I am a "war baby."
Born in 1942, my father served in the United States Air Force as director of communications for the South Atlantic corridor.
I remember some things about the times.
Hollywood supported the troops.
They did not say, "We hate the war, but 'we support' the soldiers.
It was pure, and it was simple.
There was ginuine affection pouring out from Hollywood for the young men and women at war for our country.
Remember, Hitler never invaded the United States of America. We fought him and his forces to keep him from taking over Europe.
Japan, though, did attack us.
Many people did not believe we should have entered the war in Europe, and there were quite a few who believed we should have "deplomacized" our way out of war with Japan.
But once we went in, once young men were being killed by the multiple thousands, the country, even Hollywood, got behind the effort.
Bob Hope went to the "front lines" to entertain. Other entertainers considered it a priviledge to be asked to go with him. Many did, people like Dinah Shore, Betty Grable, Jerry Colona and so many others.
I just watched, with tears, a special on PBS about Hope's trips to give support to our troops.
Radio was replete with actors and actresses encouraging our service personnel on the air...with great passion and fervor.
Those politicians who were against the war, and they existed, kept a pretty low profile. Their comments were often subdued, much more so than today, anyway.
Hollywood would have blasted any politician who spoke too loudly in opposition to the war effort, and that would have meant political death to the speaker.
The United States of America was loved by its own citizens.
We may not always have been right, but we were loved.
Contrast that with today.
Hollywood no longer loves the country that fought the war that kept their freedom to express their art intact.
Not all, but the majority, regularly condemn the war in Iraq. They encourage politicians who speak out against the war.
Because they are communicators with tremendous technical resources, the are able to sway public opinion. When they join with a willing press, also anti-war in the majority, they are very effective in convincing many citizens to be against the war as well.
The result is that phrases like, "I support our troops, but I am against the war," ring hollow.
Fact is, they (Hollywood, the liberal press and liberal anti-war politicians), are treasonous.
When the war on terrorism is "over," (though I really think it will be a simi-permanent struggle), they will have to hang their heads in shame.
I doubt that they will, though.
They seem to have no shame.
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19 comments:
You are right on here, Joe. I couldn't agree more.
It's sad and disconcerting to hear so many folks blast their own country. I can't imagine where all that hate comes from.
Great post, my friend!
I wonder what happened along the way, and when it happened, that Hollywood (or others) stopped their support?
I agree as well. But I can't help but think that we are talking out both sides of our mouths when we blast known actors for their war stance, yet request tickets for their movies.
Whaddya think?
zoanna: I haven't been to a movie for about seven years.
I agree Joe , its sad that USA only join together when something bad happens to this Country. Then Hollywood will put some tribute on TV. This is the end times , it time to look up to His coming . It will never be the same. I share your tear Joe.
Yeah.
doxoblogist: Jeremy, try to keep it short, will you?
the pith lord.
Joe, you have every right to say what you have ... and you ARE right, IMHO.
What's you opinion on what caused the difference?
Rock on, my brother in Christ. You are so right on with this. AMEN!
The way downward is a slippery slope, and goes one step at a time.
Where will it end? I think we know, eh?
It is so sad. What with musical groups like "GREEN DAY'S" and the like singing about men dying for lies "giving up their lives for lies". These groups have so much talent and the music itself is actually pleasant to listen to, if not for the lyrics. I like the instrumentation, the musicianship. But, in all that they are a powerfull force in swaying the kids to think their unchristian, anti-capitalist, unamerican ways.
Good post Joe
nettie: "What's you opinion on what caused the difference?"
The short of it is a change in the basic moral values of the country brought on by a group of people who were instilled with relativism, believed it, and now are espousing and spreading it.
Sadly, it is not restricted to a particular political bent, though it may be more obvious on the liberal side, rather is is permiated in the society.
In a word: Godlessness.
(That's even shorter, isn't it?)
It seems so long gone when I hear that others experieced war times, it was something I never knew. My grandma lost her husband in the war, and then she died about five years ago. I often think about the things that happen in my time, that she never knew was coming like Sept. 11th or the New Orleans flooding. Stories I will tell my grandchildren.
Amen
Ok, Joe, you haven't been to a movie in 7 years. I like that. Please tell me you haven't rented one, either. Please?
And it's not because I'm anti-movie. I'm just all about homogenity. Is that a word? If not, it is now. What I mean by it is simply that you put your money where your mouth is, or, in this case, keep your money and your mouth on the same doctrinal page.
zoanna: Actually we rented "Alice In Wonderland" about three years ago. That's it! That was made back when they were supporting the troops.
"they will have to hang their heads in shame
In an earlier, simpler time, we'd have hanged their heads for them.
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