Ellen, DeNiro, Springsteen....that's what tv, movie and music award shows are for...
None of these are real patriots....
Can you say M O N E Y.
Hanks is a different story.
It’s new in terms of the history of the Republic, but I think its inception goes back to the Kennedy administration....so it’s not entirely new. It has also been since the beginning about recognizing cultural contributions to the life of America. You are so right: Hanks has contributed immensely to that, and he seems to love the country in some way.
But Springsteen has contributed to our musical culture, and DeNiro has contributed mightily as well, if only for Raging Bull. I don’t think I would put Ellen in their category. She’s just an affirmative action / politially correct recipient.
Yes, many of these artists are jack asses. And yes obama sees it all about him, and all about fundraising for himself and whatever self-serving projects he does in the future.
With regards to the arts and entertainment, it is infuriating b/c we live in very good times in many respects....but much of this good stuff is done by horribly wicked people.
I can’t wait till Trump gives one of these to Jon Voigt. It would be better if we didn’t use this award as a partisan back and forth, but that is what it is, and he is certainly a worthy honoree.