Best show I've ever seen, Bill Maher interview was the best ever Options

[DNT]

Yes, I am one of those dumber-than-a-hillbilly, schizophrenic, idiots that Bill Maher referred to last night. No, I do not speak in tongues but along with a majority of Americans, I believe in Jesus Christ. Healthy debate and controversial positions can make good T.V. but my preference for Late Night Television is entertainment, not listening to a self absorbed elitist, rant like an inarticulate 13 year old. His comments about Holy Communion, taken in remembrance that Christ died for us, were offensive and just highlighted Maher’s ignorance of transubstantiation.

What should Conan have done? Perhaps attempting to change the subject would have been a good start. Johnny Carson was a master at this technique. Conan just nodded, and agreed with Maher, and when he was asked if he believed in evolution (a “when did you stop beating your wife” question), Conan readily agreed. Well I believe in evolution, and so do a vast majority of Christians. There is absolute scientific proof that many species have evolved over time, and this should be taught in the schools. There is, however, no scientific proof, that man was the culmination of this evolutionary process and I abide by my belief that man was created by God. Maher doesn’t have to believe this, but as with many extremist positions, he declares there can be no debate, it has been decided. If there was absolute proof for this position, there would not be any debate, and the “missing link” wouldn’t be missing.

In the end, I felt sad for Maher, although I know he sure doesn’t want my sympathy, but I also lost some respect for Conan. As the heir apparent to Jay Leno, if he aspires to be the consummate host, he should learn better how to control his guests and at the same time be entertaining.

[matt72582]

If this was the other way around, nobody would speak out for the atheist/agnostics... Hypocrisy. I guess its ok for you when church is shoved down our throats by the media, by politicians. I agreed with everything Bill Maher said, and glad finally someone says something on TV, whether you agree or disagree.

[thefoghorn]

If this was the other way around, nobody would speak out for the atheist/agnostics... Hypocrisy. I guess its ok for you when church is shoved down our throats by the media, by politicians. I agreed with everything Bill Maher said, and glad finally someone says something on TV, whether you agree or disagree.

But is Late Night with Conan O'Brien the appropriate forum for these comments? I don't think it is in good taste to condemn what someone else believes in their heart...Christian, Muslim, Jew, Morman, athiest, agnostic, etc. But if they do, there are other places to do it. Yes, Bill Maher is full of opinions, but Late Night is a light-hearted, fun show and not Larry King. Notice Jim Cramer did not come on and attack people who own different stocks, but had a fun dialogue with the host. Another example is Lewis Black. He is just as cynical as Bill, but knows how to speak appropriately on a comedy show (and actually be funny as well). Everyone seems to know what was appropriate for the show, except Bill.

[terry_allen]

If this was the other way around, nobody would speak out for the atheist/agnostics... Hypocrisy.

And you know this how? Between this and implying that Conan agreed with Bill, you sure assume a lot of things.

Personally, I was annoyed with the comments about everybody Republicans hate. I know it was (supposedly) a joke, but I hate his whole smug "we liberals are so much better than others" attitude. His other assumptions were quite shortsighted as well. He just comes across as very arrogant and a huge jerk.

[SomeCallMeJim]

Eh, I'll throw my two bits in here.

The way I see it, it was a bad interview. The audience was clearly uncomfortable. Conan himself was obviously uncomfortable. In his interview, Maher insulted anyone who believes in anything spiritual, as well as all republicans and democrats who are rooting for Hillary. He barely touched on his series, which was why he was even being interviewed.

Is Maher entitled to his beliefs? Absolutely! But at the same time, his interview wasn't anything you can't hear just by going to a Christian message board and looking for atheist trolls. I've heard dozens of nobody-non-celebrity types spout off exactly what I heard in that interview. Ergo, I found it to be a useless interview.

A useful interview would have been talking about Bill's show, finding out what sort of mischief he's been up to lately, etc, which was what Conan was attempting before it got derailed there. I don't need Maher to hear liberal anti-religious diatribe. Just about any atheist democrat can fill that block. The Maher interview was lacking of valuable substance, and that's what I found most unappealing.

[vicarious122]

I personally found the remarks ignorant and offensive, but I wasn't threatened by them at all. Maher can say what he wants. Doesn't make him right or wrong. Conan remained pretty neutral throughout the interview. I would have liked to see a bit more rebuttal on his part, but it doesn't bother me too much.

[thefoghorn]

Thank You Bill Donahue!!!...Catholic League response to Maher's comments
http://www.catholicleague.org/release.php?id=1372

January 7, 2008

On the January 4 edition of the NBC show “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” Bill Maher commented on a remark about religion that was allegedly made by presidential contender Mitt Romney. In the course of his comments, Maher said the following:

“You can’t be a rational person six days of the week and put on a suit and make rational decisions and go to work and, on one day of the week, go to a building and think you’re drinking the blood of a 2,000-year-old space god. That doesn’t make you a person of faith…That makes you a schizophrenic.”

O’Brien, looking a bit uneasy, then asked Maher whether anyone who is religious is schizophrenic. To which Maher replied, “Well, yes, sort of, because they have walled off a part of their mind.”

Catholic League president Bill Donohue jumped on this today:

“There is no bigger anti-Christian bigot in the entertainment business than Bill Maher; he has shown that over and over again. While he may not like any religion, he has a special place in his portfolio of hatred for Christians, especially Roman Catholics. In Maher’s twisted mind—which has long walled off rationality, to say nothing of decency—the mere mention of religion sets off a tirade against Jesus. We’ll take the backhanded compliment.

“Unlike most non-believers, who are generally content to respect the right of most Americans to believe in God, guys like Maher want a brawl. He should be careful what he wishes for because there are those who pine to deliver.”

[SRP83]

well, iam just glad to see someone else was offended as I was. I hope Conan is sorry he asked bill maher on the show. For someone to say the things he did without an invitation was ridiculous . Quite frankly he is a nobody to me, but lets face it Bill made a complete jerk of himself on tv. The sad thing is i almost feel sorry for him for being so stupid, but people like him need our prayer. Some day if he doesnt change his beliefs he will know that there is a God and he will pay the ulitmate concenquence.
"every Knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess"

[Ando_the_Great]

but people like him need our prayer. Some day if he doesnt change his beliefs he will know that there is a God and he will pay the ulitmate concenquence.
"every Knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess"

Statements like this always get me riled up. As an atheist myself, I never want to hear that anybody is "praying for me" or somebody else. It's a demeaning and narcissistic phrase that implies that all believers are "better" than non-believers. Instead of "praying for us", how about just let us be?

(BTW, I don't intend to start a flame-war with this post. Like I said earlier, I just find that one particular phrase to be one that completely debases any POV atheists have. Atheism, whether you like it or not, is a belief just as Christianity or Judaism would be.)

[haynie]

I just wanted to say I just saw the Bill Maher what's-his-name interview and am heartbroken right now

I don't usually get upset of stuff like this, at all, but this time I did, and I don't know why.

It was like something that had been gone for so long popped up again and broke.. like a vase of clay that was broken by some dumbass before but was fixed later.. and was dropped on the cold, rock hard floor once again and is now more broken than it ever was before. Not that I cared much... that vase was only my whole life and everything I stand for.

Though... on some parts I agree with Mr. Maher, BUT...on some parts again... I disagree.

I'm not Catholic -far from it-
but a Born Again (Protestant, Charismatic) Christian without any clear political party line (and more than happy about it).


Thank you for breaking my heart, Mr. Maher. It was exactly what I needed... after everything I've been through already. I hope you're proud of yourself. Now if you excuse me, I have an appointment with my "2,000 year-old Space God" (He is actually way much older than that and is a lot huger than just Space but anyway). He at least has never crushed a broken spirit like you did.

I try to think you didn't mean any harm.. and was just trying to be funny. But.
Claiming that my faith means I'm irrational and everything is just wrong, kidding or not.
I happen to know that a lot of people do think that way and are NOT kidding.

But..if this makes me irrational and scitzophrenic (sp?), so be it.
Though... you can't claim your theory of evolution was any superior on it (in the meter of science and ratio) in any way.

(btw.. drinking my God's blood has never ever been on my list (and never will be) in any other than in a symbolic way)


*leaves the stage*

[SRP83]

Statements like this always get me riled up. As an atheist myself, I never want to hear that anybody is "praying for me" or somebody else. It's a demeaning and narcissistic phrase that implies that all believers are "better" than non-believers. Instead of "praying for us", how about just let us be?

(BTW, I don't intend to start a flame-war with this post. Like I said earlier, I just find that one particular phrase to be one that completely debases any POV atheists have. Atheism, whether you like it or not, is a belief just as Christianity or Judaism would be.)

Well statements that bill made get me all riled up so whats the differece?? And fo rone thing i NEVER once said iwas better than you and i dont think iam. I know atheism is a belief never said it wasnt. i never said i was praying for you anyways so chill out.

[Conan_the_shooti...]

Good people on this board, Please don't argue with each other over a Bill Maher. Why get in a tiff over as Some people refer to him as a Liberal Wacko Comedian.

My point is this, Bill Maher is basically a comedian who has, fairly regularly visited Larry King, Charlie Rose, Leno, Letterman and fairly. He is known for his extreme left and extreme right views. Actually, Bill was let go after his outlandious remarks about 9/11 on 9/17 on his show 'politically INCORECT' that aired on ABC.
"He hosted the late-night television talk show Politically Incorrect on Comedy Central and ABC, and is currently the host of Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO".

Therefore, I take nothing he says seriously, never have. Like his outrageous comments after 9/11. He comes out punching to shock us and enrage us into a stance, and sometimes...
Most importantly, "Maher is known for his political SATIRE and sociopolitical commentary. His commentaries target a wide swath of topics, from the Right-wing to the Left-wing, bureaucracies of many kinds, Religion, political INcorrectness, Hollywood, the mass media, and persons in positions of high political and social power, among many others".


Bill Maher was voted on comedy central's top 38 best stand-up comedian out of 100, of all times.

He is not a Brian Williams a well respected American journalist, nor a Walter Cronkite , who was cited as "the most trusted man in America".

Bill Maher is just basically a comedian.

[katiekds]

Well, like some said, Conan went on, said he believed in evolution, etc.. What I'm saying is Conan knows what Bill Maher is going to talk about, so maybe he agrees with him, but since he's in a tough position where he can't always speak his mind, sometimes agreeing, nodding, is all he can do.

bill maher has a stong opinion on religion. lets see if that changes when he gets or someone close to him gets a horrible disease. i dont believe what he believes and it felt like bashing of religion to me. i didnt like it but not enough to turn it off. i like to hear what people think even if i think they are a wholes.

[haynie]

I just wanted to say I just saw the Bill Maher what's-his-name interview and am heartbroken right now

I don't usually get upset of stuff like this, at all, but this time I did, and I don't know why.

It was like something that had been gone for so long popped up again and broke.. like a vase of clay that was broken by some dumbass before but was fixed later.. and was dropped on the cold, rock hard floor once again and is now more broken than it ever was before. Not that I cared much... that vase was only my whole life and everything I stand for.

Though... on some parts I agree with Mr. Maher, BUT...on some parts again... I disagree.

I'm not Catholic -far from it-
but a Born Again (Protestant, Charismatic) Christian without any clear political party line (and more than happy about it).
Thank you for breaking my heart, Mr. Maher. It was exactly what I needed... after everything I've been through already. I hope you're proud of yourself. Now if you excuse me, I have an appointment with my "2,000 year-old Space God" (He is actually way much older than that and is a lot huger than just Space but anyway). He at least has never crushed a broken spirit like you did.

I try to think you didn't mean any harm.. and was just trying to be funny. But.
Claiming that my faith means I'm irrational and everything is just wrong, kidding or not.
I happen to know that a lot of people do think that way and are NOT kidding.

But..if this makes me irrational and scitzophrenic (sp?), so be it.
Though... you can't claim your theory of evolution was any superior on it (in the meter of science and ratio) in any way.

(btw.. drinking my God's blood has never ever been on my list (and never will be) in any other than in a symbolic way)
*leaves the stage*

I felt oddly good after writing and posting that, and even better after a prayer.
Now I watched this interview again, and didn't feel bad at all. It's weird how sharing your feelings makes a difference in life.
[/random sidenote]

Anyway, my point is that I'm not hurt anymore, Mr. Maher. Sorry I freaked out before.

*leaves the stage again*

[matt72582]

This country is being run by Bible fanatics....... And the dumb masses follow like little sheep.

[SomeCallMeJim]

Hi Matt :-)

You know, the problem isn't the "Bible Fanatics" as you put it. The problem isn't even the anti-religious atheists. The problem, a problem your last post contributed to, is the tearing up of one another. What good did your last post do? Essentially, you were just blowing off a bunch of hatred that you built up for who-knows-what reason. Instead of building bridges with people whom you disagree with, you're building walls, and your anger towards others not only fails to make friends, but you wind up making enemies.

And I'm not giving religion a free ride either. I think it's unfortunate that people who believe in a book (a book I believe in, fwiw) that tells them to love their neighbors and to forgive without prejudice find themselves attacking Maher just as badly as he attacked them. Again, it would be better to build bridges than walls.

Finally, as a comedian and actor, I have used comedy for most of my life. Good comedy is comedy that will have more or less everyone leaving with a fond memory that will make them want to watch that comedian or show again. After all, if I put on a show that offended most of my audience, I'd run myself out of the comedy business. What Maher said wasn't comedy, and if it was supposed to be, it certainly wasn't good comedy. It was just a bitter rant spoken out of anger and prejudice, a rant that should be beneath any real comedian.

The bottom line is, Maher's hate speech didn't really bug me at all. I've heard it all before, and I'm not easily offended in the least. In fact, I'm still looking forward to the day when Maher becomes the next big Christian Evangelist (Hey, it worked for Saul/Paul!). I just wanted some more meat. He could have talked about his books, tv shows, etc. He could have done a great comedy bit. He could have done so many neat things with his time on the show, but he chucked that, just to bash on a substantial portion of the American people. He could even have found a more funny way to present his views if he really wanted to try and be funny. That was why I was disappointed. Not enough meat to his segment.

Anyway, I wish the best to you, and I do hope that we can agree to disagree if nothing else.

[SRP83]

This country is being run by Bible fanatics....... And the dumb masses follow like little sheep.

What do you think this country was based on ??? Christianty!! have you ever said the Plegde of Allegiance? "One nation Under GOD"
on coins " in God we trust" People came to this country searching religous freedom.

[haynie]

Hi Matt :-)

You know, the problem isn't the "Bible Fanatics" as you put it. The problem isn't even the anti-religious atheists. The problem, a problem your last post contributed to, is the tearing up of one another. What good did your last post do? Essentially, you were just blowing off a bunch of hatred that you built up for who-knows-what reason. Instead of building bridges with people whom you disagree with, you're building walls, and your anger towards others not only fails to make friends, but you wind up making enemies.

And I'm not giving religion a free ride either. I think it's unfortunate that people who believe in a book (a book I believe in, fwiw) that tells them to love their neighbors and to forgive without prejudice find themselves attacking Maher just as badly as he attacked them. Again, it would be better to build bridges than walls.

Finally, as a comedian and actor, I have used comedy for most of my life. Good comedy is comedy that will have more or less everyone leaving with a fond memory that will make them want to watch that comedian or show again. After all, if I put on a show that offended most of my audience, I'd run myself out of the comedy business. What Maher said wasn't comedy, and if it was supposed to be, it certainly wasn't good comedy. It was just a bitter rant spoken out of anger and prejudice, a rant that should be beneath any real comedian.

The bottom line is, Maher's hate speech didn't really bug me at all. I've heard it all before, and I'm not easily offended in the least. In fact, I'm still looking forward to the day when Maher becomes the next big Christian Evangelist (Hey, it worked for Saul/Paul!). I just wanted some more meat. He could have talked about his books, tv shows, etc. He could have done a great comedy bit. He could have done so many neat things with his time on the show, but he chucked that, just to bash on a substantial portion of the American people. He could even have found a more funny way to present his views if he really wanted to try and be funny. That was why I was disappointed. Not enough meat to his segment.

Anyway, I wish the best to you, and I do hope that we can agree to disagree if nothing else.

Wow.
You are very wise
Very well put!

I have nothing to add.

God bless you.

[conanrocks]

The number of responses to this topic is astonishing. I hope that those of you that choose to bash Bill Maher or Conan or NBC see that you are are really no different than Bill Maher's comments on the show. The hatred is only redirected, but it is still hate. Think about it.

[SRP83]

The number of responses to this topic is astonishing. I hope that those of you that choose to bash Bill Maher or Conan or NBC see that you are are really no different than Bill Maher's comments on the show. The hatred is only redirected, but it is still hate. Think about it.

the difference is iam not bashing bill maher... i just didnt appreciate what he said and i thought it was wrong of him to say the things he did... iam not redirecting hatred.