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| Bill Maher was Right |
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Posted by FoM on September 21, 2001 at 11:05:19 PT By Debbie Schlussel Source: WorldNetDaily 
Lay off Bill Maher. The host of ABC's "Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher" is under undue attack from advertisers Sears, Roebuck and Co. and FedEx over comments he made on the late-night show Monday Night. Angry viewers, too caught up in the emotions of last week's horrible terrorist attacks, misconstrued Bill's clear comments, contacted these advertisers and successfully nagged them into pulling their ads. It's very silly, really. But it's playing into the terrorists' hands. What were Bill's "offensive" comments? Bill said that our military campaigns and tactics are cowardly. "We have been the cowards lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away. That's cowardly." What's so offensive about that? It's the truth. Not about our brave servicemen, but about our wimpy politicos. It's partly our lack of guts that got us into this mess in the first place our lack of guts to pose the serious counter-terrorism fight we should've installed years ago; our lack of guts to stand up for other countries, like Israel, and allow them to fight terrorism; and our lack of guts to go after the many countries that harbor terrorists. Having been a guest on "Politically Incorrect" many times, there are few things that Bill and I agree on. I'm a conservative and he's a liberal who claims to be a libertarian. And there are many offensive things Bill has said that I shudder to hear anyone utter about religion, mainstream America and the values I share with many Americans. But this is not one of them, and the reaction against Bill and his show is completely ridiculous. Bill never insulted the brave men who serve in the military, and likely never would. He's apologized for it anyway, though. And anyone who's watched "Politically Incorrect" on a regular basis knows that Bill is a big fan of the military. He almost always praises them and believes the military and defense is the primary purpose of government. Unlike politicians and those are the cowards to whom Bill was rightly referring Bill didn't wait until there was a terrorist attack on this country, last week, to verbally attack terrorists and our weak policy toward them on his show. Over a year and a half ago, Bill attacked terrorist groups in the Middle East and supported Israel's right to fight them. On the other hand, our wimpy State Department, then under Madeleine Albright, and now under Colin Powell, sang a constant chorus imploring tiny Israel to practice "restraint" while its citizens were being blown to bits as if we'd do the same if Sbarro Pizzeria in Manhattan blew up vs. Sbarro Pizzeria in Jerusalem. We were cowards, thousands of miles away, for tolerating even dealing with the patron of those attacks, Yasser Arafat, and daring to call him a "peacemaker." And we asked Israel to be cowardly with us. The same goes for the war in the Balkans, in which we relied on technology, lobbing missiles from thousands of miles away, in a civil conflict in which we had no business being. And Bill is right we are being cowardly, once again. Not our men in uniform, but like Bill clearly meant our suited politicians and bureaucrats who set the agenda and give our military its marching orders. The new-found "Coalition Against Terrorism" is the ultimate act of cowardice. The attack was on us, not on any other country, and we need lean on no coalition to defend ourselves and launch a counter-attack. But, in the ultimate cowardice, we are relying on this alliance of the very hosts of those who attacked us last week, those who attacked us before, and those who will attack us in the future. Keeping Israel out of the Coalition Against Terrorism, but inviting Syria, Sudan, Lebanon, and Arafat as members, is so pathetic, it's a joke. It would properly be dubbed the Coalition in Favor of Terrorism. The only one missing is bin Laden, himself. Syria is the generous, cooperative host to at least five terrorist groups, including Islamic Jihad, whose participants were big players in last week's attacks. No difference in Lebanon, the terrorist satellite state of Syria, whose deputy prime minister gave Colin Powell $200,000 for a speech in Boston, last December. Arab Muslim Sudan was the eager host to bin Laden for years, was involved in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and it tortures, rapes and murders innocent black Christians by the millions. And Arafat has the blood of many Americans on his hands. He's had a hand in terrorism against Americans for years, and has been linked to the 1993 WTC bombing, under his pseudonym, "Abu Amar." Senator Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, told Associated Press that the intelligence briefing Congress received the day after the attack indicates that Arafat's Fatah, which trains in Sudan, was involved with last week's attacks. A coalition against terrorism with any of these parties let alone all of them that's the cowardice Bill Maher was talking about. And for that, he should never apologize. For all Bill Maher's offensive remarks, "Politically Incorrect" is one of the few political shows not on FOX News Channel that gives conservatives and those of any political persuasion David Duke and communists have been on the show a platform. Peter Jennings and Bryant Gumbel never do that, and neither does anyone on CNN, which picks moderates and pawns them off as conservatives. On "Politically Incorrect," you see the real thing. And PI spent this week with an empty chair in memory of Barbara Olson, the brilliant conservative commentator who died on the flight that crashed into the Pentagon. Don't expect to see that respectful memorial on any other mainstream political show. But silencing Bill Maher's irreverence and offensiveness is the type of goal the terrorists wanted to achieve. Their countries, their fundamentalist Islam and their radicalism don't allow free speech like you see on "Politically Incorrect." There is no "Politically Incorrect with Bashir Muhammad." Don't let the terrorists win. Or the cowards. Bill Maher was right. Debbie Schlussel is a political commentator and attorney. She is a frequent guest on ABC's "Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher" and Fox News Channel. Click here to participate in an online discussion group of Debbie's commentary, and here to join the unofficial Debbie Schlussel Fan Club. Source: WorldNetDaily (US Web) Related Articles & Web Site: Politically Incorrect E-Terror in America - Joel Miller What Bush Didn't Say Civil Liberties and the Hill Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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Comment #17 posted by Rev0x on September 23, 2001 at 14:59:52 PT:
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| "We were cowards, thousands of miles away, for tolerating even dealing with the patron of those attacks, Yasser Arafat, and daring to call him a 'peacemaker.'" WHOA... WHOA, WHOA, WHOA... NO! What the hell kind of bull is this? Yasser Arafat is a good, peaceful and intelligent person. His job is tough because his followers aren't really following him. The Palestinians are out of control and there's a reason for that: Their land was taken from them nearly 60 years ago by force in an action that I would call unethical and inhumane. I sympathize with Jews around the world and the atrocities they faced during the second World War but you don't fix one mistake by making another! The Israelies are invaders of land that they only controlled for 40 years in their entire theological history and while the Palestinians lob rocks at them in a last ditched attempt to get back some of what is theirs the Israelies open fire on them with assault rifles. Although I do not condone any of the attacks on civilians or the suicide bombings that the Palestinians do because I sincerely believe that a resolution can be reached through diplomacy I will admit that Israel itself is as cowardly as the terrorists that bombed the Sbarro pizzarian. If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. Feel free to email me for discussion. [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #16 posted by lookinside on September 22, 2001 at 21:14:01 PT:
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| others have said how i feel... i haven't spent a dime in sears in over 20 years...(outraged long ago over their "new" computerized billing system..they said it couldn't be in error..i proved them wrong, cut up my sears card, and only enter sears as a shortcut to other stores...i love inflicting wear on the carpet there...) guess that fedex deserves the same treatment... [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #15 posted by Rambler on September 22, 2001 at 03:02:38 PT |
| I guess it's lucky that mouths are not the only source of words.That's why I like reading,and writing,because you dont have to deal with fast moving mouths. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #14 posted by freedom fighter on September 22, 2001 at 02:42:55 PT |
| It is just pretty basic.. I do not hear you well and it was never about me.. I just do not trust any human being who's mouth move too fast for you are probably too quick to push a button or two. Imagine a world where human beings do not hear each other anymore, there will be no bridge over the trouble waters nor the eve of false love. It is just a dream and all about the money. I do not hear you well and are you listening? I know you claim to understand what I said, but, I am not sure if you understood that is what I meant to say. There is no dark side to the moon nor there's stairway to heaven. I just do'nt trust any human being who's mouth move too fast for you are probably too quick to load a bullet or two. It is pretty basic. I do not hear you well and it was never about me.. ff [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #13 posted by dddd on September 22, 2001 at 02:05:41 PT |
| ..I'd feel alot better if Willie Nelson was President...he's way more intelligent than the shrub...dddd [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #12 posted by Dan B on September 22, 2001 at 01:36:51 PT:
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| First, dddd: I agree that we shouldn't have to have a telethon to raise money to support these people. However, our system of economics and government (the two are virtually the same) makes it so (as you have more eloquently described), so I am glad that they decided to go ahead with it. And I agree with Imprint, too, that it was pretty good, and I too think it will do some good. Here are the main points about it that I liked: 1) Not once did I hear "Hi, I'm _______________." Yes, we recognize many of these people (if not all) anyway, but it was a bit refreshing that none of them took the opportunity to (at least overtly) promote themselves or whatever projects" they are working on. 2) We are now even more fully informed that Hollywood is keenly aware of America's cult of celebrity, and they used it to great effect by putting celebrities on the phone. I would wager that at least half of the people who called in to give money really wanted to have a chance to chat with a celebrity. Fine. Exploit that all you want, as long as the money is going to help people who need it. 3) Neil Young sang "Imagine," and Paul Simon sang "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Why is this important? Both songs are being banned from radio stations because of the possibility that they might offend someone's religious beliefs. I was glad to see that two performers were willing to take a stand against censorship on all four major television networks, and some cable. 4) Tom Petty and Willie Nelson. Imprint already said why. Dan B [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #11 posted by Imprint on September 22, 2001 at 00:59:33 PT |
| I have enjoyed PI so much and I will be real pissed if it is taken of the air. Although I think another network would pick it up (at least Im hopeful). I was reluctant to watch the telethon but heck it was pretty good and I think it will do good. NY and the victims families will need all the help they can get. And from a marijuana standpoint I really liked Willie Nelson singing at the end. And I was just thinking that I hope the American citizens didnt spend that tax rebate yet. Were going to be paying that much and more back to good old Uncle Sam soon! [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #10 posted by dddd on September 21, 2001 at 23:13:21 PT |
| ..But I think Bill has already succumbed to those who sign his checks...From watching this weeks shows,It seems to me that Mr Maher has been brought around to supporting the party line,and treading lightly around certain controversial topics,and viewpoints....I have admired of Bill Mahar in the past,and I have rarely missed watching the show since it began,,but I knew it was too good to last.I have noticed in the past,that there have been several occassions when it seemed that he had been made to tone down certain comments concerning the drug war. All this is proof,that the corporate media is indeed in control,and they can,and will limit the voices of dissent wherever,and whenever they feel it goes too far...yes corporate/government censorship does exsist,and has been artfully disguised as public opinion,and viewer complaints. I also,will make myself even more unpopular,by saying that,although I think tonights all-network telethon benifit is good,and well intentioned,,there should be no need to raise money to help people affected by this tragedy.Our government has 5 BILLION to GIVE the airlines,,,and another 40 BILLION blank check for "disaster relief",,there should be no shortage of cash to help anyone who needs it.I have little doubt that there is massive financial debauchery occuring in the use of these BILLIONS of taxpayers dollars,,,,,but I guess that's nothing new. dddd [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #9 posted by MDG on September 21, 2001 at 22:21:38 PT |
| I have to laugh at myself for a couple of reasons:
1) Pointing out someone who may/may not have actually been Whoopi Goldberg "signed" the petition. After all, I'm not fascinated with celebrity, so it doesn't really matter to me...Besides, it could be the person who signed in as "BILL MAHR SUCKS".
2) Taking the time to write this explanation.
Damn, I need to go outside.
I can see it now: Bumper stickers saying, Shoot your ISP.
I think I'll have to do that sooner or later... [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #8 posted by MDG on September 21, 2001 at 22:04:03 PT |
| It appears Whoopi Goldberg just did, too...#643, I think. It's funny, but there are people writing things like "IF BILL MAHR DON'T LIKE IT HERE IN THE U.S. OF A. ILL BUY HIM A TICKET OUT OF HERE." or something like that, in all caps, no less. You can just hear the Southern "drawl". Also, there's a "BILL MAHER SHOULD BURN IN HELL". Friggin' morons... [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #7 posted by mayan on September 21, 2001 at 20:37:32 PT |
| Bill Maher is a true patriot. At least he has the guts to call it as he sees it. Everybody please sign that petition because PI is one of the few decent shows on TV. Maybe Sears & FedEx should direct their outrage towards the U.S. Government, who gave the Taliban 43 million dollars earlier this year. Thanks for the link Robbie! [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #6 posted by kaptinemo on September 21, 2001 at 17:04:52 PT:
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| I just 'signed' the petition, myself. And, judging from reading the comments, we aren't alone. Time to show these paper-shuffling jellyfish that it's a very bad idea to try to censor one of the last real voices on independence in a overly homogenized media. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #5 posted by FoM on September 21, 2001 at 15:13:11 PT |
| I signed it. When regular late night tv started to return the only one I needed to see was PI. I don't agree with all that Bill Maher says but he is fair. I think we won't get any truthful news if PI goes off the air. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #4 posted by Robbie on September 21, 2001 at 14:37:21 PT |
| ABC is seriously considering this, and PI has been pulled from several stations due to the uproar. Here is the online petition in support of Bill Maher and his show: http://www.petitiononline.com/promaher/ Also, you can let ABC hear from you directly (snail mail) at: ABC, Inc. 500 S. Buena Vista Street Burbank, CA 91521 Email can be sent via: netaudr@abc.com CALL YOUR LOCAL ABC STATIONS TO SUPPORT BILL AND PI! KGO-TV San Francisco 415-954-7777 press 9 for the General Manager [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #3 posted by krutch on September 21, 2001 at 14:03:17 PT:
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| I will boycott Sear and FedEx until they restore their sponsorship of Politically Incorrect. They are enemies of freedom. We must have opened debate on this issue. The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it. --George Bernard Shaw [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #2 posted by Dankhank on September 21, 2001 at 11:26:43 PT:
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| Yea .... Lay Off ... Bill was talking about our collective American cowardice in lobbing missles 2000 miles to take out a pharmaceutical factory in response to "AN ATTACK ON OUR AMERICAN SOIL," that being the American Embassies. We must all contact Sears and FedEx and tell them in no uncertain terms that we so not appreciate their attempts to CENSOR free speech. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #1 posted by FoM on September 21, 2001 at 11:24:35 PT |
| Stars of TV, movies, music scheduled to appear at telethon
Show to honor heroes of terrorist attacks, raise money will be on all networks
http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/living/0921telethon.html [ Post Comment ] |
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