Posted on 06/07/2004 11:45:32 AM PDT by Wolfstar
Los Angeles, CA (June 5, 2004) – Screen Actors Guild (SAG) President Melissa Gilbert issued the following statement on the death of former President Ronald Reagan, who served as president of SAG from 1947 to 1952 and again from 1959 to 1960:
"Ronald Reagan presided over Screen Actors Guild at one of the most challenging moments in our union's history, as the rise of television significantly impacted the compensation and working conditions for the nation's screen actors. Under his tenure, SAG grew significantly in size and influence as the Guild tackled issues ranging from runaway production, to fair compensation, to unity in an increasingly complex industry – all issues that remain timely to working actors today.
"It can be said that Ronald Reagan got his start in politics at Screen Actors Guild. He served as president of the union twice, from 1947 to 1952 and again from 1959 to 1960. While President Reagan's politics grew conservative over the years and, at times, at odds with the nation's labor movement, there can be no question that he devoted years of his life to advancing the wages, benefits and working conditions of his fellow actors. He leaves behind an enduring legacy to this industry, as he does to the country as a whole. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today."
The "while" is like an apology for acknowledging the man's passing, for heaven's sake!
Boy, that’s a stretch. It’s a quietly respectful statement of the facts as it regards Reagan’s relationship with the SAG, which was but a small chapter in his life.
Perhaps if they sang it to some sappy tune and ran photos of children crying you would feel better about it.
The woman's own husband has said she is a liberal Democrat. That's evidence enough for me.
Read post #1 in your linked thread. That election was the re-election of Gilbert.
So much for taking words literally.
Wolf, you're a good man, but you're looking to be offended. There's simply nothing wrong with this statement.
Sorry, I just don't see the slap. I think it is fully appropriate to mention that though Reagan used to be the head of SAG, his politics changed over time so that they were no longer in tune with that organisation.
From Mirriam-Webster:
2 a : when on the other hand : WHEREAS [easy for an expert, while it is dangerous for a novice] b : in spite of the fact that : ALTHOUGH [while respected, he is not liked]
In the context of the statement, "while" diminishes the achievements the statment discusses. Now that is what I see in it. If others don't, so be it.
"...Reagan's politics grew conservative over the years and, at times, at odds with the nation's labor movement..."
This is a true statement. Reagan was right, the labor movement was wrong, so they were sometimes at odds. What's the argument?
She is correct in that regard, obviously, both in general and specifically in Reagan's case.
His political maturation towards conservatism put him at odds with the socialistic goals of unionized labor.
I consider the statement complimentary and I'm sure Reagan would too.
I hope she is a conservtive because I really like Melissa Gilbert.
With all the wonderful writers in Hollywood,
this tribute leaves much to be desired. It
strikes me as obligatory, and rather cold
and impersonal.
Perhaps you're right. Perhaps it's too easy to see liberal gremlins everywhere at a time like this. I suppose one should acknowledge that SAG at least made the effort to say something positive.
This is a statement that acknowledges that while Reagan was occasionally a political opponent to unions, he accomplished things that Hollywood actors should be grateful for. It is a rather gratious statement for a union leader.
I swear, I think some of you people just get off on being offended.
Thanks, Onyx. I was beginning to wonder if I was seeing gremlins under the bed when there weren't any. I'm willing to acknowledge that perhaps I overreacted to the "while his politics became conservative" bit. But the truth of the matter is that modern-day Hollywood has never embraced Ronald Reagan as one of their own. My reaction comes against that backdrop.
Fair enough, and thanks.
Here you are.... she donated to Democrat Dad of Clooney, along with a long list of Hollywood lefties.
George Clooney Taps Celebs For Cash
Star-powered California cash from a who's who of Hollywood has poured into an unlikely political race in recent weeks -- the fight for Kentucky's Fourth Congressional District.
The movie money flowing to a region best known for horses and coal is aimed at Democratic hopeful Nick Clooney, who -- while not exactly a household name in California -- has the family connections that count. In recent weeks, Clooney has recently reaped an "Ocean's 11" of contributions, thanks to the clout of his son -- actor George Clooney.
...Check out the lists of A-list donors that John Kerry can only wish for:
In the $2,000 range: Kevin Spacey; Danny DeVito and wife Rhea Perlman; Kevin Costner; Paul Newman; Oscar-winning actors Adrien Brody and Renee Zellweger; actor-director Michael Douglas; TV star Bonnie Hunt; Screen Actors Guild president Melissa Gilbert; "Friends" star Matt LeBlanc and his wife, Melissa; singer Bette Midler; former "ER" star Noah Wyle and his wife; producer Jerry Weintraub; and of course, George Clooney and his personal assistant Amy Cohen.
Bigwig producer Harvey Weinstein and director Steven Soderbergh each donated $2,000; they co-produced the Clooney-directed "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind," the story of TV producer Chuck Barris -- who also donated $2,000. The checks may illustrate what might be called a "Perfect Storm" of politics: an open seat in a conservative district in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives -- and a politically inclined, savvy son who clearly has the means and the well-placed contacts to help make it happen for his father.
http://www.pabaah.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=488
CBG, you want proof (other than the word of the woman's own husband)? Check out post #79.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.