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Actor Kevin Sorbo Tells TheBlaze Why He’s Not Afraid to Speak Out Against Obama and Hollywood

Actor Kevin Sorbo (Photo Credit: Kevin Sorbo)
Earlier this month, actor Kevin Sorbo spoke with TheBlaze about his career, the politics of Hollywood and his views about President Barack Obama and the current political schema.
The “Hercules” actor’s statements spawned a plethora of reaction, as critics and fans, alike, were surprised by his moderate — and some might argue right-of-center — perspective. We decided to speak with Sorbo, again, this week to see what he thinks about the monumental response and to chat further about his life and career.
While he hasn’t heard much from his Hollywood compatriots regarding the negative comments he uttered about Obama during his Blaze interview, Sorbo said that some of his close friends reacted favorably, commending him for his honesty.
As for Tinseltown, he doesn’t expect a favorable reaction from the elite. But he noted that they likely won’t be surprised, as many already know where he stands on the theological and political fronts. Sorbo noted that his outspoken views and general failure to align with the industry’s left-of-center political outlook is “enough to piss them off” regardless of whether they saw the interview.
The actor also reaffirmed what he said earlier this month — that Hollywood is prone to blackballing those who don’t align ideologically and that the industry includes “the least tolerant people you’ll meet.”
But in his follow-up interview with TheBlaze, Sorbo expressed surprise that some people were so taken aback by his words. In his view, his beliefs aren’t rooted in partisan politics, but, instead, they’re predicated upon the nation’s current standing — one that has been colored by economic hardship and divisiveness.
“If most people look at [the country] regardless of where they stand, they can’t say that everything is great right now,” Sorbo said.
Aside from the economic factors, the actor also took aim at the media for a failure, in his view, to properly explore important events — including the Sept. 11 attacks in Benghazi, Libya, that left four Americans dead. Sorbo accused the media of covering up the incident by not seeking answers surrounding what actually unfolded.
As we stated earlier this month, it’s rare for an actor to share his or her views about politics, especially when those views contradict the very ideological framework of the institution that he or she is working in. But Sorbo clearly isn’t afraid to speak out. While he’s not campaigning for candidates or making it a point to be political for the sake of show, he’s open and candid when asked about his beliefs.

Jim Baranski, CEO of National Stroke Association, left, is seen with stroke survivors, actor Kevin Sorbo and former CBS weatherman Mark McEwen at the National Stroke Association’s 2012 RAISE Awards on Friday Oct. 19, 2012, in Denver. (Photo Credit: Invision for National Stroke Assocation)
Considering how willing he is to speak up, TheBlaze asked the actor what led to his candid nature.
“It’s just sort of been gradual over the last six or seven years — I’m just fed up with a one-sided industry,” he said. “Why can’t people have a point of view? What’s the big deal? Why cant we look at both sides?”
Sorbo also spoke openly about how his health woes motivated him to be more open. After suffering a aneurysm in his shoulder in 1997, he subsequently had three strokes. The experience, naturally, was challenging, profoundly changing his outlook on life.
“I didn’t know what my recovery was going to be. Three blood clots,” the actor explained. “My priorities became different. I was tired of being some guy in the closet, so I speak my mind a lot more. Life’s too short.”
Recovery was inevitably difficult, as Sorbo suffered panic and anxiety attacks and experienced anger, shame and frustration. While he was in pain, both emotionally and physically, the actor said that he came to a point of acceptance and realized that he had to power through his struggles. Sorbo, a Christian, also relied upon God for guidance.
“I’ve always been a religious guy and I probably blamed God for a while — and bad things happen and it’s life,” he said. “I just asked him to give me the strength to keep fighting. The first year and a half was hell– it was brutal.”

Photo Credit: RCN-TV/YouTube
He has since written a book about the near-death experience entitled, “True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal–and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life.”
It was this experience that gave him the courage to be more blunt about his political disagreements with Hollywood. As for those who criticize actors who speak out about politics, arguing that they should simply do their jobs instead of campaigning endlessly for the candidate of their choice, Sorbo, ironically, agrees.
“Normally, I don’t go on talk shows to talk about who I’m voting for,” he said, noting that giving an opinion when asked and going out to overtly campaign are two very different animals.
As for the current state of inclusiveness in Hollywood, Sorbo said that there does seem to be a stream of individuals, including A-listers, who are willing to stand up and speak out about how their views and practices differ from Tinseltown’s mainstream culture.
“The younger ones are afraid to speak up. The older ones are just tired of it,” Sorbo noted. “From Tom Selleck to Jon Voight to Bruce Willis. Kelsey Grammar — all these guys who have a lot of power are saying, ‘Come on.’”
He told TheBlaze that, despite once being more conservative in nature, Hollywood became left-leaning in the 1960s and has remained that way. Many producers and staffers working on television shows today even work fervently to insert their liberal views in story lines — a phenomenon that conservatives regularly criticize.
Sorbo acknowledged that many are still afraid of being blacklisted and that this possibility is both real and unfortunate. He reiterated, though, that, despite the challenges, he loves his job. The creative process of being on set and having the ability to create something out of nothing is what sustains him.
As for the country, the actor has his fears. In addition to lamenting the fact that Americans are still starkly divided, he highlighted a moral crisis that he believes is impeding the nation’s progression.
“We’ve reached a very low depth of morality in this country and in giving a crap about what happens to people,” Sorbo said. “We’re destroying this country very slowly — we’re slowly becoming a third-world country.”
From increased taxation to government dependency, Sorbo believes that the current pattern is unsustainable. He finds it “weird” that so many Americans believe that the government can solve society’s many problems, especially considering that the nation was built upon the individual.
To read TheBlaze’s original interview with Sorbo click here.
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Comments (93)
LeadNotFollow
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 3:18pmKevin Sorbo is a great guy. I’ve liked everything he’s been in. He always plays the “good guy” in shows.
He does not compromise his morals and religious beliefs for a few dollars, (in my opinion) like John Travolta does.
John Travolta seems to be deeply religious and moral. He talks the talk, but doesn’t walk the walk.
I liked him in “good guy” roles. When Travolta did Pulp Fiction, he lost me forever as a fan.
Maybe Travolta thinks his charity work balances out his “evil killer” movie roles, and will save him from H*LL.
You are either hot or cold for the Lord. There are no lukewarm people in Heaven.
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00100111
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 4:23pmTravolta is a scientologist. No deep religion there.
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JSeay
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 6:13pmhaha yeah Travolta is a high ranking card carrying scientologist. His religion is as deep as his pockets.
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Kupo
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 9:53pmOh come on, Pulp Fiction was a good movie.
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Hatchimon
Posted on February 25, 2013 at 3:47amCome on, just because someone plays a “bad guy” in a movie doesn’t make them a bad person in real life. That would be like Hugh Jackman really having adamantium claws. Although, he might, just saying. Besides, there is plenty wrong with Travolta besides his role choices.
More on topic: Man, Kevin Sorbo is cool! HERCULES! HERCULES! HERCULES!
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Hatchimon
Posted on February 25, 2013 at 3:49am@ 00100111
Keep rockin that hidden blade bro!
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Ch
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:59pmKudos, You are a brave man.
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strawberry411a
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 3:20pmRather ironic. The true blacklisters are the current Hollywood leftists.
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Playmakin
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:51pm@verceofreason – you are the prime example of liberalism – intelorant as ever – don’t agree with me then die. You’re comment about the 2% in 3rd world countries is the epitomy of stupid, also known as liberalism. In third world countries the people at the top are all attached to the corrupt government in one way or another. The government provides nothing for their people. The top percent here in America are the business owners, who drive the economy by creating jobs and opportunity for others. You liberal idiots don’t seem to understand that the business owners run the ecomony and have risked much to run a business. Ungrateful and entitled as hell are you liberals. Get some intergrity and morals.
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ellietoo
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:47pmSorbo has been working for the less profitable family and Christian film makers since his health issues. He is a very talented actor that could certainly be making more money. Tinsel town is a hard place for anyone to make it but now people have to be in lock step with the leftest social and political outlook in order to survive.
Why indeed should someone’s career rest on their political views? However, as the leftest attack on this country spreads the same mentality has spread to many work places. Many colleges and universities will not hire a professor that holds conservative views. This country and it’s founding principles are being decimated daily. When are others going to be brave enough to speak up?
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ChiefGeorge
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 5:28pmThe why is because they have allowed this industry to become the mouth piece of social justice and progressive de-values.
Almost everything to come out of Hollywood has been some kind of new moral message and that is we are all equals regardless of character, morality or standards….just equals plain and simple. Then comes the immoral message and moral relativism that has so empowered their ilk to snub their noses at God in utter defiance of anything good and decent that might raise a standard once again in this country of decency and true Love for one another and not this carnal crap.
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mollymmmo
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 6:11pmMr. Sorbo, I wish you continuing good health and applaud your conservative stance while among hollywood liberals. Unfortunately the moral behavior of these ‘actors’ is contributing to the degradation of America.
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ktmrider1
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:14pmpoor Kevin will never find work in hollywood again and get ready for lots of audits from the IRS. king obama says ” off with your head! “
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sparkyrules
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 1:29pmAlec Baldwin.Bite me.
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DogsLoveFreedom
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:51pm@Verce The guy is making good points and that’s the witticism you come up with? I always wonder about the name calling here and now I know why they do it. Idiot. God always applies pressure so you turn to him. I’ve also had that experience and I’m better person for powering through illness with the help of God, it changed my whole life and way of thinking. Glad I didn’t have you as a support system. If God wants you dead it wouldn’t take him three “tries.”
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UNALIEN
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 3:16pmVERCEOFREASON is prominent at Daily KOS , I think I have tracker this trolls identity down
A real lefty nut job full of hate and vitriol for anything that doesn’t conform to the Lefts ideology,
A real Fascist…
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Verceofreason
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 3:23pmOMG tell me who I am.
I thought I was Dora Gasbag.
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phillyherb
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 3:27pmverseofstupidity you mean.
Why is it when some one makes sense he is criticized.
Your comment shows the depths of your failure to grow up.
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UNALIEN
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 3:35pmVERCEOFREASON
Florida
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00100111
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 4:24pmAhhh, Vercey. There’s that liberal tolerance we all hear so much about.
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LeadNotFollow
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 5:05pmVERCE…. It was Satan, not God who caused Kevin’s strokes.
That’s what sneaky evil Satan does to people.
He throws obstacles in their path, hoping they will get angry with God and turn to Satan.
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Bamagal0007
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 12:42pmHe certainly has the right to his own opinion and I commend him for letting it be known. It’s about time the Hollywood right start using the soap boxes the Hollywwod lefties have been hogging for years! You go Kevin, you sexy thang! : )
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ColoradoMaverick
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 12:41pmWell, having a stroke certainly didn’t affect his ability to think clearly and articulate his well thought out point of view. He is correct and more of us need to get out of our comfort zones and confront those that we happen to disagree with. No doing so is cowardly and we are not only hurting ourselves, but we do a great disservice for the men and women who fought and died for the freedom we take for granted.
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The Third Archon
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 12:40pm““We’ve reached a very low depth of morality in this country and in giving a crap about what happens to people,” Sorbo said. “We’re destroying this country very slowly — we’re slowly becoming a third-world country.””
Ah yes, because American conservative views and policy just demonstrate SO much care and investment in the lives of anyone other than themselves…LOL, what a JOKE.
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Jaycen
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 1:21pmFunny, when you’re ranting about your racist, bigoted views, you don’t hesitate to call Constitutionalists weak. But, as all racist and bigoted Statists, you reveal yourself if given the space.
Archon, you’re a disgusting egotist who cares only for those who look like you, and even then, only if they share your nonsense racist views. You’re small and petty. You covent authority and power, and wish you only had the power to force your beliefs on everyone around you.
But hey, as always, thanks for participating.
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From Virginia
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 1:24pmYes – you people are a joke. In my lifetime, since liberals have taken over ever aspect of local, state and federal government, I’ve seen completely safe neighborhoods turn into war zones. People unable to walk alone outside anymore. Kids unable to play outside anymore. And more people in real need than ever before.
Unlike what you so smugly said, at least when the country was conservative people DID look out for one another. Today people think if they give money to the government to take care of the problem it means it absolves them of all responsibility to their fellow man and they can just walk on by and ignore the suffering.
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UNALIEN
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 1:37pmwhere have you been it is Progressive policies that have destroyed the culture and morality, to be replaced by state sanctioned morality, that has been the foundation of Progressivism for a century, blaming conservatives is not just ignorant it is intellectually dishonest..
does morality come from the State or the individual,,,
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carbonyes
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 1:40pmArchon, once a liberal, always a liberal. Kinda like, once am a$$, always an a$$. You sir, like most liberals, are an a$$.
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Verceofreason
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 1:51pmTHIRD world country = the top 2% own most of it.
Is that what Kev means?
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UNALIEN
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 3:18pmVERCEOFREASON
nice try Wolfe
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RESPONSIBLE4SELF
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 6:33pmConsistently in studies and surveys the more conservative someone is, the more likely they are to contribute to charity and the higher the percentage of their income they are likely to donate. It is not that conservative people don’t care, it is that conservative people don’t care to direct the government to spend more money.
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progressiveslayer
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 9:11amJAYCEN I applaud your response to the racist anarchist POS well done!
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Max jones
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 12:06pmTHIRDARCHON…..It doesn’t take much intelligence or courage to stay within a proscribed “comfort zone” where the people around you all think as you do, and each day’s discussions are rehearsals for tomorrow’s. Where each and every contrary viewpoint is marginalized, and no fresh ideas are welcome.
Its called ‘pack mentality’, Progressive thinking.
I don’t believe that your (liberal) ideas can stand any deep scrutiny, mainly because…they have no intellectual depth to start with, and that is because, among yourselves, there is no critical analysis……
Knee jerk reactions to differing views are common, as are value judgements based on the consensus opinion of closed and in-bred social groupings. .
I believe that this lack of critical thinking, leads to confusion, because individuals really are different and, even, in a closed system there will be differing opinions, that never get expressed. and are never explored. There is no rational commonality to act as a foundation for thought. How can there be? There is no way. You just “think” you know each other. You distrust yourselves,and rightly, so.
Your progressive “leaders” know these facts, and use this stasis to control your thinking, knowing there will be no intellectual challenge. You have been deceived.
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Max jones
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 12:39pmVOXTREASON…..Ah…. I never made a lot of money, but it wasn’t for not trying. I’ve worked a a lot of jobs…some I would have liked to keep, and even more, I was glad to lose. I have talents and skills and interests that I have never been able capitalize on, but that is O.K.. Anyone that has the tenacity and courage to risk great things in business deserves what they can earn. These are people who LEARN to EARN.
I could have gone much farther in my education. and in the business world…..MY choices brought me where I am….Just like every other “free” person on this planet. That’s what YOU don’t like—freedom. You don’t like it because FREEDOM TO ACCOMPLISH..exposes YOU as as the indolent
motivation-less slob you really are. Just like OWS exposed itself as the toilet it always was.
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Lt_Scrounge
Posted on February 24, 2013 at 7:52pmGive a man a fish, he eats for a day.
Teach a man to fish, he becomes a self sufficient conservative.
Teach a man to steal the fish from the person who actually caught it and he becomes a Democrat politician.
Teach a man to vote in order to receive a stolen fish and he becomes a Democrat voter.
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deadend
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 12:24pmI for one will not be leaqd out knelt down and a bullet put behind my left ear, My house might burn down around me but I’m going out shooting back, hopefully I can take out at least 2 of the lackies on my way out.
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NewMedia
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 12:34pmSame here DEADEND. While the term “bully pulpit” was first used by President Theodore Roosevelt as a way to describe a platform utilized to push forward an agenda, the phrase has taken on a far more sinister meaning under the Barack Obama administration. This is why so many are afraid to speak out. Way to go Kevin Sorbo! The Bully Pulpit has claimed far too many.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RExLzaQ3NMU
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TheCalmOne
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 12:53pmYes, that’s exactly what the gubmint wants to do to you. I expect you’re already on a list and they’ll be coming to get you soon. Better stock up on jerk beef and Jim Beam. Is that them knocking on the door now?
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Verceofreason
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 3:25pmGet counseling, fast.
And cancel your Soldier of Fortune magazine subscription.
I hear those FEMA camps have lovely lakes and canoeing!
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zebraone
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 12:18pmI’ll be looking for your book Mr. Sorbo. God’s speed.
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Bluebonnet
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:23pmKevin Sorbo, thank you for your awakening and speaking out. I love this. If more people would pick their actors to see, or ignore, the message would eventually get to those liberal loving fools that we won’t be watching them on the big screen nor on TV.
I already live by that code. I’ve perhaps gone to 5 movies in the past 25 years and never watch any of these stupid, hateful, ignorant liberals on TV either, nor do I watch liberal news programs who all tell lies.. Fame & fortune isn’t worth going to Hell.
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Beachmastermax
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 12:07pmHistory will prove Sorbo as someone with courage. History will prove his detractors as tools. For generations, Sorbo’s family will remember him with pride.
We are only here a short time. Make the best of it.
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Vickie Dhaene
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 12:55pmWell said.
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watashbuddyfriend
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 12:00pmIt is goooood, and refreshing to see Kevin Sorbo standup for what is right!
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AbrahamsSheepdog
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 11:53amI feel you brother, had a few too many close ones myself. Hold the standard high so that all may see! Never give up.
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zoro51
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 11:51amkeep speaking up n out I aint afraid to speak out against LIES DECIETS N SOCIALIZM IMPEACH OBAMA NOW
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spirited
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 11:50amNot only was Kevin Sorbo blessed with physical beauty
> this man speaks a ‘beautiful’ mind.
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IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 11:47am“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” Proverbs:34
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neverending
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 11:33am“slowly becoming” – looks more like rapidly becoming as barry has put all his plans into high gear for his second term and he’s gotta make sure it will be impossible to reverse all the damage he has done and he is succeeding.
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mikem1969
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 11:30amHe is correct, and the liberals and progressives wont stop until there are only two classes of citizens, the povertized (slaves) and the elite(the politicians). Then and only then will those kool aid hitler worshiping lemmings stop worshiping little hitler and start crying fowl, but then it will be TO LATE.
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semihardrock
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 11:25amSHOCK REPORT — Veterans Receive Letters From VA Prohibiting Ownership or Purchase of Firearms
Posted by Jim Hoft on Friday, February 22, 2013, 6:11 AM
This must be Barack Obama’s way of thanking our veterans for serving.
US veterans are receiving letters from the government informing them that they are disabled and not allowed to own, purchase or possess a firearm. If the veteran does decide to purchase a firearm he will by fined, imprisoned or both.
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UNALIEN
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 11:25amDemocracy is the road to socialism. and Socialism is the Highway to Hell
UNALIEN
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sta
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 11:11amSlowly but surely, we are seeing who to support in Hollywood.
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RaydocX
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 11:10amApparently Kevin is OK with not working in Hollywood again.
He is spot on, though… and the syncophants and kool aid drinkers i know endlessly spouting off about how ‘mean’ the GOP is, and how they only ‘care about the rich’ make me ill.
It is hard to cut taxes for people who already aren’t paying them.
It is hard to sell ‘mean’ when the monies already being given to the government are helping people who are not trying to do more than take whatever government will give them.
and it questions reason that the irrational few i know who are virulently anti-conservative cannot or will not see that the policies of their chosen leaders expand the rolls of the poor and in fact keep those in the artificially created (by the left) lower class IN that state.
But speak truth and you are assailed for being mean; they cannot argue the facts, so emotional, personal attacks are the immediate answer.
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progressiveslayer
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 11:09amYou are correct sir because that’s Barry’s intention to make us a third world country through wealth redistribution and the expansion of the welfare state and government in general. He isn’t a natural born citizen so he’s clearly in violation of the constitution and holds the office illegally. If congress were to grow a set and impeach the criminal we could move to the senate where Reid would promptly kill the effort. For the simpletons who haven’t figured out yet that Barry is a Marxist POS they never will because they don’t care as long as the freebies keep coming,the something for nothing crowd is a big part of the problem. We will never tax and spend our way to prosperity and Barry knows this that’s why he’s spending us into oblivion that’s his plan,to destroy our economy and lower our standard of living.
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ginger100
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 11:07amHow long til we see war lord, drug cartel tactics of chopping off hands, heads and mass executions. Or maybe I just haven’t noticed due to the rosy outlook always portrayed by the liberal prezzy pole smokin press.
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