If you've watched any baseball this holiday weekend, you've likely seen a new public service announcement featuring actor Tom Hanks promoting a group called Welcome Back Veterans.
In the 30-second segment, soldiers recount the welcome they received when they first returned home from either Iraq or Afghanistan.
Hanks finishes the ad stating (video embedded right):
A new generation of veterans is coming home. Make a difference for them at WelcomeBackVeterans.org.
The PSA is a collaboration between Major League Baseball Charities and the Ad Council as reported by PRNewswire on June 24:
The program is designed to raise awareness and encourage all Americans to provide support for veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. [...]
"Major League Baseball considers it both an obligation and a privilege to assist our troops in any way we can," said Bob DuPuy, MLB President and Chief Operating Officer, and a veteran who served a year in Vietnam and received the Army Commendation Medal for his service. "Welcome Back Veterans was created to help our brave men and women make a successful transition to civilian life when their service to their country has ended. We ask that all Major League Baseball fans join us on July 4th weekend and on September 11th in this grand-scale effort to raise funds and bring awareness to this vital cause."
Hear, hear!
*****Update: NBer R D Helm made a point in the comments section that deserves attention --
Nice to see that an effort is being made to try and prevent a repeat of the sorry treatment our returning soldiers (heroes all) from Vietnam faced from so many misguided Americans. It wasn't exactly this nation's finest hour.
I applaud Mr. Hanks for lending his name to this laudable effort, as so many celebs have chosen (most indirectly but some directly) to support the wrong side in this war.
Exactly. Look, I know who this guy is supporting for president. However, regardless of political differences, isn't it fabulous to see a left-leaning Hollywoodan take a pro-veterans position like this, especially given how our troops were treated when they returned from Vietnam in the '70s? Wouldn't it be spectacular if more of his ilk reciprocated in kind?
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters.
Comments Policy
Well said Noel,
July 6, 2008 - 22:05 ET by shawn228Here Here!
Some folks can dish it out but cannot take it
shawn
July 6, 2008 - 22:13 ET by Noel Sheppardshawn,
I may not like who Hanks supports for President, but I have always liked him as an actor.
BTW: "Hear, hear" is short for "Hear him, hear him."
Gonna get hot here tomorrow. :-) ns
I think Hanks is a stand-up
July 6, 2008 - 22:16 ET by balboaI think Hanks is a stand-up guy.
But I wonder if this will balance out his Dan Brown films for people?
Who's Dan Brown? Some
July 6, 2008 - 22:18 ET by shawn228Who's Dan Brown?
Some folks can dish it out but cannot take it
The Godless monster who
July 6, 2008 - 22:21 ET by balboaThe Godless monster who wrote The DaVinci Code.
lol Noel
July 6, 2008 - 22:17 ET by shawn228Hey, me and spelling just don't mix :-) Yeah will be getting hot, I got my AC on. My wife says i'm not allowed to take in under 78 because of global warming, I should print her a few of your articles..lol
I will only have to bear the heat for another three days, Off to Vancouver for a week.
Some folks can dish it out but cannot take it
shawn, you should tell her 78 makes her hair all frizzie.
July 6, 2008 - 22:31 ET by R D Helm-and that it ruins skin complexion, too. :-)
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
And makes crows feet more
July 6, 2008 - 22:33 ET by Clear thinkerAnd makes crows feet more pronounced!
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm
I would RD
July 6, 2008 - 22:34 ET by shawn228but I admit I let her push me around, but she makes up for it, by trying not to impose on my internet time, so It all works out.
No offense RD, but i'm a mere Pisces. She is a mean Aries that always has to get her way. Do you know of any of these pig headed Aries? :-)
Some folks can dish it out but cannot take it
shawn,
July 6, 2008 - 22:40 ET by R D HelmDo you know of any of these pig headed Aries?
LOL-Yeah, me.
My pig-headed arse popped out into this world on March 29.
:-)
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
I know RDH
July 6, 2008 - 22:44 ET by shawn228I remembered, I was just having fun.:-)
Some folks can dish it out but cannot take it
HA!
July 7, 2008 - 06:53 ET by SarahAnnieMarch 29th is my hubby's birthday as well, but when I try to tell him that he is pig-headed, he says he is merely "steadfast". :)
Nebraskans for War: Peace through Strength
My son's BD is March 29 and
July 7, 2008 - 07:15 ET by Dan The Man 2My son's BD is March 29 and his cousin was born 3 days later same year 1992.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
lets not forget who he supports for President
July 6, 2008 - 22:53 ET by upcountrywaterIs this a pre-nomination pandering.
Lets all feel good about the troups comming home...
Not because we WON, oh heck no.. it's
because that's what the NObama will wish and hope for.
pre-election wishes from the left.
Slick sick bast*ds
sorry that; WelcomeBackVeterans.org. got stuck in the middle
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
Hanks has always been a
July 6, 2008 - 23:02 ET by balboaHanks has always been a supporter of recognition for our military, from Saving Private Ryan to Band of Brothers to his efforts to get a WWII memorial built.
Yeesh upcountrywater
July 6, 2008 - 23:05 ET by shawn228The man is honoring veterens after they served a heroic tour of duty, how is this or who he supports as President have anything to do with this.?
Some folks can dish it out but cannot take it
Bal & shawn, WW-2 was a declared war, a Just war.
July 7, 2008 - 00:33 ET by upcountrywaterMakes great movies..
I will eat my shirt if hank going to do then same for the IRAQ war?
He's honoring then as they LEAVE Iraq ..
ONbama is a cut and run democrat. hank loves ONbama.
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
Again upcountrywater
July 7, 2008 - 01:04 ET by shawn228He supports Barack Obama for President, he even made video of his endorement. Again what is the big deal? He is honoring veterens that have served a tour of duty. You should be able to separate the two.
I love all the Die Hard movies, I don't stop watching them just because Bruce Willis is a Republican.
Some folks can dish it out but cannot take it
shawn, MidAmerica below sez it much better than i did.
July 7, 2008 - 01:18 ET by upcountrywaterto bad you are sucked into hanks little gesture, of coming home..
Where was he when we went in to Iraq? Hummmm
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
This "You should be able to
July 7, 2008 - 01:58 ET by Dan The Man 2This "You should be able to separate the two" is the problem and the slippery slope. I say Hitler did a lot of good things and you should also be able to separate Hitler the monster from the good side that helped the German people. So using your idea to separate the two we should support Hitler? Well we did and WWII happened.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
Dan the Man and UCW
July 7, 2008 - 04:12 ET by shawn228"Where was he when we went in to Iraq? Hummmm"
I'm guessin Hollywood
"So using your idea to separate the two we should support Hitler?"
So your comparing a person that is responsible for a person that is reponsible for tens of thousands of deaths, and someone that portrayed Forrest Gump?
Some folks can dish it out but cannot take it
Shawn you expoused
July 7, 2008 - 04:27 ET by Dan The Man 2Shawn you espoused separating the leftist and his ideas from his actions. So if Hank supporting a Marxist like Obama is OK then supporting Hitler should be OK also. I know you don't understand and that's why you are a liberal, sort of like explaining why the sky is blue to a 5 year old.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
Well Dan
July 7, 2008 - 04:57 ET by shawn228Most five year kids know the difference between democracy to Genocide and the holocaust.
Wow Dan last week you said Obama reminds you of Satan, now it is Hitler. Not sure if you believe your own hyperbole, but more power to ya.
Some folks can dish it out but cannot take it
Shawn keep up the hyperbole
July 7, 2008 - 05:35 ET by Dan The Man 2Shawn keep up the hyperbole is effective for 5 year olds so I used it. I never compared Hitler to Obama but was trying to show you where your logic fails you. It fails you when you try to separate the man from his deeds. Satan is an angel and as such has done good deeds for God, but Satan is evil incarnate and we would not hold him in any esteem. So we cant separate the man from his fruits. Like I said you would not understand.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
Noel,
July 6, 2008 - 22:54 ET by R D HelmNice to see that an effort is being made to try and prevent a repeat of the sorry treatment our returning soldiers (heroes all) from Vietnam faced from so many misguided Americans. It wasn't exactly this nation's finest hour.
I applaud Mr. Hanks for lending his name to this laudable effort, as so many celebs have chosen (most indirectly but some directly) to support the wrong side in this war.
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
RD
July 6, 2008 - 23:19 ET by Noel SheppardRD,
Exactly. And that's the way I felt when I saw this. In fact, it deserves an update dedicated to you. :-) ns
I'm still wary of Tom
July 6, 2008 - 23:48 ET by wiwfI'm still wary of Tom Hanks. His Obama endorsement was just flat out dumb. I see this as an opportunity for him to make nice with conservatives.
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
Thanks, Noel.
July 7, 2008 - 00:36 ET by R D Helm:-)
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
I suspect as it becomes
July 7, 2008 - 00:24 ET by MidAmericaI suspect as it becomes evident that the War in Iraq was not lost that others will also begin jumping onto the Welcoming Home Parade. When the democrats start claiming they are responsible for the victory then we will know the war is really over and it's truly time to celebrate.
MA... ...and that
July 7, 2008 - 00:30 ET by bigtimerMA...
...and that scenario with the dems is sad isn't it....
I fear you are right.
One thing about it though....millions and millions of us won't forget.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
The scenario I see them
July 7, 2008 - 00:40 ET by MidAmericaThe scenario I see them taking is that they forced the change in strategy resulting in the surge. Of course they all predicted the surge would fail but that's just a detail that will be ignored. But in spite of what they said they always stabbed their left wing supporters in the back by continuing to fund the war while only giving verbal support to the kooks. You could say they were trying to have it both ways. No principles just political calculation.
MidAmerica Right you are!
July 7, 2008 - 00:40 ET by upcountrywaterHappy dazes are here again...
However less than 1/2 of us will know the truth.. those of us that did NOT vote for NObama.
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
Don't Forget -
July 7, 2008 - 01:43 ET by Rush FanTom Hanks is a liberal and a Democrat. He has given campaign contributions to liberal Democrats. He has contributed Only to Democrats, never to Republicans. http://www.newsmeat....
Tom Hanks produced a video endorsing Barack Obama. The following is from the metacafe.com website: Tom Hanks explains why he endorses Barack Obama for President! History is going to be made. The USA is ready for a man of integrity, character and vision. Obama embodies the vision of America that Tom Hanks and many others have been waiting for. Vote for Barack Obama! Tom Hanks, in his own words "In November, America will have redefined the Republic. Around the world, to friend and foe alike, America will live up to its promise when Barack Obama takes the oath of office... http://www.metacafe....
Does that mean that if John McCain is elected that America will NOT live up to its promise?
After the video endorsing Barack Obama was broadcast, Conservative Talk Radio’s Larry Elder had a segment discussing this endorsement. Larry noticed that Hanks emphasized that a primary reason for voting for Obama was that it was important at this time to vote for a black person. Hanks had said in the video: “a country that once said that people of his skin color were only 3/5ths of a human being.” Larry Elder pointed out that if Hanks felt it was important to vote for a candidate because they were black, would Mr. Hanks vote for a Republican who was black, such as Condi Rice or Justice Clarence Thomas, if they were running for the presidency? We all know the answer to that!
I’m not implying that Tom Hanks is not patriotic. He obviously is one of many liberals who support the troops BUT not the mission. In that respect he is similar to Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, John Kerry, Ted Kennedy, and Barack Obama, who also support our servicemen and women BUT not the mission. I thank Mr. Hanks for supporting the group Welcome Back Veterans, just as I would thank Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Jane Fonda, Alec Baldwin, Ed Asner, Susan Sarandon, Michael Moore, Martin Sheen and other Hollywood liberals if they also supported Welcome Back Veterans.
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I'm voting for Barack Obama now that an AP poll shows people would rather barbecue burgers with Barack Obama than with John McCain. http://news.yahoo.co...
A dope
July 7, 2008 - 06:37 ET by cheesegraterTom Hanks is a dope. It wasn't blacks, but slaves, that were counted as three-fifths of a CITIZEN, not human being. The slave states at that time wanted them counted as full citizens to increase the representation and power of slave holding states in the House of Representatives. The compromise was enacted to give those who opposed slavery more power to do away with it. The three-fifths compromise was a good thing for blacks in America. This is a prime example of Orwell's newspeak.
Distinctions
July 7, 2008 - 00:29 ET by KC MulvilleHanks is a Democrat, as I understand it. Nothing evil about that. He's also an active part of the DaVinci Insult, which is an orchestrated rip-off of Catholics' patience for the sake of making money. I'm not too crazy about that, but a lot of people do things I don't like, even some of my best friends.
If Hanks is helping the men and women who serve this country, God bless him.
A round of applause for Tom Hanks! But...
July 7, 2008 - 00:48 ET by PrairieSkyIt's too bad that the good sense that led him to involve himself in this cause and others that he has lent his support to concerning our veterans, doesn't extend to who he supports politically. I am a huge fan of Mr. Hanks, and I think very highly of him in general, but I can't fathom how, as a fervent supporter of veteran's issues, he can back Obama, or Kerry in '04. It is a mystery to me.
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American people. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan, January 20, 1981
Evenin' PS... It would be
July 7, 2008 - 00:51 ET by bigtimerEvenin' PS...
It would be a mystery to him too if he ever really thought long and hard about it.
JMO.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Hi bt...
July 7, 2008 - 17:27 ET by PrairieSkyRight! Hanks has always struck me as a family oriented, fairly well informed, intelligent and thoughtful person (by Hollywood standards), which is why I am mystified by his continued support of liberal candidates and liberal causes. I suppose for the most part, anyone who lives and works in the entertainment field is so immersed in the liberal group think that pervades the industry, that there is virtually no escaping its influence.
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American people. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan, January 20, 1981
Guess I’m just cynical,
July 7, 2008 - 02:37 ET by maggieqpublicGuess I’m just cynical, but I’d feel a lot more comfortable if Major League Baseball and the Ad Council were teaming up with someone like Gary Sinise.
maggie... Same
July 7, 2008 - 02:41 ET by bigtimermaggie...
Same here.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Hi Maggie and bigtimer
July 7, 2008 - 03:04 ET by Rush FanGary Sinise is the perfect choice! I would bet that our soldiers would rather have him as their spokesperson, also, with all he has done to support our brave men and women in uniform. Not that it matters that much, I guess, but has Tom Hanks ever visited our troops in Iraq? Gary Sinise has visited Iraq quite a few times to support our troops.
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Which political party is invested in our defeat in Iraq?
Isn't Tom Hanks one of the
July 7, 2008 - 03:49 ET by maggieqpublicIsn't Tom Hanks one of the Hollywood lefties who supports the troops but not the mission?
maggie
July 7, 2008 - 04:45 ET by Rush FanYes, I believe so. I mentioned that in my post approximately 8 posts above.
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I'm voting for Barack Obama now that an AP poll shows people would rather barbecue burgers with Barack Obama than with John McCain. http://news.yahoo.co...
Private Ryan
July 7, 2008 - 04:09 ET by harry flashmanAs much as I detest the Left and their adherents, I am compelled to congratulate Hanks and Speilberg for "Saving Private Ryan." While I am loathe to say it, it is one of the most realistic war films I have ever seen and I've been in a few real wars.
Credit where credit is due - Hanks' team were dedicated Americans and he himself was heroic. The battle scenes sparred no sentimentality (especially the knife fight in the upper apartment).
Privatye Ryan, regardless of it's progenitors and protagonists was one of the top five war movies ever made.
harry
July 7, 2008 - 05:12 ET by Rush FanYes, Saving Private Ryan is a terrific film, and one of the most patriotic films I can recall. I have no doubt that both Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks found it easy to make that film as they, and probably most of the Hollywood left, believe World War II was justified and supported it. But it was the Vietnam War that changed the anti-war movement and liberals into what they are today.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Which political party is invested in our defeat in Iraq?
Rush
July 7, 2008 - 05:29 ET by harry flashmanNo argument - just look at the Viet Nam films they've made - Platoon, Deer Hunter, Full Metal etc.
I disgaree that "it was the Vietnam War that changed the anti-war movement and liberals into what they are today."
They were scared to death (literally) to fight for what made them rich, sucessful and powerful. Say what you will about the Mafia or La Cosa Nostra (same thing) their kids go and fight and always have.
I say it was cowardice, collaboration and condescion that made the Liberalites what they are today.
It is a relativley simple matter for a human being to realize he/she serves a cause bigger than their own egos - bigger than their own selves. Unless, of course, they live in the Beverly-Wilshire region.
I agree H.F.
July 7, 2008 - 09:56 ET by kilrodI say it was cowardice, collaboration and condescion that made the Liberalites what they are today.
kilrod
Remember, only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American Soldier
Gary Sinise
July 7, 2008 - 07:43 ET by expatriotMaggie and BT
The LT Dan Band was here in Germany playing for the troops over the Independence Day weekend. He spent three hours playing and put on quite the show. I saw him last year when he was here playing. After the show he stays for pictures and to sign autographs. Great guy and I quite agree with your comments.
How About
July 7, 2008 - 09:49 ET by kilrodDenzel Washington, he made a decent donation for a Fisher House after visiting the wounded at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio back in 2004. On the other hand idolizing people because they are movie stars is purty stupid to start with. Anyway Denzel seems like a purty decent man and he did a good thing. Where he stands politically i don't have a clue.
kilrod
Remember, only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American Soldier
Thanks Tom
July 7, 2008 - 10:33 ET by richb313Come on guys, we have to learn that all Democrats are not evil. They may be misguided but not evil. That particular tactic is the one our less enlightned brothers on the far left use. As far as Tom Hanks visiting Iraq or Afganistan is concerned I believe he might have. He is not the type of person who seeks publicity for himself if it is not work related.
I am tired of all the personal attacks. It is OK to point out the weakness and sometimes the downright stupidity of the positions they support but please refrain from attacking the people delivering the message.
Tom Hanks desrves the thanks and respect for what he has done. It is what people do, not what they say that is important. Tom Hanks has used his celebrity status to help our brave returning veterans. In my book that speaks volumes. I can easily forgive him his political ignorance. He is not the type to be spouting the hate filled diatribes that now passes for political discourse.
exactly rich313
July 7, 2008 - 10:39 ET by shawn228He is doing a good thing, does it really matter that much who is supporting for POTUS?
Just like its great Chris Wallace slams Dems, but as soon as he calls out his co-horts, he is a traitor.
Some folks can dish it out but cannot take it
I am always leery/skeptical
July 7, 2008 - 10:56 ET by badger.I am always leery/skeptical when it comes to Hollywood liberals. I do agree, "Saving Private Ryan" is an excellent movie. Definitely on my Top 10 list of all time favorite great war movies. I remember getting teary-eyed on my first viewing.
Tom Hanks didn't act in the movie for free, he got the big payday of his usual 20-25 mil + 10% of the gross, plus admiration, praise, and recognition from his colleagues/peers. Lend his good name to a good cause, lend some of that good money to a good cause. IMO, Hank's has spent more time/money/energy supporting Obama, than our troops. Lip service is free.
Why not follow in the footsteps or be more like the old bygone actors, build a hospital wing or a new hospital, it's not like they couldn't afford it. Get 5-10 movie moguls together, dedicate their proceeds (hold breath) of just 1 blockbuster or megahit, to WWII or military veterans. Some actors do provide generously towards charity, just need more.
Bob Hope was the real deal, no one compares/comes close! Hope wasn't even born in th U.S, but that British bloke was all American. Supported the troops most of his adult life. When Hope died, his very valuable California acreage was sold, and dedicated to charity.
How do you know
July 7, 2008 - 11:33 ET by richb313Come on. Tom Hanks, after Saving Private Ryan was released gave of himself and his own money to raise awareness and help get the WWII D-Day Memorial and Museum funded and built. He has never used his charitable work to increase his own visibility. I may disagree with his political views but I admire him for what he actually does. Every American has the Right to support anyone they want. That does not make them the Anti-Christ. I could care less that he supports Obama. Why is it OK if one of the Hollywood types supports a Republican candidate and not if they support a Democrat? Most of the ones who go too far have hurt themselves anyway. Think of the lousy boxoffice returns on the recent leftwing movies about Iraq.
He has never used his
July 7, 2008 - 12:37 ET by maggieqpublicHe has never used his charitable work to increase his own visibility.
I can’t attribute motive to an act of charity, but by its very nature, a charitable act ascribes positive press and merit to any well-known “do-gooder” (unless the act involves writing an anonymous check or serving meals to the homeless without television cameras). Public acts of charity are a two-way street… good for the cause and, in this case, good for Tom Hanks.
I would have preferred that this particular PSA be filmed with a celebrity who did not publicly endorse the candidate who supports surrender on the Iraqi battlefield (at least that was the Obama plan up until a week-or-so ago).
Get a Grip
July 7, 2008 - 14:24 ET by richb313What I was refering to was the difference between Tom Hanks and other celebrity types who not only promote a charity but use that act selfishly to promote thier own career through increased press visibility. A few years ago I read somewhere, but cannot remember where, that Tom Hanks was one of the most generous of the Hollywood types with his money to charitable causes. I believe this was in relation to another story about charitable giving in general. I could be wrong as I am relying on an increasingly unreliable memory, I have heard Tom Hanks make some rather mild comments regarding US Policy regarding Iraq in the past but he has always been cautious not to offend the very people who support him. Any American has a right to his own views and can express them as he pleases, he also has the responsibility to accept the consequences of that such as a decrease in popularity.
I think supporting a political candidate, whoever that might be, is not the act of someone who hates America but rather a person who is actively engaged in the political process. We are all allowed to be actively engaged. I spent 6 years in the Navy helping preserve those Freedoms and find it personally offensive when someone is attacked for excerciseing his rights, even if I think they maybe mis-guided.
OK, now I will get off the soapbox.
I think we might be talking
July 7, 2008 - 19:07 ET by maggieqpublicI think we might be talking past each other and not making a connection on the salient point.
Not to sound cynical, but
July 7, 2008 - 12:57 ET by liberal_bug_zapperNot to sound cynical, but where was Tom Hanks, or any celebrity in 2004, welcoming home troops???
NOWHERE!!!
There is only ONE reason Tom Hanks is doing this.... and it's to get Barack Obama elected.
Think about it. Democrats (and their lefty followers) have been virulently antiwar while it seemed the war was going badly.... and Tom Hanks never spoke up to defend the soldiers. Murtha called a bunch of soldiers doing their jobs 'Murderers' and since then, they've all been exonerated, yet not one of those hypocrites on the left has said a THING!!!
Yeah, I believe that 'Tom Hanks' is sincere.... in showing even Democrats who support Obama support the troops.
This is a ruse people. And the movie Saving Private Ryan??? Come on, that's the last War we were in that the Dems say was legit. Of course Tom would make a movie glorifying it.
____________________________________________________
"A society that puts equality...ahead of freedom will end up with neither equality nor freedom." ~ Milton Friedman
Your criticism is just as
July 7, 2008 - 13:46 ET by balboaYour criticism is just as selective as Hanks' apparent support for the troops. He can't possibly be all things to everyone. He's supported some causes and gotten recognition on a number of topics. He was, afterall, one of the behind-the-scenes people on "Man to the Moon" as well as the driving force and star of Apollo 13.
What has Tom Hank's moon
July 7, 2008 - 14:05 ET by liberal_bug_zapperWhat has Tom Hank's moon movies got to do with this discussion over his supporting the troops.... four years late? Is it enough to say that Tom Hanks is a hypocrite, and is doing this to give Obama some high profile supporters that "LOOK" like they support the troops... to disarm the right's attack on his leftist anti-military supporters? I think so.
Nice try at a re-direct Bal, but that one fell way short.
___________________________________________________
"A society that puts equality...ahead of freedom will end up with neither equality nor freedom." ~ Milton Friedman
I'm not trying to re-direct
July 7, 2008 - 14:17 ET by balboaI'm not trying to re-direct anything.
I mentioned the space projects as a way of showing he's involved in other things, too. He can't ever live up to the standard you want to apply to him, can't support every military cause you want him to. He has other efforts.
I doubt Hanks would take such an interest in the military just for Obama, when he has a history of military-themed interests.
bal WW-2 WW-2 WW-2 WW-2
July 7, 2008 - 15:01 ET by upcountrywaterWhat OTHER WAR did he do? NONE ZIP NADDA..
No way will hank EVER do a honest Iraq war... NEVER!
however if he did,, in the same vain, man oh man it would be a BLOCKBUSTER!!
HE WON'T because he's a
Liberal
IranianUranium
So he's a bad guy because
July 7, 2008 - 15:39 ET by balboaSo he's a bad guy because he's only done movies about one war? Really? WOW.
Spielberg did a movie on the Holocaust, but not one on Stalin's murder of millions or Darfur. Is he a bad guy now?
Actually...
July 7, 2008 - 15:30 ET by mvfreemanTom was at the 2004 National Memorial Day concert sitting with wounded Iraq war veterans.
http://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/remembrance/support.html
Looks like he stopped in at Walter Reed too...
http://www.usometrodc.org/Text/1Q04.pdf
Does that count as "somewhere"?
Shhh! You're ruining the
July 7, 2008 - 15:31 ET by balboaShhh! You're ruining the moment! Tom Hanks evil! Evil I say!
It never ceases to amaze me
July 7, 2008 - 16:02 ET by mvfreemanIt never ceases to amaze me how many people have apparently never heard of Google. It took me less than 5 minutes to find those links.
I suppose it is easier to just spout baseless attacks.
bal N' mvf, The vets are HOME NOW, all about comming home
July 7, 2008 - 16:11 ET by upcountrywatermvf, find anything on hanks supporting the vets GOING TO WAR IN IRAQ! <crickets>
WW-2 good...; iraq BAD,
because you 2 are
Liberals
IranianUranium
Yeah, and I haven't found
July 7, 2008 - 16:21 ET by balboaYeah, and I haven't found anything on Hanks supporting Cub Scouts either, so he's a real bastard in my book...
And where's his freakin' lapel pin? COMMIE!
Um, no. I am not a
July 7, 2008 - 17:07 ET by mvfreemanUm, no. I am not a liberal.
And the only point I was making was that Tom Hanks was around in 2004 supporting the vets, contrary to what someone else claimed. That is what this whole thread is about.
As Bal noted, his current efforts just aren't good enough for some people.
Just because Tom Hanks didn't agree with the invasion of Iraq doesn't mean he can't be sincere in his current efforts.
From the second link...
Most importantly, Tom Hanks expressed his gratitude for the sacrifice and bravery of each member of the military serving in the war.
That was in 2004.
An interesting side note is that Tom Hanks doesn't seem to be a fan of the recent Hollywood movies about Iraq...
"Well... I think the thing about political movies here - Mostly they are meant to teach a lesson and communicate the editorial opinion of the filmmaker. I’m not necessarily interested in that. I’d love to see movies that examine the issues and taking in account the human content of all our struggle is important, but I don’t need to hear or to see somebody’s movie that is going to tell me the truth about what’s really happening. So make a documentary. And then I look at how good your documentary is and then I decide whether or not you are doing it in a real way. It’s interesting that we are now going in the fifth year of the war in Iraq and we now start to see film[s] about the war in Iraq . I don’t know if it’s possible to make films about the war in Iraq just yet, and here is why: somebody makes a movie, they cast actors and they get them to think and they go to Marrakech to make it sort of look like Iraq, or whatever it is, or they go to Death Valley and build some sets - Maybe there are some stars that you recognize or unknown people that you don’t know who is who... But is that going to be more truthful than me going on YouTube and Googling combat scenes from Iraq or voices from Iraq? My instinct is no, it’s not going to!"
http://www.thedeadbolt.com/interviews/tomhanks_interview.php
Taking my own advice I tried googling "tom hanks opposes iraq invasion" and "tom hanks speaks out against iraq invasion" and didn't find any quotes or links to any comments he made.
I wouldn't be entirely suprised if he did. Anybody have any quotes?
Sorry bl & mv, I guess i was having a 1/3 empty moment...
July 7, 2008 - 17:49 ET by upcountrywaterTom Hanks has done good stuff for the Veterans...
The topic is good, the timing of this is what bugs me.
Then again; better late than never.
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
mvfreeman, balboa... don't
July 7, 2008 - 17:19 ET by liberal_bug_zappermvfreeman, balboa... don't be obtuse.... if you read what I wrote, my cynisism comes from the lack of visible support from these so-called celebreties.... Bal, your hyperbole makes you look stupid... not smart like you might think.... I never said anything about Hanks being evil... only a hypocrite.... your hyperbole is exactly why I hate libs... you always lie.
mvfreeman, of those two links, only one shows up on the first six pages, and it was not in the google search several years back as I was looking for what Hollywood elites supported the troops and found very few actually did.
Even better, I found a link through a page two link showing how hypocritical Hanks is when a Real-life ‘Private Ryan’ is ignored by him and other stars of the movie.
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=61979&archive=true
____________________________________________________
"A society that puts equality...ahead of freedom will end up with neither equality nor freedom." ~ Milton Friedman
Who's fault is it?
July 7, 2008 - 17:37 ET by mvfreemanTom Hanks for not signing a petition or the actual U.S. military for denying that man those benefits? Or perhaps the people actually responsible for putting those benefits into law.
Last I heard Tom Hanks was neither a congressman or working at the Pentagon.
Ever wonder what Cagey,
July 7, 2008 - 17:50 ET by general companyEver wonder what Cagey, Stewart, Wayne, Hope, Gable, Elvis, Tracy, Becall, Autry, Albert, Douglas, Fairbanks, Ford, Hepburn, Holden, Keith, Marvin, Montgomery, Reagan, Rooney, Sinatra and so many others think of this current crop in Hollywierd? These folks need real reflection concerning the privileges and gratuity they are awarded. Many of these people hate the very hand they eat from.
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
I know, and I told you that
July 7, 2008 - 18:48 ET by balboaI know, and I told you that he can't possibly do enough to make you think he should to be considered not hypocritical. Instead of saying "That's a nice gesture," you want to say "Is that all?"
richb- if you are
July 7, 2008 - 19:48 ET by badger.richb- if you are addressing my post: Tom Hanks, was given due credit and respect. I know he was a supporter for the WWII memorial, also Band of Brothers. I have both DVD's, BoB & Saving Private Ryan. I'm not drooling over Hanks, like the MSM or Chris Matthews probably will/would.
I don't know what Mr. Hanks, does in his spare time, I form my opinions only from what I've read/heard. Hanks, has been making controversial movies during most of the years our troops have been fighting, after 9-11-01. WWII Memorial, At-A-Boy for Hanks. Like I said, more support is needed from Hollywood, for our brave Men & Women now currently serving in uniform. Is that too much to ask?
I served 3 years Army - 20 years Navy, guessing at least 50 USO shows, (boring overseas) never saw any famous Hollywood superstars. Mostly older TV unknowns, aspiring comedians, sports cheerleaders, and military bands. My dad spent 26 years in the Air Force, another 40 USO shows attended. Saw Bob Hope/Kenny Rogers.
Tom Hanks found the time to be on hand to induct, The Dave Clark Five into the Rock & Roll Hall of fame. Another At-A-Boy for Hanks. U.S.Army inducted Hanks, for his movie role "Saving Private Ryan," as an Honorary Member of the Airborne Rangers. Mr. Hanks could not find the time in his busy hectic schedule to attend the ceremony, the first to receive such an honor.
Hanks can vote for Obama, if he chooses, that's his prerogative. IMO = In my opinion, using fame like Bono/Lennon, to influence voting is wrong. Fine, serve in politics, try and make a difference as Eastwood/Regan/ Scharzenegger, etc. have done. If not, act, direct, produce, sing, tell jokes, whatever they do well.
Every member at NB has their own opinions. If you have issues or don't like my opinions/takes/thoughts on world news events, too bad. If NB finds no fault or gives me boot, there's plenty more where those came from!
If you were not addressing my post, my apologies.
Just to clarify, what
July 7, 2008 - 20:38 ET by