“Got Your 6” skepticism
StrikeFO sends us a link to the story of the latest Hollywood campaign to “support” veterans called “Got Your 6”. You can see their video at this link between mindless yammering by gadflies and script readers. Guys like Michael Douglas and Alec Baldwin who declare that they have veterans’ “6”. But it’s all a slick ad campaign to make us think that Hollywood really cares about us – despite the crappy movies and television shows that have come out of the vacuum of common sense and selfish purpose the last several years. Of course, you know it has something to do with the President, right? From the “Got Your 6” website;
Inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama’s Joining Forces initiative and formed as an entertainment industry commitment at a Clinton Global Initiative America convening, Got Your 6 launches today with tremendous strength.
“The entertainment industry captures our imaginations, opens our eyes and touches our hearts, and I’m proud to work with them on our Joining Forces initiative,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “By sharing the stories of strength and resilience that define our military families, we can motivate even more Americans to honor these courageous individuals in new ways….
(click to expand full release and continue reading)
Yeah, well, where was the entertainment industry when we needed them in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007? Now because the right guy is in the White House, they support veterans and service members. Nice try. Why did the vacuous trolls need to be “inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama” – why couldn’t they be “inspired” by the service people who selflessly sacrificed so they could prattle on mindlessly for a decade under the protection of those service members?
And, by the way, I smell the Paul Rieckhoff ass-stench all over this thing. Scroll down the page at the “Got Your 6” website and sure as shit, there’s IAVA – the Rieckhoff Publicity Agency.
Category: Veterans Issues
With friends like these, yadda yadda yadda.
Frankly, I’d rather have the support of folks like Gary Sinese, Wayne Newton, Chuck Norris, and Denzel Washington, who don’t need political figures to goad them into doing what they do.
You lost me at “Inspired by Michelle…..”
Is it just me or does that six look like a not-so-puckered browneye?
Someone check to see how many of these chuckleheads were part of that WCW video campaign back in ’03. I’m sure at least one or two of them were slobbering all over themselves in that one and now want to jump on board. Screw you. I was opposed to the Iraq invasion, but godammit once the shit started flying, you back the troops, period, end of story. The celebrities that have been supporting the troops since the beginning are well known and these johnny-come-lately’s can kiss my beer drinking ass.
Yet another example of symbolism over substance.
Gee, so I spent some money buying this bracelet, so I can wear it and show “support” for the troops.
I don’t need to buy a damned trinket to show off that I “support” the troops in name only. Any schmoe can spout off about “supporting” the troops. Talk is cheap.
How about buying gift boxes to send troops overseas? Or entertaining them in shows?
Are there any tangible benefits for veterans that come from this, or is it just like when everyone was wearing flag pins?
Now I gone an done it. Started a mini Twitter war by voicing displeasure and linking this blog post. Was informed that Team Rubicon is also on board with this initiative, however when directed to a Washington Post article about the same effort the only parties mentioned are all linked to either Hollywood or Democrat political entities.
I don’t doubt that some well meaning organizations are also included in this project, but the reality is the media will take this and run with the Hollywood and Michelle Obama meme and completely ignore those other organizations.
F U Tom Hanks.
I’ll try to remember they have my 6 when my health care costs start climbing like a frikking ICBM next year. I’ll try to remember they have my 6 when some liberal org starts calling us jack booted thugs again and none of them say a damn thing about it. Yeah, color me enthused about this initiative for the rich celebrities to feel good about themselves.
They can only do what they know. Finding out what is actually needed is outside their ability to think. So, they retreat to their default position – do what makes themselves feel good then go on with their superficial, empty lives.
Whatever.
Robin Williams is as far left as you can get, but when it comes down to walking the walk; he has been supporting the troops through thick and thin from the get go and even though I don’t agree with his politics, I give him mad props for having the their 6 since the beginning. He cowboy’d up and didn’t wait around for politics to get him there for the troops.
Sorry all, but this has me pissed off to no end. When they politicize their support for the troops in a fucking election year, it makes them look more narcissistic than usual. Every one of them needs a throat punch.
I guess that’s my real problem with this, where were y’all in 03 or 04 or any damn time before now. Do you only support us in election years when your guy is in the white house? I’m pretty sure I know the answer to that question.
So that’s what that lapel pin on Ryan Seacrest’s coat was (Don’t hold it against me, it’s a swap-off with my wife for all the ww2 shows she’s watched with me). If I have to worry about Alec Baldwin covering my 6, I’m in a hella buncha trouble.
I’ll accept at face value a non-political motivation from any celeb who I saw at a USO show while deployed (that includes Al fing Franken who came to Bosnia in 2001). Other than that, if you aren’t providing combat support or combat service support, go screw.
Anyone else find it interesting that this plays at the same time that the horrendous words, “…when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf…*” came from the imposter’s mouth regarding same sex marriage?
No, you fool, our troops are NOT fighting on YOUR (exclusive) behalf! They are on duty for all of us. We were on duty for every American.
So, sorry, but those who support you do NOT have my 6.
Exception being a few like Robin Williams who do still put the nation and her people before ideology.
*One of many places that published the speech: http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/my-behalf_644310.html
OWB, any bets on how soon Operation Scrub That Quote is put in place? He definitely stepped on it when he revealed his true feelings. And, I’m not talking about gay marriage. He probably really thinks that the military fights for him. I wonder when the loyalty oath takes place?
Until there is some negative feed back for that statement, no need to pretend that he didn’t say it. Of course, he may only consider gay members of the military in that personal army of his. 😉
Does anyone actually want these people behind them? My brothers and I are not a political tool. My brothers and I are not a fashion statement. So lame. Couldn’t find anything on if they were buying these bracelets (or what ever they are called) or they are being handed out like candy at Hollywood parties in their goodie bags? Which makes me ask if they are buying them where does the money actually go? OR OR if they are being given as frivolous gifts who fucking pays? Sorry I can not load the videos on my computer if my questions is/was answered there
Oh god, I wonder if Hanoi Jane will join them? When it comes to people in Hollyweird, I would probably keep my 6 against a wall!
“Got your 6?” Do they even understand what that means? Either on foot or in convoy, you had to make sure the soldier or gunner covering our 6 (rear for those who have no idea what “6” means) had to be trusted, sharp and knew they’d catch all the shit thorwn at the rear of whereever we were going. I did it a few times and I felt that if I failed, my team would all die…so I was ready to do ANYTHING to protect them…are these hollywood hereos ready?
Hollywood is “bandwagonning” this one. Again, where were they years ago?
YOU ARE WORTHRESS AREC BARWIN!!! If it’s not Denzel Washington or Gary Sinise saying they back the troops, I won’t listen to them. Actions certainly speak louder than words. I’m sure there’s others; those are the only two I can think of right now.
I’m not sure I’d want them behind me either, badams. Eventually I’d have to bend over for some reason. That’s difficult to do while looking over your shoulder. (smile)
re:#22 and pretty much every other comment here. It is reassuring that others have the same thoughts. I live in southern California. Thankfully in a marine/navy suburb even tho I am formally of the army it is still way way way nicer and safer than the alternative. California is a “interesting” place…full of a variety of very “interesting” people.
Agree with others here about those that supported the troops before the 2008 elections regardless of their politics. For the rest; like Ray said, “F U Tom Hanks” and will add pound sand you, pukes.
Hollywood that supports Obama and only NOW want to support the troops is sickening. I’ll bet many of these liberals walked right by homeless vets and did not give them the time of day.
Current and past military members will have each others 6. It is a known and unspoken rule. We don’t need a slogan or lapel pin or wrist tie to know that we sacrificed so morons could, well, be morons.
So maybe they do care, and I’m willing to give the individuals on camera the doubt. The proof will be the dollars they send to organizations small and large, and time put in. Also, are they willing to overstep the boundaries of partisanship to speak up about legislation for veterans and families?
The purpose of this was to ask Hollywood for a more accurate portrayal of veterans, and hitting to the core of issues facing them and their families. Good enough, but the PSA was driven by the Obama Campaign. Their supporters include Blue Star Families, which started off as Blue Star Families for Obama just in case anyone needed reminding.
It’s difficult to rectify their intent when we know that Katherine Bigelow and Mark Boals (Hurt Locker) are launching yet another big film this October about the hunt for Obama Bin Laden. Boals is the screenwriter who had no direction in his life, embedded once to Iraq for all of three weeks, and based on his “experience,” wrote a screenplay that won (gulp) an Oscar.
Such things don’t bode very well for the future of this campaign. And if there is skepticism, it’s well deserved. I mean, Hollywood has a history that goes back to the beginning of moviemaking of stereotyping, categorizing, and worse –dabbling in political issues with the view of a flounder.
This being said, it is what it is. Some of the partnering organizations are good ones –Operation Gratitude for one. Let’s hope they get some donations from the Hollywood types flipping through their page.
Fortunately, Lt Col Rob Riggle and Mike Bigelow, both USMC came in for the save. http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/8845bac6bd/rob-riggle-s-got-your-back?playlist=featured_videos
@23-badams-Try being a recruiter in SoCal. Worse yet, they still have recruiting offices in Santa Monica. There are areas in the district which weren’t bad, such as Thousand Oaks, Ventura/Oxnard, Torrance, and Santa Maria. The rest of the LA area? Barely worth even stepping foot in. I won’t comment on OC because they were part of NRD San Diego, but the guys out of there said pretty much the same thing.
If Obama loses the election, it will be interesting to see if Hollywood still maintains this effort. Highly doubt it though. More likely they’ll return to blaming a president for casualties and to pull troops out now.
@27 NHSparky…..recruiter was the only detail I would think was worse than drill in Jackson….being recruiter in so Cal (outside the military community of SD) sounds like hell. Did the hometown recruiter helper thing and was sent to a UC a few days after a military protest…our presence inspired an impromptu protest. We had a set up next to LAPD….they thought we had it rough.
You’re a fuckin’ idiot. The entire time they were 100% behind us. They didn’t want us to be placed in harms way by a mindless bunch of nitwits like the Bush Administration, you know, the assclowns who sent us into war without having the common sense God gave your normal retarded fruit fly.
“Blame Bush”=not worth reading. Have a nice day, fucktard.
I’m still waiting for Alec Baldwin to follow through and leave the country like he said he was going to when Bush was elected. The fact he’s in this video only proves what a two faced douchebag he is.
I haven’t even watched the video, I refuse to. And if I did, I’d probably need a puke bucket on standby. Hollywood is out of touch with reality, and has been so for a very long time. You’ve got Matt Damon saying Nelson Mandela was the greatest world leader of our time, and Mark Whalberg saying he could have single handedly stopped 9-11. Arec Barwin is a punk, with his hit and run debate tactics.
Joseph…a few were like the above mentioned Mr. Sinese. The rest of them couldn’t give two shits unless their agents or handlers told them it was a good photo op, and some not even then.
Obviously, the individual posting as Joseph above never heard the old proverb: “Better to keep one’s mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.”
And Hondo–I say that as a comparatively rarely represented military member in the Los Angeles area during the mid to late-90’s, at the height of the Clinton era.
Having dealt with a few Hollywood types, when it came to most military, we were to be kept out of sight, and preferably out of mind, unless our presence would somehow help them.
Case in point–I was asked by a friend of my ex-wife who knew I was a submariner if I’d be interested in attending the opening of Spielberg’s restaurant “Dive!” in 1994, provided I attended in uniform. I declined.
Aye? If a person wares the got your 6 pin,shirt, & bracelet that’s. 3 6s!!!! That the mark of the beast (666) O SHIT WE DOOMED!!!!!
The Mission statement is a joke & offensive to our military.
Got Your 6 will inspire Americans to help bridge the civilian-military divide.
Got Your 6 will provide tools, platforms, and resources that Americans can use to feel more comfortable with military and veteran culture.
Got Your 6 will create opportunities for veterans and civilians to join together to reinvigorate our communities.
Got Your 6 will change the conversation in America, so that our returning veterans are not seen as liabilities, but as assets.
Got Your 6 will embody—for all Americans—the values of duty, selfless service, and mutual respect upheld by those that serve in our military.
GY 6 pins were news to me until today. I am married to a military man and I have had his back through thick and thin. I don’t need Mrs. Obama to tell me I need to wear some symbol to shoe my support.
He suffers every day with his injuries and fights tooth and nail to get any percentage for his disabilities.
Where the hell is the support from these big wigs. He works for the government and froze his pay, but did not freeze the increased medical fees every month taken out of his pay. Struggling military men country wide; physically, mentally and financially!
Use the money of the stupid pins to help the veterans who have no help especially from the government. Veterans are too proud to complain or ask for help.
I have seen this ad a number of times and thought it was fishy that Alec Baldwin was supporting it. Your blog confirmed my suspicions. The GotYour6 campaign is especially maddening to me because of my work with BucksfortheBrave.com that is dedicated to raising funds for our veterans and ensuring every dime goes to veterans. I wonder how much of the funds from the “6” campaign will actually end up in the hands of veterans?
TOTTALLY AGREE!! These people are very anti-God and it shows!! Michelle Obama is Crazy like how she wants your kids to trade in their french fries for CHEMICAL SPRAYED CUT APPLES IN A TOXIC PLASTIC BAG!! THEY ARE A JOKE!! Last time I checked there are tons of our vets/troops living in the streets! People need to wake up and stop thinking the Government or any of these people care! I hope that the money really goes where it says it is!! Yea Right! There are way too many shady non trusting celebrities, Government officials, and CEO’s in this World!! Who just want our MONEY!! They don’t care that our troops and Economy are struggling & to think people with money and power do is naive! Oh and the use of the number 6 from the Entertainment Industry is so FUNNY! Put a bunch of 6?s together and this goes great with their anti- God campaign they’re running EVERYWHERE! Along with all the End of the World bull they’re spreading!! Look up on YouTube what real troops think!! Lol If they really wanted to help, work a soup kitchen or build a shelter. Think about how much money is given in the name of Charity a year! Where is that money really going?? Is the question?
I so agree with this article. I believe these rich Hollywood celebrities are full of shit. What have they really done for us veterans? I have had to fight for years to finally get help from the VA from combat service connected medical issues while fighting in Panama, Honduras and the Persian Gulf and slowly they have been taking away that little help, let along some rich ass movie star flying to and from some rich celebrity hot spot in Brazil or France or were ever they go. Some place that I or any member of my family will ever see.
Where was clock ey oh yeah his mouth was full.
Couldn’t they find a single non-liberal to appear in this? Not conservative, just not liberal. Far-left loons all! Kerry “I Spout Only Liberal Platitudes” Washington, Bradley “I Wear Vote for Obama” shirts when I host Saturday Night Live, Michael “I Only Contribute to Democrats’ Campaigns” Douglas, and,well, you get the idea. For an added bonus, Kerry Washington, Alec Baldwin, and Sarah Jessica Parker fully support the abortion of unborn children.
A few of those shown like Hurt Locker man have political positions unknown to me. But for the love of God, why use such partisans in an ad like his? Why? WHY.!
To all the people above who think this is a bad idea and only “for Hollywood” — well maybe it is. I am a daughter of an Army Veteran who served in World II and the Korean War, also a wife of two Navy Veterans in the Vietnam War. When I was in Washington DC about 20 yrs ago I purchased a Military POW Bracelet to honor the man who was missing, I still have it. I was disappointed to find that the company had ‘printed up multiples of each name’ when I tried to find the family to send the bracelet back to them as a token of my heartfelt honor for what their son had given for this country and my family.
I donate to USO, US Army Memorial, Paralyzed Veterans, and several other Veteran Associations… and still I wonder ‘does any of this actually get to the men & families who need it’. I genuinely wish that there was ONE association that would take donations for each Branch of the Military instead of ‘all these dozens of charities for each one’. But there isn’t.
People like me are just trying to ‘DO SOMETHING’ to show that we appreciate ALL THAT EACH OF YOU HAVE DONE, THE SACRIFICES THAT YOU HAVE MADE, THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL LOSSES YOU HAVE SUFFERED… and sometimes these things are all that we see and we ‘do the best we can’.
If anyone out there has a ONE PLACE to donate that will get help, medical, financial, shelter, to all Military Families… PLEASE POST IT HERE or email me with the address. I’d love to donate to one place that actually GIVES THE MONEY TO YOU!
Linda
AsYouWish54@gmail.com
Please no hate mail or spam… I am seriously trying to help.