Off Topic: Anne Rice.....

[zeitzeuge]

I had to come here and see what some of you thought about what I recently read.

I'm a huge Anne Rice fan. I have been since day one. I've read everything she has done, some even more then once. I've written her on a few occasions and have even received emails back and once had my letter posted on her website. There are few readers that I'm a diehard fan of and Anne Rice is one of them.

I even stuck by her when she switched from the Vampire/Witch novels to 100% as she puts it, "writing for the Lord". She's now a Christian novelist. Her stories of the life and times of Jesus Christ told from his point of view are wonderful. Her first in a thriller series called Angel Time was actually very good.

But today I found out that she recently appeared on Pat Robertson's 700 Club, talking about her new direction and new book. I'm sure the interview was done way before the Haiti comment he made yesterday, blaming the earthquake on Haiti's "deal with the devil". But he's made horrible comments before, including saying that Katrina was God's punishment for Mardi Gras debauchery and for America's acceptance of Homosexuality.

So you an see how her appearance has upset me. I'm a fan of hers like I'm a fan of Disney, or George Michael (yes, even a paying member on his website).

She mentioned on Facebook about her interview and appreciated everyones comments. That's how I found out. I had to respond and most seem to be agreeing with me on how we found it upsetting that she would go on a show of a man who says the things he does, spewing forth hate. She has a gay son for cryin' out loud. I went as far as to write her again. I'm curious to see how or even IF she responds.

Am I making a bigger deal out of this then I should?

Here are a few more Pat Robertson's quotes that I put in the email:

“Feminism is a socialist, anti-family, political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians.”

“Many of those people involved in Adolf Hitler were Satanists, many were homosexuals - the two things seem to go together”

“"How can there be peace when drunkards, drug dealers, communists, atheists, New Age worshipers of Satan, secular humanists, oppressive dictators, greedy money changers, revolutionary assassins, adulterers, and homosexuals are on top?”

“I know one man who was impotent who gave AIDS to his wife and the only thing they did was kiss”

“The flooding of New Orleans is a sign that God is tired of seeing his creation mocked by the Mardi Gras and its perverted display of debauchery and exposed breasts.”

 

[Peepster]

I tend to agree with you, whether it's right or wrong, in questioning anyone's stance on issues that are important to me when said person chooses to associate with Pat Robertson who, in my opinion and the opinion of many others, spews not only hate but irrational thought.

I have read Anne Rice and enjoyed her talent. I do hope you receive some clarification from her.

 

[GingerJay]

Its even more sad and distateful that a television studio provides an outlet for the spreading of such hateful and mean things....

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I can't imagine why ANYONE would choose to align themselves with him. But you know what I always say...
No shortage of whack jobs.

 

[wallyb]

Didn't he make some dumb *** comment about 9/11 too?

And didn't Ann Rice also write Porn under another name.

Strange bed fellows or what.

 

[zeitzeuge]

It's just such an odd feeling of betrayal. I'm only a HUGE fan of a few things, but when I'm a fan I'm 100% dedicated. I support them, buy all their stuff, promote them and talk them up when I can.

I'm curious too, to see if I get a response back.

Anyone want a bunch of Anne Rice books? Cheap?

 

[Mathfailure]

I don't know what to say about a favorite author, so many writers have personal issues that I may or may not like...but their work is set apart for me. The work is separate from the maker, takes on a life of its own so to speak.

That said, I despise "preachers" who use my beliefs, I am a Christian, to spread hate, prejudice and vemon. Who feel that what ever they proclaim to be true is true, (humility seems absent from their understanding of living a Christian life), and that it is okay to go around condemning who or what ever they want. Although the Bible they claim to believe in clearly leaves condemnation up to the Lord, and the Lord is loving and patient!!!

I also feel that this ultra-fundamental, conservative crud makes it hard for many to seek ANY kind of faith because the loudest "Christian" voices are so vile.

Sorry for ranting, this just gets me going, way too close to my heart.

 

[wallyb]

Here ya go ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-CAcdta_8I

 

[zeitzeuge]

Didn't he make some dumb *** comment about 9/11 too?

And didn't Ann Rice also write Porn under another name.

Strange bed fellows or what.

Had to do a bit of searching and the actual quotes are long, but the jist of the story is:

According to the CBN website, the Interview took place on Thursday, September 13 (Some versions of the eRumor say it was Wednesday).

Both men spoke harshly of the terrorists and clearly blamed them for the attacks.

During a discussion about whether this crisis might bring revival to America, Jerry Falwell said God may have allowed what the nation deserved because of moral decay and said Americans should have an attitude of repentance before God and asking for God's protection. He specifically listed the ACLU, abortionists, feminists, gays, and the People For the American way as sharing in the blame. Pat Robertson responded with agreement.

Regarding Anne writing porn, she did write under the name of Anne Roquelaure, books called The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty, Sleeping Beauty's Punishment and Sleeping Beauty's Release. They're not hard core, but definitely would consider them soft porn or Erotica.

 

[wallyb]

yeah and she wrote under Anne Rampling and A.N. Roquelaure

 

[wallyb]

oooops ... sorry.
You were faster than me.

Hate when that happens

 

[zeitzeuge]

I don't know what it is, but I've written her numerous times over the years and have always received a response. She responded within 30 minutes:

I think you ask some really good questions about the 700 Club appearance, and they are reasonable questions. Certainly many people on our Facebook page are asking them and there is quite a bit of discussion going on there today. My view is this: over the years I've appeared on all kinds of venues, from the QVC Shoppers Channel to Oprah. I've been on network shows that completely distorted me and my message and chopped up and edited the interviews to make me look stupid. I've been on A&E's biography for a version of my entire life. The list is endless.
---- I accept the invitations; I speak the truth; I do not lie, or compromise. And then I move on.
---- I don't endorse particular talk show hosts, radio commentators, TV personalities, or particular church groups. I just keep moving. I try to avoid only those who butcher the interviews and misrepresent me.
---- I've done two unpopular Christian venues. Dr. Dobson's radio show and the 700 Club. I would do them again. The time given me was generous, and I managed to reach a great many people in talking about what is important to me. Neither Dr. Dobson or the 700 Club distorted my message, or presented me in anything other than an honest light.
--- I think when ultra conservative Christians come to me, they know where I stand as a Democrat, supporter of Hillary, and Gay Rights activist. They don't challenge me on these things, and they don't condemn me for them. They invite me to speak, rather, on other subjects where our interests connect. I take the opportunity. I will essentially dine with anyone, including tax collectors and sinners, and pharisees and scribes. I will even feast with panthers, to use Oscar Wilde's famous phrase. I would apply it to Hollywood producers.
---I am myself, and I remain undeminished by the experience. Anyone seeing that 700 Club show today, and seeing that interview can find out through my website and through my Facebook page where I stand on politics, gay rights, and feminism. That is part of spreading the word.
---- I have never backed off from my positions as a gay acitivst and never will. On the other hand, I won't condemn people because they believe things that I don't necessarily believe. I am totally committed to the free marketplace of creative ideas in America. And as a matter of conscience I will never put economic pressure on anyone to change a political or religious view.
---- I will go anywhere to get my message across. My appearance somewhere does not mean an endorsement. I don't endorse anybody in the entertainment world by appearing on a particular show.
----- I hope this will make your decision easier. Please remember that I grew up in the days of the Red Scare, when some one could be ruined for having been seen at a communist meeting, when accusations of guilt by association were rampant. I have never forgotten the chilling lessons of that time. All my life people have put pressure on me to conform to their ideas of political correctness. I have had fellow writers tell me how shocked they are to see certain books on my coffee table. I have been condemned for writing pornography. I've been condemned really for just about everything I've ever done. I live with the controversy, certain that my books are what matter, and that they will break through the prejudice they confront in this world. I welcome the opportunity to talk about them and my beliefs and I will do it anywhere.
------ I hope this clarifies my position and the reasons for that position.
--- But you must do what you feel you must do.
----- The books are ultimately what matter. I feel this is so with the writing of Henry Miller, whether or not he was sexist, with James M. Cain whether or not Serenade was anti-gay, with Mark Twain whether or not he was jerk, with Ernest Hemingway whether or not he was a macho cliche, with Vladimir Nabokov whether or not Lolita was about child molesting, with Tolstoy whether or not his Christian views comport with mine.
---- If you feel you have to give up my books because I appeared on the 700 Club, so be it.
---- Do what your conscience tells you to do.
Anne.

 

[zeitzeuge]

Um, and a 2nd response after I thanked her for her explanation:

Thank you. You're being more than generous. I appreciate all you've had to say here. --- There are people who probably despise for being on Rosie O'Donald's show, or for speaking up for or for speaking up for Madonna. --- I'm surprised, too, that these Christian shows have invited me on. --- I don't know what it all means. I can tell you this. It's not just about selling books. It's about trying to define one's work for an audience, and I'm beginning to think that the effort might be in vain. Thanks again for your response. It was kind of you to write back. Anne.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Huh. So, Mr. Z, what do you make of it?
I have never read any of her work. I am not familiar with her views, really know nothing about her other than to recognize her name. I think her reply was fascinating.

 

[rpmdfw]

Wow. That's a really good answer.

I respect her for it.

It takes a lot of guts to go face to face with those people and know that they could bring up any of the things about her she doesn't like at any moment and attack her for them.

I may not agree with all of her opinions and philosophies, but I don't agree 100% with ANYONE's opinions and philosophies and still manage to have very close friends who disagree with me on things that I'm very passionate about. And I have several friends who are in turn friends with people I can't stand. I don't hold that against the people I like, so I can't see losing a favorite artist because I don't like those who they appear with.

Okay, I'm rambling.

Hope her response helped you.

 

[zeitzeuge]

Huh. So, Mr. Z, what do you make of it?
I have never read any of her work. I am not familiar with her views, really know nothing about her other than to recognize her name. I think her reply was fascinating.

I'm still reading her response over and over. I'm glad she responded and for the most part I'm very happy with the response. I'm not sure if I 100% agree with the fact that just because you go onto someones show that you're not endorsing them, but I'm still mulling that over.

I'm stubborn and bullheaded and sometimes I have to sit back and think about things for a while. I'm trying to see this from her point of view as an artist trying to reach readers with her message. Despite her going on the show, I appreciate her political views, religious views and her dedication to Gay rights.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I am asking myself if I would go on a show hosted by someone whose views I did NOT endorse. It is an interesting question.

I abhor Dobson. If he asked me to come to his show I would be tempted to say no, simply because I hate his views. HATE them, even though it isn't nice to hate. Even if it could benefit me, I think I would be too childish/stubborn to overcome it. Some people's opinions are too twisted for me to respect, no matter how hard I try. I think that would be a stumbling block for me. BUT if I had an agenda of selling books or whatever, maybe my answer would change. I don't know.

 

[zeitzeuge]

I've been trying to think about the same thing. Despite the show having polar opposite views of my own, if given the chance to be on their show, wouldn't it give me the opportunity to voice MY opinion? Spark a debate? I don't know. If nothing, it's putting my name and my work out there for people, like she said, go to FB and her website and see what she's all about and her views.

 

[wallyb]

Does she have a new book she's pushing?

 

[zeitzeuge]

Does she have a new book she's pushing?

Yes. She's written Jesus of Nazarath and Out of Cana, two of the 3 in a series about Jesus Christ.

But before the 3rd in that series, she's started this thriller series, Songs of the Seraphim, the first one called Angel Time which came about about a month ago. I heard she's got the next 2 completely written and is currently writing the 4th.

It's about this hit man who we think works for the government. He's visited by an Angel, who wants him to change his ways and shed his former life. He retells the hitman about his life, so show him how bad things have become. Once he agrees he wants to change, he takes him on these missions through Angel time. Angel Time is unlike our time, since God doesn't recognize past, present or future, it's all the same to Him. So he takes him back in time to the 1300's to rescue this Jewish family from being killed by townspeople for the death of their own daughter. It doesn't say, but I have a feeling he's helping people in the past that will have something to do with himself in the future, but I'm not sure.

Just my take. It was a very good book. Although I miss the Vampire and Witch novels.