WASHINGTON- Recently on HBO, Bill Maher insulted and demeaned all members of the U.S. military when he said, "The Army missed its recruiting goal by 42% last month. More people joined the Michael Jackson Fan Club. 'We've done picked all the low-lying Lynndie England fruit.' And now we need warm bodies".
"To characterize the men and women currently serving and risking their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq as low lying fruit is reprehensible," said Congressman Bachus.
Congressman Bachus has sent a letter to the entire Board of Directors of TimeWarner, HBO's parent company, asking that they stop distributing this tasteless and hurtful programming. The episode of Real Time with Bill Maher containing his despicable commentary first aired on May 13th and has appeared more recently as a re-run. The transcript of this commentary also appears on HBO's official website: www.hbo.com/billmaher/new_rules/index.html
Bachus continued, "This supremely insensitive and offensive statement is an affront not only to service members but to their families, loved-ones and friends as well as anyone who respects the sacrifice made by the troops now serving under difficult and dangerous conditions. To make such callous remarks about men and women who daily risk their lives to protect the safety of every American is despicable.
Because of the sacrifice of Americans in the past, Maher has the right to say what he wants no matter how contemptible. Nonetheless, all those who admire the courage and professionalism of our troops will be disgusted and repelled by this filth and distressed that such pollution is being sent into our living rooms.
Legitimate political comment is not only the right of all Americans, it is the basic principle underlying our democracy. However, common decency and the recognition of the pain such thoughtless and ill advised comments would cause the families who have had loved-ones killed or injured should prevent the expression of these opinions in the name of entertainment. I have called on the TimeWarner Board of Directors to please stop the distribution of this tasteless and hurtful programming. It is not funny. It is cruel."
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