You are much more restrained than I, Robert. When I run into someone who likens our Commander-in-Chief to Adolf Hitler they know almost immediately my opinion. I don't do well holding my tongue in such a circumstance. Something about my military background and devotion to the support said military always causes me to open my mouth. Oh, well...

Melissa:

If I let loose, there would be a wasteland here in La La Land, speaking metaphorically, of course. And naturally, this is where I earn my living.

Don't forget that these gentle liberals who are always kvetching about the Communist Blacklist back in the 50's and the Hollywood Ten (I count about ten-thousand of them by now--all hard-core Stalinists, mind you) would not hesitate to blacklist yours truly in a nanosecond.

I understand completely. Unfortunately, I often wear my politics, as well as patriotism, on my sleeve, so to speak. Then again, I am in a conservative job field, metropolitan area, and state, so I am not subjected to a threat of my livelihood.

How many pitch meetings have I gone to where the first few minutes are devoted to comparing President Bush to Herr Hitler?

How would their lives be different if they believed that what Bush was doing was right? Oh, yes, the actors would have no excuse not to support the troops by going to Iraq in USO shows, and the directors would have to learn how to make real war movies that depict the heroes they rejected as role models in college.

Either of these courses would damage the wallet or the egos of the people involved. Spitting on Bushitler, however, costs them nothing, is that not so? It's not like any screenwriter could ever make a movie depicting what goes on in Hollywood boardrooms, right?

Solomon:

in all fairness to Hollywood actors and directors. These are not lazy and untalented people. They work very hard at what they do, and we in Hollywood know how to make movies better than anybody else in the world. (Though India, Bollywood is fast catching up.) USO tours would not deter an actor--that thrive on attention. And believe me, these directors know how to make real war movies.

The simple truth is: many of them hate America. Oh, they claim that they are patriots, but privately they bash America at every opportunity. They think France and Sweden are just swell. Oh, and they just adore the poor oppressed Palestinians--though lamentably ignorant about the history of the entire region and conflict. They take Tony "The Kapo" Kushner's word for it, natch.

As for a movie about the movie industry? If ever made, the audience would fall asleep. Talk, talk, talk, the execs and D-people: a bunch of self-absorbed, whiny, over-educated, over-bred brats.

I can well understand the need for discretion, at times my husband has come home with his blue streak trailing all the way from work.

I on the other hand have a bit more freedom, so if you dare speak to me of any dissent of the war or the troops I will listen patiently and then inform you of the facts ever so politely. I could totally remake 'Clueless' with what these people say, but my goal is to at least open minds, one at a time.