Ron Silver says his GOP activism has cost him in Hollywood

sfgate.com ^ | Wednesday, October 20, 2004 | BETH FOUHY

[notkerry]

For years, Ron Silver was a partisan Democrat.

But everything changed for Silver after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Now he calls himself a "9/12 Republican."

A strong supporter of Israel and the war in Iraq, Silver spoke at the Republican National Convention and is featured prominently in a new documentary, "Fahrenhype 9/11," a searing indictment of Michael Moore's blockbuster film.

Silver says his political change of heart and outspoken support of President Bush has exacted a high professional cost in Hollywood, where Republicans are a decidedly rare breed.

"It's affected me very badly. I can't point to a person or a job I've lost, but this community is not very pluralistic," Silver said. "I haven't worked for 10 months."

"I find it ironic that many human rights advocates and outspoken members of my own entertainment community are often on the front lines to protest repression, for which I applaud them," Silver said. "But they are usually the first ones to oppose any use of force to take care of these horrors that they catalogue repeatedly."

Silver shows particular venom for Michael Moore, whose "Fahrenheit 9/11" documentary broke box-office records and just came out on DVD. In "Fahrenhype 9/11," Silver teams with former Clinton adviser Dick Morris and others to deconstruct Moore's movie. They score strong points when some of the subjects -- an Oregon state trooper, a maimed soldier, the aunt of a young man killed in Iraq -- say Moore had no business involving them in his film.

"Michael Moore and that faction of the party was one of the factors that did not let me support the Democratic nominee this year," Silver said. "He is a charlatan in a clown suit. I compare him to Leni Riefenstahl and Goebbels," referring to Adolf Hitler's infamous propagandists.

[beyond the sea]

Ron Silver says his GOP activism has cost him in Hollywood

It is worth it. Ron, you are an honorable guy, and an intelligent guy. You have been giving them hell on MSNBC. Thank you.

[counterpunch]

GOP activism has cost Ron Silver in Hollywood, whereas bad acting has not hurt Ben Affleck in the least.

[beyond the sea]

"But they are usually the first ones to oppose any use of force to take care of these horrors that they catalogue repeatedly."

Strange but true. That is the rub. Liberals are hippo-critters!

[Mr. Mojo]

"I find it ironic that many human rights advocates and outspoken members of my own entertainment community are often on the front lines to protest repression, for which I applaud them," Silver said. "But they are usually the first ones to oppose any use of force to take care of these horrors that they catalogue repeatedly."

Not quite. They only oppose use of force when Republicans are in power. When Democrat is in the WH they'll enthusiastically support military action, especially if it's against Christians (as in the Balkans).

[JessieHelmsJr]

Hes on MSNBC now. He woke up and smelled the coffe just like Dennis Miller.

[LS]

I feel for this guy. A true conversion, like Dennis Miller and Billy Baldwin. Hey, Ron, remember, the most powerful man in Hollywood is Mel Gibson. Bet he could use you!

[SaintDismas]

GOD BLESS RON SILVER. He put his country before any other consideration. He should team up with Mel Gibson.

[killjoy]

So he should shut up and act. I don't care what an actor/actress thinks about politics. It doesn't matter if I agree with them or not.

[Kerry who]

Stand Strong. We are not supporting any of the hollywood fantics. We are not spending money at any of their movies or buying any of their books. Hollywood should stick to what they do best(the make believe world). We are no longer watching rathergate either until CBS holds rather accountable.

[Lady GOP]

Don't bother explaining it to them Ron. It would be like casting pearls before swine.

[international american]

OK Hollywood conservatives. Here is a good actor who wants to work!

[F16Fighter]

" They [Dems] only oppose use of force when Republicans are in power. When Democrat is in the WH they'll enthusiastically support military action, especially if it's against Christians (as in the Balkans)."

Exactamundo.

[jocon307]

Ron Silver, a righteous Jew.

[Sivad]

I don't agree with the liberalism that Silver subscribes
to. Sometime in the future I will roll my eyes at some po-
sition that he takes. However, considering the position he
is currently taking in this election I will henceforth re-
gard him as a person of principle, and not a Hollywood
"sheeple".

[Political Junkie Too]

It's funny that one of his last TV gigs was as the campaign manager for President Bartlett on The West Wing a few years ago.

-PJ

[John Lenin]

[anonymous_user]

So he should shut up and act. I don't care what an actor/actress thinks about politics.

What do you do, and why should we care what you think?

Seriously, he's in a relatively high-profile position, and has an articulate and thought out political view. Can the same be said of Ben Affleck? Whoopi Goldberg? Just because many actors couldn't spell "DNC" if wasn't whispered in their ear doesn't automatically make them all idiots.

[ApesForEvolution]

"Michael Moore and that faction of the party was one of the factors that did not let me support the Democratic nominee this year," Silver said. "He is a charlatan in a clown suit. I compare him to Leni Riefenstahl and Goebbels," referring to Adolf Hitler's infamous propagandists.

Pretty much sums up my feelings about moore...his day of reaping shall hopefully be on tape, for all to see...