Wayne P

[James Woods @RealJamesWoods]

Spread the word.

[The Real Mike Rowe @mikeroweworks]

A man dressed like Captain America who calls himself “Chrisp LikeTheChicken” believes me to be a hypocrite. He writes…

"Mike - People don’t accuse you of hypocrisy because you don’t offer scholarships to four-year schools. You’re a hypocrite because you preach to be for the working-class while being funded by anti-union Koch bros. and regurgitate Republicans talking points while they’ve systematically dismantled the working class for the past 40+ years."

Hello there, Chrisp. Nice outfit! As a rule, I don’t debate with grown men who dress like super-heroes and hide behind a pseudonym, but since you’ve been so candid with your criticism, and since I’m trapped on another plane for the next few hours, I’ll bite.

First of all, let me assure you that many people do in fact, accuse me of hypocrisy because I have a four-year degree, but don't offer scholarships to four-year universities. I hear from these people every day, and they are very clear about the extent of their disappointment. Interestingly, many of those same people, also call me a hypocrite because I had a long and varied career in the entertainment industry before I launched mikeroweWORKS. They use the fact that I used to work as an actor, narrator, singer, and writer, to undermine any opinion I might have about education and workforce that they don't share. (He's just an actor! He sang in the Opera! What does he know?) These ad hominem attacks are very popular among those with no actual arguments to make, and easy to identify once you start looking for them. Consider those who tried to dismiss Ronald Reagan's ideas because he used to be an actor, or more recently, Markwayne Mullen's nomination to Secretary of Homeland Security, because he used to be a plumber. (I'm talking to you, Jimmy Kimmel.)

To your second point, I've never preached or claimed to speak for the "working class," especially as you define them. Like many others who favor the term, you imply that the "working class" is limited to those workers who are represented by unions. I don't share that view. Although I've been critical of some union policies in the past, and argued that not all unions are created equal, I have no issue with organized labor. In fact, I've worked closely with dozens of them, and featured them prominently on Dirty Jobs, Somebody's Gotta Do It, Returning the Favor, and other shows over the years. Most tellingly, many of the 3,500 people my foundation has assisted are members of a trade union today, and I’m very happy for them. But, like the workforce overall, most of my scholarship recipients do not join unions, for all kinds of reasons.

Fact is, Chrisp, the sum total of all workers in America who belong to a union – public and private sector combined - is barely 10%. Begging the obvious question...why would a guy who dresses up like Captain America want me to ignore 90% of the American workforce? And why for that matter, would a super-hero like you want me to reject financial assistance from companies, foundations, or individuals who employ so many hard working, highly skilled, well-compensated Americans? Does Captain America really want everyone to be in a union? If so, he should maybe consider changing his name.

As for Republican talking points, again, I would invite you to prove the accusation. Just because I happen to say something that might coincide with a conservative position, doesn’t mean I’m “regurgitating” anyone else’s talking points. I’ve been a registered Independent my whole life, and I’ve tried to limit my public comments to issues pertaining to workforce and education. But if you really find my opinions inconsistent with your own, and feel compelled to tell six million people why you think I’m a hypocrite with no actual proof, you might want to at least consider the possibility that your disappointment has less to do with me, and more to do with the narrowness of your own worldview. Is that possible, Chrisp? Is it possible that you think I’m a hypocrite simply because I don’t share your priorities?

I'll tell you what I think. (I know you didn't ask for my opinion, but I didn't ask for yours either, right?) I think your worldview is largely shaped by the eternal struggle between labor and management. I think you see one as the oppressor, and the other as the oppressed, and I think that perspective has made your world a very small place. Thus, my view of organized labor is just too nuanced for a super hero like you. Anything short of total fealty is a threat to your belief system. Because I don’t focus entirely on the 10% of the workforce that matters most to you, you see me as a threat. Because I might not vote the way you vote, you see me as a threat. Because I accept support from people you don't like, you see me as a threat. And because I have a large public platform, you see me as an even bigger threat.

The unfortunate part, is that you don't seem to care at all about the 3,500 hundred people my foundation has assisted, most of whom are making a pretty great living outside a union. And because you’re not alone in your apathy, fear, and paranoia, you’ve whipped up the courage to hide behind a pseudonym, dress up like an imaginary Avenger, and criticize anyone who falls short of your own beliefs and expectations. With respect, "Mr. LikeTheChicken," I think your name says it all...

Mike

[Republicans against Trump @RpsAgainstTrump]

Trump just posted his own presidential ranking, putting himself in the “greatest” category above Lincoln, Washington, FDR, and every other president.

[Wayne P @WayneP1961]

@DeionSanders Well stated.

[The Real Mike Rowe @mikeroweworks]

After perusing 25,000 comments in the past two days, most of which attempt to explain why Americans are voting for Communists, socialists, and antisemites in record numbers, I’ve done the only rational thing a man in my position can do; I’ve agreed to go on Real Time with Bill Maher this Friday to talk about it.

What could possibly go wrong?

I was also inspired by all the "sturm und drang" to make a quick commercial that highlights one of our many scholarship recipients who mastered a trade, and then went on to open her own business. Her name is Maryssa, and while I have no idea what her politics might be, I can assure you that her attitude, her initiative, and her work ethic are proof positive that the American Dream is still in reach, for any who would grab it and go.

Currently, we have $10 million in scholarships set aside to help people like Maryssa. People who want to build a prosperous life for themselves by learning a skill that's in demand and going to work. Apply at https://t.co/ju76O0XWgC.

[The Real Mike Rowe @mikeroweworks]

Not the way I planned on spending my afternoon, but 7,600 comments should not be ignored! Bots, trolls and personal attacks notwithstanding, the critics of yesterday’s post were dominated by a large and vocal contingent who rushed to remind me that there’s “a difference between socialism and communism,” an obvious indication that they didn’t actually read the post.

Shelley Armour writes… “Mike! You know there is a difference between democratic socialism and communism, right?”

Hi, Shelley. Yes, I know there’s a difference, and I understand what the difference is. The larger point, and the fundamental flaw with your comment, is that you seem to believe the candidates within the Democratic Socialist Party are both “democratic and socialist" simply because that’s the name of their club. Well, maybe some of them are. I really couldn’t say. What I can tell you for sure is that more than a few have called for the complete dismantling of capitalism, free markets, representative government, property rights, borders, police, prisons, and the Constitution in general. My post referred to them, as well as a number of elected Democrats who have agreed to campaign on their behalf – including Gavin Newsom, who said, "The Democratic Party must accept the DSA in order to take back the Congress.” His words, not mine.

Tracey Steele writes…“Wow! I cannot believe Mike Rowe said this. He has a huge reach, and he is actually spouting the word “communism” like it’s the 1950s! Wow Wow Wow!”

Wow indeed, Tracey, and thanks for noticing the size of my reach! (Contrary to popular belief, size does matter!) To say it again, I am not the one “spouting” communism or conflating socialists and communists. The word is being “spouted” by members of the DSA who are using it to describe themselves. I am not accusing them; I am quoting them.

John Engles… Hey Rowe, what’s the difference between the Communists who want to run the country and the Nazi/fascist who currently is?

Several differences, John, but the only one relevant to this conversation is the fact that the communists currently running for office have clearly identified themselves as such. They do not dispute or reject the label. They embrace it. It is who they are, who they claim to be, and who they want to be. The president, on the other hand, has never claimed to be a Nazi or a fascist. That doesn’t mean he isn't, but it is worth noting he has rejected the accusation outright. Obviously, you are entitled to that opinion and the right to share it publicly, thanks to our Constitution. Unlike in a fascist, Nazi, or communist regime. (Also worth noting, Nazis and fascists are not the same thing.)

Chris Tomaloff writes… “Kinda like how the political right didn’t shout down the extreme rhetoric coming from their candidates?”

No, Chris, not like that at all. In the video I shared, we saw examples of prominent Democrats saying things like, “We need to elect more communists!” (Cea Weaver, Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office.) Mamdani himself literally tweeted, "Each according to their need, each according to their ability." That’s a direct quote from the Communist Manifesto.

But what exactly is the corollary from the right? Are prominent Republicans tweeting, “We need to elect more Nazis! We need to elect more fascists! Eat the poor!” I don’t think so. John Engles may think Trump is fascist and a Nazi, but Trump disagrees, and so do a majority of voters. Communists, on the other hand, say it loud and say it proud. I’m inclined to take them at their word.

Beto Ojeda… “Mike has always leaned to the Trumpian view of things but never states it, so as not to alienate anyone, but we know how to read between the lines. This “communist” talk is McCarthyism 2.0.”

I wasn’t around in the 1950s, Beto, but from what I’ve read, it was indeed a very difficult time to be a communist in this country. Lots of private citizens were dragged before Congress, made to take “loyalty oaths," and blacklisted in their places of work. I can’t justify it or condone it, but I can explain it. We had just fought a hot war against fascism and Nazism and just begun a Cold War against a communist regime. The existence of an organized Communist Party in this country at such a time strained the limits of tolerance. But do you really think we’re less tolerant today than we were seventy-five years ago? Do you really believe my comments about communists who claim to be communists are synonymous with another Red Scare? If you haven’t noticed, Chris, no one in the DSA, including the communists, is being dragged before Congress and made to swear a loyalty oath to the Constitution. Today, a communist in America can run for office…with the endorsement of the governor of California! And the tacit approval of a major political party! Seems to me we’re about as far from McCarthyism as we can get.

As for my desire not to alienate anyone, I suppose I am guilty of that. I run a foundation that is open to people of all political beliefs, and we’ve assisted lots of Americans who lean to the left. I also know for a fact that many Democrats have supported mikeroweWORKS historically, and I have no desire to run them off. But do you really have to “read between the lines” to understand where I’m coming from?

True, I’ve never endorsed a candidate or publicly encouraged people to vote. But I’ve been very transparent about the fact that I’m a registered Independent who favors policies and programs that often align with conservative principles. Obviously, I would not characterize those conservative principles as “Trumpian,” because a) they were around long before him, b) Trump is not a conservative, and c) I do not agree with or support everything the President says and does. So, is it possible, Beto, that your accusation is rooted in the fact that I have never publicly denounced the president to your satisfaction? Is it possible you think I'm a Trumper, simply because I've never called him a fascist, or a Nazi, or a liar, or a conman, or a traitor, or whatever else you believe him to be?

Gretchen Seipp… Mike, the fact that you still act as though you’re not political after all this time is a bit ridiculous. I still support your work and foundation because I believe in it, but the folksy act has worn thin.

Aw, shucks, Gretchen. Folksy? Lil' ole me?
Honestly, how am I acting as if I am “not political?” This entire conversation is the very definition of “political.”

Christopher Pugh… I would have voted for Mike Rowe and Freddie a few years ago before he went full-on MAGA, and I’m all in favor of his project, but it’s pretty clear the political direction that he’s moved in and the money trail that has influenced it.

It’s Freddy, not Freddie. (I don’t much care, but he’s a terrier and particular about such things.) As for the “full-on MAGA” moniker, is there something I did specifically to earn that designation? Is there some kind of general definition you can share? Or, are you coming from the same place as Beto? Is calling me “Full-On MAGA" your way of saying that I’ve failed to condemn Trump to your satisfaction?

For the record, MRW is supported by liberals and conservatives alike. I have no idea what “money trail” you are referring to. Also, regarding my personal politics, think about the implications of what I wrote. I said that the Democrats have been given a gift – an opportunity to appear reasonable by speaking the truth to their own party, just as Bill Maher has done. All they have to do is distance themselves from candidates who have called for the complete dismantlement of our Constitution. All they have to do is say, “Hold on, comrade. Our tent is not that big. We respect your right to hate America, but we don’t want you in our party, and we will not support your candidacy.”

If they say that, I think a lot of Independents would see them as they see John Fetterman, who has, in the eyes of many voters, become the most “rational” Democrat currently in office. If they don’t – if they actually welcome communist candidates into their party – then I’m afraid the Democrats, by default, will offer the American people a very simple choice in November – a party that disavows communism vs. a party that doesn’t. I think such a choice would be very positive for Republicans because I don’t think most Americans want to align themselves with a Democratic Party that welcomes communists. The question for you, Chris, is why would a “Full-On MAGA” like me encourage Democrats to act in a way that would disadvantage the Republican Party? And the answer is simple – it’s because I support the existence of a Democratic Party that believes America is still a fundamentally good place.

I think there’s a lot of room for improvement in our country, and I believe the best way to realize those improvements is for Democrats and Republicans to have continuous, robust and public debate about all the issues. But if one of those parties is affirmatively determined to transform our democratic republic into a communist state, then we’re no longer debating the various ways to make our country better; we’re debating the merits of destroying it. And really, what’s the point of tolerating that?

America is already a big tent, filled with hundreds of millions of people with wildly differing views and lots of political parties that represent those views. We’ve got the Green Party, the American Freedom Party, the Socialist Workers Party, the Constitution Party, and of course, the Communist Party USA, as well as the Democratic Socialist Party. America’s tent is so big, we can even tolerate fringe parties like the KKK, the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, and so forth. Why then, does Gavin Newsom want to make room in the Democratic tent for socialists and communists? There’s only one reason, and he’s already spelled it out for us – he believes the Democrats need them to win back the Congress. I think it’s a bad bet for the Democrats and for America. And if a prominent Republican reached out to the KKK with the same “big tent” offer, you’d better believe my vote would be in play.

Michael Tillman… When are you going to throw your hat into the ring, Mr. Rowe?

Ha! When it no longer fits my head!

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[Wayne P @WayneP1961]

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[Wayne P @WayneP1961]

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