The HBO host has become a leading advocate of the view that Islam is uniquely violent and threatening. Does that hold up under critical scrutiny?
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From l to r: Glenn Greenwald, Joy Reid, Charles Cooke, Bill Maher on HBO’s “Real Time”, May 11, 2013 Photograph: screen grab
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Last night I was on Bill Maher’s HBO show “Real Time”. There have always been numerous views of Maher’s with which I agree. But he has become one of the most vocal and extreme advocates of the view that – while religion generally should be criticized – Islam is a uniquelythreatening and destructive force and that Muslims are uniquely oppressive and violent, and that mentality has infected many of his policy views (see here and here for some comprehensive background; just two weeks ago, he had a fairly typical outburst on this topic). When I was scheduled to do the show, I was hoping that the opportunity would arise to debate these views (or that I could create the opportunity), and last night it did.
The resulting exchange, which was somewhat contentious and sustained for a show like this, can be seen on the recorder below. The segment begins at the 4:45 mark and our specific exchange begins a couple of minutes after that (the first segment on this video is a debate on whether Benghazi is now a “scandal” in light of newly released documents). Our exchange ends up, I believe, capturing the crux of this debate – which is essentially similar to the one I had recently with Sam Harris and friends – rather well:
You can watch just the last two minutes or so – the heart of the matter – with this clip:
I watch this show weekly, hoping that the discussion, with entertainment being the main thrust, will evidence some much needed knowledge to counter the relentless Pavlovian propaganda that rains on the Republic like a thunderstorm. Or, as Shakespeare opined, “Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” It is unfortunate that Bill has such intense hatred of anything resembling “faith” that the knee jerk response to any crisis can be turned into his beloved polemics against religion. Turns his intellect into an ugly display of hate. I care not if one is an atheist, agnostic, Baptist or worships a toad stool,… Read more »
Mary, You state: I care not if one is an atheist, agnostic, Baptist or worships a toad stool, but please, Bill, try to eliminate your personal vendettas from distorting issues of far greater import than your crusade against any religion. Perhaps the attempt to address the inherent violence of religions which promote it, is not a crusade or vendetta, but a well reasoned reaction based on the evidence. It is not coincidental that so much of the ‘terrorism’ in the world today is fostered by the semitic religions. The failure to evaluate the evidence as we insist on preserving these… Read more »
Ruth,
I truly feel sorry for you that you view the entire pathos of the world, and every issue on the planet through your atheistic filter. Are you able to discuss anything without turning it into a raging rant against religion? Your one pony diatribes only demean your ability to have a rationale assessment
of the plans of the NWO and globalist who are NOT involved OR motivated by ANY religion, with the possible occult ties that were at the root of much of Nazism’s terrors.
Mary I am not quite sure why it is necessary for you to label criticism of religion as a vendetta…It is often based on well reasoned examples. Bill Maher has the right to express his views on religion, as they are often based on the moral and spiritual failure which instigates and participates in so much violence, knowledge suppression, and wealth grabbing. Dominion religions are no different than the corporations or business and political leaders you criticize. Just as Bill Maher has the right to expose the faults of religion, so too do I. There are many individuals who do… Read more »
Mary, May I remind you that your initial comment criticizes Bill Maher for daring to challenge the dysfunction of religion. Your pity is unwarranted, as there are many who understand the underlying harm done by religions which insist on the right to kill. Not everyone feels as you do. Despite your view, they are entitled to the information. In my work to end animal abuse and exploitation, I often receive support for the position that the the semitic religions are indeed responsible for so much of the carnage: “Dearest Ruth, You are a remarkable woman and I have the highest… Read more »