Mel's Moonshadows Madness

331. Hey Sandman - Anger issues maybe?

Posted at 10:57PM on Aug 4th 2006 by sues

332. Anger issues? Not at all. I don't know why you would think so? You think I have something against Jews perhaps? I think Gibson's a Great actor. I've been pulled over for DUI/OUI myself, so I can feel for the guy and I know how humiliating it is.

Anger issues? I don't understand where you're coming from with that one? I left an earlier post, and ended it by sharing the fact that I am a Jewish man, and I am an alcoholic. I didn't offend anyone or any race of people in the course of my adventure through the legal system for my mistake, nor did the thought of doing so ever enter my mind.

Would you agree with me that his comments were 'out of line and from 'left-field (so to speak)? Let's face it; when you get pulled over (and we've all seen enough of cop shows to know) that at the very least, everything you say can and will be used against you. I would be surprised if the police don't have home movies of the whole incident, and I've read that they do, and he would have known that cameras were rolling, and that everyone (you/me) would end up seeing it?

For these reasons alone (and I can think of a few others), Gibson's just not a very smart guy. For myself; I suppose I could rant about race or creed if I wanted (I've no desire to), and if I did wouldn't have to worry about how it might affect societys way of looking at me, or the movie going public. Surely; I wouln't have to worry about whether or not I would be out of a job or be able to keep the one I have, or about the next project or movie?

Celebrities on the other hand don't have that luxury. Call it politics or whatever; but if I were making a 'big budget movie, the last thing I would do would be to hire an actor that the public hated, or loathed, or who just brought too much baggage to the table. I wouldn't want to set myself up to premiering a movie, only to have to deal with the 'negative press, or worse picket lines outside the theatres.

Mel Gibson should have known better; which leads me back to my original comment that may have bothered you, in that he's not a very smart guy. I wish him the best though, cause he's got a rough road to recovery, and alcoholism is the least of his troubles.

Thank you...

Posted at 12:57AM on Aug 5th 2006 by sandman

333. While I certainly don't approve of anyone driving whilst drunk, I'm all for freedom of speech. Why do the Jews get so uptight about negative comments directed at them? Anti-semite; that's all we ever hear. Anti-Christian is not an expression we often hear, and yet there are many people who fit that category. Anti-hindu? Anti-Buddhist? Yes, there are those who also fit those molds, but I suppose those two groups don't squawk as loudly as the monied Jews. I, for one, will still support Mel. (good job on "Passion of the Christ" - fancy the Jews wanting you to change history to suit themselves).

Posted at 1:46AM on Aug 5th 2006 by Jamie O'Brien

334. How many times have we all had a few too many and woke up the next morning saying to friends and family, "I'm so sorry, it was the booze talking". Don't deny it, we've all been there. It's just that what we say isn't written about in the newspapers.
Now it would be different if Mel came out a few days after this incident and said he meant every word he said. Then you could call him an anti-semite.
For three days I watched Mel work during the filming of Maverick a few years ago and he was nothing but polite and very helpful and understanding to ALL his co-stars and crew.
Leave him alone!

Posted at 9:15AM on Aug 5th 2006 by Jim

335. To Sandman: I am not Jewish, nor an alcoholic. No, I have nothing against Jews - I married one - a Jewish doctor. Bet that annoys some people - a nice Jewish doctor married to a shiksa. We have a child who was sent ot Yeshiva (my idea - husband was agaisnt it).

In my opinion alcoholism is a problem - everyone's problem. I hope you got that. So what is the key notion of what I've just said? Let me continue. Mel Gibson said Jews were responsible for wars throughout history (close enough). Again, key notion here is what? OPINION. You see there are facts and there are opinions. What Mel Gibson said is his opinion - sober or straight - it still amounts to an opinion. And as an alcoholic you should know that that words and opinions ARE spoken while under the influence. And that is not an opinion - that is a fact.

Since when in this country are we not allowed to express an opinion - be it popular or not? Well, when someone can twist it into a slanderous remark and relabel it as "anti-Semitic" we're not. This is akin to a black person is saying a white woman racist because she took the last loaf of bread on the shelf at the grocery store before the black could get there first.

The white woman who got the loaf of bread frist is not a racist. and Mel Gibson is not an anti-Semite. She got there first; he had an opinion. People in our Country need to take courses on semantics including etymology, then a few on ethics. Mostly ethics and learn how to use language properly - AND TO INFER PROPERLY. It's a problem that affects perception, which is what has happened to Mel Gibson.

You can respond to this; I won't be back here to read it. I teach and classes have begun where we live. You can surmise what I teach. And yes I will be using this senario this semester, at least.

Having said all that, no I do not agree with you. But I do feel that you have anger issues. And that's my opinion.

Posted at 10:42AM on Aug 5th 2006 by sues

336. FYI to those who are wondering about Mel's 0.12 alcohol level and his behavior...it can take less alcohol for an alcoholic to become completely inebriated than a non-alcoholic....an alcoholic can become a totally different person with alcohol and it has nothing to do with how they Really feel about anything when they are sober...it's an addiction same as drugs..not making excuses for them just giving the facts..

Posted at 12:14PM on Aug 5th 2006 by Linda

337. Maybe Gibson should take your class??? No on second thought, he's already confused enough:) P.S. He didn't say Jews are responsible for "wars throughout history". You suggest he made a vague reference to Jews, when he did not. Why try to sanitize what he said? You would wish to 're-write his comments to what purpose? You sound more like a public defender, whose job is to make and represent to the best of ones possibilities less than honorable actions. Spin it all you like, but racism is ugly by any standards. Of course Gibson has a right to his opinion, as do we to disagree. White woman, last loaf of bread, Black man playing the race card because she beat him to it (the bread that is)? You've got to be kidding???? If you're going to draw analogies, try to at least make sense:( Now that I think of it; I do have anger issues, at least when it comes to stupid people:) I am of the opinion that there are already too many disclaimers/warnings on labels. Smoking while pregnancy may lead to birth defects, & drinking may lead to drowsiness, are quite valid claims. But to suggest that drinking may lead to racism, now that's just going too far! Be honest; you think that would be a good idea now don't you? Good Grief! Yes alcoholism is everybody's problem (unfortunately), as is racism (again unfortunate). Al Gore believes in what? Bill Clinton holds what truths to be self evident? Mel Gibson is or is not an 'anti-semite? I guess it all depends on the moment, and which group of people their trying to fit in with on any given day? "I am NOT an anti-semite!" "The Jews start ALL the wars!" Israel didn't start events as of current in the middle-east, any more than we AMERICA started have been at war against terrorism post 9/11 hense. Israel has been fighting and dying at the expense of extremisms for more than 50-years. You don't think Munich rose from nothing do you? It didn't end there, nor was that when the dying began. Sometimes you have to make a stand, and fight for something. Even if it's only one's right to live and breath. In a far as Gibson, the man is no longer credible. It's as simple as that. He can make as many movies as he wants, but the cloud of doubt in public opinion that hangs over him is of his own fruition. Maybe he's come out of the closet? Why do you think they call it 'liquid courage? Because it aids in revealing ones inner thoughts and fears. Some people are just hurting, and they call them 'angry drunks. I've met a few of them, though none who verbalized resentment to Blacks, Jews or other. If you believe that one translates to the other, than you've been watching too many movies. So you married a 'nice Jewish girl, and that's nice. Oops! Did that sound racist?

Gibson's pain sounds like it's coming from a much deeper place than of alcohol or racism. Maybe he feels shortchanged with regard to his mother not showering him enough love (common psycho babble), or maybe he really does harbor anger for his fathers hatred of the Jews? Maybe he hates having to juggle a son's love of father, but for the hatred of what his father holds dear?

Many would have us believe that the prisons are full of people who came from broken homes. Where they didn't get enough love (or worse), came from abusive homes (verbal/physical), and that it somehow explains it? I disagree; in that most people don't grow up to be abusive, or rob banks or kill people. Do as I say and not as I do? I think most children who come from such upbringings know that they don't want to do to anyone else what their father did to their mother, or not shower ones children with love, the way their own parents did not.

I'd be interested in the concept of having to grow up in an atmosphere of 'racism, and knowing I did not want to become my father (or who ever)? If and when Mel Gibson finds the inner peace that evades him, I hope he writes a book about it. It might help a lot of people. An insight into a man, who has attained as much as he has, regardless (or in spite of) his father. I don't know; but do you think his father was a role model for the child? Did he support the child's desire to go into show business, or did he disown him for it? Not literally, but in essence?

Alcoholism? If only it were that simple? Booze merely a symptom of a deeper problem, as might be anti-semitic outburst? Maybe yes maybe no, I'd be curious to know the truth. Like I've said; he's apologized over and over for saying the things he did, but has yet to explain why he said them. Perhaps he's been suppressing such things for a very long time, and doesn't yet have the answer

I'll make a prediction, in that it will shoot to the 'best-seller list in a hurry.

Thank you...

PS. I knew you'd be back here to read this:) Who did you think you were kidding other than yourself:)

Posted at 3:20PM on Aug 5th 2006 by sandman

338. My father taught me one thing very important in life and he these words to me at a time when people were haters and you "stuck with your own." I thank God for a father who stood up and believed these words and taught me the same -- "you love each and every person on this earth for their heart; not their religion, the color of the skin, the money in their pocket; or of any other reason but their what makes them who they are."

For Mel Gibson to say such things about people who are jewish and of the jewish faith, is horrible and just plain painful to hear -- whether he was drunk or sober, it is hard to believe he would say that. I do believe that alcoholism and drug addiction is a disease, as I have this disease and fight every day of my life to keep my life, but Mel Gibson must learn that he can only save himself, and he needs to search long and hard to respect not only people of the jewish faith, but women as well. He called a female officerr (a female) sugart**ts. Where is his respect for women, as well. There is a lot going here and it's something he has had in him for a long time.

I pray he finds peace within himself. Gets the help he needs, and learns to stop hating and if it's not hating, learn to stop being disrespectful of others whomever they are, and the first person he needs learn to stop hating and disrespecting is himself. It's all so sad! I could go on and on... I am a a loss. I truly respected him, and to see that he hides behind a sheet of sorts, reminds of of the days when the KKK hid to do their harm. Well, Mr. Gibson, your sheet is off. Only you can save yourself.

Posted at 9:45PM on Aug 5th 2006 by Janice

339. LEAVE MEL ALONE

Posted at 6:43AM on Aug 6th 2006 by BKCARR

340. Who of you isn't guilty of any sin cast the first stone. Are you perfect. No you're not only Christ was and he died so that we could get forgiviness for our sins. This whole matter is blown out of porpotion. Hey enough is enough. The guy has apoiligized and is seeking help. Pray for him and give him a break.

Posted at 8:46PM on Aug 6th 2006 by David

341. Mel obviously needs help. Shame on the women in the picture with him. They were there for the party, but not to help him after. They got their pictures with their arms around a star, that's all they cared about. I do wonder where his wife was. She is going through this also. He needs help. Too often now days we forget the human factor and get caught up in all the religous mania......................Mel, get the help you need!

Posted at 8:56PM on Aug 6th 2006 by Joy

342. It is the timing of Mr. Gibson's statements that make them so evocative in the eyes of the world. To utter words of hatred in a time when the world's attention is fixed on the violence in Israel is a perfect illustration of how seeds of hatred are planted in the minds and hearts of individuals and continue to grow and escalate into wars. Due to his notoriety, his small minded bigotry is given a loud bullhorn. Thank you Mr. Gibson for showing the world just how words of hatred evolve to acts of hatred and suffering.

Posted at 10:10PM on Aug 6th 2006 by Eva Ross

343. Being Jew haters is so passe' it makes me yawn.
Drinking and being drunk is very very sad
Mel ought to go to permanent detox Then learn Yiddish and Israeli and apologize in both languages.
F.

Posted at 10:52PM on Aug 6th 2006 by .Francesca

344. Since Mel Gibson was allegedly drunk at the time, he probably does not remember what happened that night. Our culture thrives on bad news. If Mel Gibson had donated one million dollars to a charity. No one would probably know about it because it would have been good news and good news does not get around as does bad news. He who is without sin cast the first stone. We are all sinners and have done things in the past that we regret. Because we are not all famous no one hears about them.

Posted at 1:08AM on Sep 28th 2006 by georgiana

345. Who cares? Everyone acts like they never drank and drove before. He just got caught.

Posted at 4:23AM on Aug 7th 2006 by prescott