Jerry Lewis just slammed Iraq war on telethon

[WI_DEM]

It's not exact but...
"3,000 or 4,000 kids have died for nothing in Iraq--nothing but oil, I assume. We can't help them now but we can help thousands of other kids afflicted with neuro muscular diseases before it's too late for them."

On edit: Then Ed McMahon said something like: "Well, there goes any invitation to the WH" to which Lewis said, "Yeah, well I only go when one of the biggies are in like Kennedy or Clinton." Ouch.

[niyad]

1. wow-- didn't know jerry ever came out like that.

[mountainvue]

47. Jerry's been kind of off the hook these last couple

of years pretty much saying what he thinks and to hell with anyone who didn't like it. I was watching him last night for a little bit and he was cracking me up.

[datavg]

51. Jerry Has Been...

...near death many times in the last decade and looks quite well in spite of it. He must have great doctors.

He can say whatever the hell he wants. He's earned it.

[mountainvue]

52. No argument from me. I'm glad to see he's looking

much better than he did a few years ago when they had him on steroids.

[eridani]

66. For some reason, I thought he had died a few years ago

Glad he's still hanging in there.

[datavg]

80. Actually...

...he DID die on the table two separate times, and talked about it in later years.

He's diabetic, he was on steroids, his back is screwed up from all those years of physical comedy...he's a mess but he doesn't let it show.

I often wonder if we wouldn't be better off with a Truman-style, no bullshit, common sense with little formal education guy for President like Jerry Lewis or Dean Martin or anyone of that era who knew what it was like to get up every morning and go to work. None of the guys currently running in either party fit that description other than possibly Ron Paul. Ron Paul's a doctor so maybe he doesn't fit, either.

[msongs]

2. well that should cut donations from the fasciti nt

[poverlay]

4. That's ok. We don't need those slime anyway. I'll happily kick in double to make it up...n/t

[mrreowwr_kittty]

8. Well duh, those kids with MD aren't in utero anymore.

Why would they care about children who are actually BORN?


Seriously, freepers talk a good game about charity but when the hat gets passed around they make themselves scarce. Back when Katrina hit, people were collecting for various organizations to help the victims at my workspace. I'll give you one guess as to who were the people who didn't chip in. The obnoxiously vocal dittohead freepers, that's who. "Those people" deserved what happened due to their poor planning, it was the fault of the local government, and "they're all on welfare anyway so why should I give them any more money."

[Thickasabrick]

20. LOL......great comment.

[zbdent]

24. Actually, I believe it was the freeptards who

set up all the bogus agencies that never got one penny to the victims ... and cashed in on all the credit card/debit card $2K fraud ...

[corkhead]

58. "free enterprise" at work

:eyes: :grr:

[ThatsMyBarack]

88. What a heap of Freeper Morans!

:wow:

[eShirl]

17. all the donations rolling in from the compassionate conservatives?

ha, good one

[progressoid]

41. Yep - all $14.98.

[HuffleClaw]

77. THEIR money goes towards their fundy churches

or their charter schools, or the republican party, but certainly NOT disabled children.

[Bucky]

121. As a follow up to this post I understand they raised record numbers this year

I doubt it was related to the comment, of course. But even most Republicans won't stand up and defend Bush these days.

[rodeodance]

3. whow.

[salin]

5. he wouldn't have risked saying that a couple of years ago...

too committed to the cause to risk a backlash that could effect donations. Says worlds about public sentiment towards the war at this time - that not only could he say it - he could do so in a way to try to encourage people to give.

[Faygo Kid]

6. Great news, and thanks Jerry

I'm doubling my donation. People have got to speak out in every forum and at every opportunity. Time is running out to stop Bush from expanding this war and starting another, which he clearly intends to do.

Thanks, Jerry.

[Pris-LA]

7. Good one, Jerry.

The MDA helped my dad when he was suffering from ALS back in the day. Thanks for speaking up, Jerry.

[UpInArms]

12. welcome to DU, Pris-LA!

glad to have you here :hi:

[Graybeard]

13. Hi Pris-LA! Welcome to DU.

I donate each year. This time I will give extra and send Jerry a note of thanks for remembering the troops in that way.

[datadiva]

53. Welcome to DU Pris-LA

And thanks to Jerry for speaking out. We can use more Californians here at DU.

[jerryster]

61. Welcome!!

Hello, Pris-LA. Glad to have you join us at the DU. It's a great site. Enjoy!

[Fridays Child]

9. Snappety Snap!

A big :woohoo: and a :toast: to Jerry Lewis!

[JohnnyLib2]

10. ..........whap! Nice to hear.

Times, they are a changin'.

[Longhorn]

11. The French love him!

I think I love him, too! :)

[rosesaylavee]

14. Pa dum dum.

Smack em Jerry. Never thought you were funny but you have a great big heart. Thanks for speaking the truth out loud!

[Contrary1]

15. I recently saw Jerry Lewis on a rerun of Law and Order.

He played Munch's uncle. I had forgotten that he could act so well in a dramatic role.

Plus, he looks better than he has in years. You rock, Jerry!

[stanwyck]

39. You're right. I remember now he was in an arc

of a very good show, "Wise Guy". Plus, he gave a very good performance in "King of Comedy" with Robert de Niro.

[undeterred]

16. I think everyone slams Bush publicly now.

What are they gonna do, put the whole country in jail?

[Bolo Boffin]

18. Damn.

Don't be coy with us, Mr. Lewis. Tell us how you really feel!

[Berry Cool]

19. Whoa, you go Jerry!

Then again, is it such a big surprise that he's not a fan of the right-wing neocons?

I mean, he's not going to stand around and see a fine country like France get dissed like that. :rofl:

[Swamp Rat]

21. LOL!

Get 'em Jerry!!! :kick:

[MilesColtrane]

22. This doesn't surprise me.

I got to meet and work with Jerry at an AIDS fundraiser. He's a real compassionate and intelligent guy.

[Pastiche423]

30. The jerry lewis that said...

"Pity? you don't want to be pitied because you're a cripple in a wheelchair, stay in ya house!" Jerry Lewis, CBS News Sunday Morning, May 20, 2001

http://www.ragged-edge-mag.com/extra/jerrylewis052401.htm

You think that asshole is a compassionate and intelligent guy? I take it you are not disabled, right?

I don't give a shit about anything he says now. Fuck him!

[Spinzonner]

34. I read the article and listened to the recording

It sure as hell was Politically Incorrect but it also sounded to me like a rather Tough Love way of putting things, like this is the way things are and how some people will react and if you can't deal with some people's reactions, just hide, or get out there and live as best you can. It didn't sound like he was calling people cripples but reflecting an attitude held by part of the public.

I know that's a lot to read into it, but this man has been doing something about the problem for decades and decades instead of just sitting around saying the nice, pretty things. For that maybe he deserves some credit and cut a little slack if he's blunt in situations where it would be politic to not be.

I'm not disabled but my father was so I have maybe just a very little credibility. Please reconsider your reaction to him and that it may be how he said something rather than what he meant.

[Pastiche423]

36. Did you read the entire page?

How anyone can support this f'ing asshole after what he has said for years (this one just happened to be caught on tape) about the disabled, tells me all I need to know about that person.

Know any of "jerry's kids"? I do and they have had plenty to say about how he treats the disabled for money. They are ashamed to admit they were one of his "kids".

I din't misconstrue jack. For years he has condescended the disabled, screaming to all to pity us.

He is a disgusting piece of excrement.

[CoffeeCat]

42. I've never heard that message...

Those telethons make people aware. He raises money to help people.

I never got the message that we should pity anyone who is disabled. The
message I got is that we should help out anyone in need, especially children.

[Pastiche423]

44. Then it appears you have not cared enough to hear...

It becomes questionable why Jerry Lewis is helping these half-people. One might assume it was to further his career or to make himself feel good. After all, many able-bodied people believe they are good people because they help that wheelchair-bound woman get her Coco Puffs on the shelf she can’t reach. The truth of the matter is that these actions do not make you a good person.

Good people do things because they want to help people, not because they want something out of it. Based on the things we have heard about Jerry Lewis, we can only assume he helps people just to say he helps them, not because he values their input or their lives. If he were to do that, he would have to see them as complete people and not genetically mutated individuals.

If this were one isolated incident, people might assume that Jerry was just going off on a mid-life crisis or was not having a good day, but has since recovered. Unfortunately, that article set many disabled people off and Jerry has not taken to criticism kindly.

When disabled picketers arrive at MDA-sponsored events, Jerry has a tendency to be unfriendly. In the past, he has informed the disabled community not to leave their homes if they do not want pity. And just recently, he referred to a woman in a wheelchair as a “living waterbed.”

Many in the disabled community want Jerry Lewis removed from the MDA for his comments and his actions towards the disabled. Many able-bodied people think the disabled should shut up and graciously accept all that Jerry has done for them.

Meanwhile, I sit on the other side of the fence. I am able-bodied for myself and for someone I love. I am my own legs and Dominick’s, too. I think MDA needs to be reworked drastically because the focus on the disabled is gone. The telethon and the MDA were never meant to be about Jerry Lewis, bigotry, or discrimination.

MDA was meant to be an organization to help people that were disabled no matter who you are or how old you are. Sadly, those days are gone and until they are back again, I will continue voicing my distaste in hopes that the voices of those with Muscular Dystrophy will be heard.

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/09/03/113347.php



More:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0412/is_n4_v21/ai_15704859/pg_9

http://crip-power.com/

www.ragged-edge-mag.com/archive/jerry92.htm

http://thecurvature.com/2007/09/01/blog-against-the-jerry-lewis-mda-telethon/

[Name removed]

74. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Pastiche423]

76. EXCUSE ME?

That is what jerry lewis calls the disabled. Actually, that is probably one of the kindest thing he has ever said about the disabled.

"... I realize my life is half, so I must learn to do things halfway. I just have to learn to try to be good at being a half a person..."

jerry lewis
September 2, 1990


http://www.cripcommentary.com/jlquotes.html


OTHER OBNOXIOUS COMMENTS MADE BY JERRY LEWIS

About his critics:

"It just kills me to think about these people getting publicity. These people are leeches. They all glommed on to being Jerry-bashers. What did they have before that? They're disabled people who are so bitter at the bad hand they've been dealt that they have to take down somebody who's doing good. There's 19 of them, but these people can hurt what I have built for 45 years. There's a million and a half people who depend on what I do!
"I've raised one billion three hundred million dollars. These 19 people don't want me to do that. They want me to stop now? Fuck them. Do it in caps. FUCK THEM."

About our friend Mike Ervin, co-founder of Jerry's Orphans:

"This one kid in Chicago woul have passed through this life and never had the opportunity to be acknowledged by anybody, but he found out that by being a dissident he gets picked up in a limo by a television station."

When a poster child gets squirmy during a photo shoot:

"What did he get for breakfast? A little Ritalin never hurt any kid."


During the 1991 MDA Telethon, Lewis said that if a person is diagnosed with the disability called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS):

"You might as well put a gun in your mouth."


An excerpt: From Poster Child to Protester

But there we were, back in September 1991, on Denver's busy 16th Street Mall, challenging the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. Along with activists in cities around the country, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, we were protesting the telethon's portrayal of people with disabilities as helpless and pathetic. We were asserting publicly that this colossal begging festival, supposedly carried out on our behalf, is offensive to us and damaging to our efforts to become first-class citizens. Our protests were small, but they would become an annual tradition -- much to the annoyance of Jerry Lewis and MDA.

For years we had been protesting against the barriers which keep people with disabilities from using buses, public buildings, and other facilities. Now we were taking on one of the biggest barriers of all: the paternalistic attitudes which prevail in our society, and which are reflected so dramatically in the annual telethon.

It is difficult to raise objections to something like the telethon; people are reluctant to disparage, or even entertain questions about, an effort which they perceive as fundamentally good, or at least well-meaning. That is understandable. It is an uncomfortable truth, in social work, in government activity, and in charitable endeavors, that actions which are intended to help a certain group of people may actually harm them. By harm, I mean -- among other things -- that these actions may reinforce the already devalued status of people with disabilities in this society. Looking closely and critically at the telethon, as some of us have started to do, brings up a number of issues which I feel are essential to understanding the status of people with disabilities as an oppressed minority group in America. These issues include: charity versus civil rights; cure versus accommodation; self-expression and self-determination; and the relationship between pity and bigotry.

http://www.cripcommentary.com/frompost.html

Such a great man - NOT!

[0007]

97. Next thing ya know, you'll be telling us Jerry Lewis has been

stealing from his kids.

I know the freepers indeed hate this guy. But I didn't think I'd find someone here on DU that would knock him.

Chow

[Caretha]

99. Excuse me

But I have to voice the truth as I know it. I certainly did and do know children with MD as I was the DD for one of the chapters of the Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. for years. I was in constant contact with hundreds of clients and families dealing with MD, and spent many days/nights and weeks with "Jerry's Kids", and I guarantee you and anyone reading this post that not one of them or their families were ashamed to be associated with Jerry Lewis.

You are simply quite wrong! Also, I noticed upthread someone saying they would write Jerry a note along with their donation to the Telethon this year, I want you to know that all letters sent to MDA addressed to Jerry are treated with respect and Jerry receives every one of them as quickly as possible.

[Pastiche423]

113. Anecdotal stories do not the truth make

Are you part of a disabled community? Have you heard the innumerable true life experiences of what lewis has said about the disabled for years?

There is evidence all over the internet of his cruel, demeaning and condescending words towards the disabled. He tells the audience they must pity all of the poor cripples.

How would you like to be portrayed as someone that should be pitied? And that if you don't like to be pitied, then you should stay in your home?

Sure he raises lots of money, but he does it by degrading lives of the most vulnerable in our society.

[Caretha]

140. I speak only the truth

[Caretha]

141. My community

encompasses many people, including "disabled" as you put it. Whether it be physically or mentally. No anecdotal about it. I do exclude jerks though. Kinda prejudiced that way.

[Pastiche423]

142. Your "community"

is not the same as the disabled community. I was speaking of the on line community made up of PWDs.

We poor pitiful crips actually have entire websites where we gather for support, tips, to communicate w/fellow crips and to help each other deal w/the walking world.

One of the websites was where, over a decade ago, I 1st learned about lewis and how he treats PWDs. A poster there was a young man w/MD and who had been one of jerry's kids. I was blown away by his story and the stories that followed. Sadly, he has since passed away.

[fudge stripe cookays]

156. He's an asshole alright.

The same guy who thinks women can't be funny because we're baby-making machines. :eyes:

(I have MS by the way, so his remarks about the disabled are over the top). I've never seen a Lewis film, nor do I ever plan to.

[MilesColtrane]

35. "You think that asshole is a compassionate and intelligent guy? "

Yes, I do.

"I take it you are not disabled, right?"

Correct.

[Pastiche423]

40. Then you really don't have a clue what you are talking about

P.S. Thank you for agreeing w/the jerk that am to be pitied.

[MilesColtrane]

43. Responding to criticism that the telethon was nothing but a pity fest,...

he was making the point that no one should go through life worried about what others think about you, because you can't do anything about it. (i.e. you can't control others' thoughts or feelings)

"Thank you for agreeing w/the jerk that am to be pitied."

I don't pity you. If I did, however, it would ONLY be because you can't seem to keep from ascribing words to me that I never said, or implied.

[Pastiche423]

45. Please see my post #44

[Tsiyu]

59. And I have something else to add

to the "Jerry is an ass" message.

Last night I heard an interview with him where he said Hillary would be a poor choice for president "because we have all these people who hate women in the Mideast."

In other words, we should pick a canditate that will make the Saudis and the Taliban happy.

I admit I cursed at the TV. It made anything else he said worthless.

I am no advocate for any candidate at this point, but saying Hillary wouldn't work becasue there are misogynists running the fucked-up Mideast just pissed me off as a woman, a Democrat and an American.

So right on, Pastiche423.

Thanks for injecting some reality into this JerryLoveFest.

[Pastiche423]

62. Thank you right back!

It really hurts me when I hear people talk about lewis like he is such a good person. Even when I supply links to back up what I've been saying, they don't even bother to read them.

But then, I'm just a disabled person that should be grateful that he works once a year to raise money for the foundation. It doesn't matter that while doing so, he demeans us and believes we should be shut-ins.

Hey! As long as he raises money and fame for himself, it's all good, right?

This thread has opened my eyes to how little people care about the disabled.

[GMFORD]

93. Pity?

Got a story about a 'disabled' person:

I was in (I'm ashamed to admit it) Wal-Mart and the woman in front of me at the checkout was in a wheelchair. I watched her maneuver that cart and the wheelchair through a very narrow area and position herself so she could unload everything onto the conveyor belt. She did it with such efficiency. Did I pity her? No way...I was in awe!

[Pastiche423]

110. Then, IMHO, you are a better (wo)man than jerry lewis

I know of no other disabled person that likes to be pitied. It is especially harmful to disabled children. It hurts their self esteem and easily could make them into life long "victims".

Thank you for posting.

[CubicleGuy]

68. Hillary for President?

My take on the idea of electing (or attempting to elect) Hillary Clinton as President is one sure-fire method of uniting the Republican party membership against any kind of real progress in this country at a time when the last thing anybody who isn't a Republican should be doing is finding ways to unite the Republicans.

I think that the Republicans saw Hillary as their last chance to take down Bill Clinton when the impeachment went nowhere. They were hoping against hope that as a result of the Clinton-Lewinsky affair, she would walk out on him, sending the biggest "no confidence" vote that could possibly be sent.

Instead, she stood by her man, and outraged the so-called family-values Pubbies who viewed Bill Clinton's coming away unscathed from the impeachment as being entirely her fault. They will never, ever forgive her for that.

[NavyDavy]

95. well its a fact they don't like women in charge.....i didn't see where

he said we shouldn't vote for her just his opinion based on real facts period, i think giving your opinion is still allowed here in the USA for now anyway, trust me i have seen alot worst than what he said about all our candidates here at DU.....IMHO

[LittleClarkie]

146. Do you have MD

He's trying to cure a disease. It would seem his telethon is very specific to those who have MD. Children, isn't it? Not disabled people in general.

[mzmolly]

83. You do realize the telethon he has every year is for disabled people, no?

He made that comment when people criticized him for using "pity" to raise money.

[Bucky]

124. You need to be nicer to Troglodytes

We may need their votes in 2008.

[Pastiche423]

136. I know of no polite way to say this

but if they think the man that says I and others like me should be pitied, is such a great man, then screw 'em.

[Bucky]

137. Well, I pity you.

You have a fucking moron for a president.

[Pastiche423]

138. lol!

I can't make hide nor hare of your comment.

[mzmolly]

139. Self delete

I was reminded of a quote about wrestling with pigs and thought twice about engaging one.

[diva77]

23. I hope someone posts it on youtube; I missed it

n/t

[SeattleGirl]

25. Whoa! Good for you, Jerry!

:applause:

[soothsayer]

26. Wow! That's great. I imagine the stem cell stupidity helps him hate bush.

[Ishoutandscream2]

28. Didn't think about that. I bet you're right

I'm very proud of Jerry for this.

[jasmeel]

27. Maybe we should give a little something extra to Jerry's kids this

year in honor of their brave leader. Is that wrong to suggest? Everything is so political right now I may not be the best judge. I guess it can't hurt to suggest donating to kids-whatever the cause.

[dogday]

29. I would not expect anything less from a great man like Jerry Lewis

It takes a hell of a person to put on a telethon year after year for this cause, especially when that person has health problems himself... He knows the score and I am proud of him for saying it on National TV.....

[HowHasItComeToThis]

31. HELP JERRY'S KIDS NOW, RIGHT THIS MINUTE

https://secure.mdausa.org/Gift.aspx
SHOW THAT YOU ARE NOT FREEPERS OR OTHER CREEPERS

[AspenRose]

32. Ooooh, a Kanye West moment

George Bush does not care about anyone's children.....

and that comment about Kennedy and Clinton's gonna leave a mark. Bunnypants, Inc. can't stand either family.....

[onehandle]

33. A classic slam from a classic professional comedian.

Going to look for this on You Tube...

[Drum]

37. JL in the hizzouse!

:thumbsup:

[WinkyDink]

38. See? THAT'S why the FRENCH love Jerry! Heh, heh, heh, heh.

[Generic Other]

46. a wise fool

the opposite of the fool in the white house.

[tom_paine]

48. God Bless Jerry Lewis.

[WI_DEM]

49. The thon raised over $63 million--a new record.

[Kadie]

63. Here is a picture of Jerry...

[wryter2000]

50. Zoot alors!

The French are onto something there.

Love "the biggies." Ah, snap...

[Kahuna]

54. Wow. Wasn't Jerry on Larry King a couple of years ago, singing

*'s praises? I thought I had heard that. :shrug:

[cmkramer]

56. To be fair

quite a lot of people were on the Bush bandwagon after 9/11. I remember Rosie O'Donnell praised his leadership.

[Divine Discontent]

90. and in some ways Nancy Pelosi is still on that bandwagon you speak of...

"He’s a lovely man. You know, he comes from a beautiful, lovely family, great patriotic family", "And he’s a nice person".

I just think of all the NAME CALLING George has done to people, the insults, and the pompous language (bring em on!), his laziness about protecting Americans or wanting to go immediately see who and what was attacking us on 9/11, and think - yeah, he deserves such praise. He's screwing up our country and she calls him & his family nice & patriotic.

And about the anti-Lewis attacks - lets at least give him props for slamming b*sh on the war in front of a giant live audience folks! give him that, even if you don't like him... remember, he's an OLD comedian, so he's gonna sound caustic. my Grandma said some bizarre things near the end of her life, also. but he sure was sharp on his anti-war slam!

[NavyDavy]

96. she this is what i am talking about....attack attack attack....and its

even off topic....a 2fer....

[Divine Discontent]

153. hey

kinda rude, fella. my comment goes along in a tangent with the post I'm replying too, and frankly, it's sad we aren't all throwing a fit about Nancy doing something besides telling America that Georgie Boy is a nice guy from a patriotic family - what a FUCKING lie! He's killing our troops sending them into an unwarranted war - sorry if bringing up the lady who was ushered into power by our efforts bothers you.

this is a discussion forum - and whether I wanted to discuss my hound dog, a gun turret, the last banana split I ate, or my nausea after reading your attacking comment - so be it - it's my right to bitch about her wherever I wish, whenever I wish, even if you feel it's coming out of left field. since I wasn't talking to you, I'm not sure why you're defending Speaker Pelosi's incompetent bumbling of her powerful position ever since she took impeachment off the table for the most vile politician this country has ever produced, err, sorry, that this country's SCOTUS has ever produced.


thanks though, for your concern navydavy.

[lligrd]

69. Yep, I Heard It Too nt

[SalmonChantedEvening]

55. POW! Right in the FLAYven!

With the hurting and the thing and the HOYL!

Awright Jerry!! :yourock:

[Dave From Canada]

57. Like it or not, it isn't good to mix politics with fundraising for MS.

[Faygo Kid]

64. Politics? It's only politics?

You're on the wrong forum, Dave. I for one am glad that Jerry spoke from the heart. We are losing, as the war expands and the likelihood of an attack on Iran looms larger each day. That's not "politics." That's an obligation by every sentient being to speak out and stop this insanity. I welcome your explanation of where you're coming from, but we don't live in a vacuum. And that $3 billion A WEEK spent on this war isn't just "politics," either. That's more than Jerry has raised in 40 years. In one week.

I will refrain from further comment about what I think of your comment pending your response. Or your reflection and rethinking.

[John Kerry VonErich]

81. Prove to me that Jerry actually said it.

nt

[Wednesdays]

98. And the non-sequitors fly fast and free

:eyes:

[John Kerry VonErich]

111. If Jerry actually did say that....

it would've been all over the news and Jerry would've been crucified by the right wing media by now. I am just calling it down the middle, and am totally convinced Jerry didn't say what the OP claimed he said.

[Dave From Canada]

158. I understand the point you're making, however, a fundraiser for muscular dystrophy is not the proper

venue to preach political opinions, even if they're 100% correct. All you accomplish is alienating groups of people who would otherwise like to contribute. That applies to this case, or especially if he instead, championed the continued adventure in Iraq.

[John Kerry VonErich]

160. Exactly, MDA would've been ruined.

The question is, wheather he did say it or not. Which of course is not.

[fudge stripe cookays]

157. It's not MS.

It's MD. Two completely different diseases.

[SacredCow]

60. oooo, SNAP!!!!!

dumbya just got pwned!!!!

[Zomby Woof]

65. He's still a drug-addled hack

Being right in the 'clock-twice-a-day' sense does not forgive his multitude of shortcomings and general assholishness.

[lutefisk]

70. I'd rather have Jerry in the WH...

...than the drug-addled hack we have had there for the past seven nightmare years.

[HEyHEY]

87. I know, you do way more for sick children.

[chieftain]

67. Right on, Jerry!!!

[UTUSN]

71. Well, I'm going to kick in for Jerry. I've bad mouthed him for yrs but NOT NOW!!1 n/t

[DesertRat]

72. Way to go, Jerry!

[Joe Bacon]

73. What Jerry Lewis did is priceless.

One of my girl friends was stricken with multiple sclerosis so bad she could no longer walk. MDA financed plasmaforesis research which allowed her to walk again. Wouldn't have been done without Mr. Lewis. The look on her face seeing her get out of that wheelchair was worth every penny I've given to Jerry's kids and then some. Thank you Mr Lewis for bringing hope to someone who BADLY needed it!

And Jerry, here's a special message for you:

:yourock:

[John Kerry VonErich]

75. I doubt that happened

I am in total agreeance in what was said, BUT I highly doubt that Jerry would say it in public, especially on his telethon. On Larry King he said he respects the office of the presidency no matter who was in office whether democrat or republican. Unless you have a youtube video of him saying that, I think this is all horseshit with all due respect.

[cutlassmama]

78. Zing!

[AngryOldDem]

79. Word!

If only others in the entertainment field would use their positions of influence to take a stand like that.

We need to see more Jerry and Kanye Moments.

:applause: :thumbsup:

[mzmolly]

82. Wow!

Kudos to Mr. Lewis! And, I hate the word "kudos." But, KUDOS anyway damnit. :P

[Tiggeroshii]

84. Oh I thought you meant the other Jerry Lewis.

Hell will freeze be my congressman ever comes to his senses.

[Tom Joad]

85. I once saw him saying we should obey the "commander and chief"

[Jamastiene]

86. OMFG

:wow: That's a shocker. I always thought he was to the right politically.

[orleans]

89. wow. i'm shocked. and extremely amused. n/t

[book_worm]

91. In his book he said he "raged against the Vietnam war" and wanted to send Gary to Canada

to keep him out of it, but that Gary wanted to go--and came home "an old man." Lewis was also a big supporter of JFK and performed for him at his final birthday party in May of 1963.

[cmkramer]

144. He also came back addicted to heroin

I read that his closest friend was killed right in front of him.

[Major Hogwash]

161. I didn't know that. Which book was that?

I'd like to read it. I really like Jerry Lewis, always have.

Hey, laa-aadddyy!

LoL

[garybeck]

92. Is this on Youtube????????

[AngryOldDem]

104. Apparently not, yet....

But I suggest watching Bill O'Lielly tonight because I'm SURE he'll be playing it over and over as just yet another example of how the liberal agenda is trying to influence opinion on the war...

[John Kerry VonErich]

147. Not one mention on O'Reiley

Would you now say that Jerry's Anti War comment never happened? We just need honesty here.

[AngryOldDem]

150. We are, after all, in the NO SPIN ZONE!

LOL.

[John Kerry VonErich]

151. lol

[baby_mouse]

94. heeheeheeheeheehee!

Naughty, naughty Jerry!

:rofl:

[iverglas]

100. "3,000 or 4,000 kids" ???

"3,000 or 4,000 kids have died for nothing in Iraq--nothing but oil, I assume."

Strikes me as a bit of an underestimate.

... Oh yeah. That will be the USAmerican "kids" who have died in Iraq. Not the real kids who have died in Iraq.


If opposition in the US to the occupation of Iraq crystallizes around US military body bags this time around, as it did during the occupation of Vietnam, and if that is what brings this occupation to an end, as it did in the case of Vietnam ... well, the people of the US will once again have learned nothing. They will have learned nothing about their responsibility for what their government does, their responsibility for the harm they do in the world, their responsibility for other people's dead kids.

And until they do that -- until they have that crise de conscience, until they engage in that self-examination, until they take some fucking responsibility for their own actions -- they will continue to play out this self-absorbed, self-interested cycle of assaulting the world / withdrawing behind their picket fences, coming out again a decade later to assault someone else, withdrawing after a few years to lick their own wounds. Never acknowledging that what they have done is WRONG, and never engaging with the world in any way that will enhance everyone's security and liberty, including their own.

I'm no expert on Jerry Lewis's positions on political and social policy issues. But that line alone tells me that he's not exactly part of the solution.

[Lex]

109. Yeah! Fuck him!

:eyes:

[John Kerry VonErich]

112. Thats another thing I find this claim of Jerry's so called political rant suspicious...

Jerry has also been know as a major supporter of the USO and totally doubt that he would put one thing ahead of another.

I am totally surprised that I am the only one questioning the authenticity of this claim the OP posted. No research, just take it at face value some of you have done.

[LittleClarkie]

120. That would be calling WI Dem a liar

Which wouldn't be cool.

[iverglas]

131. I don't question the authenticity of anything

I simply don't think that the statement, which I am happy to accept was made, is indicative of anything other than the navel-gazing and self-interest that all too often pass for political thought in the US.

[John Kerry VonErich]

135. Then someone PLEASE gimme a source.

nt

[Strawman]

101. I love Jerry Lewis

He's all too human, he's not perfect, he has a huge ego and a temper, but his heart is in the right place and he puts himself out there.

[AnneD]

105. I have to agree.....

he is all too human in every sense of the phrase. But at the end-he will be remembered for all the work he did for MS and all the people he helped. It's not easy to put yourself out there. (Why am I remembering the guy at the copy shop in Jerry McGuire).

[Buns_of_Fire]

102. New Proclamation from the White House:

Henceforth, from this date 9.4.2007, "Jerry" Lewis will now be referred to as "Freedom" Lewis.

To this I have affixed my solemn signature using my best purple crayon.

GEORGE WALKER BUSH

[Rainbowreflect]

103. Just one more reason to love Mr. Lewis.

We would be completely broke if not for MDA. They have really help us with my husbands medical needs.

[redqueen]

106. hahahahahahaha

:thumbsup:

[YOY]

107. Wow! That's enough to forgive him for that Nazi Clown movie he made

Good on him!

[Bucky]

127. Was it really worse than Roberto Benigni's nazi clown movie?

Or Robin Williams's blatent rip off of the same?

[YOY]

149. We'll never know...

"Lewis in 1972 completed the film The Day the Clown Cried. It was never released, and likely will never be released. As to why, let's go over the plot: Clown, Helmut Doork, played by Lewis after a grapefruit starvation diet in which he lost 35 pounds, performs an Adolf Hitler impersonation that lands him in the hands of the Gestapo. Once jailed, Helmut forms a bond with the children as a performer, and camp managers convince him to lead the group into the gas chambers at Auschwitz, Pied Piper style. Though he does not have to, he follows them in, and they all die laughing together. Fin. " -From Rotten.com

Wow...just WOW. That just kicked Roberto Benigni's slightly-off-white ass and handed it too him.

[Balbus]

108. And then he proceeded to belittle someone by calling them a "fag."

1 for 2 is great if you're playing baseball, though.

[spoony]

114. Yeah I saw that clip

Then today I was also reading something about him saying that Merv Griffin deserved to die. This guy's a pretty huge jerk.

[LittleClarkie]

126. Eh, we can use the "Craig" defense on that one

He was raised in a different era.

[slowry]

115. So, did anyone else in the world see this?

You'd think it'd be mentioned on some news site, in a blog, or be posted to youtube...

[A-Schwarzenegger]

116. Has this been CONFIRMED?

The OP seems to be quoting what he/she heard. I've seen this noplace but in this thread.

[John Kerry VonErich]

117. It's horseshit

Only thing he said that made news was the anti gay joke, but not one mention of what the OP claimed to have heard.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

118. WI_DEM? Did you say you actually heard what you quoted?

I cant imagine this not being all over the place by now.

[LittleClarkie]

119. That would be calling WI Dem a liar

That's not cool.

[John Kerry VonErich]

122. So far, there is nothing to back up WI Dem's claim

nt

[LittleClarkie]

125. We don't generally ask for that when it's something off the tv

for example, there is a CSPAN thread in which people are reporting what's being said on the Foreign Relations committee, and where no one has yet said "IS THIS CONFIRMED?!?!?"

[John Kerry VonErich]

128. as I said,

if Jerry said it, the right wing media would've been all over him by now. But he only got busted for the anti gay remark.

[LittleClarkie]

123. Quoting what he/she heard on her television

we take people's word on what they've seen on the television quite a bit.

The current CSPAN thread is all hearsay based on what people say they saw on CSPAN. And yet no one is saying "IS THIS CONFIRMED?!"

[John Kerry VonErich]

129. So if I said Barbara Streisand is gonna run for president...

People will believe it? No one will ask for sources and such?

And as for CSPAN, maybe someone should call on hearsays.

[LittleClarkie]

130. If someone says they saw something on television, that is the source

And Jerry Lewis slamming the war isn't nearly as far fetched a thing to believe as Babs running for Prez.

Innocent til proven guilty dear. I would like to think I can trust most of my fellow DUers.

[John Kerry VonErich]

134. They are equally far fetched

Never underestimate the right wing, media et al, for which I never do. They would've caught it and then afterwards call for the downfall of the MDA by ridding their tax exemption, call for federal investigations, etc. Know how the enemy works. They will catch such things. I just think what WI Dem claimed to have seen is just way too over the top to believe, especially Jerry's public reputation.

[spoony]

155. sorry mate but in this day and age

Something like that would be up SOMEWHERE by now (just like his...less tasteful remark). Maybe "I saw it on TV" cut it 20 years ago, or when it isn't nationally televised, but it's very hard to think that no one else has commented on this; that the only person to see it is the OP.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

132. I'm saying "IS THIS CONFIRMED?"

You don't like it. :hi:

[seriousstan]

133. I'm calling BULLSHIT!! I watched and didn't see it. Nobody I know that watched say it.

It has been reported NOWHERE.

[cabbage08]

143. Source???

Link??

[A-Schwarzenegger]

145. HERE:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=1725119&mesg_id=1725119

[Laurier]

148. Jerry Lewis slammed gays on the telethon too... what a fuckin' guy, huh?

It's time the asshole just stfu and leave the telethon in the capable hands of others. He's a liability all around.

[slowry]

152. Anyone have a youtube link, or any other link (news site, blog, newsgroup, newspaper)?

I'm not taking the position that this didn't happen, but it sure seems that way. In any case, it's something I want to see if it did happen, so :kick:

[A-Schwarzenegger]

154. 86 RECS & not on the Greatest Page. Hmm. Wonder why not.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

159. Just curious---> Is it now established that this did NOT happen?

OP, you there?

[John Kerry VonErich]

162. I find it sad that a moderator who posted here believed this crap without any question of source.

nt

[Balbus]

163. That's probably not the only lie - according to Jerry Lewis's own website...

the only times he visited the white house were during the Carter and Reagan area.

http://www.mdausa.org/media/jerrylewis.html

[WI_DEM]

165. Lewis has said he has entertained for nine presidents

His own book says he entertained at JFK's final birthday party in 1963. There are pictures of him with Kennedy as well. Believe what you want.

[Balbus]

167. That was at the Waldorf in NYC.

Not the white house.

[book_worm]

168. well isn't that like apples and oranges. The ? is whether he entertained for Kennedy or not

[spoony]

170. Well in the OP Lewis is to have said

that he only goes to the White House when someone like Clinton or Kennedy is in. Entertaining at a function where those people were present ISN'T really the question.

[itsrobert]

175. Maybe he is expecting Hillary to win in 2008

and also expecting an invite for some "award" to be presented by her before his "final curtain."

[Balbus]

171. What apples and oranges are you groping?

The op stated: On edit: Then Ed McMahon said something like: "Well, there goes any invitation to the WH" to which Lewis said, "Yeah, well I only go when one of the biggies are in like Kennedy or Clinton." Ouch.

So the question is not who the fuck he entertained and where - it's whether he went to the white house when Kennedy or Clinton were in residence. The answer: Doesn't appear to be the case.

Now let the adults talk.

[book_worm]

173. Well don't get your undies all in a bundle

If Lewis entertained Kennedy--he entertained Kennedy--If I read that correctly it was McMahon who said that he wouldn't be invited to the WH and Lewis said, "That's ok--I only go for the biggies like Kennedy and Clinton" or something like that. What the hell difference does it make anyway?

[Balbus]

174. You're right - I'm letting the facts get in the way of a good story.

My bad.

[WI_DEM]

164. Sorry you all, but I can only say what I heard

I've been here a long time and thought I had a measure of good will. You can take it or leave it. Doesn't bother me.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

166. Thanks for responding, WI_DEM, but just to be clear ...

You actually personally saw and heard Jerry Lewis on the telethon saying what you quoted? Can you understand why I & others would wonder why/how it has not been picked up & reported by any other media?

[LittleClarkie]

169. Not to answer for her, but yes, I asked her that question in PM

and she said yes, she saw it personally first hand on WGN.

With all the questions y'all were asking, I decided to double check with her so that I could be sure.

They were behind because of baseball, but showed the telethon in its entirety on tape said WI DEM.

I think our "liberal" media just forgot to mention it. The fag thing was so much more newsworthy.

[John Kerry VonErich]

176. Don't underestimate the right wing media.

They really would've caught it and attempt to assasinate the MDA because of it. So far no report. Bill O Reiley gave no report, not Drudge, not Hannity (they play Hannity at work so I have to suffer through it) nobody. That's why I am suspicious on this, because I know they are gonna do it if he did say it.

My deepest appologies go to WI DEM, sorry for acting so harsh.

[NotGivingUp]

172. Well, that's cool! Go Jerry! n/t