush and all who have opposing views on religion and politics?
I think Jesus said it best, referring to feeding pearls to swine.
keep up the fight and hope to see you on the “silver” screen again soon!
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:53 pm 536. Jim C.:Angel wrote: “In Iran, there is a rather metropolitan, well-educated populace. But, if we pro-actively strike at them to get at their President, we will be shooting ourselves in the foot.” The left has been saying that about Iraq and Afghanistan, too. It hasn’t worked out that way, has it?
“Remember, the Cold War was won without firing a single shot.” And 40 years of living under the threat of nuclear holocaust, including a few days fearing it could happen within hours. How much harm was done by the various substitutes for all-out war? And what about Korea? Vietnam?
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:55 pm 537. trademark registration:I think a lot of so-called “neo-cons” feel the tension due to the label, especially in colleges and universities around the country. Liberals often seem to forget that the fact that someone is a neo-con doesn’t make them any less human.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:55 pm 538. JohnnyT:Righteous Bubba quotes Mr. Silver, “Many people felt that the threat posed by Saddam was more tolerable than the risk of removing him. I disagreed and still do.
Bubba’s retort? “That would make you some kind of – my apologies for the technical term – dumbass.”
Excuse me. Something NO ONE ever mentions anymore are the Anthrax attacks in the mail after 9/11. We didn’t know what Saddam did or didn’t have. Remember before the war the soldiers donned chemical suits and there was news of Saddam possibly using CW artillery?
There were too many questions he just wouldn’t answer, and considering he had a habit of using CW (something even Hitler didn’t do) and might possibly give them to AQ or other Islamic terrorists, why take the chance when history always punishes those who sense danger but wait too long?
Despite the bloodshed (most of it from Al Qaeda now), the Iraqi people are finally taking matters into their own hands now. Just within the last day AQ jihadis tried to invade and take over a shiite village they used to control. The locals slaughtered eight AQ animals in a firefight and sent the rest running. Not a GI in sight.
And now is the time when left-wing Democrats (I owuld not honor them with the word liberal as it is traditionally known) want to pull out the rug and give Al Qaeda and Ba’athists another shot? Whose side are they on anyway?
’nuff said.
Nov 16, 2007 - 6:58 pm 539. Mark:Inprovmomma,
You wrote that our Iraq foreign policy is diametrically opposed to our constitutional values, which is to perpetuate the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness of our own citizenry.
How naïve can you be? Whether you like to deal with reality or not, we were in a state of war, called a ceasefire, all during the Clinton years and during Bush’s administration as well. Iraq had violated that ceasefire agreement and shot missiles at our airplanes, had attempted an assassination of a former president and spit in our face every chance they got. To ignore the danger to our national security posed by the actions of the state of Iraq that would absolutely and inevitably result in further attacks against our interests at home and abroad by radicals empowered by our refusal to respond is near criminal in its sophistry. Because of Saddam’s continued violations of our ceasefire agreement and of the UN’s ceasefire agreement, President Clinton signed the Iraqi Liberation Act which demanded that US policy back regime change.
Like so many on the left, you actually have the audacity to blame the actions of the US for the beliefs and behavior of radical Islamists. The reason they hate us, and read this slowly because it may be over your head, is because we have promoted liberty, religious tolerance, equality and women’s rights throughout the world since our inception as a nation.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:01 pm 540. Mike Henry, Ft Washington, PA:Thank you.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:01 pm 541. Bumpy:All I can add is “Right on Ron!
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:01 pm 542. H Felknor:Mr Silver
First let me say that I have enjoyed your career.
Second, watch the weight buddy.
Third – I doubt that we agree across the board but it is wonderful to see, and read, the respected Democrat that I knew, beside Joe Lieberman, HAD to exist.
Now if you can find a way to wrest your party back from the far left Nut cases.
Thank you for this wonderful treatise.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:03 pm 543. Dave1billion:Ron,
Don’t worry, I can still remember when you were one of ‘those liberals’ to me. On social issues you were pretty hard-core.
In particular I can remember you debating with Charton Heston on whether Michaelangelo was gay. I thought “who cares”. You definitely annoyed me back then.
I look forward to the time when you can start annoying me again. A time when the most important issue facing this country and the world isn’t militant Islam.
You will always have my deepest admiration for your so-called ‘Neo-Con’ stance. I know it has cost you and your family both personally and financially.
In the unlikely case that I ever see you out anywhere, please know that an anonymous beer will be coming your way.
Thanks for having the courage to be true to your convictions.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:03 pm 544. Peter m:Thank you for being an American first, Ron. It’s something that the people on the hard left don’t believe in. First they are partisans then who knows what? You, Jon Voight and other courageous liberals are the untold story of America. Tim Robbins was wrong when he said he was supposedly oppressed,villified and demeaned. I think he’d see things differently if he had to deal with the crap you’ve put up with.
God Bless!!!
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:04 pm 545. Raul:Well written, but not thought out. Is your thesis that you are misunderstood? Or that the Bush doctrine is correct? Or that Iraq is part of the war of terror? You would benefit by picking one point and defending it well, even when I disagree 100 percent on all your thoughts.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:05 pm 546. Bryan:This is a really well written and coherent piece. Have you considered a syndicated column?
It required great courage to publish this. Although I don’t agree with all of it, I respect your clarity of thought.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:06 pm 547. Samir:glass1on2full,
You said because I oppose torture, that I support murder and you insinuated that I support the terrorists. Whether that is true or not (in my case it is not accurate), you have used a false dichotomy.
I urge you to apologise for defaming me.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:06 pm 548. Phil:Silver doesn’t say how he feels about wiretapping without a court order. How does he feel about half a million dead Iraqi’s and counting? How does he feel about non existent wmd’s? How does he feel about a President who vetoes health care for poor children? How does he feel about 5.5 trillion in federal debt? Silver’s right, history will judge us, but it may not judge Bush and his supporters as kindly as he thinks.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:08 pm 549. Peruvian Immigrant:What I find most amazing and to a great extent dismaying, is how the success this administration has had in preventing further domestic terror attacks is used by the Left as evidence the measures undertaken to prevent them werent necessary. HUH? It’s difficult to have a reasoned discussion with anyone who displays such an apparent inability to have a rational thought.
Perhaps even more perplexing is how the Democratic party appears to think they can make the American people forget their years of anti-Saddam and regime change rhetoric. The only possible outcomes of this reasoning both reflect poorly on them. Either they are willing to say anything and routinely forget the former positions they advocated or they know exactly what they say and apparently never mean it. (Actually, I have heard many Democrats state that their chickenhawk proclamations about removing Saddam were somehow different than Bushes because they didnt have any intention of acting on them) Even if we accept their weaselly explanations that what they said never was intended as pretext or justification for miltary intervention and that they were fooled or cajoled into it by Bush, then one wonders how this person of whom they believe holds the intellectual capacity of a chimp got the better of these noble but apparently galactically stupid Democrats?
Apparently the central Democratic thesis of the Lefts Iraq argument is “Bush fooled us, vote for us”.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:09 pm 550. Steve M:At the risk of being overly pedantic, my word processing program substituted “where” for “were.” See? Conservatives can apologize.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:10 pm 551. sandra:Re: comment from Mary :
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:10 pm 552. Jack Frost:“Dolly: Why aren’t you over there fighting?” Mary Mary Mary, you don’t have to be in the military to support the troops – and I filled out papers to join – only to be rejected – guess there’s not a lot of room for partially disabled 53 year old Nanas.
Great to see so many rational thinkers and in the libertarian ranks. The snide and arrogant demagogues of the left give liberalism a bad name and rot the core of our country. Libertarians don’t demonize our country or its leaders, nor resort to the typical racial / class / gender demagoguery that characterizes our coastal Democrats.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:11 pm 553. T. Veblen:Right on Ron! Right on Ron! Sorry I’m not a actor so I won’t be able to chant that when you come on the “set”..
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:13 pm 554. P. Green:Mr. Silver — you have the most tremendous courage, and I admire the way you have handled yourself! Also, as an aside, I try to catch all your performances; while it’s an old one, I loved your believable character role in the movie “Best Friends”.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:13 pm 555. John:A well written article, that states what I am incapable of putting forth with any sort of eloquence.
Be it known, that we don’t judge presidents in the moment. History will be the ultimate judge, and I believe Bush will be among the better leaders we have elected, even if I do not agree with all that he does, he is a man who has a plan, and he excecutes it, rather than sending out for polls to see which way the re-election wind is blowing.
Death to the Islamic Facists, for as was said, it is the only way to defeat any enemy that is more than willing to die for their own cause.
Historically acceptable norms do not apply in a conflict such as this, and the sooner the dumb americans can be made to recognize the threat, the sooner we can galvanize our efforts to subdue it.
Thanks Ron.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:14 pm 556. Gene:Mr. Silver: I respect your courage in speaking up. The reactions you are receiving are similar to what some of got during the “You Are With Us, Or You Are With The Enemy” nonsense. Bush’s objective may be correct. How can one argue with protecting the country from extremists? However, things are too inefficient; something is very wrong. The deaths and mountains of borrowed money are not accomplishing much.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:15 pm 557. Mr. Lucas Brice:Ron, you are a whiff of fresh air in an industry rife with the unclean stench of Socialism. It’s funny how the same Liberals that are always yelling “freedom of speech” at the drop of a hat are the same ones who can’t tolerate freedom of speech when it comes from someone who doesn’t agree with them.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:16 pm 558. Jack N.:The things you find in a dictionary
right·eous bub·ba n. 1. Morally uptight; with guilt or sin: a righteous dumbass. 2. In accordance with no virtue or morality: a nonrighteous judgment. 3. Morally unjustifiable: unrighteous anger. See Synonyms – imbecile, simpleton, idiot, from Old English rihtw’s: full of sheet.
P.S. to CB – I’m sure you meant how incompetent Clinton was for passing on his chance to kill “the biggest mass murderer in U.S. history” when he had the chance which would have most likely prevented 9/11.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:23 pm 559. Sue Darling:A man after my own heart!
I have the same problem. Most of my friends (pagan/Rennie/gamers) are died in the wool leftist kool aide drinkers. Everything is the fault of GW & the right wing wingnuts. On the other side are my parents who aren’t quite wingnuts but follow the Republican party doctrine (afterall Dad was the Republican State chairman for Minnesota in the Nixon era). So I am neither “fish nor fowl…..” No matter what side I take I manage to make some look at me sideways & I am constantly getting the “..when you get off the fence…” type comments.
I truly appreciate someone who has the common sense to realize NOTHING is black & white. There are pros/cons to every position & sometimes the resolution is in that grey area in-between.
Stick to your guns. Eventually it will be easier for all of us.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:24 pm 560. George Bushwaller:good for you Ron. I love courage
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:26 pm 561. mommieod:Mr. Silver:
Interesting that your fellow entertainment community members cannot get it into their thick skulls that should the unthinkable happen, and the Islamo-fascists get their way (an Islamic republic replacing every sovereign, democratic western nation), the first people to face their wrath will be the Hollywood/Broadway elite and their ilk.
This given the fact that much of what is produced and packaged as “entertainment” these days is undisguised, unmitigated filth.
These are the folks, after all, who routinely execute gays and punish (or murder) women simply for having the audacity to stand up to their oppressive and totalitarian authority figures (including their own husbands and family members).
Talk the terrorists out of their plan? How frighteningly naive!
As for their mocking of you – wear it as a badge of honor, Sir. Well done.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:26 pm 562. RebeccaH:Ron Silver, you’ve said everything I believe. Continue to speak. Someone has to.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:29 pm 563. Jack Meoff:Well said!
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:32 pm 564. mike o'brien:Welcome to the party Ron. I’m a conservative and I have found that the “open minded” liberals of the world are the least of which they claim to be.
Open minded to liberals means you either think the way they do or you can hit the road. My conservative friends are much more tolerant than any of my liberal friends’ friends encounters. I’ve gone to parties and once the word is out your either verbally accosted or at the very least shunned. I’m amazed at how thin skinned liberals are if you so happen to choose not to believe what the do. Maybe it’s their timidity because they feel uncomfortable if there’s a nonbeliever in their midst???
My personal opinion is that liberals don’t like having conservatives around because their arguments don’t hold up under honest debate. Then out comes the personal insults and schoolyard antics such as “Ron, Ron, the neocon”. Which is right inline of course with the intellect of most of the arguments they present so suppose that makes sense.
I’m sure you’ve encountered this sort of thing when you try and describe the long term goals and intentions of the war in Iraq. Anything past a bumper sticker mentality and the average liberal’s eyes will glaze over and they’ll usually blurt out something along the lines of Bush Lied People Died with a smattering of Cheney, Halliburton, and big oil.
When you provide them with four pages of quotes by the Clinton administration saying the very same exact things (and worse) as Bush did they’ll say without fail. But Clinton didn’t lead us into war. That’s funny I thought we were talking about people lying? LOL
One of my favorites too of course is the good ol, “Well, I’m against ALL war” exclamations. Gee really? Well that makes just about as much sense as my saying, “Oh yeah, well I’m against ALL cancer.” Just as with war it’s going to happen regardless and saying I’m against it doesn’t change a bloody thing now does it.
And the beat goes on and on and on.
How about global warming? Next time you see a smug liberal with a biofuel sticker on their car try pointing out to them that their personally responsible for raising food prices in starving nations, slashing rain forests in Indonesia and elsewhere, and to top it all off they’re actually generating 170% more global warming gases due to the farming and processing of their biofuel than if they’d just put good ol evil big oil dinosauer juice in their vehicle.
This would be the point where the liberal calls you a name for making them “feel bad” about themselves. How dare you! After all the reason they put the sticker on the car in the first place was so they could “feel good” about themselves right? To show everyone else around them that they care. Look at me! Never mind they’re doing more harm than good it’s all about them and their feelings. And they’ll be angry at you for pointing out that their actually clueless and you’ve ruined their vibe. LOL
A recent study by the Nobel laureate Paul Crutzen shows that the official estimates have ignored the contribution of nitrogen fertilisers. They generate a greenhouse gas – nitrous oxide – that is 296 times as powerful as CO2. These emissions alone ensure that ethanol from maize causes between 0.9 and 1.5 times as much warming as petrol, while rapeseed oil (the source of more than 80% of the world’s biodiesel) generates 1-1.7 times the impact of diesel. This is before you account for the changes in land use.
With that in mind, Tuesday’s article in the British Guardian contained Monbiot’s harshest criticisms to date for this supposedly eco-friendly source of energy that global warming obsessed media in America dare not share with the citizenry (emphasis added throughout):
It doesn’t get madder than this. Swaziland is in the grip of a famine and receiving emergency food aid. Forty per cent of its people are facing acute food shortages. So what has the government decided to export? Biofuel made from one of its staple crops, cassava. The government has allocated several thousand hectares of farmland to ethanol production in the district of Lavumisa, which happens to be the place worst hit by drought. It would surely be quicker and more humane to refine the Swazi people and put them in our tanks.
Those familiar with Monbiot know that he has quite a flare for the dramatic:
The cost of rice has risen by 20% over the past year, maize by 50%, wheat by 100%. Biofuels aren’t entirely to blame – by taking land out of food production they exacerbate the effects of bad harvests and rising demand – but almost all the major agencies are now warning against expansion. And almost all the major governments are ignoring them.
In reality, Monbiot’s explanation for this ignorance has little relevance in America, and is really just your garden variety environmentalist delusion.
Anyway, just wanted to welcome you to the right of the left of center world. Don’t worry as conservatives we’ll still be your friend even if we don’t agree with you on all subjects. Even if you don’t have to march in lockstep with us. That’s what makes America great. Or at least is how it works in the neo con world. LOL
Ps. 10 years from now when it’s been proven “manmade” global warming was a complete and utter hoax and 30 years from now when we’re playing baseball with the Iraqis and it’s a peaceful flourishing democracy we’ll have the last laugh.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:34 pm 565. Rick:To imagine that America, America – who never met a lie or liar she did not love – did not worship – could lead any country, any people, to freedom is just another lie the stupid and needy tell themselves so they do not have to think about the hundreds of thousands of dead civilians all so the beloved Republican party can do what it does best – spend trillions of dollars so a small group of Republicans can get rich – and though bloody – the money spends.
Freedom is scary, and clearly – the more stupid, the more emotionally damaged, the more cowardly you are — the scarier it is. Republicans DO NOT WANT TO BE FREE – FREEDOM SCARES THE SHIT OUT OF THEM – THEY WANT – NO NEED – THEIR DRUNKEN, DRUG-USING, BISEXUAL, COWARDLY, LYING, SNIVELING, SO-CALLED HEROS – enter Bush, Cheney, Craig, Foley, Gingrich, Limbaugh, or any of the other losers they kneel before.
REPUBLICANS ARE THE ENEMY TO EVERYTHING AMERICA STANDS FOR – AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH – THIS IS WAR – AND THEY ARE THE ENEMY TO EVERY PRINCIPLE, LIBERTY, FREEDOM AND DECENT THING THAT AMERICA STANDS FOR AND THAT TENS OF THOUSANDS HAVE DIED FOR.
Republicans have done more to destroy America under Bush than any terrorist or anything that happened on 9-11. May they burn in Hell for all eternity for their greed and cowardice.
[Not from PJM: The use of upper case is not appreciated in our comments section. Thank you.]
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:38 pm 566. Ron:As usual it’s “Everyone to their own taste.” Said the farmer as he kissed the pig.
You are known by the company that you wish to keep. My group does not include any neo-cons.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:39 pm 567. Thresherman:Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:40 pm 568. Rick:The lucidity of your reasoning is excelled only by the vapidity of your detractors here.
As a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, let me commend you on your moral courage in standing your ground when surrounded by the enemy.
You are right on the mark. Where is all the news from Iraq now that things are greatly improving?
Years from now, Iraqi citizens, like the French President did on his recent visit, will thank Americans for their freedom.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:41 pm 569. brenda:I applaud your words. Thank you.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:42 pm 570. Poor Man's CEO:Dang Mr. Silver. I came upon your blog quite by accident. Your acting has always impressed me. I especially like when you play the “bad guy.” So now I am quite impressed by your candor. Generally, entertainers and their opinions don’t mix. But for you to express yourself boldly and so smartly, against the grain of your industry speaks volumes of your character. I hold you in high esteem. Keep up the good work, both on the screen and off.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:44 pm 571. Scott Miller - Houston:Ron,
You are soo damn cool. I liked your speech at the RNC convention, I greatly appreciate the film you narrated for MEMRI.ORG and I even like you as an actor. You are great American my friend.
P.S. You were awesome as Henry Kissinger.
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:46 pm 572. dano:Hey, wil burns…FYI…American jews serve in the U.S. military roughly in proportion to their percentage of the U.S. population (approx. .0001%) All jews in Israel must serve in the military. BTW America and Israel have the same enemies…not to mention the same core values…freedom, democracy,and capitalism… so what’s your point exactly?
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:48 pm 573. joeyb:Angel:
Nov 16, 2007 - 7:52 pm 574. damnyanqui:You need to read up on your history. And do some browsing at the bookstore to find the books, don’t just rely on an old school textbook. The simple fact is that FDR’s administration was one of the most propogandist ever, in wartime, an important distinction. He very much tried to create a fear of losing to the axis powers in Americans, and especially toward the Japanese. And rightly so, I have no problem with that fact, it was the right thing to do, because failure was indeed something to be very afraid of at that time, just as it is now. Educate yourself, don’t rely on the media or schools. You’d be surprised what wonderful,educational, and even inspirational things you’d learn about this country’s history, things that simply are not taught.
Somewhat off topic but…
Nov 16, 2007 - 8:04 pm 575. Tracy:My begrudging and angry thanks to poster Cynthia Williams for off handedly bringing up John Cusack.
Holy crap. I had no idea.
Just looked up John’s ranting anti-American insanity on Puffington Host.
I had no idea.
Either I haven’t been paying enough attention or he’s one anti-American nutjob who hasn’t gotten nearly the attention he should.
To think I just paid to see “1408.”
Never a-freaking-gain.
Mr. Silver,
Nov 16, 2007 - 8:07 pm 576. Al Powers:Thank you. Your opinions and thoughts are indeed exactly what I would say myself. Please do not be deterred by liberal Hollywood. Stay true to your beliefs. I always get the sneers and lectures when I say that George Bush will be realized as a great President one day. You are right, only time will tell. This is not the same world as it was pre-9/11, and as Baby Boomers/Liberals prove time and time again they want to continue to hold onto their youth and youthful ideals as adults and that is the basis for most of their world opinions. Everything changed the day we were attacked in New York City. The “feel good/love everyone” outlook on life doesn’t work anymore. I wish it did and only people willing to admit that and address this new kind of world we inhabit will help. This new enemy is fighting with most potent aresenal of all: hate and religion. There is NO WAY you will change a person’s mind about their religion. The only way to bring about any change now is try to bring democracy to those who have been oppressed and protect ourselves. Thank you again for speaking out. It means alot to hear someone with intelligence on their side.
Well said, Ron. You are one of the few “common sense” people in Hollywood. I don’t take seriously, the likes of Streisand, Hanks, Cruise, Depp, Sarandon, Whoppi, Rosie and their ilk. In fact, my family and I don’t go to movies anymore….we are very selective. The last movie we saw was “Bella”.
As far as the political landscape. I am really worried that Hillary will be nominated and possibly win. I think she would turn-out to be a female Carter.
Nov 16, 2007 - 8:14 pm 577. Rick Blanc:Good for you Ron. I can relate, being a like-minded musician in LA. The entertainment industry is strangely monolithic, and most who dissent in any way usually keep quiet. I’ve gotten some pretty testy reactions when I have dared to opine on occasion. Thanks for stepping up!
Rick
Nov 16, 2007 - 8:17 pm 578. James:Ron,
Nov 16, 2007 - 8:20 pm 579. Anonymous:Thank you. I was feeling all alone here in PA. Thought the war was lost, our best days were behind us, and 4.6% unemployment was a bad thing.
You’re a beacon of proverbial hope out there Mr. Silver.
Mr. Silver is a misguided moron. 8 years of this adminsitration have virtualy destroyed the American republic and the ideals that it was founded upon. Go to Hell Ron! This country’s one-sided support of Israel (thanks to the likes of AIPAC) have created a world crisis! please tell me– what is the strategic basis of the US supporting Israel. What’s the benefit of this unquestioned, ongoing, support. Thanks to the Bush adminstration we have a 9 trilion Dollar deficit (tell me again about the Democrats Tax and spend mentality!!!!). We have a country that is universally despised though-out the world and a chief-executive who is literally a tiny ,half a step above an imbecile (even his parents thought that he was mentally lacking which is why they made sure that Powell, Cheney and Rumsfeld were in place) The only positive sign is that with 22 Republican Senators up for re-election in ‘08, the end of the creepy, misguided politics of the neocons is finally at and end.
Nov 16, 2007 - 8:21 pm 580. Scott:Make a bad movie, and I will go see it. Make a good movie and I will go see it.
You are a breath, as they say, of fresh, Hollywood air.
Good, Direct, on the Point, GREAT POST.
Well Spoken.
Michigan Thanks!
Nov 16, 2007 - 8:23 pm 581. Scott Malensek:Scott.
I fully agree with Ron. I voted for President Clinton both times, I almost always vote(d) for congressional Democrats, and yet, I still believe that the invasion was not only necessary, but practically inevitable; a last resort.
Nov 16, 2007 - 8:24 pm 582. Joel Watson:http://www.newmediajournal.us/staff/malensek/11132007.htm
Thanks Ron, for stating your position so eloquently. I also think America should work to better the world and free people from the fear and tyranny generated by people like Saddam and Ahmadinejad. It frightens me that the left seems so “tolerant” that they cannot even criticize Islamic culture, no matter how poorly they treat women or gays. No matter how much freedom and the arts are smothered in the Middle East. Why doesn’t this get their ire up? Instead their furious about Valerie Plame and wire tapping. They constantly endorse fleeing from Iraq with seemingly no concern for what it will mean to the Iraqis. And Brian DePalma takes time out to make movies to smear the troops and single them out as rapists. (Yes, these kind of things have happened, but don’t the rest of our soldiers deserve the benefit of the doubt.) And no one cries foul!
I also work in Hollywood and frequently censor myself in the presence of many of my colleagues for fear of being viewed as a bloodthirsty warmonger. 90% of my closest friends don’t know I voted for Bush in ‘04. Thanks for having the guts. You, Dennis Miller and the South Park guys help me get to sleep at night.
Nov 16, 2007 - 8:27 pm 583. Scott:Wow. You get a lot of Posts.
Nov 16, 2007 - 8:28 pm 584. george wilson:Bravo Mr. Silver.
Nov 16, 2007 - 8:29 pm 585. Frank Ammendolea:I admire your courage and passion. I am glad you have the guts to take a stand on your beliefs. I will take 1 Ron Silver over a million Sean Penn any day.
God bless.
Ron,
As a lifelong conservative Republican, and a longtime admirer of your work (even before we agreed on anything), I want to congratulate you on your intellectual and political independence. It takes a lot of guts to break from the crowd and do what is right for the nation, and not just your party. You are more than a Joe Lieberman Democrat -or George W. Bush Republican. You are a patriot, and for that you have my thanks and respect.
Nov 16, 2007 - 8:39 pm 586. Hari:Thank you for a well reasoned argument, one that also elicited responses from many readers, myself included. Articles that engage the mind and intelligence are rare, too few and far between. I would that this bridge had already been crossed and our debates had progressed to clear, conclusive and resolute objectives.
The national debate has been stuck on some red herrings as real and nasty as they may be.
While it is true that we suffer from enemies, we now suffer much more from a national psychosis. Seven years down from an overt attack on the nation, we have a nation that is confused, even bordering on madness. It still is not sure it has an enemy and who that is.
A democracy needs to carry its people, have them on the same page. The Iraq chapter, though not finished, proves this above all else. An un-clued, indifferent people making choices by sentiments will prove irrevocably costly.
Articulate articles are needed, and much more. A flood of articles. A media blitz.
There are things we need to review, as a nation, as the West, as the non-Muslim world. But they matter little if you are dead. By any standard, we have an enemy – no, friends do not bring down buildings. The real debate is not whether to fight the enemy, but how? By what measures?
Before venturing into the next conflict, it is high time that we first kill the doubts.
Nov 16, 2007 - 8:41 pm 587. Jeff Williams:Sorry for posting twice in one day, but I had to respond to this earlier post from someone who identified himself as NOT a U.S. Citizen…
“Read some books and learn some objectivity – even devout Muslim culture had no problems with America until it was clear that America was easily prepared to maim and kill people to fatten their wallets.”
This post is completely baseless wthout merit. There is an outstanding book called ”
Power, Faith, and Fantasy: America in the Middle East: 1776 to the Present” by Michael B. Oren that this man (and everyone else) should read.
If this person actually knew history, he would understand that unwarranted Muslim aggression was responsible for many milestones in the history of the United States, including the forming of the United States Navy and Marines, and a strong Federal Government.
What shocks me about this book, and the true history I did not know, is that it completely mirrors our current situation, albeit a lower-tech version of violence.
The Middle Eastern nation-states that declared a jihad against us then did so for no other reason than money and power – the same reason they do so today. Those nations did not cease their aggression until the U.S. crushed them. The same is true of today.
Another interesting point back then was that the U.S. tried to form a coalition with the rest of the world, who were suffering at the hands of the Barbary “Pirates” as well, yet they did nothing. It was U.S. action that helped make them free and safe then, just as it will in the modern era.
Sorry to go a bit off topic, but there is nothing worse than someone who tells another to familiarize themselves with history, when the person posting clearly has no grasp on history.
Radical Islam will never yield, it must be crushed.
Nov 16, 2007 - 8:45 pm 588. tektonic:Mr. Silver:
Speaking as a fairly balanced (pragmatic) sort who successfully achieved a fine art degree surrounded by Bay Area Neo-liberals and socialists, I greatly appreciate the strength that you show in the face of far-left religiosity. Thank you for demonstrating how rational and pragmatic a creative personality can (and should?) be. P.S., if anyone is silly enough to challenge your creative skills, all they need do is watch ‘Blue Steel’ (a terrific depiction of unfolding insanity) or ‘When Billie Beat Bobby’. You’re a hell of a good actor. My girlfriend and I look forward to your future work and now your future commentary. (Of course, we have had one actor in the White House not counting Bill Clinton… maybe it’s time for another?) Well done, Mr. Silver. Thanks for this op/ed and your work thus far.
Nov 16, 2007 - 8:50 pm 589. rick:Ron Silver a former Stuyvesantian, represents the best of Hollywood. He actually thinks about the political situation and then explains right from wrong. It is a pity that most Hollywood talent FEEL and do not think. That is why they have no right to talk as stupidly as they do.
Nov 16, 2007 - 8:52 pm 590. DonC:I have allot of respect for you (Ron Silver). The American people owe you a debt of gratitude for putting your country before your career. Everyone knows Hollywood is run by liberal elites and they make no qualms about running off anyone that doesn’t aspire to their ideology. Amen to you brother. You’re a dyeing bread of Democrat that still holds on to the true JFK values that “We the People” hold dear to us. These famous words run quite in the Democratic party of the 21st century, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country”. If I see another Hollywood liberal nut job get an Acaedmay award or a sexist person of the year honor Im gonna throw up.
Nov 16, 2007 - 8:54 pm 591. Former Democrat:Right on Ron, as a former Democrat that voted for Jimmy Carter TWICE, I’m shocked by the vile hatered from the left with anyone they disagree with. We can all respectfully disagree but the left who selfrightously claim the label of being more open minded and compassionate then the right are just plan lying. I have the same situation at work, I’m subjected to “group think” everyday.
You give me hope
Nov 16, 2007 - 9:13 pm 592. Jeffrey S. Neher:Before I start with comments on Mr.
Silver’s well thoght-out post, let me address something to Angel. You say the Cold War was won without a single shot being fired? I believe there are tens of millions of people world-wide who would strongly disagree with you. The Soviet-Bloc countries for starters. The oppression of millions upon millions of people by Soviet communism was hardly sustained without a single shot being fired. Central America, South America, The Asian Pacific, Africa, these places after having fought communist insurgencies would hardly agree with you. Ask some of our Korean veterans who were being shot and some killed by Chi-Coms during the Korean war. The fact that the U.S. and the U.S.S.R never formally engaged in battle directly, on some battlefield, does not mean the war was fought without a “single shot being fired”. I’m afraid your understanding of geo-politics is a tad naive. A correct understanding of geo-politics would allow one to understand that Israel and Iran fought a “proxy-war” just a little over a year ago. There was no battlefield with Israeli troops fighting Iranian troops, no official declarations of war, but my dear friend, it certainly was an Iranian/Israeli conflict. We are at war with Iran, they are responsible for American soldier deaths. We have not officially declared war, or sent troops into Iran, but make no mistake, we are at war with Iran. The world cannot be understood through the one-trick pony prism of sloganeering, and party campaigning. It’s a lot deeper than that…..
Now, Mr. Silver, I much enjoyed this post. Your understanding of the democrat party conundrum is adroit. I respect the fact that you and the president probably disagree on matters of social and economic policy but you don’t let that get in the way of agreeing with him and supporting him on those things you do agree. That is rare these days, when partisanship is now king, now more important than country. I did not support the idea of intervening in the Balkans, thought that was Europe’s challenge, Europe’s problem. But I lost the debate. Once we were in, once Clinton made that decision, I was all for victory. That is all I ask of the opposition. Do the minimum, support the victory of our troops. I attended the Reagan memorial in 2004, in D.C. I respected this man more than I can put into words. I felt it an obligation to make the trip to pay my respects, but more than that, I WANTED TO PAY MY RESPECTS. While I was signing the memorial guest book, I was approached by Congressman Christopher Shays of Connecticut. During our conversation, I suggested that he speak with Senator Lieberman about switching parties. He smiled and we both agreed that the senator is a fine man. Politically I disagree with Joe on almost every issue. But that’s not the point. The point is that though I disagree with him on an issue, he treats me and my argument with respect. He made his decision to support the war and with integrity backed that decision. He didn’t cave just so he could become his party’s presidential nominee(unlike the democrats in this election…). He didn’t cave so he could win re-election to the senate. He did what he did because he believes in it, no matter the consequences to his professional career. That is what makes Joe a good man, not whether he agrees with me on every issue………..
Nov 16, 2007 - 9:30 pm 593. Ken McCracken:Heh, if they call you a ‘neocon’ in Hollywood I guess that makes you a screaming moderate.
Nov 16, 2007 - 9:34 pm 594. Mike:as #574 I can’t add much other than I look forward to reading your posts.
Nov 16, 2007 - 9:43 pm 595. LB:M
Liberal philosophy dictates if we just love our enemy enough, they will learn to love us back.
We might be wearing burqas, but at least we’ll be loved for our fashion sense.
Nov 16, 2007 - 11:05 pm 596. Anonymous:Bush is a terrible President and please perish your ‘history will validate him’ fantasies, he’s no Truman. I still have great respect for you as an actor though Ron, politics doesn’t really make much of a difference.
Sean Penn has stupid opinions, he’s still a good actor.
Nov 16, 2007 - 11:50 pm 597. Laika's Last Woof:You and Dennis Miller. The best!
Nov 17, 2007 - 12:10 am 598. to Mark::Mark said: “Scott I can only conclude that you are a lunatic. You need medical help. Anyone that compares liberators to conquerors is not only mentally disturbed but sick in the soul. Scott say this and say this with pride: President Bush liberated the Iraqi people. President Bush liberated the Afghani people.”
Again, the Russians wanted to liberate us from the yoke of capitalists. In light of recent events, such as international bankers devaluing the dollar and selling off our roads, they may have been more right than we gave them credit for.
The Muslims, according the very makers of the Flavor-Aide you drink, want to liberate us from a degenerate culture.
No, the old “let’s call an invasion liberation” has been tried by many….including HITLER! LOL!
You and your sort, the wife-beaters of the world, are the ones in need of mental help. You are literally too stupid to realize you are getting your chain yanked to invade countries for Isreal! Why aren’t we invading Pakistan, eh? Why not Cuba, huh? Don’t the Cubans deserve liberation? Much closer, much easier. So why not? Because Tel Aviv is calling the shots.
Nov 17, 2007 - 12:13 am 599. Subsunk:Mr. Silver,
I wish the rest of the Dhimmicratic Party would follow your example. Support Democracy wherever it grows, defend America wherever it is needed, and place the interests and lives of Americans above the interests of the Dhimmicratic party, for our very lives sake.
If all citizens acted and felt as you do, the Dhimmicratic Party would once more be Democratic to me.
Thank you for speaking some sanity into the discussion, sir.
Subsunk
Nov 17, 2007 - 12:17 am 600. Scott:To Ron Silver:
Where is your outrage about Bush’s and Israel’s opposition to democracy among the Palestinians? Does supporting freedom mean merely picking and choosing what “freedoms” you want to support?
Where was your outrage about Bush once again turning his back on a democracy called TAIWAN in order to curry favor with the COMMUNIST Chinese government? He did this when he opposed their entry in to the UN a few months ago!
Where was your outrage about Bush’s support of a military junta led by Musharref?
Where is your support for freedom? Is it just hot air?
Nov 17, 2007 - 12:19 am 601. Paul:Ron I like you as a actor and now I like your politics. Thanks for making me comfortable in my conservative choices.
Nov 17, 2007 - 1:12 am 602. Art Fougner:Ron,
Nov 17, 2007 - 10:11 am 603. Steve:Perhaps you could comment on the deafening silence of so-called Western Feminists on the appalling status of women in the Muslim world.
I cannot stand all these blind leftists who say we “Bush invaded Iraq.” If you know that little history you shouldn’t speak. We saved Kuwait from Saddam and as we were going in to get Saddam the democrats all said, “Stop’ so we did. That left the US occupying most of the North and most of the south no-fly-over zones. Then we had eight years of Clinton doing absolutely nothing. Bush has made the first move to get us OUT of Iraq. If we left it to the left we would be in Iraq guarding the no-fly-zones while the UN, Germany, France, and Russia all took graft from Saddam and the “oil for Food’ program while sending him strongly worded letters. Saddam had to meet the requirements of surrender. We gave him a dozen years and he refused to even try to meet the requirements of his surrender. He threw out the inspectors. Of course leftists deny this history because it doesn’t prove the US is the only evil in the whoooooole world!
Nov 17, 2007 - 10:55 am 604. BetterThanNoSN:This neo-con Silver was called a ‘dumbass’ because he admitted to be willing to make the same boneheaded mistake of invading a country who had nothing to do with 9/11. What is the quote about doing the same experiment over and over again and expecting different results? oh yeah, insanity
Nov 17, 2007 - 11:17 am 605. Playin Possum:I must say you are an excellent example of all the right facts but none of the right conclusions. Your political / historical perspective is excellent; you and Lieberman, who represents Israel in our government, are the intellectual heirs of the first neocons, the Wilsonians….
And Wilson was the greatest disaster since Lincoln and held the #1 position until the shrub came along recently to challenge him. We’ll see if the shrub finally bests Wilson – It’ll be the first time in his sorry life he was the best at anything.
He’s certainly already beat out the Gipper…
Wilson meddled in someone else’s business and set off an unnecessary chain of disasters. Had he refrained, today Europe would almost certainly be a German dominated quasi-Federally united world power… Which is exactly what it is.
Wilson’s detour gave us Versailles, WWII, Hitler, the Holocaust, the October Revolution, Stalin, the cold war… Iraq and the disaster of Israel.
And now you want another round based on your principles…
You are the enemy. I’ll take the people you want to roust and have rousted over you anytime – not because they are good but because you are evil.
You and your kind are the enemy. As long as you have a voice the Republic is in danger.
Nov 17, 2007 - 1:40 pm 606. TallDave:“Where is your outrage about Bush’s and Israel’s opposition to democracy among the Palestinians?”
What opposition? They’ve been trying to get the Pals to act like a liberal democracy for decades! Instead, they oppress each other and kill Israeilis. Then, when they elected a group dedicated to destroying Israel, people act as though we have to say “It’s okay to destroy Israel, since you were elected.”
If Mexico was asking for Texas back, and Mexican “resistance” groups were firing rockets into Houston and Dallas every day, would we just sit there and take it? If they elected a government whose avowed aim was the destruction of the United States, would we not impose sanctions?
Nov 17, 2007 - 1:52 pm 607. Bugs:Good points. I don’t necessarily agree with everything the Republicans have done during their time in power. However, a precipitate withdrawal from Iraq and a rollback of the war on terror would be a victory for the radicals and reactionaries of the left, giving them the biggest infusion of political and cultural capital they’ve had since the sixties. I shudder to imagine what will happen to our country if these people believe their own violent rhetoric and intend to act on it if they get the chance. Until the Democrats eschew their foaming-at-the-mouth extreme left wing, I will continue to vote GOP.
Nov 17, 2007 - 2:11 pm 608. Roger L. Simon:BetterThanNoSn, thank you for doing such a good job in demonstrating the use of the ad hominem for our readers – and providing clarity on why it is such a poor argument. You don’t have to be Freud to realize that calling someone a ‘dumbass’ instead of debating the facts is usually an example of projection.
Nov 17, 2007 - 2:49 pm 609. carole:How wonderful to read your comments.
I am a Canadian who lives as you do,
under the umbrella of the conservatve thinkers and find I am
always labelled as the “crazy one”
for my strong belief in the conservative way of life.
I hesitate to mention my choice to
anyone with a univereity education
as they are the worst of them all
here.
Yes, it is the same in Canada
they are carefully taught and have
never tried to think through
the teaching, and they love to
say they are intelligent!
Stick with your ideas, pray for
the strength to be yourself and
then like me, take some time away
from the battle and then…out
to do battle again.
We have a great Prime Minister
Nov 17, 2007 - 3:00 pm 610. carole:right now, he conservative, smart,
young, and has a goal of bringing
unity to Canada. He has integrity
and we can go to bed at night knowing he is taking care of our
country. Blessed indeed.
He and President Bush have fun together and have a good relationship as we should with our
neaest neighbour.
Carole
How wonderful to read your comments.
I am a Canadian who lives as you do,
under the umbrella of the conservatve thinkers and find I am
always labelled as the “crazy one”
for my strong belief in the conservative way of life.
I hesitate to mention my choice to
anyone with a univereity education
as they are the worst of them all
here.
Yes, it is the same in Canada
they are carefully taught and have
never tried to think through
the teaching, and they love to
say they are intelligent!
Stick with your ideas, pray for
the strength to be yourself and
then like me, take some time away
from the battle and then…out
to do battle again.
We have a great Prime Minister
Nov 17, 2007 - 3:09 pm 611. david:right now, he conservative, smart,
young, and has a goal of bringing
unity to Canada. He has integrity
and we can go to bed at night knowing he is taking care of our
country. Blessed indeed.
He and President Bush have fun together and have a good relationship as we should with our
neaest neighbour.
Carole
Wow,
Nov 17, 2007 - 10:34 pm 612. gary:You should run for president! You have common sense and guts.
just want to say, Good Stuff, Ron
Nov 18, 2007 - 1:03 am 613. boyd:Well done.
Your opinions have no more — and no less — meaning to me because of your profession. Your opinions stand on their own merits.
Nov 18, 2007 - 11:40 am 614. Fingerman:No wonder I have always enjoyed and admired Ron Silver and his work.
His character just comes through.
Nov 18, 2007 - 4:22 pm 615. Billy P:Nice post. You get “it”. I appreciate your opinion and steadfastness to the cause of common sense.
Nov 19, 2007 - 12:31 am 616. Incognito:reminds me of an actress who upon discovering I was a Republican, retreated angrily and then later recanted saying that even though I was a Republican she still loved me. As though I had admitted I was a serial killer.
Great post, Ron, and I hope you’re right about believing that the Arab-Muslim world is capable of working its way to achieving freedoms while still maintaining their faith, because I’m not sure that’s possible. Unless there is a major overhaul of the religion, they will remain hopelessly in the dark ages.
Nov 19, 2007 - 1:08 am 617. syn:As as actress in NYC I can relate, in 2002 for simply saying ‘I support the liberation of Iraqi people’ I was ostracised out of the the network. Up until 9/11/2001 I wasn’t political (didn’t even vote in the 2000 elections) however, I always thought of myself as a JFK liberal who believed America will bear any burden to defend Liberty from tyranny.
Just for saying “I support the liberation of Iraqi people” I became the ‘lone Republican’ or the ‘Bushie’; people whom I thought were friends stopped calling.
In 2004 I eventually left the theater world, the groupthink was tyrannical.
When I saw from the rooftop of my building the World Trade Center crumble to ash on 9/11/2001 I had no idea how deep was the level of hate-all things-America and the level of vicious anti-semitism was in our country.
I am a neo-con, a conservative, a Republican or whatever label is applied to those defending freedom’s shining light on the hill.
I will Never Forget:
“Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. Those who have known freedom, and then lost it, have never known it again.” (Reagan, 1967 the man who inspired the neo-conservative movement)
Thank you Mr. Silver for overcoming the tyranny of our times.
Nov 19, 2007 - 11:17 am 618. DennisC:I remember you saying “Oh, those are our planes now”, as if they were enemies as long as GHWB controlled them. Do you remember? It was during Billary’s first inauguration party. You were standing outside, on camera, when the U.S.A.F. did a fly-by, looking angry that the jets were maybe being misused or that it was a waste of tax payers money – or some such. I am a Nam veteran and was spitting angry at you just then.
Now, I want to thank you for being a patriot and am happy to see you’ve grown and learned something about political maneuvering. Keep up your support for the troops.
Nov 19, 2007 - 11:35 am 619. Kathy:How refreshing to read some common sense from Hollywood! Too bad that Cruise and others who are trying to cram their “lamb” mentality into our minds via the big screen won’t try out some of Mr. Silver’s “lion” thinking—for a change! They might actually make a few dollars, even!
Nov 19, 2007 - 1:20 pm 620. Mr. Warmth:Thank you, Mr. Silver, for your great blog—I look forward to reading it every few days and having my mind filled with a script that includes not only common sense, but optimism, intelligence and vision.
Ron, Since you describe yourself as a little bit right of left of center, may I suggest that you write a piece describing your feelings on an issue the left side of you agrees with (global warming, New Orleans reconstruction, privacy issues, income distribution) and see how quickly those adoring fans above abandon you.
Nov 19, 2007 - 3:06 pm 621. Consul-At-Arms:I’ve quoted you and linked to you here: http://consul-at-arms.blogspot.com/2007/11/re-neo-con-extreme-moderate-how-about.html
Nov 19, 2007 - 4:43 pm 622. Paul:Nineteen suicide bombers and their sponsors brought a great nation to live in irrational fear. In Bin Laden’s wildest dreams things could not have worked out so well for his cause.
By the way we were attacked by terrorists after 9/11. Doesn’t Anthrax count?
That said, you are an eloquent, if misguided, guy.
(And I LOVED the Gary Levy character
Nov 19, 2007 - 4:57 pm 623. Jason:on “Rhoda.” One of the underrated characters in sitcom history.)
Ron,
If you believe in using military might to export democracy, where does it stop? Will we next invade Myanmar? North Korea? Pakistan? At what point does it behoove us to wait for the people of these nations to be ready to fight for themselves?
And in calling the current counterinsurgency operation in Iraq a part of the war on terrorism is to conflate the issues. Iraq never attacked us. There is no credible link between Saddam and al Qaeda. Iraq never posed a security risk to our nation.
I am a Reserve Soldier in the United States military. I believe in those men and women fighting for our country. Right now, our fighting men and women are in harm’s way, with no plan to win the peace, with no overarching goals, and with no cogent strategy guiding their sacrifice. If you want to support the troops, bring them home.
Nov 19, 2007 - 5:12 pm 624. Harley:Well, if nothing else, Ron, you — and your ideological fluffers — share this much with the Prez. An only vague familiarity with the English language.
‘Disadmired.’ Heh.
(And in case Roger is still listening in? This does not make you a dumbass. Just easily dismissed. Which, for the record, is not the opposite of ‘missed.’)
Nov 19, 2007 - 5:16 pm 625. Angel:Jim: You extracted a piece from my comment
Angel wrote: “In Iran, there is a rather metropolitan, well-educated populace. But, if we pro-actively strike at them to get at their President, we will be shooting ourselves in the foot.” The left has been saying that about Iraq and Afghanistan, too. It hasn’t worked out that way, has it?
I don’t think the left said that about Afghanistan, except the hard-core anti-war crowd. I was concerned about the Taliban before 9/11 when they were blowing up Buddhist statues with dynamite to erase evidence of pre-Islamic history. And, when they wanted to pin pieces of yellow cloth to resident Hindus to “protect” them from non-Hindus(Muslims), I knew how dangerous they were and it would only be a matter of time before we clashed with them. If we engage the citizens of Iran, who are more inclined to rise up against their oppressors than their neighbors in Iraq and Afghanistan were, it would be a bold master stroke in foreign policy. It just seems to be more acceptable to bomb people into our camp.
Nov 19, 2007 - 7:38 pm 626. Angel:joeyb,
I’m well aware of the propaganda tactics that were used to rally the country during WWII. But, what we’re seeing now with the expansion of government power and the exploitation of fear is astounding. I mean, do you think that if 9/11 never happpened that Giuliani would even have a shot? The only reason he does is exploitation of fear. I miss the country that I grew up in. I know some will say the Islamists are responsible for that. And, they may well be. But, the neo-cons are willing handmaidens in the rush to change America from the land of freedom to land of fear.
Nov 19, 2007 - 7:44 pm 627. Dingo:Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Mr Silver.
It’s quaint to think that we invaded Iraq because Hussein was a tyrant and posed a threat to the region — both true — or that we wanted to bring democracy to Iraq — less true. But this war was never waged for democracy or freedom, but rather because of a deeply misguided economic ideology.
Neoliberalism — what you call “revolutionary liberalism” — and neoconservatism are like brothers from different mothers, at least when it comes to foreign policy. Both advocate using government/military intervention on behalf of multinational corporations. And that’s exactly what we’re seeing play out in Iraq.
Nov 19, 2007 - 9:21 pm 628. davido:I have been and remain a fan of your work and I share you’re concern for our security and your sense that there are times when the use of American military power is necessary. I think it was necessary in Afghanistan but not in Iraq.
However, when the Iraq war began, when opposition to it was no longer objectively useful, my antiwar position shifted to one of get it over with as soon as possible, with as few deaths as possible military and civilian but most of all, get it right. That hasn’t happened. And while I pray that it does, it may never happen because of the gross mismanagement of the initial invasion (not enough troops to even secure sites suspected of containing WMD for example so that many had been looted before they could be inspected) and occupation (do you remain a Rumsfeld supporter as well?).
The fact is we don’t yet know what’s going to become of Iraq. So it’s not yet possible to say it was worth it unless you want to take the position that no matter what happens, that will be better than Saddam. But before you get too settled into that position I would remind you that what followed Communist rule in Afghanistan was something even worse, anarchy, the Taliban and 9/11. And since we never committed our full power in rebuilding there in order to invade Iraq, it isn’t secure either.
So at the end of the day I’m not a fan of Bush. He’s been in over his head from the beginning (and as far as we can tell all of his life)and remains so. For example what do you make of his confessing puzzlement over the fact that the Iraqi Army was disbanded? Was this decision really taken without his direct input? To hear him tell it, it was. How could that happpen?
This President has put our country’s security at risk and created the pre-conditions for a regional war in the Persian Gulf, the minimal outcome of which, should it happen, is likely to be an interuption to the oil supply that may well produce the world’s worst economic dislocation since the Great Depression.
Nov 19, 2007 - 9:39 pm 629. Paul:Ron-
As I said a few posts back, you are an eloquent guy.
(And one I respect- though perhaps only because you played a liberal on WW…)
It would be interesting to hear you address some of the more respectful and reasoned (and, IMO, irrefutable) points made by the folks here who have disagreed with you…
Nov 19, 2007 - 11:12 pm 630. james gribble:I disagee with the fundamentals of liberal internationalism, but the fact that Ron Silver understands the word makes me respect him greatly. This column shows hes educated, something that I haven’t seen expressed in the writings of many other actors.
Nov 19, 2007 - 11:27 pm 631. Robin Steiger:Ron..I wrongfully feel such contempt at Hollywood/Left/Liberals of the world and know I should instead be praying for them and that some will see the light..so that they can help others like minded see the light. I’ve always felt like it was useless..that is until I realized it was doubting God’s power and how that was showing little faith in God’s promise to hear our prayers. God does hear our prayers. Then there are people like yourself that come along and give us all hope that your class, integrity, your sincere search for the truth, desire to support those who want to protect this great country..and most of all a great insight to give credit to a President who could have possibly saved this country from many a threat, unknown and unseen. That’s class deserving of an award in itself. I haven’t agreed with everything President Bush does..but I’ll always believe God gave us this President for that time and place in history..and for that I’ll always be greatful. Thanks and bravo for a well written article. I will always try to catch you whenever and wherever you show up on the tube/screen. Robin.
Nov 20, 2007 - 12:07 am 632. Lynn:Mr. Silver, thank you for a thoughtful post. I have much to disagree with in it. It’s refreshing to not be called a “dhimmi” or whatever the insult d’jour is when reading a more conversative point of view.
I’m puzzled that “dumbass” is considered such a horrible invective, yet when another poster says, “I guess you had something up your a** and my di** in your mouth”, that’s apparently no problem. Guess intolerance isn’t just a lefty problem.
I’m also struck by all the references to JFK here. Didn’t JFK avert the Cuban missile crisis, rather than engage Castro in battle?
Nov 20, 2007 - 10:18 am 633. Dave in Texas:Ron,
Thanks for speaking your mind.
OnrampPodcast- instead of inviting Ron Silver to appear as a representative of ‘25% who still support Bush’, why not try to find someone among the 11% who still support the Democrat congress?
Unless the search is just too difficult, of course…
Nov 20, 2007 - 10:53 am 634. Greenjeans:This isn’t a board game, Ron. The military invasion of Iraq has created some two million refugees, killed an estimated 80,000 Iraqi civilians,and injured hundreds of thousands of Iraqis. The invasion and occupation has instigated an Iraqi civil war and destroyed Iraq’s infrastructure. Hundreds of thousands are jobless and many are hungry. Meanwhile, U.S. casualties continue to mount unabated and the injured are left to cope on their own. Billions are spent each month to enrich corporate profiteers at taxpayer expense. The US knowingly invaded and occupies a country that posed and poses no threat to the United States. This continuing humanitarian horror is shameful. Your apologia only enables its perpetuation.
Nov 20, 2007 - 12:05 pm 635. Mr. Burnham:Mr. Silver,
I respect you, but when I read your statement, “My reactionary former colleagues and friends were quite content with the status quo with Saddam in power in a post 9/11 world. I was not,” I had to stop reading. Why? Because it’s a gross misrepresentation of the post 9/11 dynamic, if not downright false. I’m a liberal, I know many liberals, and I don’t know a one of us who was “quite content with the status quo w/ Saddam in power in a post 9/11 world.” I find it curious that people such as yourself, who seem to have contempt for those of us who were against the invasion, seem to always have a knack for misrepresenting that critical part of the history — and always to your own personal benefit. Quite frankly, I find that kind of conduct reprehensible, and morally dishonest. Thank you and good luck to you.
Nov 20, 2007 - 3:56 pm 636. Joel:Reading this thread is like stepping into a time warp. Greenjeans says it well, so I won’t reiterate the details, but if you’re going to argue that the near-universally derided Bush Doctrine is still valid, you’re going to have to at least ACKNOWLEDGE the facts on the ground. Hell, even the President himself had to do this eventually. I’m not saying you should change your opinion and hew to the new consensus. Just that, if you’re going to make these arguments, you need to realize what you’re dealing with. It’s not just Hollywood liberals who are going to look at you like you’re crazy if you say the Iraq war was a good thing (and continue to tie it to “spreading democracy in the Middle East”, not to mention 9/11). It’s pretty much everyone. Circumstances demand you take a defensive stance – refusing to only makes you look absurd.
Nov 20, 2007 - 4:41 pm 637. Russ in Crystal Lake:Joe Lieberman is the poster child for what is wrong with today’s Democratic Party. At the turn of the century Lieberman represented the bold new face of Democratic politics – a moderate reformer who rejected the corrupt influence-peddling that plagued both parties and who epitomized the centrist New Democratic policies of Bill Clinton. He was the antidote to the poisonous corruption epitomized by John Murtha’s infamous performance during the Abscam sting. Lieberman had the moral courage to stand up to Hollywood for selling junk to children and to his friend the president for letting down those who had looked up to him. He spoke optimistically of a new awakening in America in response to the excesses of cultural licentiousness and bitter partisanship that had split the country. He led the fight for campaign finance reform and a return to the strong, pro-American policies of Roosevelt, Truman and Kennedy. These are the traits that earned him the admiration of his colleagues and a place on the 2000 Democratic presidential ticket.
Joe Lieberman was widely respected for his constant stand on these issues and on the growing threat in the Middle East, policies that he shared with Bill Clinton and with his moderate colleagues on both sides of the aisle. He co-authored the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 signed by President Clinton. After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks Lieberman provided a strong voice for bipartisan efforts to unify the nation and respond to the threat. In 2002 he co-sponsored, along with fellow Democratic senator Evan Bayh and Republicans John Warner and John McCain, the joint congressional resolution to authorize military action in Iraq.
Speaking for the House of Representatives, Democratic Congressman Richard Gephardt introduced the joint resolution with these words:
“…The first responsibility of our government is to protect the security of our nation and our citizens. …Every member of Congress must make their own decision on the level of threat posed by Iraq and what to do to respond to that threat. I’ve said many times to my caucus that each member should be guided by his or her own conscience, free from others trying to politicize the issue or questioning others’ motives. …We disagree on many domestic issues. But this is the most important thing that we do. This should not be about politics. We have to do what is right for the security of our nation and the safety of all Americans.”
Senators Bayh, Biden, Clinton, Daschle, Dodd, Edwards, Feinstein, Kerry, Kohl, Reid, Rockefeller and Schumer all spoke and voted in support of the Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq, along with 17 other Democratic senators and more than 80 Democratic congressmen. Six months later, when president Bush put their words into action, many of those who had spoken so earnestly in support of the resolution swiftly redeployed into the refuge of partisan politics, focusing their attention on the next presidential election. Meanwhile, by remaining true to his conscience and his word Joe Lieberman became a pariah, a turncoat, a running dog lackey of the Bush administration. Much the same could be said for Tony Blair.
Nov 20, 2007 - 5:30 pm 638. Lob:Thank you, Ron, for your courage and for your willingness to speak truth to power.
Greenjeans :
This isn’t a board game, Ron. The military invasion of Iraq has created some two million refugees, killed an estimated 80,000 Iraqi civilians,and injured hundreds of thousands of Iraqis
“See http://www.gbn.org/ArticleDisplayServlet.srv?aid=2400&msp=1242 Here is an excerpt:“Along with other human rights organizations, The Documental Centre for Human Rights in Iraq has compiled documentation on over 600,000 civilian executions in Iraq. Human Rights Watch reports that in one operation alone, the Anfal, Saddam killed 100,000 Kurdish Iraqis. Another 500,000 are estimated to have died in Saddam’s needless war with Iran. Coldly taken as a daily average for the 24 years of Saddam’s reign, these numbers give us a horrifying picture of between 70 and 125 civilian deaths per day for every one of Saddam’s 8,000-odd days in power”
Yeah, the world seems like a better place with your buddy Saddam there! Maybe you should move to Canada with Alec Baldwin!
Nov 20, 2007 - 10:58 pm 639. James:“Containment and deterrence are ineffective in this brave new world. There is no containment if you can’t see the enemy; there is no deterrence if the enemy desires death.”
That, Mr. Silver, is the type of insight-in-a-nutshell that will esteem you in opinion column circles in ways that more will soon come to appreciate. Nicely put. I will quote you often on this point.
Nov 21, 2007 - 8:45 am 640. Brian Dunleavy:As we have long ago left the age of reason, and entered the age of viscera, labels have become the sine qua non of the current political Areopagus. It allows for procrustean classification of individuals into manageable and targetable groups.
Unfortunately, we seldom select our labels, but have them assigned to us ad hoc by the interest group, or the interests of the individual at hand. I have been called everything from a rabid Nazi to a bleeding heart liberal. In doing so, the labeler is freed from the onerous tasks of reason and discussion, and can cling to their preconceived notions without critical challenge.
That is why labels are so valuable in our political zeitgeist. Politicians seem to find them particularly useful because they allow them to maintain a position without exposure to the inquisitive light of reason. Doing so would reveal their position is not based on the common good or a political philosophy, but instead on the acquisition and maintenance of power.
I think that government is made men, and when a government is populated by men driven by the quest for power, it has a transformative effect; the institution of government becomes an organism that act first in its own self interest and protects itself from within.
If I could choose my own label, I would like to be known as a “reso-con.” Reasoning, and reasonable, I try to think things through based on core beliefs and the information available. Conservative in that I agree with the Founding Fathers; suspect of government encroachment into the affairs of man, seeing the hard left as dangerous as the hard right in their grasp for control to my detriment.
If you think I’m wrong, make the case. Provide dispositive argument that will sway me. Don’t just slap me with a label and move on.
Nov 21, 2007 - 12:20 pm 641. Ross:Mary; it’s not required to be willing to go and fight yourself to believe the fight is necessary, especially when we have an all volunteer armed force. To believe otherwise prohibits one from having beliefs on anything other than their own field of expertise. This is a favorite liberal stance that makes no sense whatsoever.
Nov 22, 2007 - 12:24 am 642. Righteous Bubba:God bless me for getting it right.
Jun 13, 2008 - 6:08 pm 643. Gary O. Kent:Ron, there’s a book in there somewhere, and you are just the person to write it. I notice you are not on “Law & Order” hardly anymore; did you p— off Dick Wolfe?
Jul 25, 2008 - 10:57 am 644. Lewis A. Morris:Mr. Silver,
In spite of your maltreatment of Dr. Garret Macey, I am thilled to become a fan of yours in another category. Since you probably not moving to Georgia, if you ever choose to run for national office, you have my vote.
Thank you.
Lewis A. Morris
Sep 1, 2008 - 7:40 am 645. Will:Cumming, GA
Someone mentioned below that not a single attack has been orchestrated by Islamic Jihadists against the U.S. since 9/11/2001.
The attacks occur daily, and are much more subtle. They strike at the core of financial prosperity, leveraging the hubris of the current administration.
In 2004, Osama Bin Laden said:
“We are continuing this policy in bleeding America to the point of bankruptcy. Allah willing, and nothing is too great for Allah,”.
He said the mujahedeen fighters did the same thing to the Soviet Union in Afghanistan in the 1980s, “using guerrilla warfare and the war of attrition to fight tyrannical superpowers.”
“We, alongside the mujahedeen, bled Russia for 10 years until it went bankrupt and was forced to withdraw in defeat,” bin Laden said.
And so it goes.
Oct 7, 2008 - 10:14 pm