Confessions of a Hollywood Conservative

Separated At Birth

2005-09-13T23:24:00.000-07:00

American President Teddy Roosevelt and Iraqi President Jalal Talabani

In Memory of...

2005-09-11T05:46:00.000-07:00

Is There No Shame...

2005-09-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

"It's bad to be rich."
-- Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela

“Many in the media are turning their eyes toward the federal government, rather than considering the culpability of city and state officials. I am fully aware of the challenges of having a quick and responsive emergency response to a major disaster. And there is definitely a time for accountability; but what isn't fair is to dump on the federal officials and avoid those most responsible--local and state officials who failed to do their job as the first responders. The plain fact is, lives were needlessly lost in New Orleans due to the failure of Louisiana's governor, Kathleen Blanco, and the city's mayor, Ray Nagin.”
-- Bob Williams, Wall Street Journal

“Who is Fema?”
-- John DuPree, Mayor of Hattiesburg, MS

“Mayors are not specialists in disaster relief. We weren’t elected to do that sort of thing.”
-- Ray Nagin, Mayor of New Orleans

"Once again, the Left tries to divide us by the color of our skin while the 'armies of compassion' try to bring us together."
-- Gary Bauer, Campaign for Working Families

"...the ugly truth [is] that skin color, age, and economics played a deadly role in who survived and who did not."
-- Democratic Party chairman Howard Dean

"George Bush doesn't care about black people.”
- rapper Kanye West, on NBC, a comment that went unchallenged.

"I think all of those remarks were disgusting, to be perfectly frank because, of course, President Bush cares about everyone in our country, and I know that."
-- Laura Bush

"The Party of Lincoln and the African American community have a proud history together. Our party was founded to eliminate slavery, and our first Republican president was Abraham Lincoln, the Great Emancipator... . It was a Republican president, Teddy Roosevelt, who invited Booker T. Washington to dine at the White House... It was another Republican president, Dwight David Eisenhower, who sent the 101st airborne to integrate a school in Little Rock, while a Democratic governor blocked the schoolhouse door."
-- Ken Mehlman, Chairman RNC

"We are prepared at every level for what will likely be a catastrophic disaster.”
-- Lois Grady-Wesbecher, American Red Cross, Monday, August 29

“The Red Cross had prepositioned water, food, blankets and hygiene products for delivery to the Superdome and the Convention Center in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, but were blocked from delivering those supplies by orders of the Louisiana state government, which did not want to attract people to the Superdome and/or Convention Center.”
-- Major Garrett, FOX News as confirmed by the American Red Cross

He, She. It, Shit.

2005-09-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know why it bothers me so much, but it does. Or more accurately, it confuses me. There seems to be a growing trend among writers, particularly non-fiction writers, to deviate from centuries of tradition in the name of "political correctness" and, in their writings, refer to the reader in the feminine rather than the historic masculine. Now, I realize being male I'm biased, and if I were female I'd probably welcome the trend. But when I'm reading a manual, or "How-to" book, I'm thrown off upon reading, "The artist is best served if she performs her part..." or "The writer must utilize her wit..." and so forth.

I recognize that the former patriarchal approach is unfair to woman and potentially alienates them as readers. But does the opposite not do the same? Could we not come to a compromise and alternate he/she with each example? Or, perhaps, if the writer is male, he sticks with the "He/Him/His" and if the writer is female, she uses "She/Her/Hers." Or maybe we could combine the two and refer to the reader as "Shim."

Okay. I just officially lost my mind.

The Media and the Politics of Blame

2005-09-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

Just moments ago, CNN broadcast live a news-conference from the Congressional Black Caucus where speaker after speaker blasted the Bush Administration and its lack of compassion towards the people of New Orleans, not so subtly suggesting that the "slow response" to the disaster was due to racism. Jesse Jackson, Jr. joined in the harangue. But oddly, when his vitriol turned to condemning the media for besmirching the reputation of black folks by focusing on the looters and shooters, CNN conveniently cut away and dropped the sound.

Hurricane Katrina: A National Disgrace

2005-09-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

As I sit glued to my television watching horrific images of the destruction in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, I'm struck by two things: the inexcusably weak response from the local and state governments and the wretched behavior of a sizable percentage of the citizens of The Big Easy.

I was in Manhattan during 9/11 and its aftermath and was immediately struck by the admirable actions of both the rescuers and general population. Mayor Giuliani didn't miss a beat rolling up his sleeve and taking charge in coordinating local, state and federal responses. And the citizenry was compassionate and helpful.

But what we're seeing in New Orleans in particular is mass confusion at the local and state levels. Where is the mayor? Governor? Local police? EMT's? Fire department? They, along with the citizens are crying "Where's the National Guard? Where's the army?" Clearly, the federal government has a major roll to play here. And they, too, appear to have been caught off guard and are responding in what appears to be a slow manner.

But what does it say about a city when it plunges into chaos and anarchy so suddenly? When youths rampage through the rain-soaked streets stealing, not food and water (which would be understandable) but rather Nike shoes and DVD players. Why must the local governments rely solely on the federal government for guidance and direction? Assistance and aid, yes. But leadership?

It not only breaks my heart to see corpses in the street, but it sickens me as well. And the blame game started before the waters receded. Bush, I'm sure will bear the brunt of the blame. If not for the lame global warming aspect, certainly his lack of compassion or concern for the poor black folks of New Orleans.

It boils down to two types of people: the moral, and the immoral. The moral are asking "what can I do to help?" while the immoral are asking "what can I get?"

Let's Evacuate the LIBS to Europe

2005-08-31T17:45:00.000-07:00

"Bin Laden didn't come from the abstract. He came from somewhere, and if you look you'll see America's hand of villainy."
-- Performer Harry Belafonte

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is blaming Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, along with President Bush, for causing Hurricane Katrina.

"As Hurricane Katrina dismantles Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, it’s worth recalling the central role that Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour played in derailing the Kyoto Protocol and kiboshing President Bush’s iron-clad campaign promise to regulate CO2," Kennedy blogged Tuesday on HuffingtonPost.com.

Have they no shame?

A Weekly Alternative to NEWSWEEK's Nausea

2005-08-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

"America has been killing people on this continent since it was started. This country is not worth dying for."
-- Cindy Sheehan

"I think if we [the Democrats] had a three-word message right now it'd be, `We can do better' "
-– Democatic Party Head Gov. Howard Dean on 'Face The Nation'

"Assassination may be Clinton's best option. . . If we can kill Saddam, we should."
-- Clinton advisor George Stephanopoulos in 1997 publicly argued for the same kind of assassination policy as Evangilist Pat Robertson, but back then the press voiced no objection at all.

Europe Is, Once Again, So Terribly Wrong

2005-08-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

In response (?) to my post about the late Mr. Jennings, a reader from Britain congratulated America for fast becoming a fascist nation and included a noted scholars disertation on what makes up a Fascist Nation. Below is my response.

By the way, I'm convinced the European Union's flag was designed to look the same when it's upside down and backwards, because that's what truly reflects much of today's European thinking: upside down and backwards.

* * * * * * *

You know, I started to draft a response to our good friend Mark from across the pond, but then realized it would probably fall on deaf ears (or eyes, as it were). It's not that I disagree with Dr. Britt's analysis, but rather Mark's proposterous and irrational hypothysis that we (the USA) are "well on our way to becoming a fascist nation." Did he post such accusations about Iraq? Or the former USSR? Cuba? No, I suspect Mark and his ilk reserve their harshest criticism for the one country that has stood up to tyranny and done more for the spread of human rights across the globe than any other single nation in the history of the planet. I won't simply dismiss him as a mere "leftist lunatic" even though I assume he would dismiss me as a radical right-winger. Rather, I ask him to look deep into his heart and consider reality, not extremist hyperbole. Why would you work so hard to destroy a country (and wish it so much ill will) that shares so many values as your own, has sacraficed so much for your ancestors and freedom and yet long for the days of a truly evil tyrant that systematically oppressed his own people and murder the masses? Saddam was no friend of the UK. He starved his own people for personal gain. He hoarded his country's riches to build himself monuments and palaces...

Come to think of it, you, Mark, as a Brit, probably related to him seeing that British history is filled with rulers of similiar appetites and ambitions.

We in the States are in no danger of falling to fascism, because we have no history of such tyranny. It is you in Europe that fear it most because you know, instictively, you are capable of such atroicities. All you need do is read your history books to see how truly horrific European rulers have been to its subjects. We cannot relate here in America.

We are not perfect. But don't fool yourself into thinking we Americans are merely transplanted Europeans living in North America. No, we are a new race. Comprised of people of all ethnicities and geographic orgins bound together with common values and beliefs. We are proud of our flag for it symbolizes our greatest hopes and dreams, not the horrors of generations past. When we make mistakes, we flog ourselves unmercifully and work like hell to correct the errors of our ways.

What makes America a SuperPower is NOT our military might. That, in time, will likely fade, as did your country's. But what will never fade, are our ideals of freedom, social responsibilty, belief in a higher power than ourselves, and the faith in knowing that what can be dreamed, can be achieved.

My heart is saddened by what so many of your European comrades think about America. Not because of how it reflects on us, but how it reflects on how horribly bankrupt you are becoming morally. If that's what a liberal, secular socialist society has to offer, I'm damn glad I live in a place you feel is "well on its way to becoming a fascist nation." How wrong you are. In so very many ways, my friend.

A Wolf in Sheeps Clothing: CNN Anchor Blitzkriegs Ex-Prez

2005-08-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

They just don't get it over there at CNN, do they? During a recent interview with former President Clinton, Wolf Blitzer attempted to create controversy and conflict by baiting Clinton into saying the Iraq war was a mistake. When the ex-Comander In Chief objected to the "newsman's" approach, Wolfie blurted out, "That's my job. I'm a newsman. That's what I do, is make news. And you try to avoid news. That's your job."

Well, Mr. Blitzer, even my middle-school journalism taught me that journalists are there to REPORT the news, not MAKE it. This is so indicative of today's mentality in all segments of mainstream reporting. They seek out conflict. Attempting at every turn to fabricate a story, ala Hollywood, overlooking facts in favor of drama. How very sad. But at least it does give me an excuse to run this goofy picture of the Wolf getting pretty for the camera.

Verbal Gaffe of the Day Award: BTK Prosecutor

2005-08-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

Talk about an unfortunate turn of phrase. Moments ago, during the sentencing phase of the horrific BTK serial murder case, the prosecutor was asking an expert witness to identify an important piece of evidence. He asked, "Is this blood-stained cloth the gag that was removed from the victims mouth?" "Yes." "Ok. You can put it back in now." He then added an awkward, "Back into the bag, that is." Ouch.

Good Night, Mr. Jennings

2005-08-08T23:29:00.000-07:00

While I have not always agreed at how Peter Jennings reported certain stories, it's hard to argue that he was a dedicated, professional journalist of the highest standards. His passing leaves broadcast journalism with an enormous void to fill.

Iranians Resume Nuclear Program Despite French Diplomacy

2005-08-08T23:11:00.000-07:00

"I'm shocked, SHOCKED to learn that there's an illegal weapons program going on here!"

What Bias?

2005-08-04T00:24:00.000-07:00

Just perusing today's headlines reinforced the obvious left-wing bias in the mainstream media: as Ohio Republican Jean Schmidt won election to Congress, the nation's newspapers ran headlines that strained credibility by putting the rosiest spin on Democrat Paul Hackett's loss. Here's jusrt a sampling:

DEMOCRATS LOSE HOUSE RACE IN OHIO, BUT CELEBRATE THE MARGIN
- New York Times

DEMS HEARTENED BY NARROW LOSS IN OHIO
- San Francisco Chronicle

DEMOCRATS CELEBRATE NARROW US HOUSE LOSS IN OHIO
- Reuters

DEMOCRATS HAIL STRONG SHOWING IN OHIO VOTE
- Financial Times

John Roberts: Partisan Hack Who Doesn't Deserve His Job

2005-07-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

Oh, you thought I meant the other John Roberts... the one the President just nominated for the Supreme Court. No. I like him. It's the blatantly biased pretty boy working for CBS who I think should have never been confirmed. Let's see how CBS' living Ken doll reports on the President's pick in the coming days. I bet he'll be as impartial he's sure to accuse his namesake of being.

Should I return to regular Blogs?

2005-07-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

Okay. I know it's been forever since I posted anything. Whenever a new production makes it onto my slate, I become all consumed and forget about things like blogging. Besides, I've never quite recovered from the fact that my layout is still screwed up. Oh, the ups and downs of a perfectionist. Anyway, is there anyone out there that's still remotely interested in my rantings? Should I start back up? Anyone out there? Hello? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Iraqi's salute Michael Moore, John Kerry, Jacques Chirac, Putin, Schroeder, NY Times, Newsweek, Time, CBS...

2005-01-31T08:31:00.000-08:00

Iraqi Difiance, originally uploaded by Hollywood Conservative.

There ARE honest thinkers in Europe after all...

2005-01-21T17:35:00.000-08:00

In response to President Bush's second innaugural address, THE TIMES OF LONDON lambasted it's EU neighbors with thefollowing editorial:

"The US will continue to regard the threat posed by radical Islamists, the dangers of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the behavior of rogue states such as North Korea with more urgency than France and Germany. These countries should ask themselves whether their assessment of these perils is so much more modest because of evidence, or the inconvenience that acknowledging their intensity would entail. They might also ponder what it is about the promotion of freedom that they regard as so alien and objectionable."

Ugh! What's the matter with my blog layout?

2004-11-24T14:10:00.000-08:00

Okay. I'm annoyed. I recently switched to Mac from PC (and I'm thrilled with my new computer) but I HATE Flickr, the program for Mac that uploads pics to blogs. I so much prefer Hello. During a rrecent upload, the entire layout to my blog was changed. Why? How? SOMEONE HELP ME! The panel that's typically on the right with my profile and Recent Posts disappeared and was somehow moved below.

I'm seriously considering becoming a neoludite.

We're not homophobic, and we believe in free speech, BUT...

2004-11-24T13:54:00.000-08:00

AlexandertheQuerr, originally uploaded by Hollywood Conservative.

As Oliver Stone's new epic ALEXANDER hits the screens this holiday weekend, a group of Greek lawyers are threatening to sue Warner Bros. for the films depiction of the legendary hero as (gasp!) bisexual. They likened the portrayal to a Greek film company making a film about JFK and aledging he was a philanderer. "You just can't make things up about people and say it really happened." Um. Dude, maybe a better example would've been in order.

In any case, all they are asking for is a disclaimer on the film stating it's not based on any actual persons, living or dead. To be honest, I've seen such disclaimers on films over the course of my career in Hollywood and have never quite understood it. How can you do a film on Nixon and call it NIXON and say it's not based on an actual person or events. Huh? Only in a Hollywood overrun by lawyers.

I hear the film ALEXANDER stinks anyway. No matter how he's portrayed -- Gay, Bi or Straight. (Notice how I tactfully avoided the word "sucks" lest I be acussed of a homophobic slur?)

A Rather good day for journalism

2004-11-23T10:51:00.000-08:00

I don't typically gloat when someone loses their job, but CBS's announcement this morning that Dan Rather will be retiring in March left me feeling so giddy I actually got up from my desk and danced a jig. I studied journalism in school, and few things have disgusted me of late as the painfully obvious Leftist bias in our popular media. And Dan Rather was the patron saint of the Left in America.

Good night. And good riddance!

Letting "The Man" down

2004-11-19T17:21:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. On Monday I said I'd be returning to daily posts. Our dear friend "OneMan" reminded me on Wednesday that he was "still waiting." I suck. Been a very busy week. Knee deep in a re-write and am still recovering from AFM/AFI FilmFest. If I had to sit through another meeting with foreign filmmakers and distributors complaining about how stupid Americans were for re-electing Bush I think I would've gone Postal. Right there in the Loews lobby.

It's so offensive how everyone assumes I'm a Liberal because I work in Hollywood. And these are people I've known for YEARS! Anyway, I've just been too swamped. Besides, the news has been pretty dull lately, so not much to comment on. Many collegues have been struck down with a case of malaise and disbelief over Kerry's defeat. And there's certainly no fun in kicking someone when they're down.

Down to our place in La Jolla for the weekend so don't be surprised if I'm dormant til Monday... or thereabouts.

I'm Back...

2004-11-15T15:51:00.000-08:00

After the election and it's prolonged lead-up, I needed a break. But starting tomorrow I'll be posting daily again. So beware!

A black day in Malibu and Manhattan

2004-11-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

The Leftists in Hollywood and in Manhattan are brooding at Bush's incredible victory. This town has a pall cast over it like nothing I've ever seen. I don't want to gloat. Rather, I'd like to simply advise my Democrat friends to take back their party from the extremists like Michael Moore, Al Franken and George Soros. There is no room for the extreme-Left secular Socialists in this country. You sit Moore next to President Carter at your convention after he belittles Americans as "stupid" abroad, don't be surprised when America rejects your party's candidate.

Just moments ago President Bush talked of one America -- uniting and taking advantage of a new opportunity to work together. In contrast, Edwards and Kerry in their concession speeches once again trotted out the refrian of TWO AMERICAS. They just don't get it.

And as long as the leadership of the Left "doesn't get it" they won't recapture the White House. Talk about party extremists -- they're all in the Democratic party. Time to clean house.

What do you expect from a ticket boasting TWO lawyers?

2004-11-02T23:53:00.000-08:00

My 16-year old called them spoiled sports. Poor losers. I call them by their official names: lawyers. John Kerry and John Edwards have announced their strategy of pursuing legal action to stall the inevitable outcome of the election which Bush is clear to win. Why? Because the Lefties are delusional and plan to "rain" on Bush's party and cast him to the world as an illegitimate leader. Once again the Liberals are placing their own interests before the nations. With all the talk in 2000 about the popular vote, where is that concern now that Bush leads by over 3 million?

I'm disgusted by the Left. When are the true Democrats going to take back their once proud party?

Bushies, Bushies, Everywhere!

2004-11-02T14:35:00.000-08:00

I just drove back from voting. Went earlier this morining after dropping off the kid and the lines were too long so I opted to return later. Oh, on the topic of my son: as he went to sleep last night he said, "I wish I had a tee shirt that said something like FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIEND VOTE DEMOCRAT! Oh well. Maybe next year. Goodnight." So what's a good dad to do? I jumped on my trusty computer and designed such a shirt in Illustrator and printed it out on an iron-on transfer and had a shirt ready for him when he woke up. Man was he excited! I'm telling you, this kid may one day enter politics. He's not just mimicing me, either. Smart boy. Anyway, I digress...

So, one my way home after voting (always a depressing thing in La-La Land - Home of The Super Liberal) I was amazed at the sight of a huge BUSH-CHENEY yard sign as I approached my neighborhood. We'd long been the sole house that dared sport a small one in the window (oh-so-discreetly). As I turned the corner, I saw another. And another. I counted 12 in all. Not huge, but more than the two KERRY yard signs.

Does this mean CA will go Bush? Naw. It's probably more a reflection of desperation us Republicans are feeling about the closeness of the race and our desire to avoid a 2000-esque fiasco.

Few more hours to go. Ugh

"Liberaconservatoradicalmodermiddle-of-the-road-o"

2004-11-02T08:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Richard Dreyfus appeared in London before the Oxford Debate Society bashing not only Bush, but Reagan as well. "I lived under Reagan. And let me tell you this Mr. Bush: You're no Reagan," Dreyfus proclaimed to thundering applause as he parroted Lloyd Benson (remember him?), "And neither was Reagan!"

Oh my! How smart actors sound without a script. He then went on to say that he was a "Liberaconservatoradicalmodermiddle-of-the-road-o" kinda guy, and that our political system in the States was broken. But that he was for Kerry so that we wouldn't be so hated in the world.

That's why the Left in Washington LOVES Hollywood so much. They can identify with the narsocistic "me me me" aspect to it all.

The other morning an NBC talk show was interviewing NBC's Tom Brokaw about his interview with the President. He showed a brief clip, then recapped the President's position on an issue I can't rercall. But what struck me (other than the media's insipid habit of interviewing other reporters "for neews") was how Brokaw brushed aside the President's thoughts and inserted "What I think about the issue is this..." WHAT? Who the hell cares what Brokaw thinks? It wasn't even in the form of analysis to the Presidents comments. It was merely an injection of HIS opinion on the matter.

Shut up and report.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME...

2004-11-02T07:01:00.000-08:00

Today I turn a year older, a year wiser and hopefully safer for the next four years. Yes, I've managed to politicize even my birthday, for it lands this year on Election Day. Perhaps the most important election of my life so far.

Oh, all I want is my earlier post predicting Bush's re-election to come true. THAT will be a great gift not just for me, but for our country.

Ben Affleck picks ANOTHER winner!!

2004-10-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

SURVIVING CHRISTMAS...
GIGLI...
JERSEY GIRL...
PAYCHECK...
DAREDEVIL...
THIRD WHEEL...
BOUNCE...
REINDEER GAMES...
DOGMA...

KERRY-EDWARDS.

Boy can Ben pick em! One only needs to look at Mr. Affleck’s poor record in picking quality projects to explain his current pet project: electing John Kerry for President.

The only worse track record can be found in Mr. Kerry’s own Senate career. Talk about a match made in Hollywood.

Hollywood speaks out against hawkish puppets, and in favor of a Bush sequel

2004-10-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

It's an interesting time in Hollywood. Monday's Daily Variety sported an editorial by Hollywood's chief Liberal Peter Bart (Variety's Editor-in-Chief) bashing the new puppet spoof TEAM AMERICA as being worthy of severe censorship by the ratings board. And not because of its depiction of "puppet sex" but because noted Hollywood Liberals such as Alec Baldwin, Sean Penn and Michael Moore are gratuitously blown up after "speaking their mind." Now, it's okay to distort the truth and make outright lies as in Moore's "documentary" ('after all it's just satire' they say) but when the performers on screen are wooden, dangling from strings and spouting pro-American propoganda and pro-Bush attitudes, well that goes beyond the pale! Someone burn the negative! as Bart suggests.

I guess in a town of plastic, phoney people all parroting each other, such subtle satire might be hard to miss.

On a good note in Hollywood this week:

Funnymen David and Jerry Zucker, directors of AIRPLANE!, NAKED GUN, NAKED GUN 2 1/2, NAKED GUN 33 1/3, etc) have outed themselves as Bush supporters. And aggressively so. While still Democrats (and liberal on social issues) they've decided to challenge their like-minded Hollywood friends to speak up in favor of a Bush sequel. Directing partner Jim Abrahams accepted the challenge and announced his support shortly thereafter.

Who knows if, in the next two weeks, anyone else comes forward, but it's nice to not feel so alone!

US Flags banned on California campus; Beer logos OK

2004-10-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

This is what Kerry’s Global Test gets you:

No American flags are permitted to appear in the senior class picture at Sonoma Valley High School in Northern California. Beer logos and drug paraphernalia on T-shirts are okay, but not Old Glory. The reason?

Last year Latino students wanted to display Mexican flags, much to the consternation of the majority of the student body. The school then decided they wanted to prevent any “hurt feelings” by banning ALL flags.

Undeterred, some students hid small American flags in their pockets, ready for unfurling in time for the picture to be taken. Two students were suspended and a third faces the same fate after refusing to surrender the flags during the class photo session.

Can you see what’s happening? Multiculturalism means death to common American Values and an American culture that binds all citizens together, regardless of their origins. Our icons and institutions are under attack by the Far Left who seemingly hates America and what it stands for. Who the hell cares if our flag offends someone from another country? Get the hell out and go home. I certainly would not be offended if I moved to Mexico or France and had their countries flags prominently displayed in their public institutions.

You see, John Kerry wants to globalize America. He wants to defer American forces to Kofi Annan and the United Nations (see quote in earlier post), subject our politicians and soldiers to a World Court for political crimes (ironically Kerry would have been tried and convicted for his self-confessed war crimes during Vietnam), destroy our economy by holding our corporations to environmental restrictions tighter than any other country in the world under the Kyoto Protocol and limit American influence overseas in all matters should an unspecified “Global Test” not be met.

While Kerry and Al Gore and Jimmy Carter transverse the country scare mongering (“Bush has secret draft plans” “He’s going to take away Social Security” “We’re all alone in the world”) the mainstream media ignores all the truly scary things John Kerry stands for and plans to implement. Let’s hope his bid for the presidency is as unsuccessful as his 20 year Senate record. That way I’ll be able to sleep at night.

I might not HUG trees, but I like 'em!

2004-10-18T17:40:00.000-07:00

My son had some friends over after school on Friday. Just hanging out, playing basketball, watching movies, eating -- y'know "teenager stuff."

When they were leaving, one of his friends took his empty Coke can and started to toss it into the trash along with his pizza carcasses (what's with teen boys not eating pizza crusts? They're the best part! But I digress!).

"Oh, go ahead and leave it on the counter," I said, "we recycle."

The lumbering 16-year old looked at me, confused. "Oh, sorry. I thought you guys were Republicans." With that, he set the can on the counter and headed out the door.

What? Republicans don't recycle? What are these kids being taught in school? And why do we allow others to define who we are and what we stand for? Ugh.

And just for the record, if Mercedes built a hybrid sedan I'd be SO driving one right now, so there Green Boy!

BUSH RE-ELECTED TO SECOND TERM

2004-10-13T21:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, maybe that's a bit premature. But for the record, that's my prediction after just having watched the third and final debate between he and John Kerry. Bold, to be sure. But it boils down to this: he was just more likable. He didn't stumble, was in command of the facts (mostly), put Kerry on the defensive and -- most importantly in todays TV age -- got more laughs. He was more natural then "automotron" Kerry, who came across as a dull, arrogant college professor lecturing us all about economics.

And man is Kerry a downer. I could barely stand his depressing analysis for 90 minutes, let alone for four years!

Now, as a gay man I found Bush's answer on the topic of gays sincere, conflicted and compassionate. Yes, he played into the Far Right's agenda by avoiding a direct answer on whether it's a choice or genetic (and unless you wonder where I stand on the issue, I'd like to ask you when you chose to be straight), but he absolutely had to, or risk losing his base.

Kerry on the other hand, "outed" Cheney's daughter in a blatant political move designed to cause discomfort in the Bush/Cheney camp with the hardline GOPers. Could you even imagine a presidential candidate uttering the word "Lesbian" on national television just 4 years ago? If it wasn't so pandering I would have thought it was a pretty important moment in the advancement of gay acceptance into the mainstream. As it was, it was a cheap political trick that I think in the end will backfire on Kerry.

Big Fat Stupid White Liars and the half-Vast Left-Wing Conspiracy

2004-10-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

Michael Moore:

"If there is even the remotest of chances that I can get this film (“Fahrenheit 9/11”) seen by a few million more Americans before election day, then that is more important to me than winning another documentary Oscar," Moore said.

"I have decided not to submit Fahrenheit 9/11 for consideration for the Best Documentary Oscar," Moore said, adding he was not submitting the film to allow it a chance of being aired on television the day before the election.

George Soros:

“Defeating Bush is the central focus of my life.”

So far, he's given nearly $16 million of his fortune to defeat Bush. But, he has vowed to defeat George Bush at any cost – even if it meant spending his entire $7 billion fortune.

Soros has compared President Bush to the Nazis and told a European audience he was seeking “regime change” in the U.S. “America, under Bush, is a danger to the world, and I’m willing to put my money where my mouth is.”

John Kerry:

Defends both men’s free speech to say what they want, when they want.

And yet, he backs the DNC filing a complaint with the U.S. Federal Election Commission over a broadcasting company's plan to air a film critical of Kerry.

DNC officials have called the film an illegal corporate contribution to President Bush's campaign. The Sinclair Broadcast Group plans to air the program next week. The film, titled Stolen Honor, focuses on Kerry's 1971 Congressional testimony criticizing the Vietnam War. The film features former U.S. prisoners of war saying Mr. Kerry's comments led their Vietnamese captors to treat them more harshly.

Sinclair Group defends the broadcast as news and says Sinclair has invited Senator Kerry to participate in a panel discussion after the film airs.

Do you see the hypocrisy? Do you see the desperation?

...And now for some GOOD news!

2004-10-11T16:53:00.000-07:00

The Afghan election went off without any Taliban- or al Qaeda-inspired violence and Karzai’s main opponents have backed away from threats of boycotting the results due to an irregularity with ink.

Australia’s PM John Howard was overwhelmingly re-elected to a record 4th term, widely seen as a vote of confidence for his very strong support for the War on Terror and the War in Iraq.

And Sadr’s militant rebels in Iraq are turning in their weapons at the insistence of the US-backed interim government and pledging to turn their ragtag band of terrorists into a political party.

Let’s hope Mr. Bush get’s his act together and drives these facts home at his third debate Wednesday night.

"Superman is dead"

2004-10-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

“Superman is dead.” That’s how my AOL screen greeted me this morning.

I was deeply saddened to learn of Christopher Reeves passing. I met him only twice, and both times I was impressed with his obvious commitment to his craft. The first time was in a meeting with a director who had worked with him before and was considering him for the lead in a new movie my production company was producing. I thought Chris right for the role, the director did not. So, it was to my great surprise when Chris barged into my office a week later lambasting me for not hiring him.

“I’m perfect for this role! I thought we got along great! Why are you blocking me from getting this part?”

I was flabbergasted. I deferred to the director on his desire to cast another actor, but had lobbied hard for Chris.

“You know,” he said, “I used to be pretty big. I’ve starred in huge films. I may be down right now, but I’ll be back on top and you’ll regret not hiring me.”

With that, he stormed out of my office, as I still held the receiver to my phone in mid-conversation with my dad.

“What was all that?” my dad asked, having overheard the tirade.

“That was me getting chewed out by Superman.”

“Oh.” Said my dad. “You work in a weird business.”

So true. But I was seriously bummed that the director had blamed ME for not casting Christopher Reeve when it was entirely his decision. But Chris’s words about regretting not hiring him stuck with me. And it was indeed true. I kept thinking it’d be great to someday find a project that I could offer him. But not soon after our encounter, he was paralyzed in his horse-riding accident. The determination that he displayed to me that afternoon in my office was nothing compared to the determination he showed the world over the last nine years. And I remained deeply impressed with him.

How sad that stem cell research has become a political issue. It is, as President Bush said, “one of the real ethical dilemmas that we face." I just find it odd that the very people who decry animal testing in search of human cures as immoral, are the loudest proponents of using human fetuses for the very same reason. And the fact remains, Bush’s ban on Stem Cell relates only to Federal funds financing research. Kerry came off as pandering on this issue to me, as where Bush seemed genuinely conflicted and compassionate.

From what little I know on the matter, stem cells have the potential to develop into other types of tissue such as that of muscle, nerve and bone. It’s no wonder Kerry is a proponent: he could benefit from some much-needed backbone and some infusion of nerve to flex some muscle.

Bush is BAD and I've got the facts to prove it!

2004-10-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

welcome to Topsy-Turvey Land

I didn't make this up, but came across it on the 'Net. Facts are hard to dispute... unless you're Kerry.

Clinton awards Halliburton no-bid contract in Yugoslavia - good
Bush awards Halliburton no-bid contract in Iraq - bad

Clinton spends $77 billion on war in Serbia - good
Bush spends $87 billion in Iraq - bad

Clinton imposes regime change in Serbia - good
Bush imposes regime change in Iraq - bad

Clinton bombs Christian Serbs on behalf of Muslim terrorists - good
Bush liberates 25 million from a genocidal dictator - bad

Clinton bombs Chinese Embassy - good
Bush bombs terrorist camps - bad

Clinton commits felonies while in office - good
Bush lands on aircraft carrier in flight suit - bad

No mass graves found in Serbia - good
No WMD found in Iraq - bad

Stock market crashes in 2000 under Clinton - good
Economy on upswing under Bush - bad

Clinton refuses to take custody of bin Laden - good
World Trade Centers fall under Bush - bad

Clinton says Saddam has nukes - good
Bush says Saddam has nukes - bad

Clinton calls for regime change in Iraq - good
Bush imposes regime change in Iraq - bad

Terrorist training in Afghanistan under Clinton - good
Bush destroys training camps in Afghanistan - bad

Milosevic not yet convicted - good
Saddam turned over for trial - bad

2004-10-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

John Kerry's idea of inspirational leadership

"Ahm the sun ovah meel workah"

2004-10-06T23:04:00.000-07:00

Edwards explains his shortcomings

So much to write about, so little time to actually write it.

My screenwriting partner and I are having a tough time getting through our latest rewrite. Not for lack of ideas, it's just that as the industry's only two Republicans, we've so much to discuss about the recent debates we never seem to get around to discussing the script.

Tonight we talked about Edwards' performance in last night's vice presidential debate. I actually thought he performed admirably, if not inspired. He covered all the talking points, and injected some much-needed passion. Too bad he was full of shit.

Needless to say, I think Cheney took him to the whipping shed like the bad little boy he is and that was fun watching. Who does this silky little pony think he is? He's Clinton without the stains. The same thumpkin gestures, the same sing-songy voice that grates the longer it sallies on, the same class warfare themes.

Was I the only one who thought he looked like Mike Meyers in a SNL skit? What was with the grade school sideways glances he stole peeking at Cheney's pre-debate scribblings? Or the way he palmed his mug like a sippy cup? Maybe his assertive thumb gestures tax his thumb muscles to the point of exhaustion, prohibiting their intended use (like properly holding a mug!).

Oh well. Can't wait till Friday. Please don't goof up Mr. Bush. We need you to hit a homerun.

Diaz: Bush to legalize Rape; Hollywood stands proud as its sharpest minds enlighten the political discourse

2004-09-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

Did you get a chance to see OPRAH yesterday? She trotted out star after star to make the case to "get out and vote." The highlight, great thinker Cameron Diaz weepily imploring the undecideds to go out and vote, because if you don't Bush will be re-elected and the world will keep hating us AND rape will become legal in a second Bush term.

Hmmm. Hatred and rape. And the Left calls conservatives scare-mongers. Dick Cheney says a Kerry Presidency will almost certainly mean a shift back to the Clintonian view that terrorist attacks are to be settled in court and not on the battlefield, and the media jumps down his throat misrepresenting his comments as scare tactics designed to imply that a Kerry win will bring on more attacks. But celeb after celeb makes allegations from a secret Bush military draft to legalizing rape, and all Oprah does is nod in agreement.

Don't get me wrong, I like Oprah. She's been a model citizen. But honestly, why didn't she hold Cameron to task for her irresponsible comments? Can you imagine her letting Charleton Heston get away with a similar comment about Kerry legalizing kiddie porn? Of course not. Nor should she.

I'm sick and tired of the media trotting out famous idiots spouting nonsense and not holding them accountable. I mean really, Miss Jizz-hairgel is supposed to have anything intelligent to say? Anyone who works in Hollywood knows that anything that comes out of an actor's mouth that isn't thought of, and articulated by someone else is pure drivel.

And about "no one in the world liking us" anymore... there were times I hated my parents for making me do things I didn't want to do and not allowing me to do something stupid and unsafe. Sometimes, doing the right thing makes you unpopular. Like actors, it seems all the Left wants is for everyone to like them. To really, really like them.

Just for Variety: Honesty

2004-09-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

Reading this morning's VARIETY, I noticed a refreshingly honest quote in an article about the industry rallying behind John Kerry:

"We looked around the creative community and thought, There's so much cultural influence here," said Erik Stowers of the PAC Downtown For Democracy (D4D), "and these people are all liberal."

All liberal. With influence. See, at least this guy admits how biased this town is. He knows the power and impact TV, movies, newspapers and radio has on the public's consciousness. When are we conservatives going to start mobilizing creative types who might be more right-leaning (or even moderate) and give our point of view a voice?

The Tiffany Net gets a Black Eye

2004-09-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

Rather shows off his new shiner

Luke Skywalker and Osama bin Laden: Comrades in arms

2004-09-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Dark Side of George Lucas

I'm a geek. I freely admit it. This morning, just after dropping the kid off at school, I dashed off to Wal*Mart to get my very own copy of the newly released DVD of the original STAR WARS trilogy. My son couldn't understand my almost religious fervor towards these "lame" films. "There's no sex in them" he'd say dismissively. "What's the big deal?" (I didn't even try to explain the Princess Liea-in-underwear scene with Jabba the Hutt. Somethings are better left unsaid.) I had my own reasons for loving this series of films. Like so many others of my generation, STAR WARS was a major, if not THE, inspiration for pursuing a professional film career.

Back at home, reality set in. I glanced at the recent issue of ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY and read the article on George Lucas and the release of these films on DVD. Did I really read it correctly? Did George Lucas really say that there is little difference between Freedom Fighters and Terrorists? Did he really imply that the Rebel Alliance would be akin to todays terrorists?

I was so sickened to learn of his "disgust" with the current state of the situation in the world today that I wanted to head back to Wal*Mart, reciept in tow for a refund.

How could this dreammaker, so eloquent in his good-vs-evil space opera, have so warped a reality when it comes to evil in the real world? Luke would never behead an innocent person, as just happened moments ago in Iraq by a "Freedom Fighter."

George, I'm dissappointed. I expected much more from someone who chooses to distance himself from the freaks here in Hollywood. Then again, you moved back up to Northern California with the rest of the Far Left.

Am I going to return my DVD? Hell no. I love STAR WARS. I can seperate the art from the artist. I'll just be less enamored if I ever get the opportunity to meet Mr. Lucas. How sad is that?

A Rather phoney memo

2004-09-16T23:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Dan Rather:

Just admit it. You hate Mr. Bush. You hated his father -- as you so eloquently displayed in your own interview of the then Vice President back in 1988. You hate everything these two civil servants stand for and you'll go to any length to discredit them. Even with forged documents. For such an esteemed investigative journalist, how can you not tell the difference between an MSWord-generated document written in Times New Roman and a document that would have been typed on a manual Vietnam-era typewriter in courier? That's something even my 16 year old son would have been able to detect, and he's not nearly as smart and wise as you. (That's sarcasm in case you missed that too.)

Perhaps it's your well-documented liberal bias. Oh, wait. That's right. There isn't one at CBS. (Emphasis on "BS" intended.) If there were similar negative evidence about your friend John Kerry, (with whom you dined at the Democratic fundraiser back in 2002) you surely would have reported it. Like all the airtime you devoted to Mr. O'Neill and the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. Oh, wait. That's right. You claim there is no truth behind that story, despite the fact the the overwelming majority of Vets that served with Kerry corraborate the facts against him as stated in UNFIT TO COMMAND. But, that story gets no airtime. Because the truth there doesn't support your agenda.

There are those out there who are impressed with your determination to forge ahead despite your critics, and your refusal to admit the possibility of mistakes. I just find it funny that you've reported so often about how you find those very qualities in Mr. Bush and that they make him unfit to lead and should be fired. Hmmm. If only the top brass at CBS agreed with you and applied those standards to you. It's time you were put out to pasture, Mr. Rather. You are a disgrace to a once-noble profession and it's time you had the "courage" to get out while you still have enough star power to host a talkshow on AirAmerika radio.

America Sucks! (But at least we're not Australia!)

2004-09-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

I am SO in the wrong business.

I just got out of a meeting with a producer who represents everything I hate about Hollywood. Don’t get me wrong. This was a talented, articulate, attractive young man who treated me very well and was complimentary to the point of gushing. And those certainly are not traits I typically despise. What got to me was his blatant Leftist, anti-American views -- many boldly displayed throughout his studio office. There was the requisite poster of Che Guevara, a giant photo of the president with an international “no” sign splashed across his face along with the words, “Fuck Bush” (something his lisp suggests he’s never done) and an upside down US flag.

During the course of our meeting, he proudly announced his disgust of America, American culture and our political system, his hatred of Australia (Australia???) and his love of Cuba and his desire to move to France some day.

What amazed me was his assumption that I agreed with his radical views. What scared me was that he is not in any way in the minority here in La-La Land.

I was raised to never discuss sex, politics or religion in the company of strangers, for fear of offending someone. Had I spoken up and disagreed with him, the meeting would undoubtedly have been over. Do I sit there listening to his crap and hope I’ll get a greenlight? Or do I challenge his views at the expense of my project? Do I even want to participate in an industry that routinely promotes and exports the ugliest views of America out of self-hatred?

It used to puzzle me why Hollywood was no longer turning out positive stories that promoted American ideals and values (in an entertaining way, of course). I’m slowly coming to the realization that it’s because no one in Hollywood believes in American ideals and values. How sad that entertainment is our nation’s second largest export.

No wonder the world hates us.

John Kerry wants to "F" America

2004-09-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

John Kerry used Labor Day to launch a clever new attack (the likes of which are rarely seen outside of elementary school playgrounds) on George W. Bush with a new mantra: "The W stands for wrong."

"Wrong choices, wrong direction," Kerry repeatedly bellowed at a union picnic in the hills of West Virginia.

If Bush wished to "elevate" the campaign with a similar retort, perhaps he could expose what John F. Kerry really wants to do to America: "In this rare instance, his middle initial doesn't stand for flip-flop."

2004-09-03T00:10:00.000-07:00

Flip-Flop of the day! "BRING IT ON! No, wait. Second thought, don't Bring it on! Really. Seriously.You guys! C'mon! Stop it!"

Seperated at Birth?

2004-09-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

Ugh. I can't believe I've actually sunk to the level of doing "Seperated at Birth" schtick. But I'm tired, so forgive me. It's 3am and I can't sleep. (God knows when I'll be able to post this. My internet is down, so I'm forced to visit an internet cafe by the courthouse on my breaks. Courthouse you ask? I'm doing jury duty. I'm such a devoted citizen!)

Anyway, whenever I can't sleep, I get up and read. Or watch an old movie. And I just got finished watching the Cary Grant comedy PEOPLE WILL TALK. Great performances and wonderful dialog. Oh how I wish I could write dialog like ol' Mank. Anyway, the film starts out with a scene between a young Hume Cronyn (who looked old even when he was young)and an even younger Margaret Hamilton. Even without the green make-up she still looked like the Wicked Witch to me, but to my tired eyes she reminded me of someone else still.

I couldn't put my finger on it. The pointy nose. The pursed lips. Shark-black eyes. Then it hit me! I'd seen those eyes recently! At the Democratic Convention. Yes folks! Ron Reagan, Jr. is the Wicked Witch reincarnated!

Now I realize this is RRJr's second mention in my blog. I'm NOT obsessed. Just (in my view) observant. The resemblance was uncanny. Check the film out. It's on DVD.

And for those of you who are mad that I've besmirched RRJr: It's HE who crossed over to the Dark Side, not I.

GOP's Silver lining (Ugh.Bad pun!)

2004-09-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

Ron Silver reacts to learning about my GOP ties

Hollywood showed up to stump for Bush at this week’s GOP convention, beginning with noted conservative… Ron Silver? Don’t get me wrong, Ron’s a good friend (well, we worked together before, so in Hollywood that makes you a “good friend”) and great actor (when he’s not mumbling ala Brando), but I can’t recall him ever saying anything in the past that sounded the least bit, well, Republican.

Maybe he had his defenses up. Maybe he was sending out subtle, secret conservative codes that I failed to pick up. Like, “what’s my motivation in this scene and oh, yeah, can you pass me my Uzi?” or “that scene in dailies yesterday looked great, but felt as inappropriate as stem cell research and partial-birth abortion.” Whatever the case, I failed to see in him a kindred spirit when anything remotely political came up. In fact, I remember just the opposite. He sounded quite liberal to me, albeit more articulate than the average actor. I could tell he actually thought through his positions, rather than just feeling them, like so many actors I’ve known and worked with. So, I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised to see him supporting the President and our War on Terrorism. In my view, any person – regardless of party affiliation – that takes the time to understand the facts and what’s at stake will come to the same conclusion as Ron and I: Bush is the right man, at the right time to handle the difficult job of President. Even if Ron did scare me a little bit with his rather, well, excited delivery Monday night. Once more, Ron. Perhaps with a little less feeling!

A flip-flop I can support!

2004-08-31T11:55:00.000-07:00

The idea for this bumper-sticker came to me while watching Rudy Guilliani's speech at the GOP convention. Wouldn't it be nice to see thousands plastered on the bumpers of cars throughout Boston?

Underdog: Defending Moral Relativism across the globe!

2004-08-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

The other day I was sitting in a development meeting when a studio executive (a fresh-faced kid, just moments out of college) tried to educate me on what makes a good story. It was, needless to say, enlightening.

“The script skews too heavily towards the antagonist,” I told him.

“Antagonist?” he asked, seemingly confused.

“The bad guy.”

“Oh. Well, I don’t really see him as the bad guy. He’s just, y’know – “

“A killer,” I interjected, “he murders innocent people. I think that qualifies him for the ‘bad guy’ label.”

“You’re thinking too old school. This guy is just, y’know, a victim.”

“A victim?”

“Of society. Yeah,” he said, leaning back behind his huge desk. The kid now looked AND sounded like a teenager. He continued, “You see, I mean, yea, he kills, and does that robbery thing—“

“And slit the throat of his own mother” I reminded him.

“But, think of what he’s gone through. He was adopted. He was raised in like Detroit, y’know, real poor. Always harassed by the cops…”

“For stealing.”

“And his girl cheated on him. So he’s like a victim. I actually think the detective should be the bad guy. Or Antigone.”

“Antagonist,” I corrected. “Antigone is a character in a classic…”

“Whatever. Point is, the cop is like this rich dude from the ‘burbs. He’s all Mr. All-American. He hasn’t had to struggle for shit. Plus, they BOTH have guns. So it’s like, really, who’s the bad guy here?”

I was amazed. Did I really just hear this? Then he summed it all up.

“Look, audiences want to see the little guy, the victim, get his due. Something we can all relate to. We all love to root for the little guy. The underdog.” He kicked his heels up onto the desk and eagerly awaited my reaction.

Then, a smile crept across my face. It all made sense. Not the movie. It’s a hopeless piece of shit. What made sense all of a sudden was the Liberal mindset.

In today’s world, issues are no longer a matter of right and wrong. Good verses bad. That’s too “simplistic.” There is no black and white. Only shades of grey. “Moral relativism” they call it. Today, it’s all about the victim. Or more accurately, the perceived victim: THE UNDERDOG.

Forget about the fact that Israel was invaded in multiple wars by its Arab neighbors from the day after its inception. Forget about the fact its innocent women and children are cruelly targeted by suicide bombers indiscriminately. Because what matters to the Far Left worldwide is that Israel is powerful. And the Palestinians are not. They are the Underdogs. And therefore deserve our sympathy and support. Forget that Arab-Israeli citizens have the highest standards of living among Arabs in the Middle East, and the most freedoms. Forget that Israel is the only secular democracy in the region. And that her neighbors are almost all oppressive regimes. Doesn’t matter. They are the Underdogs. And Israel is the Occupier. How the powerful army came to occupy is irrelevant. Ancient history. Point is now they are in power, and the other side is not.

It’s the same thing here in America. I can always tell when someone has graduated from a Liberal Arts college by the way they argue. “It’s the corporations…” Big huge entities that devour and dehumanize the Little Guy. The Underdog.

Most ardent practitioners of the ultra-Left spend a lifetime attempting to tear down “the powerful” in hopes of leveling the playing field. They want to help the Underdog not by providing them with the opportunities to elevate themselves, but rather by tearing down the “rich and powerful” oppressors.

The fault with this logic is what happens when the Underdogs become the Powerful? America was once an Underdog. It was then that the French came to our aid. Not because they shared our values of Liberty and Freedom, but because we were oppressed by the Evil British. So now that we are powerful, where are the French? Siding with Saddam Hussein -- not because he’s right, but because he’s the Underdog in the fight against the all-powerful, solo Superpower. We are the greatest threat to mankind according to many around the world. Not because of our ideals, values or even actions. No, we are a threat because we are powerful.

Movies today suck. And I suspect it has a lot to do with the fact that “moral relativism” has forced its way into the mainstream.

What the world, and Hollywood, need more of is “good verses evil, black and white, right and wrong.” Maybe then we can all go back to rooting for an Underdog that deserves our sympathy and support.

Posthumous wedding: talk about cold feet!

2004-08-27T23:31:00.000-07:00

Okay. So get this:

South Africa must rank as the most progressive country in the world when it comes to issuing marriage licenses. In America, gay couples are fighting for the right to marry, something we as a nation hardly seem ready to embrace. But in South Africa, all it takes is for the happy couple to have a pulse. Well, not even that.

According to the Sowetan newspaper in Johannesburg, a man who shot dead his pregnant girlfriend before killing himself will be posthumously married to her this weekend.

David Masenta shot his 25-year-old girlfriend after a quarrel before turning the gun on himself, according to police. But family and friends wanted to remember them as "a happy couple destined for a happy life together," and subsequently arranged for a quicky wedding.

The groom's corpse will be dressed in a cream suit and his bride's in a white (Hmmm. Pregnant? White?) gown for the ceremony, at which a priest in the rural village of Ceres in Limpopo will bless the union before the two are buried.

I wonder if two dead gay guys can marry there? Or would that be considered denegrating the sanctity of marriage?

When did I become such a Right-Wing Curmudgen?

2004-08-26T23:00:00.000-07:00

Wow. I just re-read some of my posts. I'm not a ultra right-winger. Really. I didn't think Clinton was Satan, and most of my friends are Democrats. It's just that I get so fed up with the whining, and the double-standards. And most of all, I can't stand short-sighted political posturing for selfish, short term gains at the expense of our Country. The Left continues to compare Iraq with Vietnam. Another quagmire. A nightmare. Unneccessary. And they call Bush simple-minded and simplistic! Gimme a break. The only similarities are that hysterical anti-war (any war) and anti-American groups (at home and abroad) combined with the sensationalist if-it-bleeds-it-leads mainsteam media to undermine public support through propoganda.

Honest people can debate the war. I think it was neccessary and moral. I don't hate those that disagree with me. I just think they're wrong. (More on specifics another time.) And I certainly don't think the administration executed the war without mistakes. Not militarilly, but with regards to properly "selling" it in the US and abroad. Bush has not forced the media to focus on all the incredible good that has come out of the war for the Iraqi's. All that our men and women have accomplished. And he hasn't effectively expressed his vision of a new Middle East. A peaceful, democratic Middle East that boasts a free Palestine. We have an opportunity. A moment in history to make real changes in that region. Positive changes. And all that the anti-Bush crowd sees is "a mess. A lie." The very people who charge him with negligence for not doing enough to "connect the dots" and prevent 9/11 are the ones who say he lied at worst, and over-reacted at best, with regards to the "dots" of intel he got on Iraq.

What makes me so conservative at my age? Liberals. During the Clinton years I actually thought I'd mellowed. In reality, it was just that the Lefties stopped whining long enough for me to chill out and enjoy living in the greatest country this planet has ever known.

Albright "Ashamed" of Bush; Il enamored with "Hot Mama Maddy"

2004-08-26T22:45:00.000-07:00

The ugly little communist... and Kim Yong Il

Well, well, well. Look who’s bad-mouthing America abroad again. It seems the former Clinton-ites can’t seem to refrain from bashing our country while on foreign soil. Just today former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright -- in Sweden on a book tour -- called the situation in Iraq “a hopeless mess” and an “unnecessary war.” As for the American President, she said she was “ashamed of Bush” and that had Gore been president, he would not have invaded Iraq. “It makes me very sad to see how America currently receives no respect and how our credibility is questioned.” Why do liberals find it so important to be liked, rather than to be right? (Perhaps if Teddy Kennedy refrained from bombastic platitudes such as “lie after lie after lie…” and Al Gore’s school-girl shrieks of “he beeeeeeeeeeeeetrayed us!” our credibility wouldn’t be questioned as much.)

I have no doubt Gore would not have invaded Iraq. Or Afghanistan. The Clinton administration did nothing after the 1993 World Trade Center bombings; nothing after the embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania and nothing after the attack on the USS Cole. She may be ashamed of how the current administration is acting, but we are ALL paying for the way her administration failed to act.

If Gore were president, “things would be different in Iraq” she proclaimed. Well at least that’s true. 25 million Iraqi’s would still be oppressed by a murderous dictator, the French would still be taking Hussein’s bribes for oil, Iraqi Olympians would still be tortured for under-performing and the United Nations would still be impotent, refusing to enforce twelve years worth of it’s own resolutions.

Black Power! Was Kerry a Black Panther radical? Hmmm...

2004-08-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

Kerry: Stuck forever in the 60's

It started innocently enough: a triumphant fist thrust into the air. Then I saw it again. And again. John F. Kerry seemed to be proclaiming something each time I caught a glimpse of him on TV. That damn fist in the air. What did it mean?

Then it dawned on me. This radical, forever stuck in the heyday of the 1960's "activist" movement, is in fact, a former Black Panther. It's a subtle, yet powerful display of solidarity with his working class brothers.

What a conundrum for Kerry this must have been. To be both an oppressed black American AND a white, East Coast elitist. With his Yale education and his pockets flush with inherited cash, he was "the man" and "the victim" all at the same time.

"Reporting for duty, Mr. Annan"

2004-08-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

John Kerry... as he wishes it to be

Unfit to command

2004-08-25T02:37:00.000-07:00

"I'm an internationalist. I'd like to see our troops dispersed through the world only at the directive of the United Nations."

- John Kerry quoted in the Harvard Crimson newspaper in 1970

Such a brief love affair...

2004-08-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

Mandy Moore spurns a bruised "W"

Outing: Hollywood-style!

2004-08-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

You gotta love this.

DETAILS magazine has "outed" singer and actress Mandy Moore as a (gasp!) Republican and even worse (gasp! gasp!) as a Bush supporter. The young diva is apparently "furious," angrily denying that she supports the President and the GOP -- obviously fearing for her career. Her publicist reports that "Mandy is not, nor has she ever been, a Republican." Yikes. If only the Lefties in this town were as vigorous in their denials about being Communists decades back. It's seemingly worse in their eyes being called a "Republican."

Also outed were Adam Sandler, Freddie Prinze, Jr., Jessica Simpson (oh great, the "thinking" crowd in Hollywood) and brawler/actress Shannen Doherty. Interestingly, all refuse to publicly declare their support for the record, as loud and proud Democrats Ben Affleck and George Clooney (not to mention Babs) have done in support of John FORBES "I'm-for-the-little-guy" Kerry.

Contrast this to Ron Reagan's recent comment in gay magazine THE ADVOCATE: "I'm not gay. But I don't take offense to being called gay. It's like being called Chinese. There's nothing wrong with it, it's just not true." Now, I happen to think RRJr is right. But I just think it's funny that being called a Republican is deadly in town, but being called gay is "no big deal."

My, how far we've come as a society.

What's good for the goose...

2004-08-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

It seems as if John Kerry can dish it out, but can't take it. For months he's allowed and encouraged his fellow Libs to take personal pot-shots at the President, but the moment someone, anyone questions his record, he does what most liberals often do in the face of a moral question: they sue. Today the Kerry Campaign announced it was going to file a suit with the Federal Election Commission seeking to censor the series of ads created and paid for by the Swift Boat Verterans for the Truth. So much for Freedom of Speech. It was Kerry who defended his friend Whoopie Goldberg's right to publicly besmirch Bush with a vulgar play on his name; defended and endorsed Michael Moore's lie-filled schlockumentary; downplayed Moveon.org's comparision of the US President with Adolf Hitler and billionaire immigrant George Soros' hate-filled campaign of slander -- all in the name of free speech.

Now, I was in diapers during the Vietnam war. I have no idea what happened. And I don't believe in questioning Mr. Kerry's wartime heroics. He served and unless proven otherwise, I assume honorably. But where's the press in all this? When the Kerry Campaign sought to discredit Bush's tenure in the National Guard (and let me remind all of you that NO inch of Texas soil was lost to the enemy while G.W. served) the mainstream media went nuts, running story after story for two weeks on whether or not Bush manipulated the system or went AWOL. Nothing was determined. No charges brought. Just drip, drip, drip of innuendo. Not that there wasn't a story to pursue, mind you. But let's be honest. When 250 Veterans band together and make serious claims like "staging" of wounds for medals and "lying" about War Crimes he neither witnessed or committed, all for political gains, I'd say there's a story there. But no. The headline today: Kerry Files with the FEC to Halt Bush's Attack Ads.

The President is no more responsible for the Swift Boat ads than the Senator is for Michael Moore, George Soros or Moveon.org. The only difference is the coverage by the biased mainstream media. It seems to be that if it hurts Bush, run it. If it helps him, ignore it or discredit it. And just the opposite for Kerry.

Rogue Republican Runs Amok in Tinsletown

2004-08-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

I'm the one with the blurred face -- to protect my identity, and, well, because I'm not nearly as goodlooking as Bradley Whitford (The West Wing) and wife Jane Kaczmarek (Malcolm in the Middle). I've never discussed politics with them and have no idea what their leanings are. All I know is they are gracious and funny. And great actors. And probably NOT Republicans!

Welcome to the Beginning of the End of my Career

2004-08-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

Whaddyano! Blogs are so popular, so tempting, so easy to use as a platform of thoughts and ideas, I've decided to jump on the bandwagon. In doing so, I am in no doubt committing career suicide. You see, I work in Hollywood. Not as a flunky fetching coffee or the trades, but as a so-called "mover and shaker." I write checks. I hire and fire. I even yell "action!" and "cut!"

Hollywood is the only Company Town in America where I can be "out" as a gay man, but forced to remain "closeted" as a Republican. Yes, folks, I am a rare breed. I am a Hollywood Conservative. And these here are my rantings. God save us all.