As a lawyer and journalist, I was troubled and disturbed when I read about the Hachette book publisher cancelling the publication of Woody Allen’s memoir. Hachette had been on the receiving end of a hailstorm of criticism from Mia Farrow’s son, reporter Ronan Farrow, and some of its own staff, who reportedly staged a walkout in protest. The backlash centered on allegations going back several decades that Allen sexually abused his step-daughter, Dylan Farrow.

I don’t hold an opinion one way or the other on whether there is truth to the allegations, so I take no position on the matter. It’s important to note that Allen has never been charged with a crime. I probably wouldn’t have read the memoir, although I enjoy many of Woody Allen’s films. I just rewatched Blue Jasmine starring Cate Blanchett, and I consistently marvel at his ability to showcase the talents of such disparate groups of actors.

But it bothers me that now no one else will be allowed to read it. Maybe there were some fans, and non-fans, who would have liked to hear what Allen had to say. He certainly would not have been the first controversial, or even infamous, person who published a memoir. Director Roman Polanski published an autobiography back in the 1980s, and he had actually been convicted of a similar crime. It’s unlikely it would ever see the light of day now.

Charles Manson published a memoir. Think about that for a minute.

Other convicted criminals have written books, and as long as they’re not allowed to profit from their crimes, no one seems to object.

Bill Clinton and Donald Trump have both put out books and both been accused of sexual misbehavior. Does that mean they can’t put out any more books? Does it mean their existing books should be pulled from circulation?

This smacks of censorship. A powerful and vocal few deciding what the masses get to read, as well as see and hear. This is not the first recent incidence of a company’s employees forcing executive action through various histrionics, and it makes one wonder if the tail is wagging the dog.

It also makes you wonder, where were all these objections when the book was in the planning and negotiating stage? I feel that a publisher should stand behind its authors, no matter how personally unpopular. Let the employees quit if they don’t like it. I’m thinking that Hachette is still probably on the hook for paying Allen a sizable author’s fee.

Has the #MeToo movement gone too far? There is no question it has forced a lot of changes that are for the better, but when it begins to chill speech and free expression and decide for the rest of us what we can and can’t read, I’ve got a problem.

And here’s another thing to mull over: If the litmus test becomes that only wholesome, noncontroversial, squeaky-clean figures will be allowed to publish books, think about how profoundly dull that’s going to be for the reading public.

Want to know who’s coming to town?

Here are a few upcoming author visits worth checking out:

Madeline Levine, March 10: If you’re looking for a little parenting advice, Levine is a renowned psychologist and author of one of my favorite “How do I do this?” books, “The Price of Privilege.” She’ll be in Winnetka on March 10 to talk about “the skills that children need to succeed in a tumultuous future: adaptability, mental agility, curiosity, collaboration, tolerance for failure, resilience, and optimism. Most important, Levine offers day-to-day solutions parents can use to raise kids who are prepared, enthusiastic, and ready to face an unknown future with confidence and optimism.”

Jeff Fleischer, March 12: Anyone interested in a better understanding of elections? Fleischer will be on hand this Thursday at the Book Cellar in Lincoln Square to talk “About Votes of Confidence: A Young Person’s Guide to American Elections: Votes of Confidence: A Young Person’s Guide to American Elections gives an in-depth introduction to the electoral college, the history of debates, political parties, how to get involved even if you’re not old enough to vote, and more in conversational, engaging prose. The revised edition includes information on the 2016 and 2018 elections, and Kirkus called it “a solid and timely foundation.” This is a must-read for any teen who wants to be an engaged and informed citizen.”

Rebecca Serle, March 14: Appearing at the Highland Park Library, Serle is on tour for her latest novel, “In Five Years.” Great read for anyone looking for an unexpected love story.

Looking for a book suggestion? I just finished up “Weather” by Jenny Offill. You can check it out here.

He had to do it again, drag Monica Lewinsky back into the spotlight when he “explained” why he had an affair with the White House intern. In this latest explanation, he revealed he did it to “manage his anxieties.”

As quoted in the New York Times he prattled on:

“You feel like you’re staggering around — you’ve been in a 15-round prizefight that was extended to 30 rounds, and here’s something that’ll take your mind off it for a while,” Mr. Clinton says. “Everybody’s life has pressures and disappointments and terrors, fears of whatever, things I did to manage my anxieties for years.”

Despicable.

Most twitter and other responses suggested that he should have taken a pill to manage his anxieties. Instead, seeking relief with medication (or by himself), Clinton’s insufferable ego compelled him to make up a new explanation, all so that he can be included the spreading Blob of victimhood.

What bothered me even more was his selfish compulsion to drag Monica Lewinsky back into the public’s consciousness, with all the embarrassment and shame that goes with it.

There was no reason except for his personal benefit to bring it up again.

He used her then, and he’s using her now. She wasn’t a person that he had wronged; she was a pill, a Valium. A stress reliever. A tool. Yes, he admits he had wronged her, just as, I suppose, you can claim that the devil (i.e. his stress)  made him do it.

Monica Lewinsky was a  young woman who deserved–and still does–all the compassion handed out by the #MeToo movement to sexually abused women. 

I will not be watching the sickening four-part documentary series, “Hillary,” which amounts to one more pathetic exercise by a desperate woman to place herself in the front row of the national stage. I would vomit if I saw her, as she does in the series, “reveal” how surprised she was by Bill’s affair. She explained how she was “convinced” by adamant denials of an affair. It is high-order BS when everyone else in America knew that her creepy husband was lying. (And later committed a true impeachable felony of perjury by lying under oath about his affair.)

It is truly beyond my understanding how progressives, masters of the universe of compassion, could tolerate Clinton’s victimization of Lewinsky. How they could excuse him of what today would be a capitol offense if committed by, a corporate CEO, against not just an intern, but a grown woman. The power imbalance of that affair if just staggering, exceeding anything that has been recently revealed.

And don’t you dare say that Lewinsky was a willing participant in the affair. By the definition hurled about today about what defines sexual harassment and assault, Clinton not only should have been  removed from office but should have faced criminal charges once out of office.

In my view, Bill Clinton is as much of a slithering worm in a pile of dung as Harvey Weinstein. That a network would give any credibility to him and his equally obnoxious wife signals just how deep today’s popular culture has sunk.

Here (below) is his defense of his actions in an earlier interview. He felt “terrible” (boo hoo for his suffering), he didn’t  get off free and he left the White House “16 million in debt.”  Talk about Donald Trump’s state of mind. This guy is Trump’s equal in that department. Be sure to watch the goofy excuses made for him by two women defenders of the dirt bag.

[email protected]

www.dennisbyrne.net 

My historical novel: Madness: The War of 1812

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The March edition of the Chicago Artisan Market vill showcase more than 100 of the Midwest’s finest artisans under one roof. Exhibitors vill include designers & makers of clothing, jewelry, vearable art, shoes & accessories, pastries, gourmet food & healthy snack foods, natural skincare products, home goods & décor, and functional & decorative art. Team Gregula vill ve visiting the Chicago Artisan Market for the fourth time.

There vill be various opportunities for market attendees to enjoy. Meet & shop vith 100+ artisans in food, fashion, home goods and art. Learn how the makers create their one-of-a-kind designs and products. Look, listen, feel and taste everything on display throughout the Sunday market. DIY Classes (booked in advance only) vith seasonal themes including: The Art of Orchids, Hand Lettering, Spring Floral Design 101, Create a Vertical Garden, Learn to Paint Floral Watercolor Wreaths.

This family-friendly market also includes a FREE Kids Zone featuring  complimentary arts & crafts and kid friendly snacks. Plus professional face painting for only $5-6.

DATE

•  Sunday, March 8, 2020

TIME

• 10AM – 4PM

VENUE

• Morgan MFG
  401 N. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60642
  (West Loop / Fulton Market)

ADMISSION

• General Admission: $8 ($10 at door)
• Includes VIP Goodie Bag: $25
• Group Tickets: 4 for $20
• Kids under 12: Free

For additional information, click HERE.

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