WRITE ABC TV ABOUT "BOSTON LEGAL"

[Clara T]

The Bushistas are trying to flood ABC with negative messages about the James Spader monologue on Boston Legal. They are out to make sure the speech never appears in reruns.

Boston Legal is under attack for the courage they showed in last week's episode. Left unchallenged, the manufactured email flood will at best silence the show, at worst drive it off of the air. Now is the time to prove James Spader's character wrong; that We The People DO care about what is going on, and we are capable of acting in our own best interests.

http://abc.go.com/site/contactus.html

[fooj]

1. Those rat bastards! Best. Speech. Ever.

Peace.

[Stephanie]

2. Is there a transcript of that speech?

I'd love to read it.

[Kadie]

4. I believe it was posted here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=667081

[Stephanie]

26. thank you so much!

I just emailed it to all my friends:

[Kadie]

It was a great show, and

an awesome speech. I have watched the clip on the internet several times.

:hi:

[benddem]

6. Crooks & Liars

has the video.

[Kire]

21. direct link

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2006/03/15.html#a7532

[helderheid]

here's another

http://www.boston-legal.org/




Alan Shore's closing argument


Alan Shore: When the weapons of mass destruction thing turned out to be not true, I expected the American people to rise up. Ha! They didn't.

Then, when the Abu Ghraib torture thing surfaced and it was revealed that our government participated in rendition, a practice where we kidnap people and turn them over to regimes who specialize in torture, I was sure then the American people would be heard from. We stood mute.

Then came the news that we jailed thousands of so-called terrorists suspects, locked them up without the right to a trial or even the right to confront their accusers. Certainly, we would never stand for that. We did.

And now, it's been discovered the executive branch has been conducting massive, illegal, domestic surveillance on its own citizens. You and me. And I at least consoled myself that finally, finally the American people will have had enough. Evidentially, we haven't.

In fact, if the people of this country have spoken, the message is we're okay with it all. Torture, warrantless search and seizure, illegal wiretappings, prison without a fair trial - or any trial, war on false pretenses. We, as a citizenry, are apparently not offended.

There are no demonstrations on college campuses. In fact, there's no clear indication that young people seem to notice.

Well, Melissa Hughes noticed. Now, you might think, instead of withholding her taxes, she could have protested the old fashioned way. Made a placard and demonstrated at a Presidential or Vice-Presidential appearance, but we've lost the right to that as well. The Secret Service can now declare free speech zones to contain, control and, in effect, criminalize protest.

Stop for a second and try to fathom that.

At a presidential rally, parade or appearance, if you have on a supportive t-shirt, you can be there. If you are wearing or carrying something in protest, you can be removed.

This, in the United States of America. This in the United States of America. Is Melissa Hughes the only one embarrassed?

*Alan sits down abruptly in the witness chair next to the judge*

Judge Robert Sanders: Mr. Shore. That's a chair for witnesses only.

Really long speeches make me so tired sometimes.

Judge Sanders: Please get out of the chair.

Alan: Actually, I'm sick and tired.

Judge Sanders: Get out of the chair!

Alan: And what I'm most sick and tired of is how every time somebody disagrees with how the government is running things, he or she is labeled unAmerican.

U.S. Attorney Jonathan Shapiro: Evidentally, it's speech time.

Alan: And speech in this country is free, you hack! Free for me, free for you. Free for Melissa Hughes to stand up to her government and say "Stick it"!

U.S. Attorney Jonathan Shapiro: Objection!

Alan: I object to government abusing its power to squash the constitutional freedoms of its citizenry. And, God forbid, anybody challenge it. They're smeared as being a heretic. Melissa Hughes is an American. Melissa Hughes is an American. Melissa Hughes is an American!

Judge Sanders: Mr. Shore. Unless you have anything new and fresh to say, please sit down. You've breached the decorum of my courtroom with all this hooting.

Alan: Last night, I went to bed with a book. Not as much fun as a 29 year old, but the book contained a speech by Adlai Stevenson. The year was 1952. He said, "The tragedy of our day is the climate of fear in which we live and fear breeds repression. Too often, sinister threats to the Bill of Rights, to freedom of the mind are concealed under the patriotic cloak of anti-Communism."

Today, it's the cloak of anti-terrorism. Stevenson also remarked, "It's far easier to fight for principles than to live up to them."

I know we are all afraid, but the Bill of Rights - we have to live up to that. We simply must. That's all Melissa Hughes was trying to say. She was speaking for you. I would ask you now to go back to that room and speak for her.

[RockaFowler]

31. I found this transcript . . . Hope it helps!

When the weapons of mass destruction thing turned out to be not true, I expected the American people to rise up... they didn't.

Then, when the Abu Ghraib torture thing surfaced and it was revealed that our government participated in irendition, a practice where we kidnap people and turn them over to regimes who specialize in torture, I was sure then the American people would be heard from. We stood mute.

Then came the news that we jailed thousands of so-called terrorists suspects, locked them up without the right to a trial or even the right to confront their accusers. Certainly we would never stand for that, we did.

And now it's been discovered the executive branch has been conducting massive, illegal, domestic surveillance on its' own citizens. You and me. And I atleast consoled myself that finally, finally, the American people will have had enough. Evidentally we haven't.

In fact, if the people of this country have spoken, the message is we're okay with it all. Torture, warrantless search and seizure, illegal wiretappings, prison without a fair trial or any trial, war on false pretenses. We as a citizenry are apparently not offended.

There are no demonstrations on college campuses. In fact there's no clear indication that young people seem to notice.

...

She could have protested the old fashioned way, made a plackard and demonstrated at a presidential or vice-presidential appearance, but we've lost the right to that as well. The secret service can now declare free speech zones to contain, control and in effect criminalize protest.

Stop for a second and try to fathom that.

At a presidential rally, parade, or appearance, if you have on a supportive t-shirt... you can be there. If you are wearing or carrying something in protest, you can be removed.

This in the United States of America.

This in the United States of America.

...

What I'm most sick and tired of... is how every time somebody disagrees with how the government is handling things, he/she is labeled UN-AMERICAN.

(Lawyer: Evidentally it's speech time.)

And speech in this country is FREE, you hack! Free for me, free for you.

I object to governments abusing its power to squash the constitutional freedoms of its citizenry. And God forbid anybody challenge it, there smeared as being a heretic.

Melissa Hughes is an American!

Melissa Hughes is an American!

Melissa Hughes is an American!

...

Last night I went to bed with a book. Not as much fun as a 29yr. old, but the book contained a speech by Adlai Stevenson. The year was 1952, he said,

"The tragedy of our day is the climate of fear in which we live, and fear breeds repression. Too often, sinister threats to the bill of rights, to freedom of the mind are concealed under the patriotic cloak of anti-communism."

Today, it's the cloak of Anti-Terrorism. Stevenson also remarked, "It's far easier to fight for principles, than to live up to them."

I know we are all afraid, but the bill of rights... we have to live up to that. We simply must

[the arkansas liberal]

90. DONE

I thanked ABC for courage and suggested the ongoing debate will encourage many to view future episodes. Always remember -- what's in it for the other guy...

[cry baby]

3. wrote 'em!

thanks for the address.

[TaleWgnDg]

5. How about informing us about of what you speak?

What is it that is being attacked? What did Spader say that is u/ controversy as you say? I saw the program but haven't a clue as to reading your mind or the mind of social conservatives. Help.

[Clara T]

13. "It's far easier to fight for principles than to live up to them."

"It's far easier to fight for principles than to live up to them."

 America, Where Life Is Stranger than fiction

Scene from Boston Legal "Stick It" / Season 2, Episode 19
Broadcast: March 14, 2006 - 5 Minutes - 29 Seconds

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article12372.htm

Full Transcript at link, here's a portion though it is better to go to the link and see the scene:

Alan Shore: When the weapons of mass destruction thing turned out to be not true, I expected the American people to rise up. Ha! They didn't.

Then, when the Abu Ghraib torture thing surfaced and it was revealed that our government participated in rendition, a practice where we kidnap people and turn them over to regimes who specialize in torture, I was sure then the American people would be heard from. We stood mute.

Then came the news that we jailed thousands of so-called terrorists suspects, locked them up without the right to a trial or even the right to confront their accusers. Certainly, we would never stand for that. We did.

And now, it's been discovered the executive branch has been conducting massive, illegal, domestic surveillance on its own citizens. You and me. And I at least consoled myself that finally, finally the American people will have had enough. Evidentially, we haven't.

In fact, if the people of this country have spoken, the message is we're okay with it all. Torture, warrantless search and seizure, illegal wiretappings, prison without a fair trial - or any trial, war on false pretenses. We, as a citizenry, are apparently not offended.

There are no demonstrations on college campuses. In fact, there's no clear indication that young people seem to notice.

Well, Melissa Hughes noticed. Now, you might think, instead of withholding her taxes, she could have protested the old fashioned way. Made a placard and demonstrated at a Presidential or Vice-Presidential appearance, but we've lost the right to that as well. The Secret Service can now declare free speech zones to contain, control and, in effect, criminalize protest.

Much more at link, see the 5 minute scene for yourself.

[TaleWgnDg]

102. thanks for the response . . . I appreciate it. n/t

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

7. What are they saying?

I did send an attaboy e-mail to ABC for that great show. I can't imagine how anyone could argue with what Spader's character said.

Oh.. but the Bushbots are AGAINST everything good and honorable and decent in this country, so I guess they'd complain.

[napi21]

8. Just sent a kidos. We all really need to do this, or ABC will back off.

It's always the loudest squeeky wheel, ya know!!!!

[Mythsaje]

9. Done.

I think this is a very good idea...I'll kick and recommend this thread, but I think a more pointed thread title might kick it a little more into the limelight.

[Blue Belle]

88. I just read your post on the Boston Legal Board....

OMG... You could literally hear those Freepers heads explode. What you wrote was wonderful.
Bravo!

:applause:

[silverweb]

10. Done!

:thumbsup:

[MuseRider]

11. Done.

Best show on TV, I would hate to see it go.

[Kerrytravelers]

12. DUne.

Please do not bow to the pressure of the religious fundamentalists and neocons nuts who are working hard to destroy Boston legal. Since when is the right of Free Speech, guaranteed to us by the First amendment, a crime? They may complain all they like, but you should not bow to the pressure, otherwise you are basically giving up your right to speak freely.

We who love this country are tired of standing down. Stay strong and say "NO" to those who want to silence dissent.

[serryjw]

14. See It PROVES that RW hates America.......

and what we should stand for. HOW can they object to that speech?

[porphyrian]

15. Doesn't Disney own ABC?

Just curious.

[Lorien]

35. Yep. I work for Disney. It's mostly a liberal corporation (when you just

look at the employees-or "cast members"), but there are a few at the top that lean right. Writing might help...

[question everything]

94. Walt Disney himself was a reactionary as they come

but the employees, obviously, being in SoCal and in the entertainment business will be more liberals.

I think that it was the wonderful Emma Thompson who said that whenever a country is being taken over, either though a military coup or by foreign invaders, the first to be arrested are the artists.

[movonne]

16. Done, for those who have not seen it I hope someone will be

able to get this out..

[yorkiemommie1]

17. done

it was was best thing i've ever seen on tv!

[havocmom]

18. Done! Thanks for the link.

Will send it out to others.

[Lochloosa]

19. Done K/R

[williesgirl]

20. Just sent email to ABC (see below) - never done this before!

I want to commend ABC for your willingness to withstand any pressure you may be receiving from this Administration and its spokespeople to gag the great show Boston Legal. Everyone I know is talking about this wonderful show and hoping you keep it on the air forever. It's refreshing to finally hear our own thoughts out loud so eloquently. SHOW IS GREAT AND A WEEKLY MUST SEE. I'll even watch reruns!
P.S. I don't normally watch TV at all but will support every sponsor of this show with my $s



Hope other DUers will find time to send a note.

[blue4barb]

22. Done. Fantastic script writers.

[Ilsa]

23. done.

[bear425]

24. Wow. So many freepers posting on the message board

over at Boston Legal. Here's a link:

http://forums.go.com/abc/primetime/bostonlegal/thread?threadID=939997&forumStart=0

edit: here's my comment to ABC

I would like to commend your writers on a fabulous monologue for James Spader regarding Ms. Hughes.
I'm sure that you are encountering negative mail from some viewers, but take heart that there are many more who appreciate hearing the truth. Please don't dial down speaking truth to power; this country really needs to hear it.
I look forward to seeing more episodes like this. Thank you!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

34. I was reading some of those comments, and I wanted to hurl.

What the hell is wrong with somebody that they could think what Spader's character said was anti-American or subversive? Good God, it makes me ill. No wonder we're in such a dire fix now. These people actually think suppression of speech is a good thing.

Well, fuck 'em all.

[helderheid]

36. perhaps it's time we hung out on there for a while. Who wants to join me??

[HeeBGBz]

47. I'm already there

Same sn. The righties have been very busy today. Maybe we can keep a positive viewpoint kicked to the top. There's a freepish stench trying to take over.

[PetraPooh]

60. Me too, but a different handle.

[helderheid]

40. does it take awhile to get replies to post? Do they need approval?

I posted this as a reply but have yet to see it:

Since when is telling the truth "liberal propaganda"? I personally LOVE Boston Legal - all of it! The speech "Stick It" moved me to tears! I think it is true patriotism at its best - blind obediance is not patriotic.

[helderheid]

43. never mind - I'm on page 8! Come join the fun!

[bear425]

49. Excellent post helderheid. I would hang out with you over there,

but I gotta fly out early tomorrow am. I don't know how long it takes to show up; I would think it would be immediately. I hope you get some company from other Du'ers!

[ellenfl]

55. i saw your post. eom

[Faux pas]

25. Thanks for the heads up. Forwarded to my friends. n/t

[missouri dem 2]

44. Same here.

It is rare for the corporate media to allow the truth to slip out and we need to send them positive feedback.

[ellenfl]

27. my lttn (letter to the network)

Thanks for this great show and for having the guts to be controversial. Too many Americans are being fed pablum and do not know what is going on in our republic and in our name.

Maybe one day, we will get our news from real newscasters again instead of fictional characters, but for now, I will just have to keep watching Boston Legal to see an honest assessment of the state of our democracy.

i hope this helps, not hinders.

ellen fl

[helderheid]

30. here's mine

I am writing to say how much I am enjoying Boston Legal. My favorite character is Alan Shore played by James Spader. I feel like he's speaking right to me and it's a breath of fresh air. Finally a show with real GUTS! Patriotism at its best. The "stick it" speech actually brought me to tears. Thank you, ABC!

[Longhorn]

28. Done!

Thanks for providing the link!

[Eric J in MN]

29. Done.

I wrote that I liked James Spader's speech about civil liberties. And that I hope ABC will have many more speeches about civil liberties.

[Duncan Grant]

32. Done.

I love that show!

[Lorien]

33. K & R n/t

[HeeBGBz]

37. Done, k&r

I've never written to a network before either. This is what I sent them. Thanks to all of you who have written. My very favorite show on TV. Thanks for the help against the freepin rat bastards trying to muzzle this program.

========

My letter:

Bravo!!! I have become a very big fan of Boston Legal. The quality of the program is superb. I love the characters and the topical subjects that become part of the show. It is so refreshing to hear an intelligent point of view in light of the frightening political climate in which we live. Word of mouth is spreading and you are gaining viewers with each episode. I will do whatever I can to keep this program on the air. Speak truth to power. A standing O for Alan Shore! Thank you!!!

========

I've been visiting the BL message board and enjoy the lefty contingent that battles the whiny freeper/fundies who want the show silenced.

[SammyWinstonJack]

38. OMG! What assholes! Guess they "CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!"

That was a great episode! Probably the best yet! James Spader's character was correct in what was said!

[ClayZ]

39. Done! Thanks for the heads up!

:kick:

[FightingIrish]

41. That was a brilliant piece of television even if I only

saw it on the web. I told ABC that programming like that may win me back from a cable-only viewing pattern.

[Imalittleteapot]

42. Boston Legal inspires thought.

Emailed with congratulatory sentiments.

[femrap]

45. Good idea! I emailed ABC. nt

[helderheid]

46. Mythsaje!!

BRAVO!!!

:applause: your post ROCKED!!!!!!!!!

[Clara T]

53. Saw your post

as I browsed through some of the narrow minded selections over at the shows discussion site.

Amazing how folks don't want to be provoked towards a thought just want to be "entertained". Makes it easy to march lockstep with der fuhrer yes?

Always look for your posts. Keep it going helderheid.

:hi:

[NoodleyAppendage]

48. Done! And, I pointed out that I would be recommending the show...

It's important to include in your support letters that you will be recommending the show to others. Nothing motivates TV-types more than the prospect of increasing their viewer share.

J

[Theduckno2]

50. Done, thanks.

[kevinbgoode]

51. The Traitors do hate to be exposed for the anti-American

trash they are. . .and so naturally their little bigot heads are spinning, because the only free speech allowed in this country is their constant middle-school emotional level, tantrum throwing, privilege demanding diatribes.

The truth shall set us FREE. . .and there is nothing those roaches hate more than a light being turned on in their darkness. In case they've missed something, over 60% of the American public happens to see through their charade.

[BigBearJohn]

52. done!

[ellenfl]

54. i just read the whole thread.

wow, the freepers just keep sticking their fingers in their ears and chanting 'la la la la la'. incredible!

ellen fl

[Mr_Spock]

56. Thank you so much for this post! I wrote ABC

I told them about the RW attempt to "flood" them with email and told them not to be intimidated.

[PetraPooh]

57. My letter to ABC, hope it helps

This show ROCKS, especially James Spader and his recent monologue/closing statement at the gal's failure to pay taxes trial. James Spader's and Candace Bergen's speeches are usually so perfect and honest and insightful. I hear that many folks are trying to sway you to censure this show and monitor the views presented. I hope you will not do this and will allow it to continue to provoke honest consideration of our place in this world, in this country, and in ourselves. Thank you.

[texpatriot2004]

58. Boston Legal Rocks nm

[Arugula Latte]

59. done n/t

[countryjake]

61. Thanks for the heads up!

"Boston Legal" is the best show on and Alan Shore's "speech" last week was a bright spot in a vast sea of entertainment drivel!

[Pryderi]

62. Done. And so should everyone that posts below.

[Ian David]

63. Boston Legal artfully expresses what is on the mind of mainstream America

[napi21]

64. FYI, I sent a thank you email to ABC on Sun. PM, and I got

a thank you response from them on Tuesday. Now, I realize it was a generic one, and probably triggered by some auto system, but at least they show enough interest to do that! I never get any responses from other networks I send comments to.

It is VERY IMPORTANT that we send them positive comments on BL. You can be SURE the fundies are sending a bunch of negative ones!

[rainbow4321]

65. K&R n/t

[terip64]

66. done!

[Iris]

67. self delete

I found what I was looking for.

[On Par]

68. I've Been Placing Spader's Speech On The Board Since Tuesday Nite

But couldn't get enough to get it to jump to "Greatest!" Thanks for your continued persistence in doing so.

[On Par]

69. And Done !

[NJmaverick]

70. Done

We need to stop the lunatic right and their hatred of freedom!

[texpatriot2004]

71. Art speaking on life...brilliant monologue! Thanks for this link nt

[emdee]

72. Thank you! Done. What was the verdict?

What was the outcome? I had a phone call during the show and missed the verdict.
emdee

[Mythsaje]

75. Guilty...

1000 dollar fine and 1 month in jail, suspended.

He may have not reached the jury, but it appears he reached the judge with his "jibber jabber."

[emdee]

85. Thanks!!

I was afraid of that judge! LOL The phone rang as soon as Shore started his speech and the call didn't end until the show was over.

I hope that the RW doesn't get to this show!
emdee

[GOPNotForMe]

73. Done.

Hope it works. That was a wonderful moment in television.

[phusion]

74. my dad bitched about this...

We saw Boston Legal together and then ER later in the week had a line or two about "the WMD thing." My dad said "Ohh, here we go, liberal Hollywood is trying to brainwash us again!"

The truth hurts I guess...

[Mythsaje]

76. Hell, America's collective brain

has been in a bucket of soapy water for the past six years.

Hard to wash a tiny, wrinkled prune. :evilgrin:

[The Stranger]

77. Kicked and recommended.

[rpgamerd00d]

78. Done, my msg enclosed.

I loved the latest episode where the heinous crimes of the fascist Bush Administration are laid out for all of America to see. You are heros, real live actual heros, for airing that episode. You are patriots to this country, and deserve a Medal of Honor for having the courage to tell the truth to the corrupt power of the Bush Administration. Please re-run this episode as many times as humanly possible over the next few months. Everyone in America needs to see it.

[allalone]

79. done and done

[JudyM]

80. Done. I also urged them to have their newscasters use more critical

analysis of current events, rather than parroting the spin and soundbytes put out by the WH.

[northamericancitizen]

81. Done. K&R nt

[yy4me]

82. Done!

n/t

[Vox_Reason]

83. Kudos to you fascist-squashers on their board

I've been reading the Boston Legal board today, and for every ignorant fascist posting nonsense, there's a reasoned and informed response defending the show's rightful calling out of the junta and their illegal crap.

Well done to all of you!

[Blue Belle]

84. OMG... I went on the Boston Legal Message board....

and had to respond to this post:
http://forums.go.com/abc/primetime/bostonlegal/thread?start=0&threadID=939997&forumStart=0

The Original Post:
<SNIP>Listen, I believe people should be in politics and be opinionated. However I am a Republican and to hear things I disagree with so passionatly on my favorite show makes me hate it. Why can't the show be about what it is...Fun...that's what got me interested in this show in the first place; not liberal banter...I composed this to persuade someone important in Boston Legal's Staff perhaps a writer to stop this it's ruining the show.

-I Welcome Replys

Post I responded to:
<SNIP>I Agree it is always smart too listen to a second opinion when it comes to politics..however a TV Show that is not a news station should not push their opinions...its simply not the appropriate place for it.

My Response:
<SNIP>I think you got it backwards... a TV show is the PERFECT place to push opinion - the NEWS, however, is not. It's sad that you can't make that distinction.

A show like Boston Legal is for entertainment... and should you learn something along the way - so be it. This show deals with topical issues... and just like real life, it reflects opinions of many different characters - Liberal and Conservative alike. As for the show's "Liberal Propaganda" - I think the fact that you're questioning whether a TV show should showcase a character's right to voice their discontent with their government's policies through their Constitutional rights is a sad reflection of this country's political divide. Last time I checked, the Constitution and Bill of Rights were for every US Citizen... perhaps listening to "News" opinion has caused you to forget that.

[emdee]

86. I peeked and noticed....

that there aren't any complaints about Denny's RW arguments! LOL Heck, he shot a homeless man and claimed it was his right to do so - I'll bet the RW was with Denny Crane, though! What a bunch of hypocrites to complain about Shore but not Crane.
emdee

[Blue_Roses]

87. this is my favorite show

I love James Spader. Guess I've been out of the loop for a few days. Time to get back in the swing of things and start sending out those letters.

good grief.

[Dragonbreathp9d]

89. I love the show

best show on TV period.

[Alizaryn]

91. Done

[radio4progressives]

92. Done!

[buddysmellgood]

93. I wrote them. Thanks.

[globalvillage]

95. Done.

thanks.

[Erika]

96. Done, kicked and recommended. n/t

[KT2000]

97. Gladly!

:kick:

[immoderate]

98. I sent an e-mail to ABC.

To wit:

I love this show. It's possibly the BEST in television.

I particularly like the last episode in which James Spader's speech in the courtroom highlighted the apathy of Americans in light of our current drift towards fascism. Re-airing this is the best thing you could do to help the US regain its dignity and moral purpose.

There are those who will complain and threaten. Unfortunately, they do not understand our legacy of free speech and ideas. Please maintain your vigilance! Congratulations!

I hope this works.

--IMM

[pacco]

99. I've never seen this show

but the message in the video is really quite accurate.

How do you confront the American apathy?
What is your obligation as an American citizen in light of the most criminal administration, and that is saying alot, in the history of the US?
Yes, where is the outrage?
Have you been absorbed in ways you are not fully aware of?

[SeaBob]

100. a gazillion thumbs up

I just posted my comments on ABC site about boston legal a Gazillion thums up... is gazillion a word? They got my point

[young_at_heart]

101. We LOVE "Boston Legal"....our favorite show

James Spader's character has the best lines....our hero!

[upi402]

103. done and kicked

:patriot: reporting for duty!