Screen Actors Guild Releases Statement Regarding Free Speech

The Screen Actors Guild ^ | 3 March 2003 | SAG Press Release

[MoscowMike]

March 3, 2003

Screen Actors Guild Releases Statement Regarding Free Speech

Los Angeles–Screen Actors Guild released the following statement today:

As our country again considers the possibility of war, it is the fundamental right of citizens to express their support or their fears and concerns. While passionate disagreement is to be expected in such a debate, a disturbing trend has arisen in the dialogue. Some have recently suggested that well-known individuals who express 'unacceptable' views should be punished by losing their right to work. This shocking development suggests that the lessons of history have, for some, fallen on deaf ears.

Over 50 years ago, this nation was faced with a monumental challenge: whether the world's greatest democracy was strong enough to truly allow its citizens the exercise of their rights of free speech and assembly during a time of international tension known as the "Cold War." Most of America failed that test, averting its eyes as the House Committee on Un-American Activities persecuted citizens, destroyed careers, ruined lives and gave rise to the notorious "blacklist".

During this shameful period, our own industry prostrated itself before smear campaigns and witch hunters rather than standing on the principles articulated in the nation's fundamental documents.

Today, having come to grips with its past, having repudiated the insult of loyalty oaths and examined its own failings, our industry, perhaps more than any other, understands the necessity of guarding and cherishing those rights for which Americans have fought and died.

In that spirit, the Screen Actors Guild Board of Directors, appreciating the value of full and open debate and devoted to the belief that the free flow of information, opinions and ideas contributes to the health of our nation, supports the right of all citizens, celebrated and unknown, to speak their minds freely, on any side of any issue, as is their Constitutional right. In the same vein - and with a painfully clear appreciation of history - we deplore the idea that those in the public eye should suffer professionally for having the courage to give voice to their views. Even a hint of the blacklist must never again be tolerated in this nation.

# # # # #

[goldstategop]

Screen Actors Guild Liberal Commandment: Free Speech For Me Not For Thee

[maxwellp]

"And when some of these actors' shows start getting cancelled because said shows suck ...." - It has started already. Donahue is gone, Sean can't find work, Sheen's show is losing viewers, Mike Farrell (when's the last time he was in anything?). These liberal jerks, like many other liberal jerks, greatly under estimate the magnificent American people.

[TXBubba]

Like that tag line!

[X-Servative]

Hypocrisy at its best. The entertainment industry has unofficially "blacklisted" conservatives trying to make it in the industry for years, not only on screen but in corporate offices. If you don’t totally accept their liberal/ homosexual bullsh&* then you are out. I was told in 1996 that I was offending people (primarily homosexuals) by openly supporting Dole/Kemp. This was after a dildo was presented at a department Christmas party and one of the lesbian VP’s stated, "This is so cool…Wait a minute, there isn’t a strap!" Maybe I should have sued for sexual harassment!! Any attorneys out there know what the statute of limitations is on this? =-)

[Tacis]

It wasn't the fault of the HUAC. It was the fault of thelying scum bag commies who refused to testify, claiming they were protecting friends. They claimed, in effect, that not speaking the truth about people they knew was a greatr responsibility than helping to protect the nation against a clear threat.

Of course they were black listed. They were lying commie scum. They deserved to go to jail. To treat them as heros is mendacity to the extreme. I believe that SAG continues to be a communist dominated organization whose objective if the eventual destruction of the US. They have cleverly formed as a labor union so folks out there have to belong to an anti-American organization to work.

Freedom of speech is absolute and even an a$$hole like Penn has the right to speak. It is SAG that needs to be investigated to determine what it's true objectives are and who really controls it. We put corrupt Teamster local under federal trusteeship, why not SAG?

[Kay Soze]

They have the total right to free speech.

I maintain a right to purchase products from whomever I please.

I choose to purchase products from like minded individuals.

I choose not to buy products endorsed or made by by Ed Asner, George Clooney, Susan Sarandon, George Clooney Marthin Sheen.

[Revolting cat!]

This is very good news! It means that SAG is responding to pressure from somewhere - from the production companies, from television networks, who in turn are responding to pressure from advertisers, and from all those cards and letters we are sending them. Excellent!

At the same time, who wouldn't mind if the production companies had their blacklists with the names of the rabble rousers who turn off audiences, alienate viewers, provoke protests. Such blacklists already exist, even if they're not formalized. Conservative actors are on them, over 40 actresses are on them, first rate directors and actors who don't bring in the bucks, Pee Wee Herman, Robert Downey Jr, actors who are difficult to get along with, who have serious drug problems interfering with their work, etc. Who's are we kidding?!

[Revolting cat!]

over 40=over-40

(Meaning years of age!)

[elephantlips]

The bone of contention is not the right of anyone to speak their minds, it is the manner in which that right is exercised. It is one thing to say that you are not in favor of the war, it is quite another to ridicule and insult our president and the government because things aren't going the way you want. Also, once our government has committed men and women to the battle front, we owe those men and women every support possible. When it came time to ante up, they put their lives on the table. What did you put on the table but your foul mouths? Even the "human shields" with their misguided effort to speak their minds at least put feet to their words. Unless I missed something, where are the Hollywood types in the "shield brigade?" As reflected in many of the comments here in FR, all Americans have the right to tune you out or turn you off. That is their right of free speech. So quit your whinning as it will not bring any attention to the principles you never had. Instead, get down on your pampered knees and thank the God you don't believe in that there are men and women ready to give their lives so you can curse their efforts.

[tndarlin]

Here is my reply to the SAG:

I read your response to the so-called "blacklisting" of anti-war celebrities for exercising their freedom of speech.

I think you must still be living in the McCarthy era.

We do not live in a 20th Century world. We live in 2003. No longer are there 3 channels watch, I have over 500. No longer is there one newspaper, I get over 10 personally. No longer are there 50 websites (as was when Clinton was elected) there are over 50 million. There are many ways to get information. Again I say, we do not live in the 20th century.

McCarthy went to far with his push and the use of Government to silence your voice. The greatness in this country is that you have the freedom to voice your opinion. That does not make it correct. I have the right to voice my opinion. You may not think that is correct. But I know I have formed my opinion based on the same information you have. Your vote and voice carries the same weight as mine. What a great Country!

In conclusion, you have the freedom to voice your opinion of War in Iraq. I also have the same freedom to change the channel. Thank you, TNDarlin

[sheik yerbouty]

SAG meetings sometimes turn into orgies of PC.

[bfree]

Great letter Howdy. Here's is my email:

I wish to express my support of your union member's right to free speech. I served our country during Vietnam when called, to protect your rights, however I also served to protect my rights and those who disagree with your members. I believe your members have a right to say anything, however I also believe that with these words they also have an obligation to pay the consequences of those words and actions. Using the phrase of "blacklist" every time someone objects to some of the nonsense spewed out by irresponsible members like David Clennon. Alec Baldwin,Martin Sheen etc., is wrong. Criticism by those who disagree is also "free speech". If I insulted half of my firm's customers and they wrote to my employer to complain, I would be without a job, it is no different in Hollywood. David Clennon insulted many people's core beliefs and they freely wrote to his employer(I know I did) as is their right to free speech. If his employer decides that his remarks have jeopardized their business, it is their right to eliminate him from their company. Free speech and protest work both ways, people have a right to talk and other's have a right to express displeasure with those remarks. Martin Sheen has also expressed himself and now worries that the ratings fall. Guess what, if you insult people in their beliefs do not expect them to financially support your work. It is very simple. Crying blacklisting is like crying racism everytime Jesse Jackson is criticized. Please show me where anyone is blacklisted. Employers have a right to hire people that will make them money, they have no obligation to hire those that offend half the potential audience. Your members have no right to a job. I would expect the courtesy of a reply to explain where my thinking is wrong. Thank you for your time.

[bfree]

Did you get a reply to your email? I didn't, but that doesn't surprise me.

[GoldHorde]

Received only silence from SAG - apparently they are censoring themselves...?

[eyespysomething]

mmmmm....good cookies

[bfree]

I only wish the silence SAG shows by ignoring our emails would spread to their members big mouths. It would be refreshing to watch actors act, singers sing and directors direct, but NOOOOOO!!!!, they force us to listen to their political views. To SAG and Hollywood-- STFU!!!!

[Centurion2000]

Some have recently suggested that well-known individuals who express 'unacceptable' views should be punished by losing their right to work

What right to work ? They can work all they want; people will just stop buying their products.

It's called the MARKET.

[Wavyhill]

Let's see--who is trying to punish those whose views differ from theirs in Hollywood? Fact. James Woods is one of the best actors in Hollywood. If you haven't ever seen him in a movie, do so. He has had some really cheesy movies--for instance, The Hard Way--that nevertheless were made almost decent by his intensity. He is also fairly conservative politically. Fact. Shannen Doherty is a perfect 10, and a very good actress to boot. She is also a Republican (despite her formerly wild lifestyle), and not ashamed to admit it publicly. Fact. Tom Cruise is a so-so actor, capable of competently reading his lines but not really impressive in his delivery. Fact. Julia Roberts looks like a willow branch with a bad makeup job. So why is it that Tom Cruise and Julia Roberts are perennially on the A list, even though they are both getting old fast, while James Woods is still called a "character actor" and Shannen the hottie can't get a job to save her life? You connect the dots.

[FirstTomato]

Because of this statement, an obvious attempt by SAG to suppress the first amendment rights of Americans who disagree with leftist entertainers, I will actively boycott all stars who have made anti-American statements. Furthermore, I will spread the word and encourage others not to buy the products of these stars.

That is my right as an American, and these leftist thugs are not going to frighten me into submission.

[MoscowMike]

Howdy

You people warm my heart.

And I am with you in thought and deed 110%.