How about John Wayne or Charlton Heston? Or is it just the more liberal ones that bother you? Guess you hated John Lennon, too.

I thought the video was great! And of course actors can get involved in politics? Why not? They are progressive, creative and often quite insightful people. I value their opinion as much as yours or anyone's.

And again, quite a funny video. And right on.

I'm sometimes amazed that some of our more right wing fellow fans actually like this show, or really get its message, b/c it really is a progressive show by liberal, progressive people like Matt Wiener, Jon Hamm, the writers, etc. It is NOT a show about old-fashioned "family values" and the "good old days."

@Betty Crocker: I didn't see your response before I posted mine on the copy of this post. We think alike.

I'm posting my comment here as well.

By NeverNotTasty on September 24, 2009 11:44 AM

This is a show about the changing of the guard. The changes that occurred in the 1960's were very much from conservative to progressive. I realize a lot of guys especially got into Mad Men at first because they thought this was about the good old days when dinosaurs ruled the earth. For me it was a case of Weiner first showing us where we'd come from, before he goes on to show us where we're going.

The once powerful are going to be on a downward trajectory, unless they can change with the times. I think Don can definitely change with the times. Not so sure about Roger, though, bless his unreconstructed damaged heart.

If you don't like Jon Hamm's or Matthew Weiner's politics, and if you are uncomfortable with change in general, you may not be able to enjoy the show the way you once did. It's down to you, can you change with the times?

"Let’s also say that change is neither good nor bad. It simply Is. It can be greeted with terror or joy. A tantrum that says ‘I want it the way it was.’ Or a dance that says ‘Look - Something new!’"

Don Draper

52, yes I hated John Lennon, he was not the role model that I wanted my kids to admire. Anarchy and drugs should not be a role model. Did I want him shot, no.

Either way, I don't think actors should use their influence to peddle their political views. Especially when it may have a bearing on my future.

After all, if I was in a video, no one would watch.

John Lennon was an anarchist? News to me. Could you be confusing him with John Lydon?

I think there's a bit of an age/fogey thing going on here...That sounds like something my father would say about John Lennon.

Again, there are some MM fans that watch it for a trip down memory lane. They are a bit on the older generation side and not exactly cutting edge/changing with the times types. They were the white men of the 60s...Now they are white men in their 60s+

As we move thru the seasons of Mad Men, I can't help but see parallels between this new era of "change" and the 60s themselves.

We are currently experiencing radical change in our country. Economic, political, social, racial. We have all the elements of the 60s. Including war.

A couple overworked phrases come to mind: "history always repeats itself" or "the more things change the more they stay the same"

We are, as a society, experiencing growing pains.

Don Draper's quote (thanks Betty Crocker) is as true today as it was in the time period portrayed.

@Laary -- Karl Rove, is that you??? (J/K)

Seriously... I think you give way too much credit for the sway that performers in show business have over the minds of anyone. Young people are perhaps more impressionable, but I can't see them assuming a political position simply because an actor/singer has that view. More likely, they are attracted to show business figures who they learn have similar political or social convictions as they do.

For instance, looks at the throngs of kids who to go country music concerts. The majority of them would tend to lean right politically. And country singers have been known to come crashing down on anyone who shows liberal tendencies. (Remember the Dixie Chicks? Did you get up in arms about that?)

Another example -- I don't believe people join the National Rifle Association simply because "their hero, Charlton Heston" was the president.

Catch my drift?

Of course, you are free to believe that people in show business should keep their political views to themselves. Believe it with all your heart. But do us a favor and keep that view to yourself, okay?

Now, let's get back to talking about that terrific drama, Mad Men!

@Laary

P.S. Do you happen to have a link for that video? I'd love to see it.

52, BC. NNT, BiP, Milly... Well said all, I second.

( I posted on the other thread and am very leery of trying to copy from one to the other... my computer seem very finicky on this site.. and I am not v savvy)

Milly... I regret that I don't know how to post links, but you can see the video on a thread called Jon Hamm in hysterical spoof PSA -- (scroll down a bit)

@Melba--ah, a kindred spirit. I'm so computer illiterate is amazing I even found this site at all. Or, managed to register for that matter!

Signed: Thank God my kids know how this thing works and can teach me.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/22/protect-insurance-compani_n_294406.html

I hope this will work as a link. I'm on an older Mac so it's hit or miss sometimes.

As far as celebrities giving their opinions I have to say that my husband has never, nor will he ever, forgive Jane Fonda for the trip she made to N. Viet Nam. And she has never to my knowledge ever said that trip was a mistake.
I reserve the right to express my own opinion as a free American. But let us not forget that people in the limelight be it sports, politics or stardom do have an influence on some who might need to have a leader because they have never been shown how to think for themselves. Pray that those few will not be led away from what we know to be a great privilege...to live here and be able to speak openly and honestly without fear.

I'm with you, sab, (as is my husband as well) regarding Hanoi Jane....I do believe, however, she did make a (lame excuse for) an apology a few years ago....too little too late for me, though.

And what you say about the sheep to the slaughter, I pray every day/night about that.