June 11, 2009
Posted by Hank
Rape, Misogyny, and Women In Uniform
I played this out in my head a number of times and each iteration got me further and further in trouble. Retired Marine Major Hank Salmans was a guest on the Dave Letterman show the other night and during the segment Dave made a joke about Hank’s fourteen year old daughter being raped by a baseball player, prostituting for Governor Spitzer, and his wife being a slut. Hank punched Dave in the face numerous times, knocking out several of his teeth. His assault was interrupted by Dave’s bodyguards who were actually sympathetic to the situation and only acted to restrain the former Marine. Both bodyguards resigned after the incident stating a conflict of interest, you see most men who make their living protecting people actually understand the chivalric code.
I find no humor in attacking daughters, regardless of politics this demonstrates a complete lack of class. Dave Letterman is above apologizing. His direct attack was on a 14 year old girl. And it wasn’t one but two jokes; and after being called on the carpet for suggesting what would amount to statutory rape, he just doesn’t get it. It was Willow Palin that attended the game; his slight back stepping in his own words suggested that it’s okay to make rape jokes as long as they’re not directed at 14 year old girls. Isn’t this man the father of two daughters?
Is it just me or does the level of unapologetic uncouthfulness seem to have become worse? Is this abandonment of the chivalric code a modern phenomenon? Dave’s antics follow on the heals of an article released and promoted by Playboy regarding a list of conservative women who ‘deserved’ to be raped or ‘hate f*****d’ . I first came across the hateful piece in an article posted by my friend and veteran Bob Parks.
I wonder if there is a consolidated list of Dave Letterman’s sponsors to whom we could write our tactful disapproval?
The following was provided by The New Agenda:
Aveeno (owned by Johnson & Johnson)
Canon
Charmin (owned by Proctor & Gamble)
Citibank
Downy (also owned by Proctor & Gamble)
Hellman’s
Lexus (owned by Toyota)
Nissan
Rogaine
(From their about tab: The New Agenda is a non-partisan organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls by bringing about systemic change in the media, at the workplace, at school and at home.)
I took a look at the New Agenda, an organization I just came across, when looking into this issue. Their coverage seems to be extremely thorough and on target. The disgraceful, disgusting, and disturbing trend, highlighted by David Letterman’s multiple comments, is becoming common place as if this kind of vile rhetoric is acceptable.
Maybe a letter to Mr. Les Moonves, lmoonves@cbs.com, CEO, President of CBS would be worthwhile.
www.cbscorporation.com
CBS Television Network
51 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019
Main Number: (212) 975-4321
CBS Executives:
Nina Tassler = nina.tassler@cbs.com
Kelly Kahl = kelly.kahl@cbs.com
Kim Sartori = kim.sartori@cbs.com
With Utmost Respect ~ Semper Fi, Hank
Women In Uniform – I have no daughters but I felt compelled to write this in part for the tremendous respect I have for women and especially for those that happen to serve in uniform. Misogyny has no place in our society and especially in our Armed Forces.
6 Comments
June 11, 2009
Thank you for writing this, and providing all the contact info. It will be used..
As the mother of a now adult daughter, I can tell you that this boorish oaf (and yes, I am controlling myself there) should be really glad I was not there the day he did this. But yes, when I can be articulate, I will be writing to them, also.
Time to tell these **** – including Playboy for their disgusting piece – that enough is enough. They remind me of 5 year olds who keep pushing the limits til they are told in no uncertain terms : STOP! NOW!
June 12, 2009
Until this I didn’t even know that dried up has been, David Letterman, was even still alive … much less still on the air. Seems to me that the industry ought to shut him down and put something useful in his time slot. You know. Something like an infommercial.
Time to spank the 5 year olds.
June 12, 2009
He does need to be held accountable for his actions. That was really low to have to use a 14 year old girl for a so called joke. He sunk to a level I never would have believed! Thank you for the info on who to write.
June 13, 2009
David letterman weak! Devil Dog Brew STRONG! Tell it like it is Bro’!
June 13, 2009
Didn’t Imus and Stern get tossed out for saying less???
June 13, 2009
David Letterman is a weak man.Let me correct myself,he is not a man. Letterman has contributed to the absolute crudeness of our American society. Imus appeared sincere in his apology,met with the girls and still was ran out of town.The late night shows are not even funny to me anymore,of course its hard for me to stay up that dadgum late!! Bulldog Out!!!!
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