Pffft. I'd "make do" with Jessica every day of the week and twice on Sunday. 
Posted on 12/23/2005 6:39:07 PM PST by West Coast Conservative
During world war two American troops away from home for Christmas were entertained by Marlene Dietrich, Bing Crosby and the Marx Brothers. Even in Vietnam Bob Hope was guaranteed to put in an appearance. But soldiers in Iraq are more likely to get a show from a Christian hip-hop group, a country singer you have probably never heard of and two cheerleaders for the Dallas Cowboys.
Just as the seemingly intractable nature of the war has led to a growing recruitment crisis, so the United Services Organisation, which has been putting on shows for the troops since the second world war, is struggling to get celebrities to sign up for even a short tour of duty.
It is a far cry from the days following the September 11 2001 attacks, when some of the biggest names in show business, from Jennifer Lopez to Brad Pitt, rallied to the cause. "After 9/11 we couldn't have had enough airplanes for the people who were volunteering to go," Wayne Newton, the Las Vegas crooner who succeeded Bob Hope as head of USO's talent recruiting effort, told USA Today. "Now with 9/11 being as far removed as it is, the war being up one day and down the next, it becomes increasingly difficult to get people to go."
Newton said many celebrities have been wary of going because they think it might be seen that they are endorsing the war. "And I say it's not. I tell them these men and women are over there because our country sent them, and we have the absolute necessity to try to bring them as much happiness as we can."
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
Lefties are always telling me they support the troops, even if they don't support the war in Iraq.
Yeah.
The WWE was over in Afghanistan recently.
Pffft. I'd "make do" with Jessica every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Dave Attell! Cool!
I would take two Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders any day.
You sure there's stuff "between the legs?"
It seems like a lot of country musicians in particular support our troops even if they might personally disagree with the war. It was amazing; shortly after my brother went on active duty his taste in music shifted radically from classic rock to country - as he says, most country stars sure seem to appreciate the military, and they are generally pretty popular among our young servicemen and women.
People like Robin Williams and Henry Rollins have my respect; they disagree with the war but do not hesitate to go overseas to entertain and bring some joy and lighthearted fun to our troops. The article said Robin Williams is planning his fourth USO trip since 2002 for next year. That's a great deal better than those celebrities who both denigrate our administration's decision to go to war, AND who ignore or outright degrade the troops.
For those who wish to bitch about the Guardian (and it is a rag) this was the front page story in USA Today, Friday the 23.
That would explain why Hollywood isn't making as much money lately.
These are the same idiots who will say they don't support the war but they do support the troops. An impossible combination they claim is possible.
Celebrities don't want to look small and insignificant next to real heros.
The only danger they will face on that tour is over eating. They get nowhere near a battle zone except perhaps South Korea.
This is proof of my lifelong contention that every person on earth has some redeeming characteristic or value.
Incidentally, four generations of my family have been entertained while in uniform overseas by Bob Hope. WWII through the Gulf War. I guess I don't need to tell you that we have a high opinion of Bob Hope.
ping
How 'bout we ask Wayne for a list of the names that he has asked to do shows....and we can let them all know loud and clear how we feel about them!
There isn't enough penicillin in the world after doing that.
Bumping for further research.
I was watching FORREST GUMP tonoight on TBS. I noticed something that I know you Freepers would be able to verify.
In the scene where Forrest is brought up to the stage to talk at the Anti-War Rally, there is a banner behind him. It said the following: "SUPPORT OUR TROOPS. BRING OUR BOYS HOME".
I have never noticed that. Its sounds exactly like what the Anti-War left says today. Was this digitally added on? Or was this always in the movie? So if any of you guys has the DVD, or is a Gump expert, I would appreciate your comments.
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