Interview with a Hollywood patriot
Here’s my syndicated column this week. Enjoy!
***
Let us not, on this Independence Day weekend, dwell on the political pretenders to patriotism rushing to out-proclaim their love of country. Nor let us pay heed to the sneering movie directors and journalism pooh-bahs allergic to red, white, and blue.
Instead, I’d like to share a bit of a special interview with a true Hollywood freedom-lover. Last week, my friend Melanie Morgan of Move America Forward and I co-hosted a special Internet telethon on Ustream.tv to raise money for care packages to send to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The effort yielded more than $1.1 million thanks to thousands of generous donors across the country. Among the special guests who contributed time and resources was musician John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting.
New Yorkers have a special place in their heart for Ondrasik’s work. His poignant song, “Superman (It’s Not Easy),” became an anthem for the first responders on the frontlines during the September 11 terrorist attacks. Military families across the country have adopted his song, “Freedom Never Cries,” as their own anthem. Ondrasik, who has participated in several USO tours, has produced and donated thousands of CDs for the troops–as well as supported several pro-military charities through his website, www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com.
Plain-spoken and humble, the multi-talented Ondrasik told us why he was motivated to get involved in supporting American troops: “I think it’s as important now to recognize our troops now that they’re kind of off the front page and not the main story. I think whether it’s war time or peace time, we have to constantly recognize their efforts, their families’ efforts–and music is one way to do that.”
Where did his sense of patriotism come from?
“I have no family members who are in the military and not a lot of friends who’ve joined the military. Frankly, to me, it’s just common sense. In our business, we make a living off liberty and freedom of speech. The world my children are going to grow up in, their opportunity, their lives, their safety, are dependent on folks like our soldiers and their families. It’s common sense to me. They provide us with everything that we take for granted a lot in this country. You know, that “Freedom Never Cries” video, I think the message of that video, at least for me, is that look, freedom is not free. There is a price that is paid for freedom and we have to constantly acknowledge that. If we accept that freedom is free and that it’s no big deal, I think we’re in trouble. And I do think there is some of that mentality pervasive not only in the United States, but in Europe as well.”
Ondrasik spoke frankly about anti-Americanism in Hollyweird:
“To be honest with you, at times, I’m embarrassed to be part of this industry. There are people that do support the troops. A lot of them are under the radar. You don’t hear a lot about them because they’re going over to Iraq without a camera crew and they’re doing the right thing. Go down the line–Gary Sinise, Kelsey Grammer, Patti Heaton, folks like that. But as an industry, I do think there’s a lot of shame to be left at the doorstep of Hollywood. They make films that disparage the troops. Which is their right. Our troops are very stoic. They understand that. But they’re human beings, too. And the art that comes out of Hollywood, the music, affects our perception in the world. ”
“People across the world are seeing films being made about troops that disparage them, and they’re going to think, ‘Hey, if they’re saying that about themselves, it has to be true.’ And I wouldn’t be so bothered about it if there were the counterarguments–you know, films basically showing the good side. You don’t see that, and it’s frustrating. I think it’s to our detriment. And I think we pay a price for that…I think people do take our troops for granted. They take our freedom for granted. I don’t think we have the clarity we need as a country going forward.”
Speaking as an American entertainer, Ondrasik talked about his duty to express gratitude for his country and those who defend it: “It is our job, our obligation. We can’t pick up a gun, can’t drive a tank, or fly an aircraft, but I can write a song and I can speak up and I think it’s important for people to do that.”
Hear, hear. Happy 232nd birthday, America. For every blessing of liberty secured by our forefathers and defended by our men and women in uniform on the front lines, we thank you.
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I love his music and am thrilled to hear that he is a rare patriot in the music business.
Amen
Ditto’s cpodug!!!
I give thanks to our men and women in service everyday…THANK YOU! with all my heart…
Someone where I work has a bumpersticker that reads something like: “A nation is measured by the freedom it gives its dissenters, not its assimilated conformists” - which is all well and good.
I’m pleased to point out that even the most vocal, violent critics of the Bush administration have not ended up in gulags.
Yet, there isn’t a doubt in my mind if the conservative folk in Hollywood spoke up, they’d be blacklisted and out of work.
Great column and major kudos to John Ondrasik for having the nerve to stand up for our country. It’s nice to see at least a few celebrities understand that - without our military and our freedoms - they’d be out of work. They need a reminder that shari’a law doesn’t look kindly on acting, music, or women.
I never heard this song or had seen the video. It was beautiful and a true tribute to all our service men and women past and present. God Bless America and may she be forever The home of the BRAVE and the land of the FREE.
Happy Birthday to us all!
Good video.
What impresses me about Mr.Ondrasik, and his kind, is the courage he shows to stand and deliver in the face of what must be an awesome onslaught of left wing, anti-USA drivel that comes from people in his industry. Honor and glory to all who have served and all who do serve this 232nd Independence Day. I am humbled and blessed to be a citizen.
I’m proud to be an American… that’s it. Just a damn proud American here. God bless this land, our veterans and troops! Happy 232nd!
Oh and Mr. Ondrasik, God bless you too!
John is one of many celebrities who reaches out to our troops and loves America.
He is right: many celebs quietly lend their support, from both sides of the political spectrum.
I have been fortunate to work with some during my years in Hollywood and even now, when producing specific celeb related events.
Many of these celebs aren’t interested in a photo op - which is why we so rarely hear or read about their patriotism in the media. They do it because, politics aside, they love our troops.
Last year, Ghost Whisperer paid tribute to our troops in a special episode that featured actors who had deployed to Iraq and served our country with honor.
The producers then shipped hundreds of dvd’s of the episode to our troops.
The cast and crew were honored to have among them, true heroes who had fought in Iraq.
The GI Film Festival brings together celebs, producers,directors and film buffs - and focuses on films celebrate our Military: past and present.
Say what you will about “The Unit” - but overall it portrays our troops, especially Special Forces, in a positive, brave, complicated yet heroic manner.
Last year, striking Writers Guild members, comprised of men and women who earn modest incomes, put out the call during Christmas to donate items for care packages for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Writersw are not the mega rich celebs we see in the media, these are working class people, with families to feed.
During the strike, none received pay, many had to dip into savings accounts to survive, and few could buy Christmas gifts for their kids, yet they found the means to not only donate items for care packages, but also assemble and ship out the packages.
The call came via an email that read: Let us NOT forget the men and women in the Frontlines away from their families.
The response was overwhelming!
As John alluded there ARE several pro military, pro America, films in development - and a couple that should be released in the upcoming months.
As July 4th approaches, let us celebrate Freedom and remember that Freedom is Never Free and ALWAYS WORTH DEFENDING.
The rockets red glare
The bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night,
that our Flag was still there!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!
I am proud of my country and the way it has shaped the world for the better and of people like Mr. Ondrasik who “get it”. I’m proud of all who have served and who are serving in the military, and of the ordinary citizens who make this country so great where one can live in peace and freedom and pursue one’s dreams.
Freedom is not free, and it is constantly under assault - we face just as great a danger from the enemy within as from the declared enemy without. We are all more fortunate than perhaps we appreciate to be “living the dream” here in the USA.
Happy Birthday, America!
True patriotism starts at the dinner table.
Yes! Happy birthday to best place on the face of God’s green earth to live and raise a family.
Great article, Michelle!
There was a time when Hollywood answered the call to duty. True stars like Jimmy Stewart, Gene Autry, Elvis Presley, et. al. put their careers on hold to go serve their country.
What happened?
Now it’s filled with narcissistic people with over-inflated opinions of themselves. Who enjoy the freedoms are troops fight for, while criticizing those same troops.
Good job MM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brovo Zulu!!!!!!!!
I enjoyed the video and the article very much. God bless you and yours, Mrs. Malkin, Mr. Ondrasik and his family, all of our military troops wherever they may be in the world, and may God bless this great country of ours. HAPPY BIRTDAY AMERICA.
Bravo Michelle. And thanks.
Couldn’t have said it any better:
Now it’s filled with narcissistic people with over-inflated opinions of themselves. Who enjoy the freedoms are troops fight for, while criticizing those same troops.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness
To all the families that have paid the full price….Thank you and may you have a great Forth of July!
Happy birthday America!
Nice. Always enjoyed his music too. And I put my money where my mouth is.
Great job and what a wonderful way for real Americans to say Thank you .
Once again, I point everyone towards the rock band Alter Bridge and their song “One by one”, which an homage to the soldiers. Just search youtube for: “alter bridge one by one tribute” & you’ll see a wonderful presentation that a fan created & that the band supports. I keep trying to get pro-troop people to find out about the band & song, but I can’t get enough folks to join in & lend them some support (no, I’m not affiliated in any way, just a fan of the group and a pro-military person).
Seriously, this site or hotair would do its fans a service by hyping that band/video and its message. VERY pro-military and extremely moving.
They’re on our side, guys.
For those that want to see how things are going here is a Sacremento CBS news report on moveamerica’s post internetathon
What a great song and video! great column too, thank you once again Michelle…
the lyrics remind me a little of the Rudyard Kipling poem “Tommy”
sample verse:
For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy wait outside”;
But it’s “Special train for Atkins” when the trooper’s on the tide,
The troopships’ on the tide, my boys, the troopship’s on the tide,
O it’s “Special train for Atkins” when the trooper’s on the tide.
Freedom definitely isn’t free and must be fought for every day! Celebrate the birth of freedom and work every day to defend it from the libertines, both on the right and left, who strive to control our birthright!
How ironic is it that next to the video on this thread is a picture of a black woman holding a placard that says “God Damm America”? Sigh.
It’s nice to see someone actually take a stand.
I defy anyone to watch that video and not feel something. When the folded flag is lain on the shelf in the pawnshop the image was so…moving…that I began crying.
I will be forwarding his video to everyone in my contact list for Independence Day, and if they don’t like it, well, they can piss off.
Time for me to go and buy $$$$ an Ondrasik CD !!!!
He supports our troops—-I support him!
I’ve never heard of this musician (I only know classical music) but that was very well said. Great article. He brings up a good point, that we don’t have to have friends or family in the military to appreciate what the troops do. They’re protecting our freedom, and for that I am very very thankful
“They need a reminder that shari’a law doesn’t look kindly on acting, music, or women.” -englishqueen01
Seriously.
Re #13 post
“True patriotism starts at the dinner table.”
Amen to that.
It’s taught and lived and it’s a commitment, not some stupid feeling you could get at a rock concert…
Everything is being redefined to senselessness….
But only for the unthinking. Which we are not.
Toward the end of my tour of duty in Vietnam, a buddy said to me, “Never be ashamed that you served your country.” Those words have stayed with me ever since.
nbarry;
Like you, I am never ashamed of my service in Nam, but it was the citizenry and the politicians ala Kerry that showed their shame….. welcome home!
Great video. It’s kinda poignant watching it next to the photo of Martha Wash in her f*ckin turban and America-hating sign.
And when asked by a Liberal “Are you questioning our patriotism” just say:
You are damn right I am you leftist jerk.
Get those flags ready for the Fourth.
What flag are you flying lgm - Cuba, Viet Nam, Iran, your sister’s underwear?
(wallows in the pretty sudsy bubble-bath of AZ’s words…)Ahhhhh
232 years old. Keep that in context. Spain was under Muslim rule for 500 years, some 270 years longer than America has existed. Freedom is not free but there are millions of human lemmings who just don’t care. They prefer bondage in a nanny state to freedom and liberty. Too many choices and sacrifices to manage one’s life I guess. Take your bowl of soup and move on to the next line please. Sad.
Oh Michelle!! Bless you my friend. Thank you for posting that video and for the article/interview with John Ondrasik. I also thank you for your good deeds done with Melanie Morgan.
The video brought tears to my eyes and I know that Jesus is smiling on you, Melanie, John and so many others that love and help each other. Again, I thank you Michelle.
Happy 4th of July everyone and may our good Lord continue to Bless you Michelle and all as you have blessed others.
Damn!
Made me cry. Again.
God bless ‘em all! Every one!
I thought we weren’t supposed to care what celebrities thought about politics. I guess only when we disagree with them.
Reminds me of Laura Ingraham the other day interviewing Stephen Baldwin and asking him (a celebrity!) “why should we care what these celebrities have to say?”
(Personally I feel embarrassed listening to any of them talk about anything but their kids’ nontraditional schooling and diets. OK that’s embarrassing too, but hilarious.)
The true Independence Day is today, when the congress voted on it. John Adams wrote about celebrating the 2nd. But, the 4th has been selected and it was the day they adopted the Declaration, so be it. It’s a day to be proud to be an American and reflect that 232 years ago, something new was tried that worked…self-government. My flag will be waving, showing my patriotism….real patriotism, that is. Let’s hope that the principles set down so long ago, will remain, so that this country can still be a light of freedom.
Thanks for proving there are still some decent people that love this country and support the troops in the la la land make believe world of the left coast. Mr. Ondrasik is a real American and true patriot with the gumballs to stand-up and declare his appreciation for this country and those willing to risk their very lives to protect it. Too bad others fear the reprisals of the moonbats that control the entertainment industry to come out of the closet and declare this love for our country and this generation of heroes.
Speaking of heroes on this day in history the Continental Congress voted to declare their independence from Great Britain. This is also the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg which saw heavy casualties in the Confederate assaults at Culp’s Hill on the Union right and the area around Little Round Top (The Wheat Field, Peach Orchard, Devils Den, etc.) on the Union left. We owe much to our founding fathers and those that fought to “Preserve the Union” or for “States Rights” betting on the outcome with the very lives.
You really have to admire Mr. Ondrasik for having the stones to stand up for this fine Republic in an industry that considers sneering at America its bread and butter. Makes me want to get into Five for Fighting a bit more.
I give John an A+ for effort. However, the song still comes off whiny and slow.
Sorry, the GREATEST contemporary Patriotic KICK ASS song over the last 7 years is Toby Keith’s “The Angry American”! Still waiting for another artist, of ANY genre, to have the stones to write a high energy song like that.
Put it as the ringtone on my cell phone, so when it rings in public I can spot the libs by their looks of disgust. HA! HA!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSWuA-RttGU
My yard is squared away with the American flag flying. The BBQ grill,pool and cold beer is ready to go.
G-d’s speed to our troops in harms way, and standing a post for us.
Thank you to the greatest militay that ever stepped foot on this planet!
In William J. Bennett’s book ‘The Moral Compass’ on page 637 is an entry about an inscription found on an old stone sentry box at Gilbraltar:
I was not available to listen to the full broadcast, but this portion with the interview with Ondrasik IS the portion I WAS able to listen to, and I very much enjoyed what Ondrasik had to say.
Ondrasik gave a very accurate description of political conditions in the entertainment industry, like the related “media” industry (if not one and the same).
That’s (also) a very accurate description of the entertainment industry. In fact, I’ve often thought that it ought more appropriately be called (in it’s current state), “the betrayal industry.”
Looks like the last tally comes in a bit over $1,500,000.00 - I donated late in the effort, and I’m sure many more did today.
Michelle - you need a wrap-up article with the total as of the close of the effort on July 2nd - and a reminder that people can continue to give throughout the summer!
God bless all of you who worked so hard, and gave so much in this wonderful effort!
I heard the interview of John Ondrasik during the telethon, and when it was over, my thought was, “And Bingo was his name-o.”
It’s reassuring to know that Mad Libs haven’t completely overtaken the creative arts.
The comments he made don’t sound unusual to many of us. They just sound unusual coming from an artist. It’s like a choir where everyone sang the same note all the time but then someone chimed in and sang a new one.
I have often said that if I hated this country as much as some of the entertainer types do, I would leave. But, than I ask, where would you go, and have all the benefits and opportunities you have here? And I have a deafening silence…
Yes! Let us not forget it.