Actor Ron Silver died Sunday after a bout with cancer. His work aside, his politics were a fairly routine case of Hollywood liberalism, but the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 moved him to embrace a more vigorous defense of America. From the February 11, 2003 Cyber Alert, Brent Baker wrote of Silver's interview on FNC's Beltway Boys program:
[Fred] Barnes segued into a discussion with Silver about anti-Americanism by recalling how last month in "Switzerland, for the International Economic Conference there, you had a run in with the head of the European parliament who accused or at least suggested that the U.S. has become an imperialist power in the world, and you responded rather aggressively to him. Tell us about that incident, and also about the level of anti-Americanism that you discovered there."
Silver recounted: "Yeah, that dinner was a culmination of events over the past several days where the subtext of almost every fora was anti-Americanism. It was very visceral, it was very intense, and to my way of thinking and some other people, it was very incoherent logically, and I’ll get to that in a moment. But at that dinner, the EU had a dinner that night about the 'new Europe,’ and they were being very self-congratulatory about their values, and implicitly they were suggesting that America was an imperial country, trying to impose their values on the rest of the world, which I don’t think is a bad idea by the way, I kind of think our values are fairy universal and might be helpful. But we got, it was a question and answer period, and I think it was with Pat Cox, who was the President of the European parliament, and I asked him a question, and it got a little heated. What the Journal article left out is after that dinner, Pat and I went out and we had a jolly time drinking the night away."
Kondracke soon pressed Silver: "I take it though that you judge from the entire experience that elite opinion in Europe is hostile to the United States. And I just wonder whether there is something that George Bush could have done coming on as President, because Bill Clinton didn’t seem to have this problem."
Silver disagreed: "No, I don’t think George Bush could have done anything. I think he’s doing exactly the right thing, and I think it’s genetic. It’s written into the genetic code, the hostility toward America. I’m not an analyst, and perhaps a therapist would be better equipped to talk about it. But it’s something going on that is so interesting, because their criticisms are logically incoherent, and they’re very self-defeating, and I think it provides some sort of psychological comfort for them. But they hold inconsistent views that we’re utterly materialistic, and then we’re insufferably religious. We’re boring conformists, and then we’re reckless individualists. We’re racists, but then we’re too politically correct. It goes on and on and on."
Michelle Malkin recalls Silver's 2004 speech to the Republican Convention.
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center.
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RIP
March 15, 2009 - 22:40 ET by PeterDGodspeed Ron Silver. Thank you for your courage.
Ron Silver was a prolific
March 15, 2009 - 23:07 ET by BlazerRon Silver was a prolific poster on PJM , and a champion of the conservative blogosphere. I took great pleasure in his posting's.
He was one of those bad joo's, because he identified more with the average conservative, than the pamperd Hollywood liberal, and no doubt his craft suffered for it.
Godbless him for that. Godbless him above all for being a wonderful human being and for putting America first and Hollywood last.
America is a better place because of you and your examples, Ron. Godspeed and Godbless you.
.
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
" The Cake is a lie."
Sorry to hear about this. I
March 15, 2009 - 23:09 ET by ckc1227Sorry to hear about this. I didn't even know he was sick.
Rest in peace
March 15, 2009 - 23:42 ET by KC MulvilleMay the blessings of God stay with you.
During the 2004 campaign,
March 16, 2009 - 00:18 ET by TEDuring the 2004 campaign, Ron Silver was easily the best, most effective advocate that George Bush had on television. RIP.
damn.... I salute you
March 16, 2009 - 01:08 ET by TruthMongerdamn....
I salute you Ron
who's worst prez ever now?!!
R.I.P.
March 16, 2009 - 02:09 ET by rockyracoonI didn't know he was ill either. I guess I first saw him was as an ego driven crazy jean store owner in the old "Rhoda" TV show. Since then, every time I saw him he always turned in a good/excellent preformance.
He was brave in many ways that could have affected his career; a truly good American, He will be missed.
I remember
March 16, 2009 - 17:06 ET by Kat Outta the BagI also remember him from "Rhoda". The best performance recall seeing him in, though, was "Garbo Talks" where he played Anne Bancroft's son; he gave a very nice, loving performance in that one. I didn't realize he had become politically conservative after 9/11. I wish his family well as they grieve his loss.
Save me...save me from tomorrow. I don't want to sail with this ship of fools.
~World Party
I didn't know Mr. Silver was
March 16, 2009 - 03:44 ET by mostlymoderateI didn't know Mr. Silver was sick. I also didn't know he was one of the few in Hollywood that loved his country and was brave enough to dispel the hatred Hollywood has for American values. However, I did know that Mr. Silver was an awesome actor that could play many difficult parts and make you appreciate what acting really is. I also envied his speaking voice which could almost hypnotize you. Watch one of his films and listen to the voice.
God Bless you Mr. Silver.
RIP Mr. Silver
March 16, 2009 - 04:21 ET by richb313RIP Mr. Silver.
I hope that you are at peace and your family is comforted. You will be missed.
RIP
March 16, 2009 - 05:39 ET by jacktheripperHe truly was a rare thing in Hollyweird.....He will be missed
RIP Ron Silver
March 16, 2009 - 06:30 ET by ekslibHe was an admirable man.
anyone who has not seen it
March 16, 2009 - 07:49 ET by seaniepanyone who has not seen it should check out farnhype 9/11 - he was one of the producers of it I think . . .
God bless Ron Silver. We
March 16, 2009 - 08:26 ET by Gat New YorkGod bless Ron Silver.
We should remember him not just for his talent but for his clarity, his conviction, and his courage.
I don't know why but I most
March 16, 2009 - 10:05 ET by balboaI don't know why but I most remember him from "Billionaire Boys' Club," the made-for-TV movie.
He was good.
Smart voice is silenced
March 16, 2009 - 11:51 ET by sam12663God Bless Ron Silver.
May this ardent spokesman for conservatism, working in the cesspool of Hollywood, rest in peace. He was a great actor, and an even better activist for the conservative movement.
President Obama is nothing more than a empty suit; a Hollywood style special effects smoke and mirrors show that has shown itself to be a total fraud.
WAKE UP AMERICA! SAVE OUR CONSTITUTION!
RIP Ron Silver
March 16, 2009 - 12:05 ET by BEGRUNTI have admired Mr. Silver since his epiphany on 9/11....and his realization that the conservative way was the way to go. Mr. Silver from that time forward was a powerful voice of conservatism, and a proud American. His voice will be sorely missed.
"Blago got in touch with his inner dirt bag"
Dennis Miller
Ron Silver...
March 16, 2009 - 12:31 ET by PrairieSkyI am very sorry to hear of Mr. Silver's death. I was a big fan of his and enjoyed his acting very much over the years. His conversion to a conservative political ideology was wonderful and surprising to see, considering the fact that he was a member of the entertainment industry. I am sure that he was a target of scorn and disdain by many in Hollywood as a result of his political associations, but he held fast to his ideals in the face of what I'm sure was an onslaught of derision by his fellow entertainers.
I remember his speech to the 2004 Republican Convention, and it was wonderful. Mr. Silver was a very thoughtful and insightful person, and his take on issues was always very interesting. As a result of his working in the entertainment industry, he was able to bring a unique insight into the leftist thinking of those in Hollywood, and he spoke knowledgeably about the stark contrast between liberal and conservative ideologies.
God bless Ron Silver...The conservative movement will miss him, and so will I.
"...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
Ron Silver: 1992 Inauguration Day
March 16, 2009 - 14:17 ET by shadetree101I remember the story of Ron and a friend walking to the inauguration in '92 of Bill Clinton. Ron was upset over the military planes flying overhead and was so pissed. His friend reminded him that they were now "their" jets.
As many people grow older they get wiser and more conservative.
Dumbing down America one election at a time!
Yet another example of liberal media bias...
March 16, 2009 - 14:19 ET by PrairieSkyNowhere in this article in the LA Times, is it mentioned that in addition to being an award-winning actor, Ron Silver was also a conservative activist...It's so blatant, it's almost funny...
http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2009/03/ron-silver-dies.html
"...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
Since when does an actor's
March 16, 2009 - 15:16 ET by berthugginsSince when does an actor's opinion matter? Maybe only conservative actors matter here, but in my opinion, they're all crazy people whose only opinion that matters is that of themselves. Next topic.
Hi Gutter
March 16, 2009 - 15:18 ET by dark_dsHi Gutter Mouth
"America is on the Short Bus to Socialism"
~Next topic
March 16, 2009 - 16:51 ET by choselife3xHow to spot a reincarnated troll in three easy steps.
Care to join the class, guttermouth?
Hope and Change=
Despair and Socialism
Actors' opinions matter
March 17, 2009 - 09:10 ET by Indiana JoeActors' opinions matter neither more nor less than anyone else's. But Ron Silver was definitely an anomaly in his profession, in re his political views. In fact, unlike many "liberal" actors, I wasn't really aware of Ron Silvers' political views. Guess he didn't consider his profession to entitle him to a special "soap box." Again, unlike many "liberal" actors.
And to generalize that all actors are "crazy people" seems pretty bigoted... or did you mean all "conservative actors," since both of the above quotes occur in the same sentence?
Next question.
"Meet the new boss, same as the old boss..." - The Who
Nope, I'm generalizing.
March 17, 2009 - 18:18 ET by berthugginsNope, I'm generalizing. Living in LA, you tend to meet and/or work with quite a few actors. And yes, most of them are crazy people. It takes a certain talent to become an actor. One must yearn for the adoration and attention of all to become an actor. It's not normal.
I heard about this in the
March 16, 2009 - 15:29 ET by bigtimerI heard about this in the early hours of the morning here...my heart sunk...we lost a good one.
Heaven gained one of the best.
Hi bt...Yep...One of the best...
March 16, 2009 - 15:44 ET by PrairieSkyI was really sorry to hear that he died...Ron Silver was a very bright, insightful and astute man, and was one of the few voices of reason out in Hollyweird...It's a real shame.
"...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
Howdy Sky... I saw your
March 16, 2009 - 15:51 ET by bigtimerHowdy Sky...
I saw your first post above here after I posted...I sure agree with your sentiments...I also remember his speech at the 2004 Convention myself...I was so tickled, along with all his other interviews and support for this country against the enemy...I didn't even know he had cancer...it really shocked me, he would be the kind of person that would want to keep that private.
He will be missed by us here.
bt...I'm watching Cavuto on Fox right now...
March 16, 2009 - 16:07 ET by PrairieSkyand he just played a clip of an interveiw that he did with Silver last November right after the election, and he looked really ill.
I wasn't aware he was sick either...I think you're right...I don't think he went out of his way to publicize the fact that he was ill.
God bless him...Ron Silver was truly one of the "good guys..."
"...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
Sky...I just got done
March 16, 2009 - 16:21 ET by bigtimerSky...I just got done watching it too...
One thing Silver said that really caught me, which I post about all the time about the leftist having no shame/soul...he said to Neil about his career possibly going in the dumpster because of his stance politically...
"I have to get up and look at myself in the mirror every morning"...
'nuff said. ;-)
bt...I'm sure his career...
March 16, 2009 - 16:54 ET by PrairieSkysuffered as a result of his political leanings...But as he said, he had to get up and look at himself in the mirror, and just couldn't stomach the hypocrisy and stupidity of the left's political garbage anymore...9/11 had a profound and huge effect on him, and caused him to question what he believed. What a concept...A liberal (albeit former liberal) with a conscience!!
"...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
Sky... Exactly
March 16, 2009 - 17:00 ET by bigtimerSky...
Exactly right...and there was another former liberal that changed after 9-11 and I just can't think of who it is at the moment...sure is one of those things that will bug you until you can remember who it was you were thinking of until it pops in your mind...late in the evening most likely!...heheheee...
bt...To coin a phrase...
March 16, 2009 - 17:13 ET by PrairieSky"I hate it when that happens!"
Seriously, if you remember who you're thinking of, let me know. The conservatives in Hollwood are so few and far between, you can probably count all of them on one hand.
"...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
Sky... I will...I
March 16, 2009 - 17:16 ET by bigtimerSky...
I will...I promise...that is if I remember that is.
Sky... I had forget about
March 17, 2009 - 18:31 ET by bigtimerSky...
I had forget about this all until I just clicked a comment section post...which brought me here...it was Dennis Miller I was having the mind-blak on... I remembered it last night watching him on a repeat of BOR ...lol.
Thanks Jer...and IJ for the helping me to remember here today about the reply I promised Sky. ;-)
bt...9/11 former liberals
March 17, 2009 - 01:00 ET by JerOf course Dennis Miller is the most obvious example--although I'm not sure how much of a "leftist" he was prior to 9/11. Another one is the writer/director, David Mamet, but his "conversion" may have taken place later on.
Ron Silver was a good man, and maintained cordial relationships with his liberal friends long after he shifted to the right.
I, too, didn't know he was ill. Very sad. He was just a few months older than me.
Jer
Jer, salient points...
March 17, 2009 - 01:10 ET by Mother...and I too had no idea he was ill. -But, death should be allowed to be personal no matter what fame/fortune...and even though it might seem nice to have a kazillion emails, letters, flowers and well-wishers...sometimes it's just nice to go in peace and be with your loved ones and closest friends.
I couldn't agree more, Mother...
March 17, 2009 - 01:18 ET by JerI couldn't agree more, Mother...Just look what the tabloids are doing with Patrick Swayze--an obscene death watch.
[Just noticed your post as I was logging out. Take care.]
Jer
Jer,
March 17, 2009 - 09:15 ET by Indiana JoeI've always sort of considered Dennis Miller's "conversion" to be more commercially driven. I considered him quite leftist in the past.
Maybe I need to re-assess my assessment. ;^)
"Meet the new boss, same as the old boss..." - The Who
Silver was gold
March 16, 2009 - 17:31 ET by BobAnthonyOne of his last works was serving as narrator for the film Fahrenhype 9/11 which blasted Michael Moore and the left in the wake of the attacks by admirers of the New World Order called Islamic terrorists on 9/11/01.
I had respect for him in the post 9/11 mode. And I could care less what the fascist enablers thought of him!
Want the PLAIN truth and no spin? Listen to The Plains Radio Network online. It's like nothing you've ever heard.
www.plainsradio.com
R.I.P., handsome
March 16, 2009 - 17:42 ET by MotherYour family and friends must be devastated. I'm sending extra prayers their way. :(
P.S. Someone made an omage to this fine man...
March 16, 2009 - 19:37 ET by Motherhttp://www.ilasting....
It was posted by 'henri' on PJM but I figured I'd post it here too for those of you with the inclination to post a comment.
West Wing
March 17, 2009 - 08:56 ET by Fist of EtiquetteI enjoyed him on NBC's The West Wing. As an accomplished Democratic strategist who went on to advise a Republican presidential candidate, the scorn his character received from his former colleagues on the left no doubt mirrored what he got from real life Hollywood.
I never was really aware of
March 17, 2009 - 09:18 ET by Indiana JoeI never was really aware of Ron Silver's politics. Which is probably due to conservative actors' tendencies to just "shut up and act," as we continually wish on the Hollywood liberals.
But I always enjoyed his work. I mostly remember him for his role in "Blue Steel." As far as I'm concerned, he made that movie.
RIP
"Meet the new boss, same as the old boss..." - The Who