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Joe Murray
 You're here » Christian Columns Index » Guest Writer

The Three R's of ABC: Rosie, Radicals & Rantings
by Joe Murray - (AgapePress)
September 21, 2006
Category: Social Issues
RADICAL CHRISTIANITY," opined Rosie O'Donnell, "is just as threatening as radical Islam in a country like America where we have separation of church and state." And with those few words, this once diva of daytime television unleashed yet another wrath of fury on an American public that is growing weary of such antics. But why should this blue-light political pundit stop at sticking her thumb in the eyes of millions of God-fearing Christians when there is a whole nation she could offend with just a few more seconds?

Rosie, though, was up to the challenge, for there is plenty of room in that mouth of hers for the foot she was inserting. With fundamentalist Christians now bosom buddies with al-Qaida henchmen, who or what was next on Rosie's hit list? The American people, government and military, of course!

"And as a result of the [9-11] attack and the killing of 3,000 innocent people, we invaded two countries and killed innocent people .... We are bombing innocent people in other countries." So let's do the Rosie recap -- America is not only home to those Taliban in Christian clothing, it is also a murderous, ruthless regime that gets its kicks out of slaughtering innocents. Welcome to the Rosie worldview.

Almost immediately the backlash began. Rev. Rob Schenck, the founder of the ministry Faith and Action, released a statement in which he explained, "Miss O'Donnell's comment was recklessly irresponsible and even dangerous. To equate 'radical Christianity' to mass murder is outrageous." But for some traditionalists, public condemnation was only the start.

Dr. Janice Crouse, senior fellow with Concerned Woman for America, called for Rosie's job. Crouse argued, "I think Rosie's statement was very unprofessional. I think it was ill-advised and I think American people ought to be outraged. She ought to be fired summarily for making a statement like that."

Bill Gray, writing for Conservative Voice, made his sentiment clear. "I want no more of Rosie O'Donnell," stated Gray. "I have sent this message to the president of ABC .... [l]et's let him know that this time ABC has definitely crossed the unforgivable line -- and ONLY an ABC minus Rosie will ever satisfy Christian America or a Christian world." Thus, to many a Christian activist the appropriate punishment for Rosie's rebellion is the network guillotine.

But does Rosie's ranting really require the falling of an axe? Is it wise to respond to Rosie by placing a muzzle on that trademarked snout? Or should traditionalists respond with their remotes? Thus begging the question, just how should traditionalists respond to Rosie's remarks? The answer requires some analysis, for the response to Rosie will determine whether traditionalists keep the high ground or wallow with Rosie in the political pigpen she calls home.

First things first -- can it be said that anyone considers The View a serious source of news and information. During the same show in which Rabid Rosie was frothing at the mouth, Barbara Walters was musing about how she communicates with her dog. This show is nothing more than roadside entertainment -- it is the type of show you look at because it is such a train wreck. When the dust settles all you are left with is a show that places four shrieking banshees at a table discussing Hardball issues with an Entertainment Tonight mindset. Hardly a compelling source of information.

Second, does anyone truly believe that Rosie is not a biased brute? It was not too long ago this Democratic Diva sandbagged Tom Selleck when he came on her show to promote his new movie. Rosie has made a name for herself being an ideological thug and she has never attempted to hide her views. Hence, Rosie's latest flare up should not be a shocker; it is old habits in a new setting.

Third, Rosie is not the only politico that has made some questionable remarks. As much as it pains this author to say, some of the champions of family values have put many a foot in their mouths. George W. Bush, Dan Quayle, Pat Robertson all have, at one point or another, forgotten to adhere to the old adage that it is best to think before you speak. Now this is not an attack on these folks or a defense of Rosie, this only recognizes a simple fact -- a person in the public eye is prone to make bonehead remarks.

Make no mistake, this author understands and grasps the gravity of what Rosie said -- it was outrageous -- but one has to consider the source of the comment when contemplating an appropriate response. If this comment was uttered by Katie Couric, this would be a whole new ballgame; but who, in their right mind, takes Rosie O'Donnell seriously? She is a caricature of herself; she is a comedic parody that commands little respect outside Tinsel Town and the Big Apple. A Walter Cronkite she is not.

So, what would happen if conservatives demand ABC deliver Rosie's head on a platter? She would be martyred by the Left. Rosie and her minions would be able to change the nature of this debate so that the focus is no longer on her inane and obnoxious statements, but instead focuses on "the free marketplace of ideas." Rosie would be able to cover herself in principle and distract from the words she uttered. In other words, traditionalists would be giving Rosie exactly what she wants -- significance.

It is painstakingly clear that if Rosie is given enough rope, she will surely hang herself, so let's not give Rosie an easy out. If traditionalists demand Rosie's job, Rosie would be able to argue that she was tossed because of a "vast right-wing conspiracy," not because she is an irrelevant talking head. She would be able to hide behind the spin that her ranting, not her ratings, were the cause of her demise. She does not deserve that opportunity. Therefore, if traditionalists don't demand Rosie's seat on The View, what is an acceptable outcome to this fiasco?

First, traditionalists should demand an apology from Rosie over her choice of language and also demand that ABC at least make some attempt to contain Hurricane Rosie. This is the least ABC can do.

Second, traditionalists need to respond with their remote -- boycott The View. This does not mean that all of ABC must be boycotted, but rather energy must be focused on solely The View. Focus on a concise and attainable boycott -- knock off The View and declare victory.

Third, traditionalists need to exercise some political prowess. It is a safe bet that most Americans are not shocked by Rosie's comments, as this jack of all trades and master of none is known for her meaningless musings. But what America does not know is that Rosie has been funneling cash to many a Democratic candidate this election cycle.

The Republican National Committee released a list of candidates who have received sizable cash donations from our talk-show tart. Among those on the list? Sherrod Brown, Democratic candidate for Senate in Ohio, and Bob Casey, Jr., Democratic candidate for Senate in Pennsylvania. There are numerous others as well (click here).

Instead of lobbying for the end of Rosie's reign of terror on ABC, traditionalists should be contacting folks like Bob Casey and asking if they share Rosie's worldview. If they attempt to distance themselves from Rosie's radicalism, traditionalists need to demand that such candidates also distance themselves from Rosie's cash. Demand that the candidate publicly denounced Rosie and marked her money "return to sender." Any other option will be seen as an endorsement of Rosie's views.

It is time Rosie gets not what she wants, but what see deserves -- a one way ticket to obscurity.
Joe Murray (jrm1835@gmail.com) is a civil rights attorney residing in New Jersey. Murray is a former staff attorney for the American Family Association and has also served as national director of correspondence for Patrick J. Buchanan's 2000 presidential bid. Murray has been a guest on numerous radio and television talk shows, including the O'Reilly Factor.

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