Posted on 08/03/2006 4:46:43 AM PDT by pinochet
We can all agree that Mel Gibson diplayed extreme stupidity, in making anti-semitic comments infront of a stranger. But the intense campaign in the mass media and on this forum to denounce Gibson, is, frankly, ridiculous. Even many on this forum who defended Trent Lott, have been hysterical in their denunciation of Gibson.
Thinking or saying racist or anti-semitic things is a sin. So is engaging in, or thinking about, extra-marital sex. But given man's fallen nature, such things are common.
People normally express their prejudices to close friends or to family members, not to total strangers. Remember Rev. Billy Graham's infamous private conversation with his close friend, Richard Nixon? Gibson is a stupid man, not an evil man.
I believe that, when labelling a person a "racist" or an "anti-semite", we should look at his long-term record in dealing with blacks or Jews. One or two outrageous comments, in my view, should not make the labels stick. Using such a standard, David Duke and Pat Buchanan qualify as anti-semites. Mel Gibson does not.
The ever sensible Rabbi Daniel Lapin cautioned us all to exercise caution, before labelling individuals. In all his life, Gibson has been very respectful in his dealings with Jews.
Which gentile here has never had an anti-semitic thought, or said an anti-semitic thing in private? Which Jewish poster here has never made an anti-Christian comment? Which white poster here has never said anything that disparages African-Americans?
If any of the above applies to you, then you may join the Gibson-bashing with a clear conscience. We all admire your moral purity on racial and ethnic issues, which makes you a better person than Rev. Billy Graham.
But for the rest....Mel has apologized twice. IT IS TIME TO LEAVE HIM THE HELL ALONE!
This is the way the MSM can show they are on the right side of this issue while still smashing Israel for their invasion.
It's ready made for them.
So you think posting this thread will somehow accomplish that?
For the most part I agree with you...but.....
I am sure Mel would be getting a lot more sympathy from Freepers if he hadn't trashed Bush a couple of weeks ago.
I thought he was one of us. But he seems to be a double agent.
What if Mel Gibson were a porn star?
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=51362
I'm sure actor Mel Gibson is relieved, and I'm glad.
Abraham H. Foxman, National Director of The Anti-Defamation League, has accepted Gibson's apology for railing about Jews during his recent drunk driving arrest. Foxman magnanimously said:
''This is the apology we had sought and requested. We are glad that Mel Gibson has finally owned up to the fact that he made anti-Semitic remarks, and his apology sounds sincere. We welcome his efforts to repair the damage he has caused, to reach out to the Jewish community, and to seek help.''
Then, speaking like someone who really knows about weakness, Foxman generously adds that once Gibson gets the alcohol under control, ''we will be ready and willing to help him with his second rehabilitation to combat this disease of prejudice.''
Now, that is touching, really touching!
But who will rehabilitate the ADL for its ''disease?'' The disease of aiding and abetting in the spread of hatred of women and children; a disease that creeps across our nation day-by-day?
Who, if not pornographers, has been spreading the disease of sexual pathology to our most vulnerable and innocent children for decades?
And, who legitimizes, encourages, and patronizes pornographic hate mongers, giving them credibility and honor?
Mel Gibson? Or Foxman and his Anti-Defamation League?
Despite his money and success, Mel Gibson nearly killed himself and others in a drunken-driving spree.
Tragic I'd say.
"VANITY".
I am a recovering alcoholic myself so I can fully understand the low points man man reach.
I like Mel Gibson a lot and believe he will survive this. But some in Hollywodd have already seemed to transmit the message that slurs against Jews make a sin that cannot be forgiven.
A few ideas on how we might find humor in all this and the difficulties of others is below....
Certain alarming and deplorable news stories concerning the way Americans sometimes seek to attain “the edge” over their competitors or just their own weaker selves, remind us that the pharmaceutical, alcohol, and drug “industry” (not us) in America may be out of control.
First, as last weekend kicked off, we were faced with a news story featuring Mel Gibson. Mel, the only Hollywood big shot to recently produce a major motion picture about Jesus, was picked up and charged with Driving Under the Influence (of alcohol) (DUI) in Malibu. If that wasn’t bad enough, Mel, according to the arresting officer and his recorded audio tape of every word, may have gotten a tad vocal during the arrest and booking.
A family newspaper cannot print the exact words Mel used to berate the arresting officer, but let’s just say it was a four letter word that started with an “F” and ended with a “k.”
Mel only used this word about 150 times during his short though wonderful association with the arresting officer.
Mel also imprudently opined that he owned Malibu and would use all his money to get even with the arresting officer and his force.
To top off a terrible acting outing, Mel threw around a bunch of racial insults that will keep him from working in Hollywood forever unless he really can do some magic!
To make bad into worse, Mel also went into an anti-Semitic tirade. Mel apparently blames Jews for killing Jesus and just about everyone else.
Wherever Mel was before he drove into Hollywood legend last week, we sure hope it was a GREAT party.
We were told that Mel called Nick Nolte to help him make bail.
But Mel’s conduct is hardly bizarre by modern American standards. A few weeks ago, the multi-millionaire heir to the Coors beer fortune was arrested for DUI in his driveway. He had slowly eased through a “stop” sign without coming to a complete halt while going home from a wedding.
Performance enhancing, or just plain “fun inducing” substances are a part of American life. Barry Bonds is now the poster child for steroid use and abuse, even though he has been charged with nothing and we have little to go on as evidence: unless you count his remarkable growth, girth and homer record.
Just last night, Justin Gatlin, the world and Olympic 100 meter champion, the “fastest man in the world,” faced a life ban after admitting he had failed a drugs test. WOW! At least this guy can run from the law if necessary.
Cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, the bicycle “wunderkind” that the French love to hate, has also been under a cloud of suspicion for his evil habits. The French say Lance has been shooting steroids forever. Sac le bleu! Lance denies all the French accusations. But his girlfriend was Sheryl Crowe so I’ve decided whatever he is using is O.K. with me!
Lance’s successor in the American Bicycle Hall of Fame was also accused by the French and others of using too much, let us say, “male hormone.” But he says he is naturally packed and I saw his wife on TV smiling BIG time when he won the Tour de France and I suspect that wasn’t all about bicycling.
Finally, Senator Norm Coleman of Minnesota was informed last week that his 81 year old Dad was caught naked in a car with a 38 year old woman. She was also naked. The car was parked in “broad” daylight next to Red Savoy's Pizza. Red said he had no idea what was on the pizza but he offered to sell us a “slice.” Norm’s Dad could not be reached for comment but his wife, Norm’s Mom, Beverly, said she was shocked by the entire “affair.” Norm’s Dad is now the poster child for the little blue pill…in old peoples’ homes everywhere.
So next time you find a friend, coworker or family member having just too much fun, remind them that this happens now and again. Blame the pharmaceutical, alcohol, and drug “industry.”
But addiction and drug abuse are serious matters so get help. We intend only to educate and inform here in the Examiner.
And if you have any aspirations about making a film about Jesus we suggest you do that before you end up arrested like Mel Gibson.
When Mel is sober and has worked a program of honesty for at least 1 year, I may begin to accept his apologies. Until then... he's a hateful, lying, self-centered MF who will say anything at this time.
Yes. Gibson's anger at the Jews in Hollywood is probably money related, his expressionof it the ravings of a drunk.
I have yet to see a posting blaming illegals for "all of America's ills".
Can you cite them?
"I am sure Mel would be getting a lot more sympathy from Freepers if he hadn't trashed Bush a couple of weeks ago"
Actually, many freepers frequently call Bush as a RINO because of his failings on the immigration issue. But I understand your point. It is just that dissent on the Iraq war is not tolerated.
And many liberals blame Christians Conservatives for all the wars and all of America's ill.
Of course, there was no shortage of native-born politicians willing to pander to them. And the suffragists, can't forget them. Until those folks came along, most American socialists seeemed to be utopian socialists who advocated their own separate communities, rather than imposing their views on everyone else.
I may be wrong factually, as I am no expert, but, oh well...
Does that count?
And you don't even have to substitute "Jew"... substitute "Mel Gibson" with "Hezbollah."
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Illegals don't post here.
I agree. Time to leave Mel alone. But the MSM won't because they want to see him ground down to nothing. Just a thought: As to why Mel said those things, anger or frustration, or being drunk puts us in the state where we're no longer rational and instead revert to the deepest rut in the brain...what we heard as children. (You sound like your mother and yell something ridiculous.) "Stop that! Your face will freeze like that!" Or "Do you want a spanking?" (Back when it was okay to spank!)Out it comes without rational thought. Mel's father was a rabid Anti-Semite, so dinner conversation must have been quite something.
Oh, come on. You're not serious.
If they did, they got the zot
Blame your mommy, blame your 4th grade teacher, and, if that doesn't work, blame the Joooz!
While it's not OK for Mel to say what he said..
...and oh my goodness, he is paying dearly for it---the media assault on him is constant and furious!!everyone chiming in!!
...( and part of the reason is because he made The Passion of Christ)..I am convinced of this!
Why can Cindy Sheehan get off calling our President vile names....
..and wishing/hoping/desiring vile things to happen to him, PLUS hounding his every move.... ....
..and condemning the United States to our enemies...
..and get a free pass?
Oh never mind....even I know the answer to that.
Mel is bad.
Poor Mel. He's not very bright. Instead of calling them effin Jews, he should have called them effin Hymies. From Hymietown. You know, like Jesse Jackson.
He could have avoided all this mess. You know, like Jesse Jackson.
I don't feel the need to accept or not accept mels apologies. He is man-imperfect. He owes an apology to his wife and children not me. Why do we expect others to live by our standards? I deplore what he said and feel sorry for him. If he truly thinks this way, he needs help.
Post of the day, right there.
Maybe if Mel had used the terms like "Hymies" or "F'n Jew Bastards" he would have been ignored and or revered like Jesse and Hillary.
If he'll give me some of his money I won't hold it against him...
Although there are religions which hold the belief that thinking about an evil act is as sinful as actually engaging in that act, secular laws make a definite distinction between thought and behavior. A person who is sexually attracted to children but who is strong enough not to act on his urges may be in serious trouble mentally, but he is in no trouble at all legally.
The Lord may judge those of us who harbor racist thoughts as culpable as those who express them. Of course, being omnipotent, He doesn't need to hear the words to know that we are thinking them. Mere mortals, however, are unable to read our innermost thoughts, so if one is clever enough to keep them to himself, there is no problem. When someone who is in the public eye and whose career could be adversely affected by giving voice to those thoughts, it becomes imperative to suffer one's demons in silence. Mel Gibson failed that basic test, and he is paying the price for it.
This is the one and only time I will ever comment on Mel Gibson's despicable fall from grace. Enuff already!!
But the story is too delicious, the MSM wants to keep it alive...how many news cycles now? The MSM is out to get Mel Gibson because their basic story line can be religious hypocrisy. The MSM loves being able to pound well-known people on their religious hypocrisy, because why? Because they get to make mock and belittle Christianity, their all time favorite subject.
For the MSM and liberal Hollywood, it's payback time! Gibson's Passion of Christ made fools of them, now Gibson can be dished out his just desserts. Now his jealous enemies can make fun of his million dollar private chapel where he (orgasmic laughter from the left) prays daily.
Even when media critics hand wring over too much coverage, the MSM will keep chewing on their Christian bashing bone. It's what they do.
As it is, "don't drink and drive" come to mind, and Mel may be quacking like a duck, as they say, and may simply be developing a common, banal case of simple alcoholism.
Now as to never having a disparaging thought regarding "the Jews," or, more properly, that remnant of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin who weren't hauled off into exile and "relocated" a century before the Babylonian captivity, some "Jews" might consider my fundamentalist preference for them, being "entrusted with the Oracles of God," and their being the larger extended family of Joshua Bar Joseph of Nazareth (Jesus, aka "The Christ") a kind of reverse racism, which only needed a plague or a generation's removal from literacy to be turned into the kind of Pogrom so common to times like the 14th and the 20th century.
I can honestly say that I BELIEVE I have no disparaging thoughts for the "Jews," but I can understand Mel's frightened outburst in a Hollywood so self-consciously dominated as it once was by Unorthodox Jews since the arrival of Louis B, Meyer, and some being so reactively hostile to his "Passion," not to mention the unapologetic antisemitism of his father.
So, while Celebrity breeds familiarity, and the larger context of a world-wide rise of both overt and covert antisemitism, it wasn't exactly a comfortable development.
But, in the end, all we have here is a routine DUI where a man who might be developing alcoholism in the tertiary stages, and might need to consider approaching his drinking with caution, especially as a family man.
What a man spews when he drinks too much is not necessarily his inmost thoughts, but is usually, in the case of alcoholics, simply self-serving and defensive.
My father said some AWFUL damn things about me and the rest of his family before he finally quit drinking.... almost always a classic way of diverting attention away from his condition toward some preceived slight or weakness in those around him.
The Devil his-self couldn't have designed a better method of making the genuinely talented Gibson "look a fool."
You won''t find me casting any stones, until he tries starting a Mass Movement using anti-semitism as a unifying hatred.
Sounds like our beloved Road Warrior needs to pick better friends, some who won't let him drive home drunk from a party.
But of Hollywood, as Harry S Truman said of Washington, it's probably equallly true, "if you want a friend in this town, buy a dog."
But anyone who is so pure in thought and motive wouldn't engage in that kind of treatment of Mel Gibson in the first place. If the did bash him, then is shows that they're lying about the other thoughts.
"Until those folks came along, most American socialists seeemed to be utopian socialists who advocated their own separate communities, rather than imposing their views on everyone else"
But it was Thomas Dewey, a non-Jew, who was most aggressive in introducing socialism in the American school system. He derived his ideas from 19th Century American leftist thinkers. Home-grown socialism in America has its own infamous tradition, quite apart from the influx of Eastern European Bolsheviks who came to this country in the early part of the 20th Century.
But your point was valid.
I went to a Catholic all girl high school from 1957-1961. We were told NOT to date non-catholics and in particular Jews.
Never could figure that out so I stood up and protested and went to detention for a very long time. Also protested the philosophy that Catholics were "obligated" to vote for JFK.....Yes, we were all bussed to cheer for Kennedy.
Spent a lot of time in detention and if I had to do it all over, I'd do the same again.
Mel Gibson got praised the last time he opened his mouth while drunk. Of course, last time he was bashing Bush. This time it's something the MSM can't tolerate so he's a villian now.
I don't think it's for us to condemn or forgive him. That is for the Jews and for God. Anti-semitism is an ugly crime of the soul, it's something far beyond our understanding. Mel has recognized a problem and has asked for help in healing that problem. I, for one, certainly hope there are those in the Jewish community who will take his plea for help seriously and will reach out their hand and help him.
When I was 12, my best friend was a black kid named Mike.
As friends often do, one day we got into a fight. A real good one that lasted a long time. We beat the crap out of each other.
By the end, he was getting the better of me. I was out of control with anger, but the more we fought, the further behind I got. When I reached the conclusion that I could not win with my fists, I wanted to hurt him in any way I could.
In my seething rage, the "N" word started swelling in my throat. It got to my lips, but I managed to grit my teeth and wouldn't allow it to go through. I swallowed it, called him some other name, cursed at him, and went home.
Next day we were best friends again.
That's my short bout with racism.
Honestly, like someone pointed out on another thread, if his name were Kennedy, all would be forgiven. Maybe it would even qualify him to run for public office. What bothers me most is the double standard that's being applied to him.
It's one thing to think it. It's another to voice it to a cop.
As one who has frequently defended Gibson and his great movie, I was very disappointed in him for playing into the hands of his critics and making my efforts a lot more difficult.
I must say, he also chose a bad moment to blame Jews for the world's troubles.
Of course, the hysteria over Gibson's rant -- and "speech crimes" in general -- really isn't about the individual. Gibson is just the proxy of the moment whose behavior "proves" that all who believe in traditional religious values are bigots at heart.
Personally, I wouldn't be sorry if his Holocaust project is dead. No matter how excellent the work, it would only have given his enemies a chance to parade their hostility. If Gibson stopped trying to placate those who can't be placated, and just went back to being himself, he would be under a lot less stress and maybe these things wouldn't happen.
I told my wife when I saw his apology on TV: the difference between his apology and Patrick Kennedy's is that Mel said that he apologized "for the things he said." The Kennedy faction always buffers their apologies with the word "allegedly." Mel is taking full responsibility and accountability for his actions, which is more than I can say about 99% of politicians, Hollywood types, and people in general.
The UN are enablers. They enable the total conquest of the west by the Islamofascists.
We are in deep doo doo, if we don't wake up and smell the humus......and that goes for Bush too, with his 'Religion of Peace' crap.
We are targeted and we better fight this threat.
I do admit, when I was in high school, I did think that the Jews, as a people, should just let the past be the past; I mean, all I heard was talk about persecution and the Holocaust, and that was thirty years in the past, right? At that time, I have to plead the ignorance of youth, because as I aged and matured, I began to see that unreasonable hatred of the Jews was a thing that I had escaped, but that it was alive and well in the Mideast. And as years have passed, I have watched the trend to "Blame the JOOOOOOSE!" spread from the slums of "Palestine" through France, and into England and the West. Today, sadly, I see the coming storm against God's Chosen, because it is no longer a case of sour grapes from the Muslims and displaced Arabs, but the same kind of scapegoating that occurred in Europe before WWII.
Now, racist? I have to agree there. It is impossible to look at the wild-eyed madmen lobbing rockets into Israel, blowing up pizza parlors full of children, or hiding their armaments in private homes in Lebanon, and not want to convict the entire Arab race on the basis of their actions. Color me racist. I don't know the "average" Muslim family, but sadly, on the basis of their brethren, I will be forever close-minded. As someone married to a technical writer, I cannot look upon the operating manual of the "Religion of Peace" without condemning the whole of its followers. It's entire text is filled not with the past tense of "eye for an eye" but with the present tense of "slay the infidels, enslave their women and children, dress your women so as to deny them any sense of self and keep them as ignorant as cattle." I cannot name one Muslim scientist (other than probably in the arms field.) In that area, color me racist. Guilty, guilty, guilty.
When a "dissenter" on the Iraq war presents a logical case for their view without becoming a raving lunatic with wild baseless accusations about this administration and our troops it will be accepted as patriotic dissent. I have yet to hear one put forward that is logical, respectful and coherent.
That's TWO more times than Sindee "Jews are responsible for all the wars in the middle ease" Slimehands,
and TWO more times than Jessie "Hymie Town" Jerkson,
Two more times than Hitlery "F*(^^&G Jew B*$^^#*s" KKKlintoon!
I would like a little "proportional response" is all!
Taint enuff!!!!
I can't believe this story of his comments is getting all this attention. Yes, I find his Anti-Semitic remarks were stupid and I am glad he came out and said he is sorry and he was wrong, But if anything that should be getting attention is, he was driving drunk and could of killed somebody. He should be thanking God he is not apologizing to the grieving parents of a teenage girl he killed in a head-on crash. He could be apologizing to a 5-year boy for killing his parents, or maybe Mel’s Wife and seven children could be visited by the CHP at 3:30 in the morning saying sorry but your father and husband was killed this morning. I thank God no one was killed or injured by his drunk driving, but I wish the media would focus their attention on more important things than what he may of said while drunk. I wish Mel all the best, and I hope he gets help where it’s really needed, his drinking problem, and his family life.
Name one poster, let alone many here, who have blamed illegals for all of America's ills.
Put up or shut up.
I wonder if Mel is using the same crisis management firm that Rush Limbaugh did during his Oxycotin mess?
I can't say I have never said the "N" word. Ashamed of it, said it in the heat of anger.
Doesn't mean I hate black people.
I have said "B*tch" before too. Doesn't mean I hate women.
Gibson also did it while very drunk which let all those things which were planted in his head as a kid come up past his good sense censor and got bubbled out.
And he has publically admitted wrong and is working to try to make it clear to people that he truly regrets it.
A lot of the other bile coming from a wide variety of people is done cold sober with no attempt to apologize.
Of the two, I know whom I admire most...the guy with the guts to say "I screwed up, and I admit my guilt." Not the man who says "The solution to the Middle East crisis is to destroy Israel."
Lots of people are kicking the first guy. Lots of people are saying, "let's not radicalize the situation any more by giving in a bit to his demands" in response to the second guy.
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