...that there was not one word of tribute [at the Oscars], not one breath, to our fighting men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan or to their families or their widows or orphans. There were pitifully dishonest calls for peace -- as if the people we are fighting were interested in any peace for us but the peace of the grave. But not one word for the hundreds of thousands who have served and are serving, not one prayer or moment of silence for the dead and maimed.
Basically, the sad truth is that Hollywood does not think of itself as part of America, and so, to Hollywood, the war to save freedom from Islamic terrorists is happening to someone else. It does not concern them except insofar as it offers occasion to mock or criticize George Bush. They live in dreamland and cannot be gracious enough to thank the men and women who pay with their lives for the stars' ability to live in dreamland.
In years past Hollywood celebrities not only acknowledge the military but also contributed to onsite entertainment. That has all changed as only a few have ventured to Iraq and Afghanistan to entertain the troops. To that actress Traylor Howard has this comment:
I think it's such a shame Hollywood people won't go over there," says Howard, who traveled to Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan in December with Al Franken and a USO troupe. "They're risking their lives, haven't seen their wives, husbands and families ... They need people to come, and they deserve that. I'm not brave, and I'm the most nonpolitical, nonwar person, but I felt there was no reason not to go. And it doesn't matter what your political viewpoints are - Al is very left - you're just supporting the soldiers."
Celebrities like Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and others set a high standard for troop entertainment and their absence has been replaced by a Hollywood celebrity indifferent and at times outwardly hostile to the military.