Good-Bye CBS
By Jon Alvarez (11/08/03)
If you've had it with the blatant liberal bias of the three major networks then the CBS mini-series "The Reagans" should prove to be the final straw. At this time, there are reports that CBS may be trying to sell this movie to Showtime. This would be most welcomed news, as it would prove that the networks are concerned with our opinions and are listening.
If that is the case, then we will have emerged victorious. However, if CBS chooses to ignore the outcry from the American public and continues with plans to air this film, then the time has come to make an example out of CBS. We can send a clear message to the other networks that this blatant distortion of history by liberals in Hollywood won't be tolerated. If CBS chooses to air "The Reagans" and it is deemed offensive to the legacy of President Reagan, we should collectively shun CBS.
Despite the fact that CBS President and CEO Les Moonves has acknowledged that parts of the mini-series are "over the top", TV pundits seem to be under the impression that this will be a ratings hit for CBS. I think they underestimate the anger of the American public concerning this story. Not only will patriots be tuning CBS out, but the aftermath will not be pretty for the network. Outraged Americans will ultimately remove CBS from their TV remotes. Les Moonves and CBS need to get the message loud and clear: Americans will no longer tolerate this type of irresponsible behavior and abuse of public trust.
What we have witnessed over the course of the past month is a drawing of the proverbial line in the sand. The backlash CBS faces will be very similar to the one faced by the Dixie Chicks earlier this year. Patriotic Americans will utilize the very legal and effective political tool known as the boycott to be sure they are heard loud and clear. If this mini-series does indeed air and is deemed offensive to the Reagan legacy, then CBS should be left to wallow in what they could have avoided. Let other networks and movie heads take notice of the wishes of the American public.
As for the show's advertisers, it makes no sense to boycott them. They are not responsible for the production of this offensive film, CBS is. They should be ashamed of themselves for sponsoring it with their advertisements, but CBS should ultimately be held responsible. Besides, most of them by now realize that it would be bad for business to associate their name with this mini-series. Miller Brewing has contacted me, stating they have no plans to advertise during this mini-series. That's good news as it confirms that many companies are aware of the outcry and are being responsible advertisers.
So on that note, if we learn on November 19th that this mini-series did in fact air, and was deemed a smear on the legacy of President Reagan, Americans should shun CBS forever. That means no more CSI, no more Survivor, and no more NFL on CBS. It is imperative we send a message: no more bias in the news and no more smear jobs from Hollywood passing as historically accurate depictions. Let us show CBS the door; otherwise our cries of outrage are just hollow words. Hopefully CBS will get the point quickly and do the right thing by throwing the whole project in the trash where it belongs.
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