WP: Calling On Hollywood's Terrorism 'Experts'

[Junkdrawer]

Calling On Hollywood's Terrorism 'Experts'
Homeland Security Chief Compares Reality and '24'



By Paul Farhi
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, June 24, 2006; Page C01

Despite the unabated threat of terrorism and the arrival of another hurricane season, the nation's top Homeland Security official had time yesterday to publicly ponder this question:

Is the Fox series "24" like real counterterrorism efforts, or is it, you know, just a make-believe suspense show with actors and product-placement props and characters running around breathlessly yelling at each other, "Dammit, there's no time!"

Michael Chertoff, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said the agents on "24's" Counter-Terrorism Unit, like the 180,000 people under his supervision, have to make difficult choices while faced with "imperfect information" and a series of "unpalatable alternatives."

....

Among other things, Limbaugh asked the show's creators and stars whether they're snubbed by "Hollywood liberals" for making a "pro-America show." The consensus response: Well, no, and they wouldn't put it like that. As Surnow pointed out, the show is embraced by people of all political persuasions, with a fan base that ranges from Barbra Streisand to Donald Rumsfeld.

....


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/23/AR2006062301804.html?nav=rss_nation/special

Seems that the Right Wing pulled out all stops to endorse the show...so much so that many involved with the show seem embarrassed.

[tulsakatz]

1. the show has been on for several yrs!!

and yet the right wing acts like it's the greatest thing since sliced bread!!

And in fact, the people who make that show ARE Hollywood liberals!! So there would be no reason for other liberals to snub them........

[fishnfla]

2. I think that political junkies, most of all

should know the pervasive effect of television on american culture and society. I am not just talking about "24", although FOX sure can tie in its news division with a hit show.

Think about this: ALL politicians spend most of their time raising money. Lobbyists outnumber pols in Washington and legally bribe them for favors and special interests over the electorat
Why? Because campaign advertising money is needed for expensive TV spots. Souls are literally bought and sold for TV ads.

As for the shows themselves, it is all a matter of taste and perspective. It aint hard to have a hit show amongst all the crap that is on the air.

The producers of this show are loving all the free advertising they are getting.
Pushing all the right buttons