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Former Astronaut Brian O'Leary guest on
The Kevin Smith Show
by Don Allis
Webmaster for: The Alien Seeker News |
September 15, 2007 |
Brian O'Leary |
Brian O'Leary is an Author, Scientist, Former Astronaut, and International Speaker. Over the past twenty years, Dr. O'Leary has researched, lectured and written extensively about new paradigms of science and global transformation. His most recent book Re-Inheriting the Earth describes how we can lift out of ourselves out of our current path of global destruction. Much of his work is based on extensive international travels to some of the best and brightest researchers of new science, new medicine and "free" energy.
Mr. O'Leary was to be the guest on The Kevin Smith Show last night, which he was for about for 30 minutes. Mr. O'Leary was growing uneasy to Mr. Smith's interruptions when he was trying to explain his beliefs that the present administration is largely responsible for their handling and denial of global warming. After rapidly growing impatience with Mr. Smith, O'Leary's warned that he was going to end the interview. A short time later, which was about 30-minutes into the show, Mr. Smith became disconnected from Mr. O'Leary and thought that he had hung up. I emailed Mr. O'Leary asking about this and he assured me that he in fact did not hang up, but was disconnected from a bad connection, which is understandable since he was talking by cell phone from a another country.
Mr. O'Leary conversation to Kevin was from the Andes in Ecuador where he is working with the Ministry of Energy to help spread the word about the exciting possibility of saving Yasuni from the ravages of humanity's greed for oil.
The interview started out very gracefully on both parts, but was soon to turn venomous. Mr. O'Leary started out the show talking about his efforts to help fight the global environmental destruction. A short ways into the interview he started talking about this administration's efforts at blocking and being, for a large part, responsible for our global environmental destruction. Mr. O'Leary clearly has a strong compassion for his beliefs and concern about the environment and his discern for the present administration, whom he feels is a large contributing factor to global environmental devastation. In trying to make his point he was continuously interrupted by Mr. Smith in order to try to steer him away from the politics of global warning and to only discuss the science of it. However, Mr. O'Leary, being as passionate as he is about this subject, felt that he was not being allowed to express his views on what he perceives as part of the true nature and effect of global warming.
The show went fine until about 15-minutes into it when Kevin asked about a study put out by the Hudson Institute that claims that we are not the cause of global warming and there is nothing we can do to change it. Mr. O'Leary responded by telling Kevin that the Hudson Institute is tainted by funds they receive from industrialist and the administration, who don't want us to know the true nature of global warming. Kevin wanted to talk about just the science of global warming and not the politics, but he did ask a question that clearly required an answer that involved a partial political response. As Kevin stated later into the show he does understand that sometimes issues, like global warning, butt up against each other. However, he did reinstate that he wanted to only talk about the science of global warming and not the politics of it, which I think is easier said then done since people who are involved in fighting global warning have always been at odds with government administrations in order to make any headway in their efforts to get the attention of the masses. These people are very passionate in their efforts and feel that global warming cannot be discussed without including politics.
Click (HERE) to listen to this show and then provide use with your feedback at our "Feedback Page". I can only say for myself I am in complete agreement with Mr. O'Leary's beliefs about this administration and the environment, but the ending of this interview did seem to come off as if Mr. O'Leary hung-up, which apparently was not the case. Regardless of how the disconnection occurred, Kevin Smith clearly explains to all his guests, prior to the show, that politics are taboo and a forbidden topic on The Kevin Smith Show. One can easily understand this policy since the discussion of politics can only result in situations ending as this show did, which in the end no one benefits from this type of exchange. However, I also detected Mr. O'Leary striking a cord with Kevin when O'Leary spoke out against the administration for being part of the problem by blocking efforts to end global degradation of the environment through it's being in strong support of the industrial polluters. I think Mr. O'Leary was referring to the fact that this administration's election was funded by the evils of America, such as that of the tobacco companies and the polluting industrialist who just may be pulling the strings of this administration, which many us also feel is the case.
No talk radio show host wants a show to end on this kind of note, especially with such a distinguished and well-respected guest as Brian O'Leary. This was a first for The Kevin Smith Show and I am sure this is something that both Kevin and Mr. O'Leary wished would have never occurred. I know Kevin was very much looking forward to speaking to Mr. O'Leary since he is a very big fan of the space sicence.
My closing statement is that Mr. O'Leary should have been prepare and understood the guidelines of not talking politics on The Kevin Smith Show. However, I also think that if Kevin wants to have another guest on his show to discuss global warming who does not hold the same view point as himself, which is that man is only a small part of the contributing factor for global warning, then he should realize that a passionate discussion holds within it's equation the politics of global warming, which is very hard to separate from the discussion.
Note: The above article was edited on 9-18-07 in order to be fairer to both sides in what actually occurred, which was some misunderstanding to Mr. O'Leary becoming disconnected during the interview.
Reader's feedback:
Kevin Smith's reply:
"Your article is well written. However, I want to go on record as stating that I did not have a restless night. I slept well and really could care less about Mr. O’Leary’s childishness last night.
Like everyone else, I have political opinions. However, I do not discuss them on the show just as I do not discuss cooking, auto repair, or plumbing. They are not in the genre of topics we focus upon.
When asking specifically about a scientific issue, I would naturally expect a scientific response. I failed to get that from Dr. O’Leary at any point in 30 minutes of trying. I did hear from him that Bush and Cheney are treasonous, the USA is a totalitarian state, and a tirade on the war in Iraq. This continued to happen even though I told him that these were political opinions and they had nothing to do with a show about the science of global warming. He was out of line and off his rocker.
I was a guest recently on another talk show. The host wanted to talk with me about my book. Had I gone on that show and talked about my show, I would have been way out of line. I talked about the book and answered questions about the book.
I was truly disappointed in O’Leary. I had genuinely wanted him to explain the science behind his views on global warming and to point out any fallacies in the new report I cited. My talk show does not exist to kiss the feet of the guests, nor to attack the guests. When a guest steps out of the show’s genre and begins to wax political, I always tell them that we do not talk politics on the show and we need to refocus on the topic under discussion. I have done this with many guests, and all were professional in their responses—until O’Leary.
There is no war between me and O’Leary. I view this as an insignificant event for the Kevin Smith Show, and a fairly negative event for O’Leary. He hurt whatever causes he represents by doing what he did before the ears of tens of thousands of listeners around the world.
You might notice that I did not scorch him after he hung up. I just said I was disappointed that we did not get to hear a scientist give us some answers to questions we all have, and I meant that.
By the way, O’Leary has no idea where I stand on global warming. In fact, few people do since I ask questions rather than promote agendas. But it might be interesting to note that a rather major research center working in the same line of research as O’Leary is one of my sponsors. There are genuine scientific questions, legitimate scientific questions, that are raised by the new report I cited. Someone who is not wearing their nerves on their sleeves and their passions on their collar needs to answer them."
Kevin Smith
Host, Kevin Smith Show
Kate Szot's reply:
"Whether or not global warming is caused by fossil fuel is not the only issue to look at. Studies have proven and I have seen how the exhaustfrom vehicles has compromised the rocky mountain granite. Over time the chemicals have deteriorated the stone to where it is crumbling and breaking down. If fossel fuels do that to granite, what does it do to human tissues? We know that petrolium products cause cancer. Why wait, stop the chemical attacks on humanity and save the eco system as well."
Kate
Alexandra Holzer's reply:
"I feel that if a show has guidelines that are explained beforehand, one should follow them. Otherwise, re-think whether or not that show is for them to appear on as a guest.
It takes thought and consideration when when puts themselves out there for whatever it is they are pursuing. Sticking to your beliefs and projects are individually based and handled differently per person.
All in all, I feel that the show could have continued with the science factor as it is very intriguing, informative, scary and helpful. Personally, there are more politically aimed shows such as Fox's O'Reilly Factor, Hannity and Colmes or Paul Harvey on ABC that would have allowed an agenda formed outline for discussion.
It is a bit childish and rude to hang up as I use to do that with my older sibling. Understanding passion, believe me I get that but for this particular venue, politics was a no-no and so should have been respected as the host was respecting the guest and his movement towards trying to help earth as a whole.
His guest is a good and intelligent man and I am glad he is involved as the world always needs people who care.
The host is also a good man by creating a forum to educate people around the world on many important and interesting topics that is all part of life. Something we are all part of as long as we are of the living."
Bobby D's reply:
"Many greens feel that "it's my way or the highway". While evidence points to some global warming, should we not be open to listening to all points of view. Only 30 years ago the concensus was closer to a new ice age. IMO, someone who hangs up the phone is rude and immature, and to closed minded to have a reasonable discussion."
Brian O'Leary's reply:
"Dear Don,
This might take awhile for me to reply fully so I'll just summarize my
feelings about what actually happened the other night, without giving
it whole lot of thought. During the first ad, I got disconnected
somehow, and then a house guest tried to answer, but the connection
failed again, probably the battery of my cell phone getting low or
reception bad. It was hard to listen. So I didn't exactly "hang up",
I did what I could while I could, and I'm sorry I couldn't go on. And
I was also unhappy with the way the discussion was going, so I had no
great regrets.
In today's hall of media mirrors, a "show" becomes "THE show" rather
than a forum for the content that so desperately needs to be expressed
at a more sophisticated level than most discussions these days. It's
a big distraction and reflects the arrogance and ignorance of most
interviewers today. There's little consideration given to the true
nature of our global dilemma. It's too narrowly expressed throughout
our public discourse, especially within the clearly destructive U.S.
empire. Our warmongering greedy leaders are not "spreading democracy"
throughout the world, they're only spreading terror, and most of the
world knows that, except for those who need to know it most (the
American people and media), so that action can truly be taken to
reverse a desperate situation.
As Marshall McLuhan so well said, "the medium is the message". The
message itself is rarely told, the search for the truth is so severely
limited by posturing to be politically correct and enhance a career in
today's corporate-dominated echo chamber. I'm way beyond that stage.
I rarely do media appearances for that reason, about twice a year,
because, unless the interviewer is familiar with my work and/or gives
me the space to more fully express, the context will be totally lost.
The Earth is dying due to human folly, and there is no separation
between science and politics. For those who really want to learn
about the great challenges and solutions of our times, I'd suggest
browsing www.brianoleary.com. Meanwhile, I need to go on with my life
and have restored the respect normally given to my sharing, regardless
of arbitrary ground rules or expectations establlished by a particular
media source.
Too bad--I wish I could have gone onto the piece about the energy
solution revolution now underway, which has also been completely
ignored by the media and suppressed by the polluting powers-that-be.
It's time to awaken, folks!
Thank you.
All best,
Brian O'Leary, Ph.D.
www.brianoleary.com"
Kevin Smith's reply:
"If Brian O’Leary says he did not hang up, I accept that. One must wonder why he did not answer the two immediate calls I made to re-establish contact, but allowed someone else to answer. The connection was made both times, but a female only said, “We can’t hear you.” Since he was in the middle of an interview, one would think he would have answered.
As for his wanting to “the piece about the energy solution revolution now underway”, I can only say that my continued attempts to get him to talk about science rather than politics were met with his incessant political statements. I wanted his scientist’s views about the science involved. He is the one who decided not to do so. The recording of the show is posted on your site and anyone can listen to what transpired.
There may be a media suppression of news about alternative energy solutions, but not on the Kevin Smith Show. I tried to get O’Leary to talk about it and he chose not to do so. The show stands on its own two feet. The unedited recording is there for anyone to hear.
O’Leary wrote, “The Earth is dying due to human folly, and there is no separation between science and politics.” If that is true, then science is dead and progress is finished. If one desires a change in political policies that impact the science, the representatives of science have to communicate their data to the people. The people shape the politics.
All protestations notwithstanding, O’Leary was given a great opportunity to speak about the data and make it understandable to the people. He chose not to do so.
Kevin Smith"
Brian O'Leary's reply to an email I sent him:
"Dear Don,
Here's hoping we can conclude our exchange in a friendly way. While
you do seem to agree with many of my views, all too often media
sources, including yours, provide a very limited context of the
stories that need to be told. With rare exceptions, I have long since
given up dealing with the likes of a Kevin Smith Show--it's a losing
proposition because the host provides a loaded context and
groundrules, and we can never get to the deeper issues. I should have
been more selective and I will in the future. My mistake, and it's
nothing personal. I'm sure Kevin is a nice guy. It was just that I
and my issues were misrepresented.
Distracting arguments such as doubts about man-made global warming and
climate change are exactly what the evil (yes, evil!!) forces in
control want to see happen, a mendacious tower of babble that
suppresses the actions we really need to take.
So I'd like to propose the following:
- Please post my reply of a few days ago, and note that your headline
of my "hanging up" is misleading. My cell phone died. Also, you may want to look
more deeply into the issue of man-made climate change (I have for decades,as my Ph.D.
is in planetary and atmospheric science) before you simply acknowledge only that that
issue is debatable; among good scientists, it is basically not. Or you could
acknowledge my statement on the show of using the "precautionary principle" which says that
regardless of what one's perceptions might be about what is going on, it's prudent to
acknowledge the possibility (for me, it's a certainty) that the routine burning of fossil
fuels will soon result in the destruction of the Earth as we know it, unless we radically
change our energy policies and end the madness of war. Replaying the show for your
browsers does not well represent my sharing, because the entire context was set before I
had a chance to really share. This kind of journalism can only tarnish the message
itself and my reputation, which were misrepresented on the show. Surely there are better
ways we can express our common need to talk about the true issues than this
particular show, and then go on to the next show (such as inviting the whores of the media-soaked
right wing think tanks to provide "journalistic balance"). I regret that I felt I had
to go on the defensive on the show; I'm too old for that. I'm open to debating issues in a
freindly way, but I'm surely not the messenger who wants to be killed.
- Please do study my website (which is my main medium these days)
and feel free to post an essay or two. On the basis of your reading, perhaps you
will want to help support the general thrust of my substantive remarks, particularly about new energy, and I warmly welcome this kind of undiluted support.
In general, I hope you will move beyond general agreement with me, and
understand how journalism these days can grievously distort reality.
That's one reason people such as myself have left the country and have
created new ways of preserving problem-solving and intellectual
honesty in the face of global disaster. And, by the way, I travel the
world and talk about these things, in a generally supportive
environment, and I also speak at UFO conferences with the message that
we need all the help we can get, and perhaps some could come from our
friends off-planet."
Best wishes,
Brian O'Leary
www.brianoleary.com
Don Allis' reply:
"Hi Mr. O'Leary,
Thank you for responding back to my email. I agree with your sentiments and I do apologize if in any way I offended you with my article. This was never my intention since I only hold you with the highest regards in your efforts to stand up and fight for something that is the most important issue we all face today. My emails were never meant with the intention to continue the Kevin Smith Show issue, but only to request some contributing articles from you about the environment. I feel that articles coming from a man of your stature could have been a convincing factor for those who still sit on the fence in this issue.
I never considered my website or me as being part of any general type of media since I am just someone who has a passionate interest, and that is to help bring about truth, no matter what that truth entails.
By posting people's response to that show I was only trying to provide a fair feedback from all sides.
Once again, my intentions were never meant to offend you, but only to help get people to thinking about your message.
God bless you in your struggle for us all,
Don"
The Alien Seeker News
Marv Lima's reply:
"In regards to the Kevinsmith show and your point of view. I disagree that Kevin cut off Dr. Oleary, if anything asking questions when you are the host of a show is normal. In addition, a difference of opinion and common courtesy seemed lost on Dr. Olearys case when asked simple questions by the host of the show. I found it offensive that he threatened to end the interview if he insisted on not making his show a political soapbox for Dr. Olearys point of view. The fact was, a threat was issued and he followed through on it by ending it, the true measure of a child who wants it his way and screams out of the room when he does not receive it. The greatest gift of freedom in 2007 is to have an opinion that differs from others. In our world history, Russia, Germany and other countries of the world, people have lived and died for this freedom that many take for granted.
Differance of opinon does not make us less, but simply makes us differeant human beings"
Note from Webmaster:
I want to make it clear to everyone, that I hold both Kevin Smith and Mr. O'Leary with high regards. Kevin has always been a good friend of mind and I find him to be a gentle soul who enjoys learning from his listeners and guest with an open mind and heart.
I find people like Mr. O'Leary to be an advanced soul who gives freely to us all his efforts and struggle to educate and bring about a world change in the way we perceive how we live and react, not only to each other, but also our living planet. A planet that is not only suffering due to our spiritual souls not living within balance to it's life giving properties, but is in the process of dying.
It is people like Mr. O'Leary that needs to be applauded for their unrelenting efforts to stand up and fight for survival of man and our home (mother earth). Even if you are not of the same mind that global warming is being caused by man, you still process enough common sense to know that we are destroying this planet through our depletion of it's natural resources and the polluting of it's fragile environment. Regardless if global warning is being caused by man or is a natural occurring cycle that we have no control over, people like Mr. O'Leary still needs to be applauded for their efforts of only giving with their love of all man so that you and your children may have a future to look forward to.
If anyone needs to be scorned, then it is the evil empires in this world who pollute and ravage the world from it's natural resources for the sake of greed, and the administrations that support these evil elites. The administration's election was funded by these sources and now these same forces are pulling the strings of how our county and world is run through their efforts to profit from the wars and their continued efforts of depleting the natural resources and the pollution of the our environment.
How can one not provide praise to such people? Even if they turn out to be wrong about what is causing global warming, they will still wake man up and educate him into being better custodians to the planet, which involves far more to what we are doing to this little speck of sand in the cosmos then just that of global warming!
I ask all to support people like this. Their efforts are based on love and not the greed of those that we need to direct our anger towards. People like this can only benefit mankind in their efforts to embrace it with an understanding of knowing we are a powerful force once we stand together as one with love and support and by doing so are capable of conquering all that resides on this planet that is evil who's goal is to profit from man's suffering.
God Bless,
Don
Webmaster for: The Alien Seeker News
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