Thousands of Americans want to oust their president. The anti-war one, that is

The Guardian ^ | Tuesday March 4, 2003 | Duncan Campbell in Los Angeles

[John Lenin]

Thousands of Americans want to oust their president. The anti-war one, that is

Duncan Campbell in Los Angeles
Tuesday March 4, 2003
The Guardian

Pressure is growing for the president to lose his job because of his uncompromising stance on the war. That's President Bartlet, as played by Martin Sheen in the hit television series, The West Wing.

Sheen has been one of the leading figures in the anti-war movement, addressing rallies and spearheading the "virtual match" on Washington last week in which legislators were deluged with a million emails, phone calls and faxes.

NBC is under pressure to sack him from its hit show or face a boycott or withdrawal of advertising. Sheen said in Los Angeles the channel's executives had indicated that his high profile could damage the show and had called on him to explain his views. He had also received thousands of hate emails, been accused of being a traitor and accosted in the street.

Many actors and singers are being lambasted by conservative talk show hosts for expressing their opposition to the war. A website, Citizens Against Celebrity Pundits, has been launched, for "American citizens [who] stand against wealthy Hollywood celebrities abusing their status to speak for us".

The site calls for donations for ads to counter the anti-war movement. "We believe that celebrities Martin Sheen, Mike Farrell, Tim Robbins, Rob Reiner, Barbra Streisand and others with them are using their celebrity to interfere with the defence of our country," says the site.

Last week, Fox News, the conservative cable news station, published a poll which concluded that two thirds of those interviewed wanted celebrities to remain silent on politics.

Organisers of the anti-war ads signed by actors and musicians say they are necessary because the mainstream American media has been reluctant to give coverage to the anti-war movement and the cable news channels are overwhelmingly pro-war.

Last week a full page ad in the New York Times quoted former Nato supreme commander Wesley Clark saying that invading Iraq would "supercharge recruiting for al-Qaida". It was signed by around 50 musicians, including Lou Reed, Sheryl Crow, Massive Attack, and REM.

[Grampa Dave]

In regards to the Hollywood types and other American elite left wing lunatics: It is appropriate to remember the words of the Earl of Chesterfield who, a couple of hundred years ago said, "These poor mistaken people think they shine. They do indeed, but it is as putrefaction shines; in the dark."

Now we know what the Sheen really is!

[WOSG]

They should put in a script about how he gets caught destroying our national security by letting nuclear technology go to the chinese that then ends up in the hands of terrorists planning a US attack ... he gets impeached and a Republican tide sweeps the next election.


Great way to write him out of the next season.

[A CA Guy]

They wouldn't be able to get that leftist cast to ever follow that script.

[chgomac]

When Ms. Julia Roberts tossed off the insult the "republicans are between repugnant and reptillian" in the dictionary it was telling how these leftists think of us.

[bird humming]

I just noticed that 'republican' is ABOVE 'repugnant & reptilian' not between. Geez Julia, you ignorant sl#t! Can't even get the alphabet right. :)

[Dog Gone]

I had forgotten that line. Sweet.

[usurper]

Martin Sheen has a right to his views, and he shouldn't lose his job because of them.

More importantly the company has a right to make a profit. If sheen's antics start to repel viewers and consequently advertisers, the company has every right, no an obligation to sack him.

I want to see the West Wing hire former Senator Fred Thomson to run against president Sheen. If they let the conservative view be expressed fairly their ratings would soar. Clearly when people see fairness and balance they tune in. I would.

[I_Love_My_Husband]

West Wing was #4 in the ratings last week. It's really fallen. And fans of the show are saying it jumped the shark after 2 seasons anyways.

The market will decide this, and it's becoming history.

[graycamel]

I have more to do than watch the "telly" anyway.

[Centurion2000]

Martin Sheen has a right to his views, and he shouldn't lose his job because of them

If your job is based on the the public market forces (viewers) and you take an extremely unpopular stance that infuriates said public market forces ... expect your career to come to a screeching halt.

Case in point : The Dixie chicklets.

[Centurion2000]

bump