Basically it comes down to this. My children and friends said I was driving them crazy when I had a running conversation - loudly I might add - with my TV set. I too was dissatisfied when my set did not respond. I knew there was a better way to go about this. This being sharing my thoughts about Chris Matthews, and his panel of experts and their cohorts around the dial.
I guess the final straw was when Chris, whom I like personally, ridiculed the President for bringing up the junta’s crackdown in Burma before the U.N. His panel of experts then went mockingly on its way to make jokes about Burma Shave commercials and basically who cares. The next day the Burmese regime started killing the monks and many others. No apologies yet from MSNBC. I single out Chris, because I like him. He’s smart and does his homework yet is compromised by the dictates of his network and /or most of his peers. Does he really think Larry Craig is more important than what’s happening in Burma? Or that acting as a shill for Valerie Plame’s book is truly worthwhile? Why does he only play Hardball with views he despises and play hearts with those who agree with him? The film V for Vendetta was more sophisticated and thought-provoking than Chris these days.
Lest this be thought of as Hardball Hate Fest. I bring this up because it was the culmination of my impotent rage at what was being foisted on us. I’ve appeared on Hardball many times and been part of their 2004 Election night coverage team. It’s my disappointment that men like Chris are co-opted and debase political discourse, that make my rage runneth over.
The new real democracy is online. Forget the pollsters. Hearing what individuals who do not make a living from pandering to one team or another, who do not need the assurance that their thinking is in accord with their colleagues of whom they’re either afraid of or need reassurance from.
Hence Bloggo ergo sum – first offering.
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98 Comments
MyFriendOtis:Ron:
Great to have you on board. Here in the land of Oz, we’re going through our own election cycle, with both parties bidding to make the biggest cuts in CO2 emmissions, this in a country that relies on coal exports for a very big chunk of change.
Can I also say, I really enjoyed your stint as Bruno on The West Wing. A truly great show, even though Sorkin couldn’t write parts for conservative characters if his life depended on it.
So good luck with the blog. Try to avoid hitnosis, so very tempting. And perhaps we might try “Blogito ergo sum”?
Oct 31, 2007 - 1:46 am Jaynie59:One subject I’m interested in, and is seldom written about, is why liberal Hollywood seems to embrace the very groups that are the opposite of everything liberals profess to believe in.
Feminism, gay rights, freedom of speech, separation of church and state.
But yet, here we are 6 years after 9/11, and not only can there be no depiction of a Muslim terrorist on TV shows and in movies, they won’t show any portrayal of any Muslim at all unless it’s in the best possible light.
I found it interesting that your column mentioned Sally Field’s famous Oscar acceptance speech. What do you think the odds are that Not Without My Daughter would ever have a chance of being made today? Pretty slim I’d say. And if it did get made in today’s world, all the good guys would be Muslims and all the bad guys would be Americans.
Oct 31, 2007 - 1:56 am tennannie:Welcome to the blogsphere as a columnist. I, for one will be returning. Nice first post.
I stopped watching television.
Oct 31, 2007 - 2:49 am Yuman:That impotent rage you feel is what most Americans feel when watching these programs.
Oct 31, 2007 - 3:23 am DJ:Are we really just watching the political version of pro-wrestling?
Everyone has their own unique character, they scream, yell and insult each other. But when the camera’s go off they all laugh and go out and have a beer together.
Perhaps the public takes what they say more seriously than they do.
I agree with you except about the good things you said about Chris. I think he is a very bitter partisan hack and unfair to any conservative he has on his show.
Oct 31, 2007 - 3:31 am Michael J. Totten:Good to see your blog though. I’ll be back…
Welcome to the blogosphere, Ron. Good to have you.
Oct 31, 2007 - 4:17 am Dylan:Welcome, Ron. Nice first post and I am looking forward to many more.
Oct 31, 2007 - 4:57 am steve comins:Ron, I had no idea you were an actor. I have only known you to be a well educated, right thing member of the council of foreign relations and a conservative politico with whom I most often agree.
Hmm, I think I will see if there are any of your movies to rent, it might be fun to see you act on the big screen. Keep up the good fight and by the way, I vey much enjoyed your “pro” isolation essay at pajama media. Incidentally, if the TV ever starts yelling back seek help! (smile)
PS-big fan for years, loved Time Cop btw!
Steve
Oct 31, 2007 - 5:49 am Tari:Oh, I am a social studies teacher who often run afoul in the teachers lounge!
Wow! I’ve always loved what you’ve had to say when you are a guest commentator. I’m really happy to have you as one of my blogs to keep track of now (thank you, Instapundit!). You have a unique perspective, and I really look forward to hearing what you have to say. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this, and I wish you good luck. Welcome!
Oct 31, 2007 - 7:23 am Smaack:Welcome Mr. Silver - your thoughts are most appreciated. It takes real courage to stand up to your peers, and in Hollywood it’s apparent that “speaking truth to power” means taking on the dominant culture, something you are doing with admirable verve.
Oct 31, 2007 - 7:27 am Mr. Bingley:What’s “television”?
Oct 31, 2007 - 7:35 am Subsunk:Mr. Silver,
I truly admire your writing and your sense of fair play. It is rare to find one in your acting profession who believes the good, common folk of America are more noble than those who lead by their snobbery. Your comments are well thought out and logical and fit the world that the blue collar American must live in.
Thank you for being a breath of fresh air. I love what you write about and the subjects you choose to discuss. Press on.
Subsunk
Oct 31, 2007 - 7:36 am AR:Hello Ron,
Nice to see this. I remember catching a glimpse of you at a John Bolton talk by MEF. Knew there was something to watch when I saw you cogitating at the then-ambassador’s words.
Looking forward to the content.
Oct 31, 2007 - 7:36 am jbrookins:I look forward to more post. While my ability to post is somewhat limit at this time. It’s encouraging to see more people stating common sense.
Oct 31, 2007 - 7:38 am Agim Zabeli:Mr. Silver:
Welcome aboard.
I wonder if “elites” realize how some of their groupthink, and the accompanying disparagement of those who disagree, can resemble the attitude of snarky girls in middle school?
Oct 31, 2007 - 7:44 am Mumblix Grumph:Great first post, sir. This bodes well for the future, and for the future of the medium.
Oct 31, 2007 - 7:48 am Jane:I can’t imagine a more appropriate reason for entering the blogosphere.
I too, used to be a huge fan of Matthews - and then he fell over the edge. I doubt, as you suggest, he is a victim of the “dictates of his network”. He appears to have led said network as much as followed it.
Oct 31, 2007 - 7:50 am Elizabeth:I’m glad you’ve started a blog. I’m looking forward to finding out more about your views.
Oct 31, 2007 - 7:54 am frenetic:Can’t even tell you the last time I watched anything from ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, etc.
My rage at the lamestream propagandamedia culminated several years ago and I haven’t looked back.
Chris Mathews is a tool. I wouldn’t be caught dead watching Hardball. It’s painful just watching 60 second clips of that moron off blogs mocking him let alone sit through an entire show.
Of course this is all putting it mildly. If you really want to know how I feel, just ask.
Oct 31, 2007 - 7:58 am K T Cat:It’s my disappointment that men like Chris are co-opted and debase political discourse, that make my rage runneth over.
And yet it was always thus, Ron.
Welcome to the real world.
Oct 31, 2007 - 8:07 am Brett Rogers:I know that there are more conservatives in Hollywood. Props to you for having the backbone to speak your eloquent and refreshingly informed mind. I hope that others begin to speak out as boldly as you are.
Oct 31, 2007 - 8:11 am Victor T:Hi Ron!
You’ve been a welcomed breath of fresh logic and common sense from Hollywood.
Many of us conservatives yell at the TV. If we didn’t … it would be even more unhealthy.
Being a conservative in New York City is tough. I think we should organize some intelligent and pointed demonstrations at embassies in NY like say … the Iranian embassy. You know … “stop killing Iraqis and Americans!”
Oct 31, 2007 - 8:13 am Tom Zampino:GREAT first post, Ron! I am so glad that you have joined the blogging world and I look forward to your future musings! Good luck and Godspeed.
Oct 31, 2007 - 8:22 am Hacklehead:Chris Matthews has become so hyper-conventional that it hurts. He seems more interested in not offending the liberal DC dinner party crowd than in real “hardball” journalism. He is now just a parody of himself - just a Broder/russet wannabee.
Oct 31, 2007 - 8:31 am rick a:Welcome Ron, as a northern neighbor [Canada], I know that our two countries futures are inextricably bound together. It’ll be interesting to hear a conservative voice coming out of the entertainment industry.
Oct 31, 2007 - 8:42 am ljm:I’ve always found your compelling on television and it will be great to have another voice of reason in the blogosphere. Nice picture and a splendid actor.
Oct 31, 2007 - 8:43 am HerrMorgenholz:Many of us conservatives yell at the TV. If we didn’t … it would be even more unhealthy.
A recent Pew Opinion Research poll found that “Yelling at the TV” was the second most popular activity of conservatives, barely edged out by “Plotting to take away children’s healthcare”, and followed closely by “Killing and eating small animals”. It’s true. Google it!
Welcome to the intertubes, Mr. Silver. Look forward to seeing more of you.
Oct 31, 2007 - 8:47 am Nevets:Hey Ron…
As a regular reader of PajamasMedia and other alternative news sources, welcome to the exciting world of the internet…..one of the last realms of true individual empowerment….and the only place I know of where one can actually “reach out” and discuss pertinent issues with hundreds of others.
…….And that’s a really good thing!!! Dialog is essential in a free and democratic society.
Welcome..!
Oct 31, 2007 - 8:52 am Glenn:Mr. Silver:
Oct 31, 2007 - 8:59 am Art Fougner, MD:I remember reading a comment by you to the effect that 9/11 lifted something akin to a blindfold of political correctness from your eyes, ultimately allowing your love of country to be thoughtfully articulated and unabashedly expressed.
I am very grateful to you for your courage and excellent effort to help others understand what is truly at stake. You are advancing the truths of patriotism.
Thank you!
Ron,
Welcome to PJM. They should have asked you to moderate the Democrat Debates. But then the Squirm Quotient would be far to high for Media Matters to allow. Somewhere, Frank Capra and Ronald Reagan are smiling.
I look forward to reading more of your pieces. Kudos!
Oct 31, 2007 - 9:20 am Stankleberry:Kickass, thank you for getting a web blog.
Oct 31, 2007 - 9:21 am Joan Varga:If Chrissy’s hissies is what it takes to get great minds to blog, then I’ve finally found something to be grateful for on MSNBC.
Good on ya, Mr. Silver!
Oct 31, 2007 - 9:26 am Paul A' Barge:Nice for you to be here.
We hope you’ll be a visitor in your own comments section, more a la Althouse, rather than a prognosticator who throws down only to disappear, a la Hewitt.
Looking forward to the conversation, and to how you’ll deal with those who long ago drove off the civility highway.
Oct 31, 2007 - 9:46 am paul:Welcome to bloggers heaven Ron. Glad you’re aboard.
It’s heartening that you got the essence of 9/11, along with Dennis Miller. It must be difficult to with stand the peer pressure of the entertainment business.
By the way, out of the many fine performances of yours, my favorite Ron Silver role is Dershowitz in Reversal of Fortune. Jeremy Irons was masterfully creepy as well.
Oct 31, 2007 - 9:56 am Dirty Harry:Ron,
I’ve been one of your biggest fans since “Garbo Talks,” a gem of a sleeper whose continued lack of availability on DVD should be a felony.
And I completely agree about Matthews: He’s entirely too bright to act the way he does, and a post about his squandered promise is an excellent way to start a blog. There’s dumb Democrats who don’t know any better and ambitious Democrats who do but choose to eat at the “cool kids” table.
Then there’s you, Lieberman, Dershowitz, Roger Simon, etc… And we are so lucky to have you.
Oct 31, 2007 - 9:57 am iamnot:Nice to see someone from your line of work showing some sense.
Oct 31, 2007 - 10:00 am Chris Muir:I too disagree about Mr. Wallace. He has long ago jumped the shark.
Hack.
Glad you’re here.
Oct 31, 2007 - 10:01 am RH Potfry:Ron– just read your first post, and wanted to give you props. Great stuff.
This isn’t so much about conservative vs. liberal as it is about common sense. And your writing seems to bear that out.
Keep it coming.
RH Potfry
Oct 31, 2007 - 10:13 am kelly o:I am thrilled that you have joined the blogging world. I have always enjoyed your opinions in real life and your performances in not so real life. Lately I am spitting at the screen when I watch Law and Order (for pity’s sake it was the LAST thing I could watch without yelling at the screen!) but they’ve gone dhimmi now too.
Oct 31, 2007 - 10:27 am Stan:In any case, I shall return to your blog again to see what sanity sounds like.
Thanks.
Ron,
There is a huge market for honest commentary. Why won’t your friends (or someone else) put out TV and other news media that fills that market need?
Oct 31, 2007 - 10:33 am Travis Clark:’bout effing time!!
Great to have you here, need more sane liberals.
Keep it up.
Oct 31, 2007 - 10:36 am Cincinnatus:Mathews was on the Daily Show … he started out fawning over Stewart, who of course has his vocal audience in the palm of his hand.
Stewart poked at him pretty hard … it’s as if Mathews was on the receiving end of a hardball interview.
But he didn’t call him on his big piece of advice straight from Bill Clinton’s mouth: listen. “Listen to people.” Hearing this from Mathews of all people!
The harsh treatment was what he deserved, although I think Stewart is obnoxious too.
Oct 31, 2007 - 10:52 am tranquilitas:Unlike some of the others here I was only vaguely aware of your political bent. I tend to keep my media separate–for information/opinion I look to my computer or other print media and for entertainment I look to movies/tv. To that end I long ago quit watching any program produced by a network news program. It gets on my nerves to even have to be in the same room if someone else turns one on. This means happily that I miss all the politicos –elected, news media hanger-ons, etc and their agendas. All this is to say that all though I had not been that in tune to your views I am happily adding your blog to my list. Your first essay made excellent points. (Plus you get points for wearing a suit in your picture!)
Oct 31, 2007 - 10:53 am Jadels:Shalom Ron!
Great Post!
Keep up the good work!
Oct 31, 2007 - 10:56 am audie mcgrogan:dear Ron;
Oct 31, 2007 - 10:59 am buddy larsen:Thank God for your courage to differ from your peers. Keep it up,. I’ll be back daily.
Audie
Mr. Silver, compliments on finding a very kind and gentle way to say that a friend has relinquished about all he ever had of that little journalistical tool known as “credibility”.
I’ll never forget Zell Miller challenging him to a duel the night of the last GOP convention–a perfect little spontaneous morality-play wherein the old and the new Democratic party showed clearly that something once very good has now gone very bad.
What could it be? Maybe nothing more complicated than way too few Zells and way too many Chris Matthewses on the roster.
Oct 31, 2007 - 11:00 am Insatty:After your stemwinder at the GOP convention, I look forward to your every post.
Matthews is a modern-day Tokyo Rose. He glorifies everything anti-American: Abu Ghraib, the Jersey Girls, Haditha, and Joe Wilson.
And he ignores the big story: Why did the CIA send a liberal hack like Joe Wilson to Niger in the first instance, when he so clearly had and has an axe to grind against the Bush Administation? Matthews would find that disgruntled liberals in the CIA went to war against their boss in the White House. That’s big news, not that Scooter and Karl believed that Plame recommended her unqualified husband for a job he couldn’t do!
Oct 31, 2007 - 11:01 am dsinope:Wonderful! I’m so glad to see you here!
I’ve always admired and appreciated work (except Veronica’s Closet - but a paycheck’s a paycheck).
Welcome!
Oct 31, 2007 - 11:02 am Sue:Welcome. I have long admired your courage to speak truth to insanity in the media. I will visit often and hopefully comment as your posts may require. Be careful of the tinfoil hatted leftist loons out there…these trolls will destroy your comments section if allowed.
Your question re Chris is valid, and, I think it is because Chris was part of the Carter administration and we have all seen and heard Carter’s truth beliefs: socialistic, or, dare I way it; totalitarianism!! The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Oct 31, 2007 - 11:04 am J J Everyman:It’s a toss-up who is the worst TV personality: Chris Matthews or Geraldo Rivera.
Oct 31, 2007 - 11:16 am Exurban Jon:Welcome to the ’sphere, Ron! It’s pretty sad that news junkies like us can’t find anything worth watching on the cable news channels. But thankfully, there is plenty of fine reportage and commentary on the Net. We look forward to your thoughts… but most importantly, have fun!
Oct 31, 2007 - 11:23 am m. ren:Chris Mathews is a rapidly aging juvenile giggling like Beavis and Butthead and making fun of the death and distress of others (as in Burma shave). He still insists, like an emphatic child, that Rove outed Plame when he and we all know Dick Armitage did it.
Oct 31, 2007 - 11:35 am Devil's Advocate:Chris is the perfect narrow-minded shill for the liberals he so loves now running Washington, the media, and Hollywood. Like the NYT, he pulls out the same hymn book night after night, singing the same tune and chorus–the only variation is in the verses. He is without any original thought and completely devoid of the wisdom normally acquired by men of his age. He is like the high school quarterback held back year after year–still lording it over the cool kids’ lunch table, but incapable of graduating to a new phase of life.
Hi Ron:
I’m really looking forward to reading your work.
By the way, my mom we to college with you and says hello.
Devil’s Advocate
Oct 31, 2007 - 11:43 am steve macdonald:Editorialist
Copious Dissent - Your Daily Dose of Liberty
great start. welcome to one of my favorite corners of the world.
Oct 31, 2007 - 11:44 am dianainsa:Wow! You have some heavy hitters in your comments. I guess this is the blogosphere’s version of Hollywood, only better.
Oct 31, 2007 - 11:46 am Tonya:Chris Matthews is vile, he sounds like a deranged has-been.
Thank God we don’t have to rely on the MSM and the Hollywood Left for our “news” anymore.
I’ve always enjoyed you as an actor and really enjoy your public commentary.
Now that you have an official outlet perhaps I can throw a topic of interest to me, your way.
I am sickened by the way Hollywood has portrayed America and our soldiers. They take every opportunity to undermine our efforts, hell they can’t churn their anti-American movies out fast enough. What I would like to see is a logical and dramatic comparrison of Hollywood of old and compare it to the efforts of hollywood today. Contrast the Jimmy Stewarts of yesterday with the George Clooneys of today. I would like the compasrrison to be made into a documentary and blasted over the airways for all to see. I want the hollywood of today to be shamed in a public way and exposed for what they are and what they are trying to accomplish.
I won’t hold my breathe but it sure would be nice to see someone of your stature tackle the issue.
Oct 31, 2007 - 11:51 am Stephen:Welcome to the blogosphere, I’ve marked you in my favorites.
Thanks!
Dear Ron,
Nice to hear from you. I enjoyed your election night commentary and your stint on the West Wing.
As an Orange County kid living in the SF Bay Area what confounds me about liberals; from Code Pink to the media, gay groups et. al. is the inherant internal conflict of thier positions.
Assume for a moment that we lose the “war on terror” and OBL becomes the Sheik of the American caliphate. What is OBL’s first move? Hang the gays, stone the feminists, cut the tounges out of the mouths of reporters, kill the Jews. In other words, destroy the most ardent of liberals.
Liberals have the most to fear from the Islamists, yet they have no sense of self preservation. Is this a defination of insanity? Liberals should be the loudest group supporting the President and the troops, as they have the most to lose.
Oct 31, 2007 - 12:00 pm Twana Blevins:Instead, my brother is serving his third tour in Iraq, not that any of my kookball neighbors appreciate it.
I’m very thankful to read your post and I’m looking forward to more.
The United States of America is a good and honorable country, I see many folks trying to destroy our goodness.
Oct 31, 2007 - 12:35 pm Sluggo:I’ve been hoping to see you in your pj’s for years. Oddly, my wife would not agree.
It’s a great chance to thank you for your outstanding service as president of Equity.
Oct 31, 2007 - 12:38 pm Lem:Welcome to the blogosphere Ron.
Loved your RNC speech.
It reminded me of another Ron
Oct 31, 2007 - 12:47 pm J.P. from Texas:I don’t know? This is the very first time that i ever indirectly conversed with an actor, and i must say… that i’m rather dumb-struck, near speechless and on the verge of having a massive coronary!
This is a rational actor who doesn’t play with or only subscribe to one sided views of the political fence? This is an actor who doesn’t automatically rush to be part of the herd mentality indicative of modern hollywood? An actor who shows and gives respect to many differing opinions? An actor who actually understands the otherside of the argument? An actor who appreciates our military’s service to their coutnry? And last but not least… an actor who actually appreciates their country? What is going on… is the world turning upside down? So much for my theory of Democratus Actoris!
Don’t get me wrong, Mr. Silver. I know not all of hollywood actors are like that. But your numbers are only a precious few, a near invisibility to too many in this country. But, it is my sincere hope that this doesn’t hurt your career or lead to any future reprecussion with the loss of any private friends of differing political views, over a trivial matter of just having a differing political opinion?
Also, i would like to take this opportunity too thank you many times over, for reaching out to your usally mischacterised and often misrepresented fellow citizens of this country. I really admire and greatly appreciate that effort more than you will ever comprehend!
Oct 31, 2007 - 1:05 pm Rick:I’ve always enjoyed your work as an actor, was even more please to hear your speech at the GOP Convention, and now look forward to reading your regular posts on PJM. The more thoughtful, well reasoned and articulate voices we have to speak out the grave issues that face our Republic, the better off we all all be.
Oct 31, 2007 - 1:11 pm KathyH:Ron,
I for one knew you were an actor and a good one. (Just thought that ought to be said since an earlier commentor expressed surprise.) I also don’t think “conservative” is the right word for your arguments–more
“small-L” liberal.
I will be returning to see what you have to say as the election cycle continues.
Oct 31, 2007 - 1:20 pm Vanguard of the Commentariat:Mr Silver, it has been a long time since the first Clinton inauguration when I believe you realized the military jets in the inaugural formation were “our jets now” and not the tools of “right wing warmongers”. I bring that up because it is representative of the start of your long ideological journey, which I salute. Welcome home Sir, the home of people who love our country as mankind’s best hope, no matter which party is in power.
Oct 31, 2007 - 1:50 pm Dixon Harris:Hi, Ron
Glad that Pajamas Media linked me to your first blog effort. Looks good!
I have always liked Chris Matthews too while I disagree with him on so many issues. To me he’s like Alan Colmes. He’s personally likeable like Colmes and is not a hater who will stoop to ad homimen attacks but rather prefers to debate the issues.
Good Start!
( Hope you will still be getting phone calls for acting roles in the future!)
Oct 31, 2007 - 2:29 pm Todd McLaren:Ron:
Thanks for having the cajones to stand up behind your convictions. As a fellow professional performer (on a far less visable scale) I can vouch that it may be easier to be accepted in Hollywood as a murderer, or a child molester than as a Conservative.
Nevertheless, there are a proud few of us out here (…um…Conservatives, that is…), and we all Congratulate you on your courage.
Oct 31, 2007 - 2:57 pm jimmy arone:Ron,
Your voice is a breath of fresh air.
Congratulations on creating ‘Silver Bullet’
As someone who also has a knack for driving my wife and kids ‘crazy’ with my running commentaries while looking at the tube…I agree, ‘the new real democracy is online’
As a fellow actor, who much like you, went through a major change in my political thinking after 9/11, I greatly appreciate your points of view. Your intelligence and wit on the issues of the day are most welcome.
Continued success and good health.
Jimmy Arone
Oct 31, 2007 - 3:33 pm Karen of Scottsdale:Burbank, CA.
Yelling at the tv happens a lot in my house. My blogging helps. Glad you’re online. I’ll check in on you again.
Oct 31, 2007 - 3:41 pm mark:“Why does he only play Hardball with views he despises and play hearts with those who agree with him?”
The motive is the source of his pride. He was a democratic speechwriter. He’ll be the first to tell you.
I thought once, he was fair, and found the 2000 post-election coverage riveting, must see TV, and assumed that Chris was a stand-up guy.
In hindsight, the only thing that made it unbiased, was for the fact that he despised gore.
Chris is a primo letch, and at times, he is an unmedicated primo letch.
Oct 31, 2007 - 3:49 pm ams1408:Ron Silver is the poor man’s Al Pacino .
This blog is fantastic!
Oct 31, 2007 - 5:08 pm Parris109:I can already tell I am going to enjoy your contributions to the blogosphere almost as much as your contributions to your chosen profession.
In a future entry could you discuss what appears to have been a political conversion on your part? Also, I would appreciate your input on why creative writiers like Aaron Sorkin and David Kelly are so reluctant to provide both sides of an argument? Doesn’t it indicate a lack of confidence in their respective beliefs?
Chris Matthews knows his (very limited) audience and what they want to hear from him. I think you give him too much credit for being objective at some point in his life. When exactly was that?
All the best!
Oct 31, 2007 - 5:38 pm Bunny Slippers:I would only be an echo, Ron, so let me just say I’ve bookmarked you (no small feat given the white noise out there).
Mark–I disagree with you about Matthews post-2000 coverage. Pollster Pat Caddell (a Democrat) was loudly complaining on his show that Gore was cherry picking Florida counties where he thought he could steal some votes. Matthews just ignored him. I miss Caddell, but he’s too honest for most pundits….
Oct 31, 2007 - 5:44 pm patrick neid:Admit it Ron, you took up blogging because you have been kicked out of all your old haunts. Alone staggering down the alley looking for a hug. Even your cat probably sprays you. Such is the life when you cross over to the “right” side living near any coast.
It’s better than being on the wrong side…..
Oct 31, 2007 - 6:06 pm trainer:Much the same reasons most of us got into blogging…catharsis.
Welcome. Don’t take it to seriously. We’re just uninformed guys in PJs after all.
Oct 31, 2007 - 7:06 pm Rick:Glad to have you aboard. I like your work and I admire your braver. (I also agree with many of your expressed views).
Oct 31, 2007 - 7:40 pm Original Pechanga:Welcome to the blogosphere.
Chris plays softball with people like Clinton. How can he profess to be fair?
He is also not very good at listening.
Keep up the good works in getting your views heard.
Oct 31, 2007 - 7:46 pm JZ:Wonderful Ron. You need to go on Dennis Miller’s radio show, I think you will find him a kindred spirit.
Oct 31, 2007 - 7:47 pm Ben:Good first post. I plan to visit your blog regularly.
I am a former news/political junkie. Lately, I have not been able to watch the news because I always end up screaming at the television. Politics has become so partisan that there never seems to be any serious discussion of issues — only attempts to score political points. Frankly, it sickens me.
Both sides are to blame, but I think Leftists and their media enablers are more dangerous at the moment. It seems self-evident to me that we live in a dangerous world and that there are a group of killers who want nothing more than to destroy us. Nevertheless, Leftists only seem interested in hating President Bush. I do not mind honest disagreements over substantive issues, but it seems to me that a discussion of legitimate national security issues is not an appropriate venue for playing politics.
You seem to “call ‘em like you see ‘em.” How refreshing.
Oct 31, 2007 - 8:37 pm Stephanie:Good one Mr. Silver! I look forward to hearing more of what you have to say. A breath of fresh air in the acting profession. God bless you.
Oct 31, 2007 - 8:49 pm Chicago Ken:Couldn’t agree more about Chris Matthews. On his show he pushes around Aldermen and State Reps anyone with more stature he strokes with the velvet glove. His show is miss-named it should be called “Beanball” or “Spitball.”
p.s. looking forward to reading future postings on your new blog
Oct 31, 2007 - 9:13 pm Bill Bradley:Very nice, Ron!
Oct 31, 2007 - 10:23 pm Oldtimer:Why do you think Chris Matthews is so smart? He is a self-annointed (and probably legitimate) expert on behind-the-scene, Tip O’Neill-style politics but seems remarkably ignorant on most subjects (e.g., foreign affars, military matters, the law, and economics). As you point out, he always ignores subjects of real importance in favor of frivolous,”inside-baseball” politics.
Oct 31, 2007 - 11:10 pm Mark Tapscott:Welcome to the Blogosphere. And when you want to write an oped for Washington’s upstart daily tabloid, just say the word. I’m the editorial page editor of The Washington Examiner and would love to see your byline in the paper.
Oct 31, 2007 - 11:37 pm Incognito:That’s because the liberal media (and be extension most liberals) would rather bash the right and revel in the downfall of one, then to report on something worthwhile.
Great first offering! Great to see a fellow actor blogging about what’s right.
Oct 31, 2007 - 11:49 pm BurtP:Awesome. Very happy to see you blogging here(you introduced me on one of those ‘04 Hardball appearances to John Lewis Gaddis) and that you’re on the trail of those idiotic Burma comments. Keep dogging the issue. He’ll know you’re covering the issue on this blog—it’s one thing that might break through his thick skull!
Is there video of his Burma comments?
A little Chris Matthews nugget:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO8q-3EeEx0
Then there’s the time he said, “Don’t they realize it’s war and they’ve got to keep attacking and then keep attacking and then attack again!” talking about what the congressional Dems should do to stop Bush war policy around June ‘07.
Nov 1, 2007 - 2:33 am Wellington:Ron,
I used to yell at Chris Matthews and others on television, too. It was quite silly.
I don’t listen to the guff anymore. I am not sure if TV as a media can be fixed but I don’t care. The present format is a waste of time and we shut it off about 2 years ago.
I find it more satisfying to read about Chris Matthews and his act. About once a quarter. I figure Paris Hilton is just as relevant but way more entertaining.
Welcome aboard!
Nov 1, 2007 - 4:47 am BeeBee:A longtime fan. So happy you are on board; and your points are excellent. “Let’s stay in touch!”
Nov 1, 2007 - 1:06 pm Dryfuss:Ron; The window is now open, the fresh air you
Nov 1, 2007 - 3:03 pm Dan Burke:bring is opening the door for many of the quiet actors to start blogging and expressing their true
political opinions. Is that not the reason Independent Films started being made, Freedom
of Thought and Presentation ? You are a star with
a vast intelligence, that is why every part you have ever played on the big screen and the small,
Though not so small any more, has been so believable and exciting. Please keep the action of thought continuing with hopes others see & respond because of your stimulous, whether they agree or disagree is what makes blogging
the new Freedom of Speech, for all.
You are a daily read for me and I thank you for
being you and so open .
I think Matthews hit it big when he showed his dislike for the Clintons in the 90’s.
Nov 1, 2007 - 3:09 pm Califlo:These days he can seem like a nut with ridiculous over simplifications or downright ignorant remarks like “The streets of Baghdad are like the streets of Stalingrad in 1942/43. Not that Baghdad was a walk in the park, but comparing it to the horrors of Staingrad is just stupid.
Also. He seemed enamored with slick
double talking politicos. To me that’s un-American.
Ron,
Nov 1, 2007 - 7:23 pm Dave in Texas:Wonderful to know you are still talking.
Will be listening.
Ron,
Welcome to the b’sphere!
Hate to say it, but Chris Matthews is not a good guy being pushed leftward by his network. Those views are his own, all the obnoxiousness, all the silliness, all the Bush Derangement Syndrome, it’s all real. It must be hard to say that sort of thing about guys you like personally (as you wrote twice), but it’s still an obligation if one is trying to make a date with the truth.
Glad to see you here. My wife and I have enjoyed your movies and TV roles, and it’s good to have a Hollywood veteran around who isn’t moonbat lefty…
Nov 1, 2007 - 7:43 pm Gary Ogletree:You’re a welcome addition to this good crew at PM.
Nov 1, 2007 - 8:36 pm Werner Patels (THE SPADE):Welcome, Ron, to the blogosphere. I started blogging (politically as well as about translation) about four or five years ago, and it does help to vent
Nov 2, 2007 - 3:08 am Kitty:I’d like to ask why you like Chris M, but then one of my very best friends is a liberal. However, we never discuss politics.
Btw, I loved your movie Garbo Talks.
Nov 2, 2007 - 8:44 am Blue Texan:Yeah, that last post was great! The one where you made up a lot of nonsensical positions that no one holds and argued with yourself?
Brilliant.
Nov 2, 2007 - 4:45 pm BMoon:Welcome aboard the PJM Nebuchadnezzar and thanks for swallowing the red pill. Your input will be highly valuable in battling the Matrix media and their agent Smith talking-head drones.
1,000 blessings.
Nov 3, 2007 - 3:19 am Lisa:Welcome Ron! Very well thought-out and well-said. I look forward to more of your posts in the future, and hey - there’s more conservatives than you think in the “biz’ –
Lisa
Nov 3, 2007 - 3:24 am wyatt butler:I applaud your efforts and opinions. I enjoyed you most in TIME COP. Regarding Chris Matthews, clearly he just wants to be remembered as antiwar, and in this simplicity, does not acknowledge or recognize reality. He poses as one who ” cares ” more than the rest of us about the troops. The terrorists no doubt want us to give up, so it can be factually stated that they’re on the same side of more than a few issues. His getting a ” progressive ” elected is the number one goal, no matter what the costs. Watching his show is maddening and tedious, but more often than not, I believe that liberals and their ” progressive ” comrades have as a goal ticking off the grownups.
Nov 4, 2007 - 12:09 am