Monday, February 21, 2005
The choice of Ed Asner as narrator of "Missing Presumed Dead" raised the ire of many who are extremely offended by Mr. Asners politics.
Following is a series of emails concerning an invitation for me to address the Vietnam Veterans Asso. California annual conference:
FALLOUT FROM ED ASNER AS NARRATOR OF "MISSING, PRESUMED DEAD"
(From Ed Mentz of the Vietnam Veterans Asso.)
Bill,
I have already received some feed back although not all positive just from the flyer. One of our representatives from a Chapter down south wrote this comment.
<< I find it hard to fathom that we would give credence to anything with the name of Ed Asner attached. Do we not remember the past? Ed Asner sent money to and supported the South American Communist rebels fighting American troops in the 80's. This is why his TV show was canceled and he was relegated to the obscurity he deserves. He, deservedly, has a hard time finding work because of his financing and public support of the rebels. Supporting, endorsing or endorsing anything that Ed Asner has his name attached to is parallel to supporting Jane Fonda. Americans died because of Ed Asner, if we forget our history then we are doomed to repeat our history.>>
He seemed satisfied when the past president told him we would ask you why he was chosen as the narrator. Just to give you a heads up so you may know what to expect. Of course that is one person's opinion. To me what is more important is what the message is not who is narrating it, as most of the comments are in the first person own words....I do agree with his last sentence tho, if we forget we are doomed to repeat our history on the POW-MIA issue....Ed
Hello Ed,
Thank you for forwarding this feedback. I've been getting similar sentiments from others. I do understand the concern about Ed Asner but the fact is Ed Asner has a very strong appeal to more than half of the American population. It's the same portion of the population that would not watch a documentary that Bob Dornan had anything to do with. My concern is not wether someone is a communist but rather reaching as wide an audience as possible so that we can get our POWs returned. If it meant interviewing Satan to do that, I would.
Here is an explanation that will hopefully resolve this issue. Fee free to send this response to anyone.
WHY ED ASNER IS THE NARRATOR OF "MISSING, PRESUMED DEAD: THE SEARCH FOR AMERICA'S POWS"
There has been concern about the choice of Ed Asner as narrator of my feature documentary film, MISSING, PRESUMED DEAD: THE SEARCH FOR AMERICA'S POWS, for what some consider his "extreme" left leaning politics.
My purpose in making this film is to reach as wide an audience as possible to elevate our abandoned POWs to a top national priority. It will take an extraordinary effort to convince the American public that POWs were abandoned and that some are still being held against their will. When the public is made aware of this fact, they will demand the government to do what ever it takes to repatriate these forgotten soldiers.
If this film reaches a wide audience, I believe a public mandate will ensue to force our government into action.
The only way we can achieve this mandate is to appeal to EVERYONE. Opposing political camps must unite to enable a completely non-partisan effort. Personal differences in politics must be put aside for the sake of our POWs. Political bickering, mudslinging and hate-mongering on all sides only undermines this effort.
In making this film it was my intention to include all political camps in the presentation of the POW/MIA issue. Before a narrator was chosen, the film appeared to represent a conservative point of view (to wit: interviewees Bob Dornan, Bob Smith, James Lucier, etc.) Liberal screeners of the film rough-cuts (and even a staffer at Sen. John McCain's office who was told about the film) argued that many audience members would not consider the film seriously because it's coming from an "extreme" conservative viewpoint.
I decided that the film needed a narrator that would give balance to the film's political POV. Ed Asner was made aware of the film and offered to provide the narration free of charge because he felt very strongly about the POW/MIA issue.
Though Mr. Asner's politics may raise the ire of many conservatives, the same can be said of liberal towards Mr. Dornan. The fact that both of these public figures are willing to advocate for this issue in the same documentary film only shows that the rest of America can fall between these two political extremes and support the POW effort.
What other issue can unite all political camps as this?
For this one effort I urge everyone to put aside political differences and unite on this one issue until we can convince the American public that it's time our POWs come home.
(P.S. If it meant getting our POWs home, Satan would be the narrator.)
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Ed Mentz Sr."
Date: January 10, 2005 2:10:49 PM PST
To: William Dumas
Subject: Possible grievous error
Bill:
I was very concerned when your answer included this "(and even a staffer at Sen. John McCain's office who was told about the film) argued that many audience members would not consider the film seriously because it's coming from an "extreme" conservative viewpoint.” Especially after reviewing the DVD. The negative fall out from Vietnam Veterans on having Ed Asner as the narrator has been swift and harsh. Almost to the point were it may be taken under consideration in the best interest of the State Council not to show it in Feb. I will keep you posted and let you know of any developments. Here are just a few more of the replies.
“what a shame - he (Asner and others) is the reason why POW's were treated so badly. He supported the enemy....and gave comfort to the enemy.
If VVA supports this program VVA definitely will lose VVA members over this. I hope you pass this along to the liberal media.
Again another slap in the face to the Vietnam Veteran.”
“Calling Ed Asner "Left Leaning" is a big
understatement! The same "Balance" could have been reached by
asking Jane Fonda to be the narrator. Again I repeat, Ed
Asner Gave money to support the Sandinista's who at
the time were fighting American troops. His money
supported a faction that was involved in American troops
being killed. Benedict Arnold (who was considered an
American traitor) was hanged for doing less. Bob Dornan has
never supported publicly or financially a group
that was fighting US troops so using that comparison
doesn't pan out. The documentary film may be the best
that has been made to date, but it probably will never
be seen by those who remember Ed Asner's politics”
“I was at a "Welcome Home" concert for Vietnam Veterans
at the Los Angeles Form sometime in the mid to late
80's there were many actors and musical groups that were
paraded onstage, Peter Fonda, Credence Clearwater
Revival to name a couple. All received a standing ovation
when they were announced with the exception of one, Ed
Asner. When his name was announced the booing started
and didn't stop until he left the stage. What I
remember the most was (and I participated in this) Vietnam
Veterans (dressed in jungle fatigues and hats)
standing and turning their backs to the stage and remained
standing with their backs turned until he was done and
gone. Of course this was never made public but I was
there with my wife. My point to this story is many
will not forget that Ed Asner is an American traitor that
would have been hung if what he did had been done one
hundred or maybe even fifty years earlier. Using his
as the narrator was a grievous error.” end of quotes.
Ed
TO: Ed Mentz (Vietnam Veterans Asso.)
FROM: Bill Dumas
Ed,
What a shame some of your members are more interested in harboring their hatred for Ed Asner than realizing that Ed Asner appeals to a large segment of the population that must be included in this mandate to achieve the goal of bringing the issue of abandoned POWs to the American Public and repatriating any POWs still being held against their will.
For these people to say that they are going to quit your organization and boycott the film because Ed Asner, "(and others) is the reason why POWs were treated so badly" (which is an overstatement to begin with-the N. Vietnamese didn't need American actors to mistreat POWs) is like saying, "Ed Asner betrayed our POWs in the past so we're not going to allow this documentary film help repatriate POWs that are still being held against their will. In fact, we'd rather they remain in labor camps than allow this film to be viewed by the public." The point is, this attitude, which tries to condemn (Asner's) betrayal of our POWs actually perpetuates the betrayal. That's the real crime here and a sickening example of throwing out the baby with the bath water.
Anyone who possesses even a modicum of spiritual development, whether it be Christian, Judaism, etc., would look at this situation and say something to the effect, "It's good to see that Ed Asner has made a turnaround and is now helping the cause of our POWs."
If your members would rather, I'll send a letter to North Korea, where my uncle was abandoned in a POW camp, and I'll tell him, "I'm sorry the Vietnam Veterans Association would rather boycott a film narrated by Ed Asner than get you released from a labor camp where you've been imprisoned for the last 53 years. You don't have a problem with that, do you?"
I surely hope this mentality is the exception among your membership. If not, God help our POWs.
Sincerely,
Bill
Here's a good analysis from Jeff Smith of Task Force Omega:
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Jeff Smith"
Date: January 11, 2005 4:50:14 AM PST
To: "William Dumas"
Subject: Asner and the Dumas documentary
Bill:
I think your original response to me that we need to draw in those on the left to
this issue also, said it all, and Asner is one of their communist heroes. It is hard
for me to even look at the commie bastard, or to hear his voice, so I understand
people having a problem with this. I am a strong anti-communist and Asner is one
of the leaders of the "enemy within".
One thing I would correct in your response is:
"for what some consider his "extreme" left leaning politics."
because it isn't that "some consider", it is a stone cold fact that Asner is one of
the worst communists in Hollyweird. I think saying it that way may get people
fired up a little more instead of a little less. Just a suggestion. It sure raised my
eyebrow immediately.
Of course, when you made the decision to use Asner, you also indirectly made the
decision to have to eventually deal with this issue of Asner's communism.
The fact that Ed did it free of charge is excellent. It should be consoling to many
that Asner is receiving nothing for his efforts. I sure couldn't justify putting any money
in his pockets, knowing the extreme leftist / communist causes that he supports. That
made me feel much better immediately when you first told me that. Of course, I also
understood the real reason you let Asner do it and I think you have the best interests
of our POWs and their families in heart in using Asner. That is the ultimate bottom line.
No film that makes it into "mainstream" will ever be hard hitting enough for me and if I
truly want this film to make it into "mainstream", I have to accept the use of some people
I find offensive to me. It is that simple. Nothing in the mainstream that I have witnessed
is really giving 100% of the truth or the dirtiest secrets. The sheeple can't handle it, and it
is the sheeple that we are trying to educate, so we cannot drive them away with the hardest
of facts or with using only conservative commentators.
I could care less about raising the ire of any liberals because liberals are just plain wrong.
But bringing both camps into this film in support of its mission is, I believe the correct
thing to do and shows not only maturity on your part, but wisdom as well. I think anyone
that looks at it with an open mind will see that. There will be people who will not be able
to open up their minds, but they exist on both sides. You won't be able to satisfy everyone
and you need to be ok with that.
However, your efforts to justify the use of Asner, as you are doing, are very important and
it is wise of you to publicly explain it. At least it wasn't Ho Chi Kerry or Hanoi Jane! I was
immediately convinced of the wisdom of your decision when you explained it to me. It is a
wise move Bill, and might be, in the end, one of the wisest decisions of this entire project,
and that comes from someone who could easily put Asner in the crosshairs if the "fit ever
hits the shan", heh heh heh.
People need to get off their high horses because this mission is too important to "empower
Asner's politics" by allowing that to derail it. That is what the VNV Association needs to
understand above all else!
Your friend in Liberty,
Jeff "Mario" Smith
Task Force Omega of Kentucky
From: Ed Mentz csc_vvaed@sbcglobal.net
Subject: The Show will go on
Date: January 12, 2005 6:19:23 AM PST
To: wd@billdumas.com
Bill:
The California State Council Board of Directors, the President and I extend our personal invitation to have you come and speak to us about "missing, presumed dead" and your quest for the Truth. The showing of the film will be announced as it will be scheduled for all those who may wish to attend in a meeting room set aside for that purpose. Tentative showing for those who wish to attend may be during my POW tier Saturday afternoon, or after dinner. Positive feedback is coming in and looking at the number of people who may have been initially notified, less than five percent voiced their objections. Others do not like the narrator but sum it up this way:
“With respect to the members protesting, I would like to hear the message. I have not watched any program that Mr. Asner has been on in a long time. However this is not about Mr. Asner it is about POW's.”
“objections duly acknowledged. Let's not waste time on Mr Asner, we know who he is ...”
I apologize if I sounded negative; I was however taken back by the initial objections. Which I did not quite expect, if known would of announced the DVD without the credits except for yours, and the brief synopsis of what it is all about. Please don’t judge us all on a few discontented members. I am loaning out my first copy to my Chapter members to view, and time permitting will show all or a selected part to spar interest at our next Chapter meeting. I am also going to check on the possibility of a showing to students at the local college. Will keep you posted. “
I can assure you as a small part of a special effort during the war, many of us laid our lives on the line to try and free our POWs and others downed behind enemy lines. Just like saving Private Ryan, we did not give up on our brothers. After the papers are sign however, it becomes your story.
Looking forward to your acceptance and meeting you in February.
Sincerely,
Ed Mentz, Sr.
V.V.A. Calif. State Council
Central Dist. Director
Vets Incarcerated/POW MIA Chair
Following is a series of emails concerning an invitation for me to address the Vietnam Veterans Asso. California annual conference:
FALLOUT FROM ED ASNER AS NARRATOR OF "MISSING, PRESUMED DEAD"
(From Ed Mentz of the Vietnam Veterans Asso.)
Bill,
I have already received some feed back although not all positive just from the flyer. One of our representatives from a Chapter down south wrote this comment.
<< I find it hard to fathom that we would give credence to anything with the name of Ed Asner attached. Do we not remember the past? Ed Asner sent money to and supported the South American Communist rebels fighting American troops in the 80's. This is why his TV show was canceled and he was relegated to the obscurity he deserves. He, deservedly, has a hard time finding work because of his financing and public support of the rebels. Supporting, endorsing or endorsing anything that Ed Asner has his name attached to is parallel to supporting Jane Fonda. Americans died because of Ed Asner, if we forget our history then we are doomed to repeat our history.>>
He seemed satisfied when the past president told him we would ask you why he was chosen as the narrator. Just to give you a heads up so you may know what to expect. Of course that is one person's opinion. To me what is more important is what the message is not who is narrating it, as most of the comments are in the first person own words....I do agree with his last sentence tho, if we forget we are doomed to repeat our history on the POW-MIA issue....Ed
Hello Ed,
Thank you for forwarding this feedback. I've been getting similar sentiments from others. I do understand the concern about Ed Asner but the fact is Ed Asner has a very strong appeal to more than half of the American population. It's the same portion of the population that would not watch a documentary that Bob Dornan had anything to do with. My concern is not wether someone is a communist but rather reaching as wide an audience as possible so that we can get our POWs returned. If it meant interviewing Satan to do that, I would.
Here is an explanation that will hopefully resolve this issue. Fee free to send this response to anyone.
WHY ED ASNER IS THE NARRATOR OF "MISSING, PRESUMED DEAD: THE SEARCH FOR AMERICA'S POWS"
There has been concern about the choice of Ed Asner as narrator of my feature documentary film, MISSING, PRESUMED DEAD: THE SEARCH FOR AMERICA'S POWS, for what some consider his "extreme" left leaning politics.
My purpose in making this film is to reach as wide an audience as possible to elevate our abandoned POWs to a top national priority. It will take an extraordinary effort to convince the American public that POWs were abandoned and that some are still being held against their will. When the public is made aware of this fact, they will demand the government to do what ever it takes to repatriate these forgotten soldiers.
If this film reaches a wide audience, I believe a public mandate will ensue to force our government into action.
The only way we can achieve this mandate is to appeal to EVERYONE. Opposing political camps must unite to enable a completely non-partisan effort. Personal differences in politics must be put aside for the sake of our POWs. Political bickering, mudslinging and hate-mongering on all sides only undermines this effort.
In making this film it was my intention to include all political camps in the presentation of the POW/MIA issue. Before a narrator was chosen, the film appeared to represent a conservative point of view (to wit: interviewees Bob Dornan, Bob Smith, James Lucier, etc.) Liberal screeners of the film rough-cuts (and even a staffer at Sen. John McCain's office who was told about the film) argued that many audience members would not consider the film seriously because it's coming from an "extreme" conservative viewpoint.
I decided that the film needed a narrator that would give balance to the film's political POV. Ed Asner was made aware of the film and offered to provide the narration free of charge because he felt very strongly about the POW/MIA issue.
Though Mr. Asner's politics may raise the ire of many conservatives, the same can be said of liberal towards Mr. Dornan. The fact that both of these public figures are willing to advocate for this issue in the same documentary film only shows that the rest of America can fall between these two political extremes and support the POW effort.
What other issue can unite all political camps as this?
For this one effort I urge everyone to put aside political differences and unite on this one issue until we can convince the American public that it's time our POWs come home.
(P.S. If it meant getting our POWs home, Satan would be the narrator.)
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Ed Mentz Sr."
Date: January 10, 2005 2:10:49 PM PST
To: William Dumas
Subject: Possible grievous error
Bill:
I was very concerned when your answer included this "(and even a staffer at Sen. John McCain's office who was told about the film) argued that many audience members would not consider the film seriously because it's coming from an "extreme" conservative viewpoint.” Especially after reviewing the DVD. The negative fall out from Vietnam Veterans on having Ed Asner as the narrator has been swift and harsh. Almost to the point were it may be taken under consideration in the best interest of the State Council not to show it in Feb. I will keep you posted and let you know of any developments. Here are just a few more of the replies.
“what a shame - he (Asner and others) is the reason why POW's were treated so badly. He supported the enemy....and gave comfort to the enemy.
If VVA supports this program VVA definitely will lose VVA members over this. I hope you pass this along to the liberal media.
Again another slap in the face to the Vietnam Veteran.”
“Calling Ed Asner "Left Leaning" is a big
understatement! The same "Balance" could have been reached by
asking Jane Fonda to be the narrator. Again I repeat, Ed
Asner Gave money to support the Sandinista's who at
the time were fighting American troops. His money
supported a faction that was involved in American troops
being killed. Benedict Arnold (who was considered an
American traitor) was hanged for doing less. Bob Dornan has
never supported publicly or financially a group
that was fighting US troops so using that comparison
doesn't pan out. The documentary film may be the best
that has been made to date, but it probably will never
be seen by those who remember Ed Asner's politics”
“I was at a "Welcome Home" concert for Vietnam Veterans
at the Los Angeles Form sometime in the mid to late
80's there were many actors and musical groups that were
paraded onstage, Peter Fonda, Credence Clearwater
Revival to name a couple. All received a standing ovation
when they were announced with the exception of one, Ed
Asner. When his name was announced the booing started
and didn't stop until he left the stage. What I
remember the most was (and I participated in this) Vietnam
Veterans (dressed in jungle fatigues and hats)
standing and turning their backs to the stage and remained
standing with their backs turned until he was done and
gone. Of course this was never made public but I was
there with my wife. My point to this story is many
will not forget that Ed Asner is an American traitor that
would have been hung if what he did had been done one
hundred or maybe even fifty years earlier. Using his
as the narrator was a grievous error.” end of quotes.
Ed
TO: Ed Mentz (Vietnam Veterans Asso.)
FROM: Bill Dumas
Ed,
What a shame some of your members are more interested in harboring their hatred for Ed Asner than realizing that Ed Asner appeals to a large segment of the population that must be included in this mandate to achieve the goal of bringing the issue of abandoned POWs to the American Public and repatriating any POWs still being held against their will.
For these people to say that they are going to quit your organization and boycott the film because Ed Asner, "(and others) is the reason why POWs were treated so badly" (which is an overstatement to begin with-the N. Vietnamese didn't need American actors to mistreat POWs) is like saying, "Ed Asner betrayed our POWs in the past so we're not going to allow this documentary film help repatriate POWs that are still being held against their will. In fact, we'd rather they remain in labor camps than allow this film to be viewed by the public." The point is, this attitude, which tries to condemn (Asner's) betrayal of our POWs actually perpetuates the betrayal. That's the real crime here and a sickening example of throwing out the baby with the bath water.
Anyone who possesses even a modicum of spiritual development, whether it be Christian, Judaism, etc., would look at this situation and say something to the effect, "It's good to see that Ed Asner has made a turnaround and is now helping the cause of our POWs."
If your members would rather, I'll send a letter to North Korea, where my uncle was abandoned in a POW camp, and I'll tell him, "I'm sorry the Vietnam Veterans Association would rather boycott a film narrated by Ed Asner than get you released from a labor camp where you've been imprisoned for the last 53 years. You don't have a problem with that, do you?"
I surely hope this mentality is the exception among your membership. If not, God help our POWs.
Sincerely,
Bill
Here's a good analysis from Jeff Smith of Task Force Omega:
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Jeff Smith"
Date: January 11, 2005 4:50:14 AM PST
To: "William Dumas"
Subject: Asner and the Dumas documentary
Bill:
I think your original response to me that we need to draw in those on the left to
this issue also, said it all, and Asner is one of their communist heroes. It is hard
for me to even look at the commie bastard, or to hear his voice, so I understand
people having a problem with this. I am a strong anti-communist and Asner is one
of the leaders of the "enemy within".
One thing I would correct in your response is:
"for what some consider his "extreme" left leaning politics."
because it isn't that "some consider", it is a stone cold fact that Asner is one of
the worst communists in Hollyweird. I think saying it that way may get people
fired up a little more instead of a little less. Just a suggestion. It sure raised my
eyebrow immediately.
Of course, when you made the decision to use Asner, you also indirectly made the
decision to have to eventually deal with this issue of Asner's communism.
The fact that Ed did it free of charge is excellent. It should be consoling to many
that Asner is receiving nothing for his efforts. I sure couldn't justify putting any money
in his pockets, knowing the extreme leftist / communist causes that he supports. That
made me feel much better immediately when you first told me that. Of course, I also
understood the real reason you let Asner do it and I think you have the best interests
of our POWs and their families in heart in using Asner. That is the ultimate bottom line.
No film that makes it into "mainstream" will ever be hard hitting enough for me and if I
truly want this film to make it into "mainstream", I have to accept the use of some people
I find offensive to me. It is that simple. Nothing in the mainstream that I have witnessed
is really giving 100% of the truth or the dirtiest secrets. The sheeple can't handle it, and it
is the sheeple that we are trying to educate, so we cannot drive them away with the hardest
of facts or with using only conservative commentators.
I could care less about raising the ire of any liberals because liberals are just plain wrong.
But bringing both camps into this film in support of its mission is, I believe the correct
thing to do and shows not only maturity on your part, but wisdom as well. I think anyone
that looks at it with an open mind will see that. There will be people who will not be able
to open up their minds, but they exist on both sides. You won't be able to satisfy everyone
and you need to be ok with that.
However, your efforts to justify the use of Asner, as you are doing, are very important and
it is wise of you to publicly explain it. At least it wasn't Ho Chi Kerry or Hanoi Jane! I was
immediately convinced of the wisdom of your decision when you explained it to me. It is a
wise move Bill, and might be, in the end, one of the wisest decisions of this entire project,
and that comes from someone who could easily put Asner in the crosshairs if the "fit ever
hits the shan", heh heh heh.
People need to get off their high horses because this mission is too important to "empower
Asner's politics" by allowing that to derail it. That is what the VNV Association needs to
understand above all else!
Your friend in Liberty,
Jeff "Mario" Smith
Task Force Omega of Kentucky
From: Ed Mentz csc_vvaed@sbcglobal.net
Subject: The Show will go on
Date: January 12, 2005 6:19:23 AM PST
To: wd@billdumas.com
Bill:
The California State Council Board of Directors, the President and I extend our personal invitation to have you come and speak to us about "missing, presumed dead" and your quest for the Truth. The showing of the film will be announced as it will be scheduled for all those who may wish to attend in a meeting room set aside for that purpose. Tentative showing for those who wish to attend may be during my POW tier Saturday afternoon, or after dinner. Positive feedback is coming in and looking at the number of people who may have been initially notified, less than five percent voiced their objections. Others do not like the narrator but sum it up this way:
“With respect to the members protesting, I would like to hear the message. I have not watched any program that Mr. Asner has been on in a long time. However this is not about Mr. Asner it is about POW's.”
“objections duly acknowledged. Let's not waste time on Mr Asner, we know who he is ...”
I apologize if I sounded negative; I was however taken back by the initial objections. Which I did not quite expect, if known would of announced the DVD without the credits except for yours, and the brief synopsis of what it is all about. Please don’t judge us all on a few discontented members. I am loaning out my first copy to my Chapter members to view, and time permitting will show all or a selected part to spar interest at our next Chapter meeting. I am also going to check on the possibility of a showing to students at the local college. Will keep you posted. “
I can assure you as a small part of a special effort during the war, many of us laid our lives on the line to try and free our POWs and others downed behind enemy lines. Just like saving Private Ryan, we did not give up on our brothers. After the papers are sign however, it becomes your story.
Looking forward to your acceptance and meeting you in February.
Sincerely,
Ed Mentz, Sr.
V.V.A. Calif. State Council
Central Dist. Director
Vets Incarcerated/POW MIA Chair
