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.
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!
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.
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
Editorialist
Copious Dissent – Your Daily Dose of Liberty
great start. welcome to one of my favorite corners of the world.
Wow! You have some heavy hitters in your comments. I guess this is the blogosphere’s version of Hollywood, only better.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Welcome to the blogosphere Ron.
Loved your RNC speech.
It reminded me of another Ron
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!)
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.
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
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.
“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.
Ron Silver is the poor man’s Al Pacino .
This blog is fantastic!
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!
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….
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…..
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.
Glad to have you aboard. I like your work and I admire your braver. (I also agree with many of your expressed views).
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.
Wonderful Ron. You need to go on Dennis Miller’s radio show, I think you will find him a kindred spirit.
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.
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.
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
Very nice, Ron!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
A longtime fan. So happy you are on board; and your points are excellent. “Let’s stay in touch!”
Ron; The window is now open, the fresh air you
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.
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,
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…
You’re a welcome addition to this good crew at PM.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
heard you doing an ad on sirius, recognised the voice as bruno’s. you seem to speak to us who no longer fit into left/right straightjackets. i am bookmarking you.thanx.
Good bye Ron….I admired you very much.