In the first few years of FAIR’s existence, Gore Vidal referred to us a “noble, doomed enterprise.” He meant that as a compliment, both to our work and to the immense task of challenging the myths and propaganda served up by corporate media.
In 1990, Vidal appeared at a FAIR function in Los Angeles with founder Jeff Cohen. Here is a recording of the evening; Vidal’s remarks start at about the 12:30 mark.If you’d rather download the recording, you can do so here.
Wow, what a wonderful mind. I am now going to read all his books. Thank you FAIR for this recording. Many wonderful thoughts are going through my head. Patriarchy? Maybe it’s time for a little matriarchy too! It’s so rare nowadays to become inspired and thoughtful from a speech…but I am! War on Drugs? Not. It’s time to start the “War on Thugs,” many of which seem to be elected officials. “Riot in understatement,” is certainly amusing yet enticing! Mr. Vidal, I am so sorry you are gone; your last name should have been VITAL, because your words still matter!
Jeff Cohen is talking about Iran Contra coverage and the atrocity in Panama. Wow.
That either (or any) of us lived to see Negroponte become ambassador to the UN, let alone, head of national security with the power to grant FEC waivers as he did under Bush 2. Or that whole host of felons, from Cheney on down, recycled into our federal government or Iran/Contra basically globalized. I’m glad I couldn’t see the future then because it would have been unbearable. Although, we might have foreseen that laundered drug money would save our government from insolvency after this last crash. :)
“Whenever you get too close to the con game, a flare is sent up to distract us.” GV
Thanks for the clip.
Please take into account vidal’s anti-semitism, anti-Americanism, and support for Timothy mcveigh before getting overly sentimental about him
As well illustrated already in some of the responses to another recent FAIR submission, “Smearing Gore Vidal, Then and Now,” please take into account the cheap fashion in which Mr. Vidal’s detractors resort to vague blanket accusations to dismiss the man.
Yes Peter, libelling the dead is most probably the bravest thing that tim c and his fellow travellers of morons have ever done.
I remember Truman Capote’s comment that Gore Vidal did not tell the truth about anything, but he was a first rate essayist, on
the Dick Cavette show in 1970’s. The anti-semitism I do not accept, that which has been called anti-Americanism comes from an observation of the American military and governmental establishment during and before WW II to the present. He saw a large amount of rightwing inspired pro-NAZI sentiment and attitudes that the “New Deal” was socialist–his connections were such that he could hear the actual comments reflecting the attitudes of our “establishment”. His criticism of Israelis was cognizant of the fact that much of Israel, and with it, much of American and international jewry, considered the 1967 acquisitions to be permanent conquests. Which was clearly evident in the 1970’s, but seldom recognized–and not really recognized at all until the formation of the Likud after the the dissolution of the Greater Israel Party, the GAL.
Tim c– it’s not anti-American to criticize the US government. It’s a patriotic duty.
Well I heard Fair talk about how they began.It sounded high minded ,but what was the real underpinning?An advocate for Leftist,Liberal,Progressive opinion.That type will get a pass because after all they are the ones who see things correctly.The right on the other hand are to be discounted,thwarted, and attacked at every turn.This is the true aim of FAIR.They really cant/don’t even hide the fact.I would say 100% of FAIR articles are completely one sided.
And Andy it IS patriotic to criticize America.If you love this country- and want only the best for it.If you simply want to tear it down on the other hand ,and so criticize it at every turn, you are not patriotic.You are simply an enemy
Keep in mind that the powers at be will try to manipulate opinions by fake posts. If it has anything to do with “Real Truth” they will try anything to discredit it.
And also keep in mind that you cant argue with stupid, you will never win. Most Americans believe everything they hear and see on TV. In fact, 90% of them learn everything they know from that evil box. The Supreme Court ruled a long time ago “ANYTHING ON RADIO OR TV IS DEEMED ENTERTAINMENT AND DOES NOT HAVE TO BE FACTUAL”. look it up.