De Niro and the Hate America Coalition is Doubling Down
Not long ago, this writer offered commentary on the coalition of left-wing America haters. A follow-up piece addressed the provocative anti-Trump and anti-American rhetoric of actor Robert De Niro. Some readers believed the criticism landed too heavily on the has been thespian and perhaps misrepresented his true feelings. Weeell … new evidence has surfaced. Ironically, it comes from De Niro himself.
In a recent speech before a gathering of fellow America haters in New York City, De Niro made his position unmistakable. He stated that the familiar phrase “We all love our country” stuck in his throat. “Because our country is not so lovable,” he told the crowd. He went on to say that loving America had begun to sound like “an abused spouse saying they love their abuser.” He continued with a litany of refusals. “I cannot love a country that starts stupid and inhumane wars, killing thousands of innocents and indirectly causing the deaths and suffering of millions more.” He added, “I cannot love a country that takes healthcare away from millions of people and uses that money to enrich their pals in the Trump-Epstein class.” Most directly, he declared, “I cannot love a country that is led by a racist, misogynist, xenophobic tyrant. “And let me just say it. I cannot love the country that is led by Donald Trump and his sycophant Congress.”
De Niro’s irrational hatred for President Trump has been on public display for years. That is a separate matter. It remains entirely possible to disagree with a president and to oppose his policies with vigor and still maintain genuine affection for America. That distinction once defined the American way. Citizens can argue fiercely over policy and philosophy while preserving respect for the constitutional republic that protects the arguments themselves.
The secret of America’s endurance has always been the capacity to disagree, even bitterly, while retaining patriotic regard for the system of ordered liberty. By declaring outright hatred for America, De Niro and those who echo him, attack the very framework that grants them the platform to speak. No one disputes De Niro’s right to express his views, however overheated they may be. As one clear-eyed observer noted long ago, the right to speak freely carries no concomitant right to be taken seriously. The proper response to such rhetoric is vigorous rebuttal. These statements should not pass without direct challenge.
De Niro does not stand alone. He personifies a growing constituency whose animus reaches far beyond any single president or administration. They reject the nation itself – and have for decades. That is why they burn flags, refuse to say the Pledge of Allegiance, and turn their backs on the National Anthem. They are the folks who criticize and demean America’s semiquincentennial celebratory events – parades, rallies, monuments, etc. Without a common patriotic attachment to America, the country loses its shared culture. It ceases to exist as a unified republic and becomes instead a balkanized collection of tribal interest groups, each pursuing its own grievances.
De Niro’s contempt rests on hyperbolic political bias and a shallow understanding of what America actually is. He and the broader coalition he represents appear unable or unwilling to distinguish between policy disputes and existential rejection of the country that has afforded them extraordinary success and freedom. One might have expected a man of De Niro’s age and accomplishments to offer something more than recycled campus slogans dressed up as insight. Instead, he supplies fresh ammunition to those who have decided that America itself is the problem.
This doubling down by the hate America coalition has real consequences. A republic cannot remain cohesive when influential voices in entertainment, media, and politics openly profess such hatred for the homeland rather than commitment to its improvement. Patriotism does not require blindness to flaws. It does require a fundamental loyalty to the ideals and institutions that have allowed America to correct its course more successfully than any other large nation in history. Rebuttal is not optional. It is the duty of those who still believe the American experiment in democracy remains worth honoring and defending.
So, there ‘tis.
That asshole couldn’t make it in another country.
Ben … De Niro would do well in other countries. They would consider him an asset in China, Russia, North Korea and maybe even Iran. After all, he is already spreading their anti-American rhetoric. LOL
Ben is really braindead to think De Niro does not make it in other countries. He is a global star. He has made a number of foreign films and collaborations.
Dunger I wasn’t talking about his success as an actor. Certain countries would see that he wasn’t heard from again. He’s a damned fool a most people don’t take him seriously. Just like you.
Dunger you have no clue what I’m talking about. In many countries he would be prosecuted just for having opinions about the country. Just like many democrats want done here.
Ben says De Niro couldn’t make it in other countries because they treat dissenters badly. I can only comment: SO WHAT? Ben Dung the racist has the same issue, different countries. SO WHAT? It’s red herring logic.
For a never-was political hack to call one of America’s greatest actors a “has been thespian,” it’s like the pot calling the kettle gay; just does not make sense. I think he’s playing to his fans like Ben Dung the racist. I think it’s almost impossible for anyone not to pick one of De Niro flicks as a fav. He has the broadest of ranges and a great capacity to take risk and do new things. The gangster trifecta, comedy, drama, political, so many genres done well. Rare to find a professional critic not singing his praises.
He gives back and celebrates NYC and the arts with the Tribecca festival.
He, better than most, can speak to Trump, both being lifelong New Yorkers. Only one of them has worn out his welcome, and it isn’t De Niro. He is two years older than Trump, basically same generation.
He is still making movies, his last two were decidedly meh, but he returns to the Fockers next. The Fockers series is a financial and critical success.
I think De Niro is clear that he loves America and he hates Trump’s America which many Americans feel is not the America we grew up in. Larry just disbelieves or does not listen. Trump just held his America 250 Opening Ceremony where he did not attempt to unify us, to bring us together, to celebrate the Founders, but instead it was “me, me, me, look at what I did to make us the bestest, happiest, richest, strongest, did I say bestest? country in the world. He proclaimed I did all that. Sure seemed political, biased, narcistic, and, of course, full of lies. I think De Niro said it clear what Trump actions he thinks are unamerican. You even listed them but I guess you think it’s all great. I think De Niro is doing what Larry says we can and should do. Larry seems unable to see what he himself is doing and has done. He hides behind his oft expressed dislike of Trump’s character and vulgarity because he likes the results. Many of us believe he has no character and that many of these policies and programs are reflecting that. Start with exposing the lies. Start with some transparent truths. Uncover The Kennedy Center. Drain the swamp you made in the Reflecting Pool. Put some experienced experts in your cabinet and official positions. End the Iran War of Choice. Stop the missiles in Gaa and Lebanon. Free the Epstein Files. Burn the Enemies List.
And Larry, not to worry. I am sure the De Niro investigations into his mortgages, taxes, and beach sea shell activities are underway with indictments in the offing. Keep the faith old man, only six more months until you have something real to whine about.