Jane Devin

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Rosie: Music, Controversy and “Celebrity Detox”

September 28th, 2007 · 309 Comments

Rosie’s Broadway KidsIn between unpacking boxes today, I visited Rosie O’Donnell’s website. A friend told me I might find her book “Celebrity Detox,” due out October 9, interesting for its childhood revelations. Rosie didn’t have much to say about the book on her site, only that it was painful to write and she wasn’t ready to publicly discuss its contents.

I understand that kind of pain and the need for shelter after laying bare the soul and bones of one’s own life. For me, there’s a want to just let work float out there for a while and always the prayer that it will not be something I have to defend or explain – that it will just be understood, accepted, and if I’m lucky maybe even appreciated.

I lay no claim to being a huge know-everything-about-her-career Rosie fan. I’ve admired her, though, on several levels, from her instant recall of lyrics not heard since childhood to her activism on behalf of children. I feel something like kinship to the beleaguered Rosie. Although our places in life couldn’t be more different, we were both born in 1962, under the same revolutionary umbrella that gave birth to a revised and inclusive American dream. The reality of repression did not make the dream any less relevant – only more necessary. Ours was the generation that could sing both the theme to Green Acres and Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues”with equal enthusiasm. We were a generation torn between the idyllic life exemplified by the Brady’s and the realities of oppression, discrimination, and abuse.

Today, I don’t watch a lot of television, rarely read an entertainment magazine, and my knowledge of who’s hot and who’s not is probably as outdated as my music collection. If it weren’t for BMG’s dedication to remastering my favorites my stereo cabinet would likely be half-empty, but “Gord’s Gold” and “Diamonds and Rust” survived the additional decades, as did Janis Ian’s “Seventeen,” Joni Mitchell’s “Court and Spark,” and the soundtrack to Jonathon Livingston Seagull.

So, I’m outdated but I don’t care. There was beauty in the music of the 70’s – lyrical messages of hope and connectivity – that became harder to find after the disco-techno-rap and “it’s all about me” eras replaced hope with a mean sense of entitlement. Poetic love ballads became rarer and were largely replaced by crass calls for T&A, and what might have been introspective works of art became self-centered diatribes.

There are some wonderful lyrical artists today – Amy Lee and Tori Amos are just two that come to mind, and Joni Mitchell is still recording – but their music, despite loyal fans, does not dominate the scene. In 1970, Billboard’s top album of the year was Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. In 2005, it was Fifty Cents “Da Club”.

When you’re weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;
I’m on your side. When times get rough
And friends just can’t be found,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.

____________________________________________________

You can find me in the club, bottle full of bub
Look mami I got the X ,if you into takin drugs
I’m into havin sex I aint into makin love
So come give me a hug if you into getting rubbed

Times have changed, just as they changed in generations before, when big band, swing, and then Elvis hit the scene. And like all those who lamented before me, I believe my generation’s music is better than what followed. I believe there’s proof of dramatically different then-and-now attitudes in the lyrics of popular albums. The children of the late fifties and early sixties wanted love, friendship, and a deeper connection with the world around them. We didn’t idolize pimps, users, players, corporate whores, or shallow people. What happened to that? And what does any of it have to do with Rosie O’Donnell?

Even living in relative seclusion from popular media, I have watched the idealistic and outspoken sixties-born Rosie take one hit after another. I have seen her naturally optimistic naivete scrubbed down to painful rawness not just by the public, but by the perverse and hypocritical figure Donald Trump who parlayed Daddy’s money into a twice-bankrupt empire built on vainglorious self-promotion.

The real “art of the deal” for the Trumps is to be born into or marry into money, and then to capitalize on the assets of privilege, name recognition, connections and bank accounts to the hilt. Stockholders and creditors may be caught short, and be forced into interest-losing deals in order to recoup a fraction of their investment, but their stories don’t make the news. The American public would rather see “The Donald” fire an overly eager, slavish, I’ll-do-anything-to-get-to-the-top reality show trainee.

It’s true that Rosie took the first swing after Trump decided to let Tara Conner keep her Miss USA crown after reports of drug and alcohol use were verified, but Rosie’s comments – and the length and meanness of them – came nowhere Trump’s. She pointed out his already well known indiscretions and questioned whether he should be a moral compass for the twenty-something crowd. She likened him to a snake-oil salesman. In turn he called her

a loser, a bully, not a good person, an extremely unattractive person, a terrible person who has failed at everything she has ever done, disgraceful, a horrible human being, crude, ignorant, a big fat pig, a slob, disgusting inside and out . . .and more.

Much more. Trump appeared on every show that would have him, determined not as much to defend his position, but to personally obliterate Rosie on every level.

Trump’s revolting verbal assault should have, in a rational world, signaled the end of his short reign as fan-made American royalty. The love of money doesn’t, for many bright-eyed devotees of the dollar, transfer to the acceptance of unbridled and largely unwarranted personal cruelty. Or does it? There was no real public backlash against Trump.

Instead, Rosie took the majority of punches, just as she took them after coming out of the closet, becoming a mother, expressing her views on assault rifles, ending her talk show, starting a magazine, ending the magazine, marrying her partner, and quitting the View.

She’s outspoken and a non-apologetic liberal, but before you dismiss those punches as par for the course in a public life, take a look at Trump’s comments again. Rosie’s views may not be the most popular, but they stem from a place of idealism – of wanting to tell the truth as she knows it, of wanting to better the world, and make it safer and more welcoming for those that follow. Whether one agrees with her views or not, it can’t be said that Rosie does not stand by her convictions – and act on them. Her charitable contributions have funneled millions of dollars to the cause of children. Trump’s empire has invested considerably less in good works. (See 1997, 2006 reports).

Trump, born in ‘46, ingratiated himself in the “me” generation with a bold pomposity that many found charming – in a man. (Leona Helmsley was every bit as self-aggrandizing, but her crass behavior left her forever tagged as “The Queen of Mean”). Trump’s comments regarding Rosie O’Donnell didn’t stem from any place higher than his own ego – and his aberrant desire to add personal pain and humiliation to a public controversy.

rosiesart.jpgRosie, born in ‘62, has stayed true to the roots of hope and connectivity that were planted in the short-lived but world-changing revolution of the sixties. She may speak loudly at times, but it is her passionate ideals, and not an overblown ego, that charges her words. I don’t agree with all of her views, but I respect her for being brave enough to put them – and herself – into the public arena. She’s got guts, and a vision that will live long past her controversies.

As I visited her blog today, though, I was struck by what I saw as sadness in Rosie’s eyes and her poetry. It seemed to me, it felt to me, like the world has sucked some of the natural happiness out of Rosie’s spirit . . . she appears to be wary and bracing for the next assault, but taking refuge in the love of family, good music, and freeform art.

I hope “Celebrity Detox” will be the kind of book every writer hopes for – that it will be understood without the need to launch a defense. I hope, for her sake, that it will be appreciated.

Tags: Celebrities

309 responses so far ↓

  • 1 EJ // Sep 28, 2007 at 7:05 am

    Jane,
    I love Rosie. I think she was right to question Trump about the reign of Tara Conner. My God, I was questioning him myself, even before Rosie, because of his past transgressions. I like a person that stands by what his or her convictions, no matter the lumps they have to take. Rosie will be ok. I think somehow, she will be able to hold her own, no matter what. Bridge over Troubled Water is a great song.

  • 2 Joni // Sep 28, 2007 at 12:23 pm

    Jane,

    Good article. While I really don’t care for Rosie in general, she does have some redeeming qualities. I detest Donald Trump. He is a nobody in my opinion. Having money, does not make a person. I’ve never seen any good qualities about him. Some people have the mistaken notion that having money equals class. They couldn’t be further from the truth. They think they don’t need to have any manners and they run roughshod over anyone that gets in their way. That’s the way Trump is. I can’t even stand the looks of him, nor can I stand the looks of Rosie, lol, although if I had to choose one over the other, it would be Rosie.

    As far as Trump deciding that Tara should keep her crown, I disagree with that decision. He believed in giving her a second chance. Those girls know going into these things, what they can and can’t do, so if the girl doesn’t live up to her title, then she should lose it, period.

  • 3 Lucky // Sep 28, 2007 at 1:46 pm

    I don’t care for Rosie. Trump has alot of money and some folks do not like him just because of that alone. Jealous I suppose. He does do some good with his money, other than that I do not have an opioin on him either. To each his own.
    What I found sad was when I heard a part of of Rosie’s book on a show, because I did not buy it nor read it, about how she would break her fingers on purpose so that it would make a good weapon late at night. I found that so sad and disturbing. Explains alot about her.

  • 4 Alison // Sep 28, 2007 at 2:02 pm

    Rosie makes for a convenient punching bag by many media figures, mostly by people to the political right of her, because she is among the very few celebrities who will take vocal positions on issues that the corporate media is unwilling to broach– for fear of either losing sponsors, viewers, or for invoking the wrath of the politically sensitive senior management.
    There are not too many celebrities who are willing to risk their careers in order to express their conscience on subjects that are hot-button. Rosie has done it with Bush, the Iraq War, 9/11, gay civil rights, gun control and other issues, not to mention her extreme financial generosity to the causes she espouses. And Jane, you’re right, her efforts are always aimed toward ideals– common goals of peace, tolerance, compassion and truth. Even if some don’t see eye to eye with her, she’s still driven to be her authentic self, despite the repercussions it may cause.
    She also doesn’t just advocate. She either leads, or at the very least participates fully in the process. I have the utmost respect for Rosie, even moreso than Oprah, for having the courage to put personal convictions over career expedience. If you notice, Oprah, as good as she is, usually stays safely on the side of non-controversial. (Although she is now willing to show her political leaning, which she always carefully remained silent on).
    Rosie did look sad and beleaguered in that video clip. I hope she doesn’t retreat due to battle fatigue. And Jane, I do see the parallels between your boldness to take on causes and fight the good fight, only to be battered about by people who failed to appreciate the higher-mindedness of your goal. And as people, you both leave Trump in the dust.
    Oh, one more thing…I’m about 9 years older than you, but I agree completely about the messages in music of the 70’s (and 60’s). Most of my CD’s are the stuff I grew up listening to and loving. Thankfully my hairstyle isn’t also stuck in the same time warp.

  • 5 VIVIAN // Sep 28, 2007 at 8:59 pm

    I used to like Rosie, she was so funny, but i don’t know what happened to her.. I saw a magazine of her on holiday with her children. AND the children looked so unhappy, in a supposed to be fun thing they were doing. I think she may embarrass them, with her loud crude way..I don’t feel like she thinks of them when she does and says some things. It reminds me of when children were not really people until they grew up.. or some such thing, as that. But i felt bad for the way they were looking. I wonder if Rosie thinks about their feelings before she goes overboard??/ Just wondering????

  • 6 Jane Devin // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:13 am

    EJ - S&G remains one of my favorites, and their albums are among those I’ve ordered and reordered from BMG several times.

    Joni - I totally agree. Money does not equal class. Many people seem to attribute some magical quality to those who possess money, but people either have character or not. There are excellent people — and rotten ones — in all classes. Just as poverty doesn’t always mean incompetent or automatically imbue the poor with great insight, riches don’t always bring intelligence or class. We are who we are from the inside-out, not the other way around.

    Lucky, I really don’t think many people are jealous of Trump. What strikes me is why and how people choose to idolize him. Not just his money — him as a person. It’s the same feeling I have whenever I see Paris Hilton on the cover of a magazine or mobbed by fans. Our tastes as a country seem to run toward the shallow and do not seem nearly as diverse as the diversity we promote. I also don’t think that wanting to have casts on her arm as a child “explains a lot” about Rosie O’Donnell in the present at all. One small piece of anyone’s life, no matter how gruesome, sad or heart-wrenching, does not tell more than the fraction of the story.

    Alison, that phrase “battle fatigue” is perfect. Anybody who puts themselves out there to fight for a cause or belief, even if it’s well-supported, is going to feel the effects of cultural war. As you pointed out, there are not that many willing to take that risk. I’ve not agreed with everything Rosie has said, but at the same time it gets people talking — it gets people to start discussing issues, and that’s the only time real changes are ever brought about.

    Vivian, maybe the children were unhappy because there were photographers there. Maybe they were unhappy because they were told they couldn’t have or do something they wanted. Imagine what anybody’s life might look like if it was taken and judged in snapshots, and people then projected their feelings onto that picture. It wouldn’t be fair, and I don’t think it’s fair to assume Rosie and Kelli’s children are unhappy based on one picture and your feelings about her personality. Her flickr site shows other pics of Parker, Chelsea, Blake and Vivienne, and they all appear to be happy, active children.

  • 7 MontanaMan // Sep 29, 2007 at 7:57 am

    There’s nothing wrong with Rosie O’Donnell! She’s tough, smart, and honest, and one of the few ladies in show business who will be seen without a boatload of makeup and a mile long entourage. Like you, Jane, I don’t agree with everything she says but so what? She does more good than harm to the world and I think that’s a high compliment I couldn’t give many celebrities.

    My nephew is gay. I always knew this about him, my sister did too. My brother in law, his father, made his life miserable. The kid was born in 65. Not a good time to grow up different. He tried to kill himself the first time when he was only 14. His father only pressured him more. He tried again at 15 and was locked up for a year. After that, my sister divorced but by that time my nephew was into drugs and out of control. He left home. At 19, he came to live with me. He got sober and started community college but Montanta wasn’t the place for him. I moved him out to Mpls. when he was 21.

    Today he’s got a good job as a realtor, he’s been with the same man for over ten years and they’ve got two wonderful kids they adopted internationally. He’s done a better job of making life count than his own father did, and he’s a better parent than either of his.

    I look at those kids and they are happy, given and taught all the good things, and I think there’s no reason gay people should not be able to adopt kids if they’re fit. When I saw the special on the FL couple who couldn’t adopt, done by Rosie O, I thought of my nephew, and I think she has helped people like him, and their kids, alot.

    What’s Trump ever done for anybody? Nothing good that I can see.

  • 8 A.P. // Sep 29, 2007 at 9:37 am

    I have an older cousin who is gay and tried to commit suicide when she was young . Another cousin, who I love like a brother, is in his forties but is still ‘in the closet’. I don’t know much about Rosie’s views or career (I did like her in ‘Sleepless in Seattle’) to say whether I agree or disagree . However, I agree with Jane if it opens up discussions on issues, then change or acceptance can occur where it is needed.

  • 9 A.P. // Sep 29, 2007 at 9:50 am

    I don’t know much about Rosie but I do know alot about music. I wonder if anyone can name these tunes.

    ‘Don’t know much about geograhy
    don’t know much trigonometry
    don’t know much about algebra
    I don’t know what a slide rule is for
    But I do know “one and one is two”
    And if this one could be with you’

    or this one:

    If I had a box just for wishes
    And dreams that had never come true
    The box would be empty
    Except for the memory
    Of how they were answered by you

    Too easy, AP! Herman’s Hermits and Jim Croce. I never did like the first song, but the second, “Time in a Bottle” is on my long list of favorites.- JD

  • 10 A.P. // Sep 29, 2007 at 10:19 am

    It was ‘What A wonderful world’ by Art Garfunkel, James Taylor and Paul Simon. It wasn’t my favorite either but very recognizable. I liked the lyrics to ‘Time in a bottle’.

    :-) Herman’s Hermits covered the Sam Cooke song, too. . .here.

  • 11 r blog -- there’s always more to the story // Sep 29, 2007 at 12:42 pm

    [...] Rosie: Music, Controversy and “Celebrity Detox” permalink | send 2 a friend | tech issues? [...]

  • 12 QV // Sep 29, 2007 at 12:52 pm

    I have always loved Rosie. Everyone has their ups and downs as they go through life and times when there is no comfort save for distraction. Sometimes mine is just plain watching TV.

    Many times Rosie’s talent as a comedian has made me laugh and forget whatever complication that I was dealing with. When I scroll through my TV guide looking for something to cheer me up and come across something involving Rosie, I know that I will be feeling better soon. Thank you Rosie!

  • 13 A.P. // Sep 29, 2007 at 12:55 pm

    Wow awesome Jane! I am having fun reminiscing about songs. Several people mentioned Elvis on the previous thread. These are two of my favorites :

    Of holding hands and red bouquets
    And twilight trimmed in purple haze
    And laughing eyes and simple ways
    And quiet nights and gentle days with you
    _______________________________________________________________

    Deep in my heart there’s a trembling question
    Still I am sure that the answers gonna come somehow
    Out there in the dark, there’s a beckoning candle

    Can someone name those tunes?
    We are heading out of town in a little while. Everyone have a nice weekend!

  • 14 Laura // Sep 29, 2007 at 12:55 pm

    I arrived here through Rosie’s website. I guess that makes me one of her fans, and now I’m one of yours. This was beautifully written and made me yearn for those idealistic values in the people around me. It’s refreshing to see that they still exist. Peace be unto you.

  • 15 Gary // Sep 29, 2007 at 12:58 pm

    Open Letter to Rosie:

    Dear Rosie:

    You’ll either read this somehow or it will be flushed.

    Have you ever been a fan of a celebrity, that your one and only chance of meeting them could finally come true? I have been a fan of yours for years, people refer to me as the male version of you. I have a wicked sense of humor, along with being a quick wit.

    When you announced the date of your book and Barnes and Noble announced you would be there on Oct 2nd. It gave me my one hope to finally meet the one person I have admired in my adult life.

    Then you said on the blog there was a major issue with the flap and they had it fixed. I called Barnes in NYC and they told me you were still signing books on Oct 2nd. So I started looking for a flight and hotel, finally a shot at meeting you.

    Then over the weekend you said book issue fixed. I went and booked the flight and hotel. Then you said in a blog to someone the book was set back a week. I about freaked out. I spent the money on a flight (non-refundable) and a hotel. And then that empty feeling of the rug pulled out from under me hit. i said don’t panic, call the book store. I called again and they confirmed again you’ll be there on the Oct 2nd. Talk about Jeff on Flipping Out, and having a break down. I had one! I felt better that you would make it.

    Tonight I went to the Barnes and Noble site and they changed the date to Oct 9th. So I am flipped out again. Instead I said I’ll write you and maybe I’ll feel better.

    So now I feel like a fool, thinking I could ever meet you and get a signed book. It’s not the money I am out. it’s the embarrassment of going into work and facing my coworkers after I have talk about you for years and the crazy trip I planned to go to NYC and get a signed book.

    I have cut and paste the air line ticket along with hotel reservation so you can see I really wanted to meet you.

    Thank you for flying AirTran Airways.
    If you have any questions about your reservation, please
    call 1-800-AIR-TRAN.

    Confirmation number: J964KT

    Passenger:
        GARY Flight Information:
    Should our flight schedule change, we will notify you by email as early as possible.

        October 01, 2007, Flight 644 [Non-Stop]
        Departing Newport News, VA (PHF) at 4:54 PM
        Arriving New York, NY - LaGuardia (LGA) at 6:06 PM

        October 02, 2007, Flight 915 [Non-Stop] Seat: 16C
        Departing New York, NY - LaGuardia (LGA) at 5:59 PM
        Arriving Newport News, VA (PHF) at 7:19 PM

    Payment Information:
    Air Fare
    138.00
    Federal Segment Tax
    6.80
    Airport Passenger Facility Charge
    4.50
    September 11th Security Fee
    5.00
    Direct Booking Fee
    7.50
    Other Fees
    65.00
    Ticket Total
    226.80

    Ticket Reference Number: 3320029502200

    Hotel
    ?Mon Oct-1-2007 (1 night)
    Portland Square Hotel
    ? 132 W 47th St
    New York, NY 10036
    USA
    Check in:  Mon Oct-1-2007
    Check out:  Tue Oct-2-2007
    Reservation questions: +1 (800) EXPEDIA
    For other information contact the hotel: Tel: 1 (212) 382-0600    Fax: 1 (212) 382-0684

    I’ll be upset for a couple of days and just get over it. I can not ask my employer for another day off, nor afford the travel expense. If you do read this and find it in your heart to sign a book for me, maybe someone can drop a copy at the hotel. I’ll be at the Portland Hotel, monday night, Oct 1, 2007. I paid for the trip and got the day off. Maybe I can find NBC and stand in the plaza and meet Al the weather man. I believe in you and everything you stand for. It’s just not meant for us to meet. I am will always be a fan. Just a little upset right now.

    Love you,
    Gary

    Gary

  • 16 Donald D'Haene // Sep 29, 2007 at 1:08 pm

    Loved your heartfelt, thoughtful spin on Ms. O’Donnell. I’m her biggest fan but only really since her almost year on the View. I prefer the Rosie of today - where she is today - then what parlayed her to fame - Queen of Nice, etc. - although that too is who she is/was.
    I believe and tell everyone I can, we need more Rosie O’Donnells in this world - not less. If she were a man this would so be a non-issue.
    I guess, being the biggest male feminist I know - I do not get what the problem is. I say all the things she says as a gay male and no one bats an eye. People are entertained by my brutal honesty. I have no doubt it’s because I’m a relatively thin white gay male - if I were heavy, a woman and a lesbian, I’d be run out of my city.
    Ellen is a dear, but It’s only for women like Rosie that I’d fly anywhere in the world to see.
    I did see her though - I was at the Shut the Fu*k up Streisand concert last October and there was Rosie in all her pink-coloured outfit glory. Didn’t go up to her.
    I will love afar, from a respectful distance. We all need to give this woman a break.

  • 17 Chris // Sep 29, 2007 at 1:10 pm

    Rosie has been an inspiration for literally thousands of people over several years. Her generosity has gone beyond donating money; she has a giving heart as well. She never asked to be labeled the “Queen of Nice” years ago on the cover of Newsweek, but there remains a lot of truth in that title for Rosie. Give her a break about how she looked in her most recent video posting on her blog. She began filming it at 4:30 in the morning!

  • 18 Sue // Sep 29, 2007 at 1:13 pm

    Very nice article about Rosie. Wish there were more people like you around. If people would just stop judging people and have compassion and empathy for eachother…things would be better.

  • 19 JAA // Sep 29, 2007 at 1:13 pm

    Thank you Jane for explaining the passionate idealistic Rosie O’Donnell that so many of us idnetify with. I don’t identify with anyone on the polical stage, especially this administration, and it was comforting to see a fellow idealist on television speaking for me and my kind. I am nauseated everytinme I hear Trumps voice, no matter what the words are. Imagine bragging about your child attending Wharton, wealthy priviledged kids getting in to good schools is a given, my nephew, neighbor, and friend who graduated from Ivy league schools who were middle class and in one case, poor, is something to brag about, but they don’t. I grew up in a community in New England in which people who had money didn’t talk about it. We all did volunteer work and called our neighbors Mr and Mrs. We weren’t perfect kids, we were good kids. We did not aspire to be wealthy, we aspired to do well and help our family and community. Rosie is the epitome of success in my family. Trump is one of the kids my mother would tell me to be extra nice to…..

  • 20 Kari // Sep 29, 2007 at 1:17 pm

    I too arrived here through Rosie’s website.
    I think that those of us who feel like Ro is a friend through her blog, feel her sadness.
    It’s got to be tough to be so vilified for what you believe.
    I, as you stated, do not agree with everything that Rosie stands for.
    But, she has given me the power to stand up for what I DO believe in, and the power to question what I have never had to guts to question before.
    Thanks for taking the time to understand our dear friend, Ro!

  • 21 Kari // Sep 29, 2007 at 1:17 pm

    Jane,
    I too arrived here through Rosie’s website.
    I think that those of us who feel like Ro is a friend through her blog, feel her sadness.
    It’s got to be tough to be so vilified for what you believe.
    I, as you stated, do not agree with everything that Rosie stands for.
    But, she has given me the power to stand up for what I DO believe in, and the power to question what I have never had to guts to question before.
    Thanks for taking the time to understand our dear friend, Ro!

  • 22 Suzzysnet // Sep 29, 2007 at 1:38 pm

    Jane, Your article was so heart-felt and appreciated. We certainly don’t have to agree with Rosie on everything. I’m probably one of her biggest fans and even I don’t always agree with her. It’s not about that. It’s all about her faith in humanity, the questions she’s willing to ask, the beautiful work for kids that she steadfastly supports.

    Her fans do worry about her. We all see the pain and the introspection in her pictures and blog. We come to her web site to feel it, experience it with her - she allows that and that is a rare thing in celebritydom.

    My hope is that she will bite the bullet, be offered, and accept a cable talk show like Bill Maher’s. I’m sure it’s difficult though, since even those networks are owned by people who might not want the truth to be explored so fully.

  • 23 Beverly F. // Sep 29, 2007 at 1:40 pm

    Awesome and well said from another child or 1962 and a big Rosie fan.

  • 24 Beverly F. // Sep 29, 2007 at 1:41 pm

    Awesome and well said from another child of 1962 and a big Rosie fan.

  • 25 Kristin // Sep 29, 2007 at 1:47 pm

    Lovely article…. Yes the concept behind some of this hatred for Rosie is baffeling to me, its just plain obsurd. Yes lets hate a women who stands up for what she believes in, is soo kind and caring as to donate millions of dollars to kids, a loving mother and wife, someone who allows her fans get a glimpse of her life though her blog….shall I go on because I can, the list goes on forever. Shes not looking for everyone to agree with her, who is? shes stating what she beileves in, her view if you will. I could go on and on about her but I won’t. I hope as well, that her book is appreciated! cant wait for my copy.

  • 26 Beverly F. // Sep 29, 2007 at 1:47 pm

    How about Peter Paul and Mary!! I loved all of those songs so much. And JOHN DENVER! Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
    Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
    Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
    Sunshine almost always makes me high

    If I had a day that I could give you
    Id give to you a day just like today
    If I had a song that I could sing for you
    Id sing a song to make you feel this way

  • 27 Laine // Sep 29, 2007 at 1:52 pm

    Jane,

    TY for writing this article! Ro needs more people like you to come out and write stuff like this. She has no reason to be sad, ashamed or afraid to be herself. She has helped a lot of people (both young and old) and continues to do so every day by being ‘real’ and sharing herself in the best way she knows how through her blog. She should be commended and so should you for picking up on some of her most detailed personality traits.

  • 28 Helena // Sep 29, 2007 at 1:53 pm

    I loved your article and agree completely. I happen to see various “experts” on Fox News shows (don’t ask me why I watch them!) and they are ready to verbally abuse Rosie and twist everything she says beyond reason. Among the hatefilled comments someone always mentions “fat”. I’d rather be fat than thoughtless and dumb. Rosie has done more for children than any celebrity around and this needs to be recognized. Everything she does is to give a wonderful life to her own children and she adores them. Television has gotten out of control with celebrity news shows and right wing conservative ideas. I will buy her book and read her book and support everything she does because she is real and honest and always trying to make thisworld better.

  • 29 Laine // Sep 29, 2007 at 1:55 pm

    Beverly F… I was born in 66 and I loved John Denver…your writing the words out just brings back so much memories…I lost my mom to cancer like Ro in 1973. So sad and yet such connections going on in this world - weird and yet - ‘ironic’ … what other famous people would open themselves up to the common person such as myself? For that I think Ro is wonderful. Check out her blog and watch her toes wiggle on one of her latest art pieces … it is so sweet, playful and innocent.

  • 30 Jeanette // Sep 29, 2007 at 1:56 pm

    I really cringe when people make a statement like this. “I like the old you better.” Or I liked Rosie when she shot things in the air at the audience and gave away fee stuff and kept her closet closed, even though it was the best kept secret around. C’mon people who like “the old rosie” better, I equate it to a mother telling her daughter who just turned thirteen. You know dear I liked you better when you were a baby. When you didn’t have your own opinion. It was easier when my daughter just “drank the koolaid” too I will admit, but I think it’s pretty cool she wants to know what an ingredient is in it she can’t pronounce and if she really is convinced due to overwhelming evidence that something in it could harm her, am I going to beat her down for trying to warn others about it. You know life happened to her when she left her show. Or perhaps it was then she was able for the first time in her life to exhale and examine the meaning of her life. Oh yeah I think you would call it EVOLVING. I am getting the distinct feeling of borderline preachiness on my part here right now but it just amazes me how beligerent people get at her views and opinions which ok forget if you just are like me and you don’t know why but your intuition just tells you she’s the real deal in her heart and with her kids and thousands of others who have benefited from her calling to be a voice of the weak. I have always trusted my gut on these kinds of things but let her actions speak for themselves. Bring on the New Rosie! For it is with each stage of growth in our lives we uncover our new spiritual gifts we can use to make the world a better place.

  • 31 Janetlovesrosie // Sep 29, 2007 at 1:59 pm

    And yes, another friend, from rosie’s site . . . thank u for writing an article that expresses all the beautiful fragilty and brilliant strength that we, who park ourselves at rosie’s door everyday, feel and see in her. Ro’s raw, open honesty and naked dialogue is something we rosie friends hold almost reverantly. And to find an article like yours, something that we can paste in our scrapbook with pride, hope, joy and love is so very much appreciated. Thank you Jane. You have gained yourself this gentle reader.
    with much gratitude,
    janetlovesrosie

  • 32 Beth // Sep 29, 2007 at 2:01 pm

    Thank you for your thoughtful reflection and calling us accountable to our values.

    I was born in ‘57 but I really wasn’t a part of the 60’s. I was just tuned out of what was going on in the bigger world until 1968 when Nixon was elected…and then Watergate and read all the books about that. I remember my Mom saying, “Well, we need a change so I’m voting for Nixon.” Yikes!

    But, I do believe that each of us can make a difference in this world. And, the first place we can start is by respecting others even when we don’t agree with them. There is a big difference in what people think about politics, religion, war, sexual orientation and who they are as a person. I think that Rosie O’Donnell has been treated terribly and it has made me realize that I can’t believe all the “hype” about celebrities in magazines, TV and books. We need more persons like Rosie who celebrates people of all ages for caring about this world and for her commitment to make a difference in the lives with the least, that are lost and those who have been injured.

    I can’t wait to read Celebrity Detox. I know I’ll cry, laugh and take a hard look at who I am and would I want to be.

  • 33 j // Sep 29, 2007 at 2:03 pm

    Well, it’s about time! i couldn’t have said it any better. thank-you so much for wording so articulately what many people have felt during the many months of what I term, Rosie bashing. It has been so frustrating and disappointing watching so called educated and self-proclaimed professionals try and wipe the floor with her. For most it’s for ratings-for Rosie always draws them, for others as you pointed out, mean-spirited losers who can’t take a step back and examine themselves for a change! What was really being said through the eyes of others. Rosie is a comic, a good one, and she hit the nail on the head that day about Donald Trump. I still chuckle at the thought, she did her job! So thank-you once again for writing this article.!
    If this shows up more than once-I’m sorry. Am having trouble submitting it.

  • 34 maryj // Sep 29, 2007 at 2:09 pm

    I came upon this site through rosie.com. I know a person would not want to wake up, be black and gay, so there is much more to the whole thing than we humans can figure out. I will not judge one’s for their life choices, so that I not be judged for mine. I think Rosie is harshly judged for every breath she takes by those that can not hold a candle to her kind, and generous spirit. She gives of her time and money to enlighten people to things that they will enjoy, be educated by or learn something from. Open your heart, listen, read and you might learn. Learn love. Learn the meaning of yellow.

  • 35 stephen // Sep 29, 2007 at 2:17 pm

    This article was extremely well written. Rosie is an enigma to me… She believes that Joni Mitchell is her muse. Little does she know that she’s mine. Pretty much everything Rosie believes in, I do as well. the only difference is that I don’t have a celebrity persona and can’t project my thoughts. She is my voice and I thank her for that. I will always support Rosie O’Donnell.

  • 36 coyne // Sep 29, 2007 at 2:20 pm

    ro has balls the size of lobster pots. she has shown us what courage looks like. i’m so thankful she’s on our team.

  • 37 Stacey // Sep 29, 2007 at 2:23 pm

    I read your article via Rosie’s website, too. I am somewhat (OK, a lot) addicted to her site. I was born in ‘73, but have much older brothers who always had the music going. And my mother always had the songs going. Rosie is somehow like an older sister that I never had. I can always log on and see what’s going on with her and even though we’ve never met and never will, I feel like she’s got my back and I’ve got hers. Your article just reminded me why I first found her on VH1 and rushed home from junior high to watch. Years later, I was lucky enough to have a husband who supported my yearning to stay at home with our kids and I got to watch Rosie every day. Gay, straight, Christian or not, some people are just GOOD. Rosie is GOOD.

  • 38 Mal Davis // Sep 29, 2007 at 2:25 pm

    I too admire Rosie O’donnell. She lives her life to the fullest. She is
    very human, vulnerable, sweet, caring, and VERY intelligent. She loves
    kids and I guess the things I admire the most is that she believes in herself and stands up for her beliefs. I have never met her except in
    her blog but I feel like she is a lifelong friend.

  • 39 Debbie B // Sep 29, 2007 at 2:31 pm

    Have loved her then now and forever~

    You write very well!
    Great thanks~

    peace&smiles~~~

  • 40 LR // Sep 29, 2007 at 2:34 pm

    I love Rosie period. She has her opinions as well as being a comedian she had done more than any of us can imagine. Yet she is continually being bombarded by the weak and lazy press who refuses to acknowledge her works. They only want a sound bite that they can miscontrue or re-edit to whatever they need for that particular evening news bomb. Let’s acknowlege that she is a human being with family, friends and fans who love her and her work. peace out!

  • 41 Christine D. // Sep 29, 2007 at 2:34 pm

    Excellent article on our beloved, Ro. Bravo to you for taking up the other side of her story! Let me share a few of the reasons I admire Rosie O’Donnell. Rosie is a person who is tired of the way the media spins issues for its own purposes with little regard for the truth, or who is being hurt or defamed. A person who is disgusted and disappointed that the media (and our government) has become a puppet for corporate America. And a person who has been betrayed by her contemporaries and constantly publicly mocked and put on trial by her adversaries. But through it all, she remains steady in her own identity and truth. She believes, speaks and lives her truth whether it is popular or not. She seems to have an incredible moral compass that guides her and despite her fame, is not afraid to admit (and let others see) that she is a flawed human being.

  • 42 JENNI // Sep 29, 2007 at 3:58 pm

    Thank you for recognizing, through Rosie, the frustration that those of us born in this era feel. My 19-year-old daughter came to me the other day, after reading an article about individuals who were protesting the war, being arrested, hackled, etc, crying, yes crying, about how afraid she was for the world she was going to live in, raise a family in and would she be safe, was there any hope left? I have since shed quite a few tears over her tears and I know I will continue to shed more. Rosie has tried to open the eyes of those who have become complacent, hopefully stirring them to awareness and even (pray to god) action! I commend her for her continued battle. I applaud her for her bravery and using her “celebrity” status to get the message out. I pray for her spirit to be strong and her hope to continue to shine. I pray her for her spirit to be healed as well. I pray for those reading the message to take heart and continue to speak the message to all that they can, not for our sake, but for the sake of our daughters, sons, and all the children in all the world. Peace Out

  • 43 Amybtru // Sep 29, 2007 at 4:03 pm

    I want to challenge Rosie to a head to head challenge of name that tune..or lyrics…or artist. I want to go on don’t forget the lyrics against her…LOL..Hey Rose arrange an online name that tune,sing the lyrics I bet I can whoop your butt..heheeheheh..Amy

  • 44 Lisa // Sep 29, 2007 at 4:06 pm

    To me, the worst thing Trump called Rosie was “a degenerate”…clearly a slam against her sexual orientation. Apparently, gay bashing is still acceptable in society. I was very surprised that more people didn’t call him out on that one.

  • 45 patty // Sep 29, 2007 at 4:13 pm

    hi,
    ro makes everyone feel like we are part of a great big happy & sometimes grumpy family. who do u know that is happy & smiling all the time. these r people just like u & i who just happen to be very talented & have lots of cashola ;)
    my husband & i both love ro & all she stands for

  • 46 Janette // Sep 29, 2007 at 4:18 pm

    Another who arrived here from Rosie’s site… thank you for the glorious view of My Rosie…. Her heart is the biggest thing about her…. even bigger than Trump’s ego, if anyone can believe that’s even possible. Your article was frank, nostalgic and fair. That’s puts you above the rest of the media, automatically.

    Even better are the comments left here…. so enjoyable all ’round… thank you!

  • 47 Jayla // Sep 29, 2007 at 4:22 pm

    I so admire Rosie. She is brave, someone who puts her money behind her politics, and always remains loyal to helping children. As for Donald Trump, I was sickened by his attack on Rosie — made me beyond sad — and I have vowed to NEVER watch or buy any product associated with that man again. He instantly became low-grade in my eyes. He lacks class and decency. Guess when you’re a pompous, hand-me-down rich guy, you forget how to take a joke.

    I will read, click on, and watch anything Miss O’Donnell produces. She is the real deal.

  • 48 Annette // Sep 29, 2007 at 4:22 pm

    I’ve loved Ro ever since I was a little girl and love her even more today.

    Thank you for writing this.

  • 49 Janis // Sep 29, 2007 at 4:57 pm

    Rosie is a beautiful person and her heart is huge. The world is lucky to have her.

  • 50 iverge // Sep 29, 2007 at 4:57 pm

    Fantastic article. I find Rosie’s honesty refreshing among celebrities today. She is not afraid to express her view and even though I may not always agree with her, I respect her for it. So many celeb’s put the all mighty dollar ahead of their integrity, Rosie put her money where her mouth is. Rosie was hired to give her “view” and that’s what she did. The woman single handedly revived a show that was on for ten years, on it’s last breath and that wasn’t even on the daytime radar. Rosie provoked thought and discussion which is rare for daytime TV. I have come to accept that Rosie was above the other women on The View, all the other ladies need the J-O-B and will say whatever they need too in order to keep it. Let’s face it Barbra Walter’s and Bill Geddes are the biggest back-stabbing phonies on daytime tv. I love how they promote the show as… “A show for women by women”… right , yet they have The View Master who is a man, who clearly props up Elisabeth’s dialogue thru an ear piece.

    I have pre-ordered Celebrity Detox and so have many other’s as it’s the #1 online bestseller in Canada. I hope Rosie will continue to provoke thought and discussion. Because if we continue to hide, to play the pristine, perfect, everything’s a picnic, we do the world a disservice. The world needs more decent human-beings like Rosie O’Donnell.

  • 51 Joyce // Sep 29, 2007 at 4:59 pm

    Beautiful article. I knew there had to be people out there who understand Rosie and what she is trying to do. She is a gentle, caring, wise soul. We do not all agree with everything she says but at least she makes us listen and question what we hear. This nation has lost its sense of decency and civility - from the lyrics of “Da Club,” to the insulting words president Bolinger of Columbia University used to introduce his invited guest the president of Iran. Regardless of what we think of Ahmadinejad,
    regardless of how dictatorial he is, the president of a University an institution of higher learning, a place where we send our children to learn the art of debating and discussion should at least give his invited guest a chance to speak and be questioned on his views, before he is berated. If we never listen, if we never ask why , we will not be able to extrapolate, much less evaluate the essence of what we are being told.

  • 52 Kathy Freeland // Sep 29, 2007 at 5:07 pm

    Dear Jane,

    Thank you so much for writing and sharing your comments about Rosie. She is a hero to so many of us. Reaching out to the weakest of the weak. Taking time to talk and share life with us. Asking hard questions giving hard answers. Never asking anything of us but to help her “kids”.
    The insults and lies she endures on a daily basis from the “fair and accurate” press should give us all a reason to pause and question the truth of much of the “news” that is reported. Thank God we have Rosie to ask the hard questions, to spread love and compassion and to be our friend. I am waiting anxiously for Detox, it will be a best seller without Rosie appearing on all the talk shows and exposing herself futher to the meaness of her critics.
    love 2 rosie

    kathy

  • 53 Manuel // Sep 29, 2007 at 5:12 pm

    Thanks for a dead-on article. Rosie may not be the best comedian (although she’s pretty close) the best actor, singer but one thing she clearly is: AN AMAZING HUMAN-BEING with a huge heart. She connects with so many people in such a way that brings you to tears. I remember how she gave David & Mary from The Amazing race a house, a vacation, etc.. the woman has always been a champion for the underdog. I applaud Rosie for her bravery, honesty and kindness.

    What ever Rosie does she does it with passion and often people confuse that with her being aggressive. But there comes a time when you need to raise your voice and wave your hand high in the air for people to wake up and listen. I am Canadian and looking in from the outside , Rosie is right on the mark when she speaks of GWB and your government. The world shares the same opinion as Rosie, we love American’s and what you once stood for. But we do not support your government and GWB. American’s have lost their global reputation of goodwill ever since Bush invaded Iraq. I guess you would have to be here in order to understand.

    In the end, Rosie is truly an American hero sadly most American’s can’t see that either… I guess you would have to be here in order to understand that too.

  • 54 Michelle // Sep 29, 2007 at 5:22 pm

    What a lovely article - Rosie is so honest, so down to earth, so not “hollywood false” and the people who take shots at her in the media do so because they know she speaks the truth and they feel guility for buying into the whole “spin” thing. Rosie has done amazing things for children over the years, and she does it quietly, without the whole fanfare and accoldades - a true “giver”. Because she is not 125 poungs, had tons of plastic surgery and says only the Politically Correct opinions she is skewered. How about skewering all the people who shamelessly have book tours for the simple reason of exposing their book. Her book is going to outsell them all and she didn’t have to pander to anyone to get the job done! Keep your loud and proud voice heard Rosie…….we love you!

  • 55 Linda // Sep 29, 2007 at 5:29 pm

    Jane,
    Thank you for writing such a wonderful article about Ms. O’Donnell. I think she is a wonderful role model for everyone. As for the dump truck, he can kiss my white lesbian ass. If Ms. O’Donnell was in charge, the United States and the world would be a better place. Rosie, can you hear me? Thank you for doing the things you do and TY4BNU.

  • 56 Annie in CA // Sep 29, 2007 at 5:35 pm

    Ro is amazingly brave. How any people do we know who will put themselves out there on a daily basis like Ro does?

    She answers questions thru her blog, even the horrible judgemental comments/questions get answered. AND SHE KEEPS DOING IT. Long after the best of us would have run home and hidden, turned off the phone and said, “I don’t want to play any more” Ro is still out there fighting the good fight, still standing, still speaking the truth.

    And people (’Lucky’) STILL judge her by one partial sentence from a whole book, or one part of a conversation, or one part of a photograph (’Vivian’). If you want to judge Ro, get to know her first, if you want to get to know her, visit HER website. Read what SHE wrote or said on HER blog and then judge her if you must. But please, don’t decide on who she is by what fox news says or some blurb in a newspaper when you can get the ‘real deal’ from the real Ro.

    She tells the truth. Show me where she has lied.

    We are lucky to have a Ro in our lives. Not as a punching bag, or a target for name calling but as a Mom who loves her kids and a woman who is willing to stand up and be accountable. Ro puts her $$$$ where her mouth is EVERY DAY. How many among us can say we do the same? Not all of us can give away $$$$ but we can give away something, like time, but do we?

    She is brave, she represents how brave I’d like to be on a daily basis.

  • 57 Deb H // Sep 29, 2007 at 5:36 pm

    I too am a Rosie fan and arrived here thru her blog.
    Your writing with admitted limited knowledge was just perfect and I could not have put it in any better words.
    Rosie is a true person unilke the “fake” publicity seeking Trumps of the world. She is a threat to many who can’t acheive the personal honesty she has worked hard and still works hard to identify about herself. She will continue to grow and expand and even more importantly share and speak for many of us who have no voice. I am honored she takes the time, courage and honesty to speak out for herself. I hope she knows she speaks for so many like me about the important issues.
    I quake at the thought of losing her in my life (even though I don’t know her personally).
    After reading your article it makes me very afraid with it being so true in all aspects of her life that she will seek silence and leave the absurdity of unfairness that is constantly thrown upon her by media and “fakes” (UH,,that would be the Trumps of the world.
    How much can a person endure and how sad it would be if we lose our loud-mouthed, opinionated, honest, usually right-on Rosie?
    I just hope she knows how important she is to us, if she did she would be humbled and truly amazed as I am by her everyday in her blog.
    WHO else can make us laugh and cry and make us want to fight the system all at that same time? Rosie does that for me and I know she will continue to make me and so many others proud to be a woman and mother with an opinion. I send her energy everyday to be strong and be her usual mouthy self she is!!!!
    Deb

  • 58 Mary // Sep 29, 2007 at 5:36 pm

    Great article! Rosie deserves all the support that thinking, feeling, intelligent citizens of this country can give her. Our lack of knowledge as a nation of the culture, political, and economic facets of the world has put us in the place where we are at this time. We have a tendency to TRUST our government, that what they tell us is the truth. What a disappointment our elected leaders have been for years (I was born in 1939) but the group we have now are the cream of the crop. Our leaders are only puppets for BIG business and their demands for power and wealth. All Rosie is doing is asking people to wake up, pay attention and think for ourselves. If our leaders had the necessary knowledge, instead of the absolute loyalty demanded by Bush, they would have known that invading Iraq would have blown the lid off the weak stability of the Middle East. Saddam was an evil, brutal dictator but the reality was that his control of Iraq was the cork that kept the bottle whole. We need more people like Rosie in our country to bring us back to the belief in freedom that our Founding Fathers had as they were discussing and writing our Constitution.

    Peace to all.

  • 59 Lily // Sep 29, 2007 at 5:39 pm

    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

    I never really followed Rosie’s career until she joined The View. And I never watch that show until she kicked it up a notch from what was once, clue-less hens bickering about nothing. Rosie made me think and question the world around us and I would watch her daily as she lifted my spirit and made me smile. I no longer watch The View and I am not the only one. Don’t believe the FAKE ratings that Barbra and ABC released because we know Rosie called her out on it. Barbra is afraid of the truth, she has been caught on air lying and butt kissing her rich phony friends such as Kathy Hilton. She thought she could control Rosie like a puppet exactly what she does with Joy and Elisabeth. Rosie didn’t want to play that game and I respect and love Rosie for that. She stayed true to herself.

    And just how much of a phony is Barbra and Bill Geddes? During BW birthday show I noticed they ran clips from the view since it started and they included all past hosts except Rosie! that was very disrespectful and it only showed that BW is a bitter old woman.

    I support Rosie.

  • 60 Mary Y // Sep 29, 2007 at 5:43 pm

    Hello Jane…I found your wonderful article through Rosie’s site. Thank you so much for articulating how I feel about Rosie. She is a wonderful person and so totally undeserving of all the meanness directed at her. I do not understand how people can be so hateful. She is the real deal…what you see is what you get. I love her, and her passion and compassion, and wish her all the happiness in the world. Hey Ro, keep on keepin’ on.
    I can’t wait for the new book, and absolutely understand and respect Rosie’s decision not to do interviews.

  • 61 Linda // Sep 29, 2007 at 5:44 pm

    Great article!! Born in 1961 and always felt that our age group was stuck in the middle btw attitudes of the 50s and being to young to be part of the 60s..anyway, I thought I was the only one who still listens and loves Joplin,Beatles, Dylan etc. I just dont get the rap and hiphop stuff. I just wanted you to know that my take and admiration of Rosie is very similar to yours and thank you for writing this article.

  • 62 Halee // Sep 29, 2007 at 5:53 pm

    Thank you soo much for the wonderful article about our Rosie.She is definetly unique and a wonderful human being..May her family, friends, and fans rally round her so she will know she is loved for who she is to us not what fools like Donald Trump and the like want us to believe!!! GO ROSIE

  • 63 JillR // Sep 29, 2007 at 5:55 pm

    Another 1962 baby here. Its how I identify with Ms. Rosie also.

    I loved your comments - you get it.

    And I’m sure alot of us Rosie appreciaters (the term “fans” seems - so well, “fanatic”) are ignoring and “boycotting” all things Trump.

  • 64 linda woods // Sep 29, 2007 at 5:55 pm

    I arrived here after reading your comment on Tod Goldberg’s blog. Tod is my younger brother and I always click on links from his profanity filled blog in the hopes of finding an interesting blog at the other end. Anyone who reads Tod’s blog is a friend of mine. Or, you know, someone who might have a good blog, too.
    Your post about Rosie is great. I love her and her very bold art. As an author whose own book of exposed secrets and truth in art came out this week, I totally understand not wanting to have to discuss everything right away and feeling the need to just let things BE. So, I distract myself by reading the blogs of commenters on my brother’s blog and listening to all the music Rosie keeps blogging about.

    That much talent in one family? Awesome! Your blog rocks, and hey - I made the same vow as you. . .with the same results, LOL. - Jane

  • 65 Nina // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:01 pm

    Rosie was absolutely within her right to question Donald Trump’s moral compass. I think everyone in America was thinking the exact same thing! DUH!!! Donald’s response on every media outlet was un-befitting of some who claims to have “class” & “billions”. First off, for someone who claims to have so much money why is he schelping steaks on QVC? Second, what has Trump done for charitable causes? I seem to recall he donated $10K to victims of Katrina. Rosie donated over a million dollars and even visited New Orleans.

    Rosie is The People’s celebrity.

  • 66 Beverly F. // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:04 pm

    Laine: I hope you come back and read this. I am so sorry to hear of your mother passing away. I am sure that it is a hole that is never filled. All the songs from back then remind me of such happy and sad times. My parents divorced when I was 11 and the song “Sunshine on my shoulders” reminds me of my yellow room, playing baseball and riding bikes with the neighborhood kids, My crushes on Tony Defranco & Donny Osmond, writing letter to celebs - Carol Burnett & Jerry Lewis (got replies back too) and the front porch of my house. Life was so new then, but after my parents divorced, I felt like I woke up and had to deal with reality.

    I am in awe and wonder the way people really connect with Rosie for their own reasons and we all connect to each other too.

    Also, I think a lot about how people in this day and age get ahead by being bullies and/or jerks. Donald Trump, Rush Limbaugh, Dick from Big Brother are a couple from the spotlight. But even in my personal life, I see it too. People that have no courtesy for anyone else and are like “Bulls in a China Shop”. Those people get ahead more frequently these days than ever before. I don’t understand it. It is like if you bully your way around the world, then you win. Maybe survival of the fittest?? What is it? I am sure someone can articulate it much better than I can. Can we stop it? It seems like our nation is a bully too.

  • 67 Lisa P. // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:06 pm

    Another thank you. It has been very upsetting to watch Rosie become a target for the media to pick on and violate. Her intentions and her words are regularly removed from context and made into something they are not. The fact that so many seem to judge her through a media lens that selects sound bytes to inflame opinion is disheartening. Bill O’Reilly has been stating he felt smeared this past week. Welcome to Rosie’s World, Bill.

    She’s brave to show us who she is: without makeup, without pretense, without apology.

  • 68 tammy // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:15 pm

    jane,
    wow! what a great piece!
    thanks for telling it like it is:)

  • 69 RONNIE // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:16 pm

    Another who arrived via Rosie’s site. It’s obvious that Rosie has some issues. From my perspective you haven’t lived a life if you don’t have issues. It’s how you deal with the events of you life that eventually helps to define a person. Rosie steps up to the plate time and time again. I too never watched the View until Rosie was on. I used to tape it. I turn it on occaisionally now to see if it is worth my time. It is NOT worth any thinking persons time now. Kudos for your article.

  • 70 Lyric // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:17 pm

    Thank you for articulating so well what thousands of us feel. It’s not about whether we agree 100 percent with someones opinions and views it’s about deep admiration for the passion and dedication that Rosie displays, day inand day out. Respect is earned and she’s earned mine, repeatedly. My heart aches for the trashing the media engages in and if they were as concerned about her state of being and the happiness of her kids they would back off and shut up. She deserves applause for the way she has restrained herself and moved on from the View. I hope young Elizabeth has learned something from her…

  • 71 Maggie // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:18 pm

    Is it sadness or finally just an acknowledgement of the bigger picture? When we are young we are intensely involved with the glory of life, its reds, blues, yellows; as we get older, wiser, we see how the different colors meld and exchange and create a picture. Sometimes this picture is pretty. Sometimes not. Mostly it’s a mixture of both. As we awaken, the picture expands in proportion. It’s not sadness. It’s acceptance.

  • 72 Jen M // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:20 pm

    Your article about Ro was beautiful! She’s more of a love-her/hate-her figure than Hillary Clinton! Sometimes I agree with her & want to champion her causes to every human I meet…and other times I find her disturbing, and sad. Either way–she is true, she is real, she is fabulous.

    Thank you for peeling back the layers so poetically, to show the world that Rosie isn’t just a name, but a real woman with real dreams, hopes, ideals & actions. I wish more women were as strong and forthright as she is–and perhaps then the world wouldn’t be such a screwed-up place.

  • 73 Tee // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:21 pm

    I also arrived from Ro’s page
    Jane The words you wrote…beautiful!
    I love Rosie, I think she has changed too but with all she has come thru and revealed, we have to expect some change.
    I dont see pictures of unhappy children,the kids always look happy.I must not have viewed these photos…you want to see the kids just go to ro’s page and hit her link to flicker, there are tons of them there.
    also pictures of all things beautiful(butterflies, dolphins,her art,people in airports)
    Even if some dont agree with her point of view…at least she has one and is willing to defend what she believes.She has a heart of gold and big as Texas!
    What other celeb can you hop online and interact with?She is in my eyes amazing.I will always love her and what she does.

  • 74 Donna // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:24 pm

    What a wonderful, wonderful article - and so well deserved. Rosie is an exemplary human being. If only there weren’t more like her in this world. God Bless you Rosie - I have so much respect and admiration for you and know, for a fact, I’m not alone. A Canadian fan.

  • 75 Amy // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:27 pm

    Thank you for writing out words that I feel, but were unable to put together. I am a child of 1953, a teacher, and school counselor. I have buried my young son (3 years old in 1984) and lived a year with my only son deployed in that hellhole in Iraq. My heart goes out to all children growing up today in this messed up world. In my opinion Rosie has unbelievable courage and I admire her greatly. Donald Trump represents so much of what I abhore today, greed, selfishness, and meaness to name a few. Perhaps people, such as Rosie, will guide many of us to act upon our convictions.

  • 76 Tyle // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:28 pm

    I too am another one from Rosie’s site. Reading all the replies that were all so nice and heartful made me smile. Rosie is one of a kind and she should be applauded for it.

    When I read Lisa’s message:

    “To me, the worst thing Trump called Rosie was “a degenerate”…clearly a slam against her sexual orientation. Apparently, gay bashing is still acceptable in society. I was very surprised that more people didn’t call him out on that one.”

    I thought somewhat the same thing except I thought he of all people should not call anyone a degenerate … a 60 year old man marrying a woman old enough to be his daughter is what a degenerate is to me.

  • 77 sockittome // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:34 pm

    Arrived via Ro’s page
    Thank you Jane for the words Ro needs more people like you in her corner.
    My hope for Ro is that she is quietly and peacefully allowed to heal, and that she knows all of her fans are right there with her. Peace RO (C:

  • 78 Keeplafing // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:39 pm

    Thank you for such a wonderful article! My hope is that Rosie comes back and reads all the wonderful comments people have left here about her. They are all unbelievable, unedited, and unlimited. Here she would find some of the things we all have been wanting to say to her on her own site but didn’t have the space in her blog. Rosie stands alone as one who means what she says and says what she means in the celebrity corner. I honor that.

  • 79 Natalie // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:40 pm

    Another Canadian Fan here!

    I hope Rosie will read these heartfelt messages of support. I support Rosie and encourage her to remain strong and know that many many people love her. I hope she will return to TV in the near future, as she is surely missed and the REAL ratings from The View only confirm that. The truth is in the number’s.

    I love that she shares her life’s up and downs with her fans. Rosie is the real deal and that’s why millions love her so much. Don’t ever stop Rosie!

    Good Karma coming your way…. :)

  • 80 Davis // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:45 pm

    I support Rosie because she stands for freedom of speech and truth. She is the voice of millions of people who want to be heard. I have stopped watching The View as having many other’s ;)

    Please Rosie come back to TV. We miss you everyday!! Thank you for sharing your life experience with the world.
    You inspire me everyday.

    Go Rosie.

  • 81 Renee F // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:45 pm

    Also got here from Rosie’s blog. Thanks for a great synopsis on the essence of Rosie. Many of Ro’s fans have said what I feel deep within about Rosie’s honesty and bravery and compassion and generosity. It is no small feat to lay yourself bare to the world. Rosie’s idealism and innate belief that mankind is basically good makes Rosie one in a million. For those of us who grew up in the 50’s and 60’s, Rosie’s activism is refreshing in a world gone mad. Her insight is ahead of her time and time will prove that all that she is saying is RIGHT. From someone who used to listen to news where the news was stated and the viewer allowed to think for themselves, this era of news anchors bashing dissenting opinons and questioning one’s patriotism for questioning the administration’s actions is frightening. It is Orwellian. It is McCarthy-ism. And if we Americans don’t stand up like Rosie, then we are doomed to live in fear and trembling.

    And to Manuel from Canada: We don’t have to be from Canada to understand that America has lost its admired place in global opinion and we don’t have to be from Canada to know that it stems from the top down: the halls of the white house, congress and corporate America’s self-serving interests for monetary gain and power. We are capitalism run amuck. The days of elected officials and corporations having a moral obligation to “do the right thing for right’s sake” is dead here … but Rosie and people like Rosie are fortunately alive and well. We will not only survive because of the brave Rosie’s of the world, we will turn this thing around.

  • 82 dre // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:46 pm

    As a fan of Rosie the woman, not the celebrity I want to thank you for this thoughtful article. Her charitable comtributions have helped so many underprivileged children.

    Mr. Trump take note!

  • 83 Rob Godwin // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:48 pm

    What I find the most apalling is that this wonderful woman who has given so much receives so little. I am hoping the book that has been written is cathartic and helps Rosie detox from such a tumultuous year on The View. I so admire Rosie for being open with what she believes and says it. I’ve been watching The View and you can definitely see a big difference in E.H.’s comments, statements, etc. when Barbara Walters is on the show and when she’s not on that day. I feel so sorry for someone that lives their life in what seems like fear of the big bad terrorists coming to get her. They are here in this country and may strike again but to blindly follow the reasoning of this presidency and think it’s gospel is very disturbing. She was just as hateful as Trump was in his ranting and raving towards Rosie when he should have or could have taken something from what she said other than a negative. She definitely owed Rosie an apology which I’m sure she never gave. The day of that split screen showed someone very full of hate and anger and now all I see is a very self centered gal who needs to be pitied. I feel sorry for her. Maybe when she matures she will see what she threw away when she threw Rosie away that awful day. I’m a big fan of Rosie and always will be. This world could do so much better with more Rosie’s. My biggest hope for Rosie is that her wife and children sustain her through what, I’m sure, will be another blown out of proportion of what seems to me is nothing more than an honest statement of feelings and facts. Love ya Rosie - keep on keepin’ on!!

  • 84 Pam // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:48 pm

    Many thanks for a wonderfully written article about Rosie. How many celebrities are so willing to reveal so much about themselves? She is the only one I can think of that will answer questions people ask of her honestly and openly. I have so much respect for her. I would much rather someone tell me the truth than lie to me as not to hurt my feelings. That is a true friend!!! She expresses her views and lets everyone do the same. All the people that visit her blog to bash her and tell her she is wrong in what she believes because it’s not the same as their beliefs are the people who are close minded, immature and self-righteous! Rosie has done more in her 45 years to make this world a better place than most people do in a lifetime. She makes people aware, question, research and she gives them the desire to want to contribute to society in a meaningful way. To have real purpose. I admire her for her honesty and courage and most of all her ability to not give the people lashing out at her the acknowledgement of a response. It onlt shows she is a mature person who knows and believes her truth. Those that bash her are immature and insecure in themselves so much so that they put others down so as to make themselves look better when in fact they do just the opposite. Rosie is by far a more successful and superior person than Donald Trump will ever be!!!! And to you Jane I thank you for your insight on Rosie because I believe you for one got her right.

  • 85 Sandy J // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:51 pm

    Thank you for your article. It was so wonderful to find someone from the media who actually GETS Rosie! I am 64 years old and was a peace activist during the Vietnam War. I have been totally dumbfounded that the younger people no longer take the time to care what is happening to this planet. Rosie was a breath of fresh air on The View.

  • 86 dgbg // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:54 pm

    Jane, what a wonderful article about Rosie O’Donnell! I so appreciate your support of this wonderful woman. Unlike you and Rosie, I was born in 1945 so I guess I’m OLD, but I have been a fan of Rosie’s since her earliest days in the biz. I agree with her political and humanitarian views. I support all people’s right to love whomever they wish to love, regardless of gender, to pursue happiness and permanence in gay marriage and enjoy all of the benefits that the law provides to straight marriages.
    I was excited when Rosie joined “The View” because it was almost (but not quite) as good as Rosie having her own show and enabled her fans to see her on a daily basis. I was, however, concerned that, from the beginning, she was being set up to be a foil for Bill Geddie’s “muse” Elisabeth Hasselbeck! I see that my concern was justified! Elisabeth, with Geddie’s help through her earpiece, is a disingenuous imbecile and a mouthpiece for this administration. Even the most conservative of conservatives don’t agree with everything that this administration has done!
    As far as the flap with Donald Trump, Rosie was absolutely spot on! Donald Trump never has been and never will be the arbiter of morals, values or good taste. For him to pass judgment on the fitness of Miss USA to retain her crown despite her transgressions was ludicrous! The fact that he “owns” the Miss USA pageant speaks volumes to the kind of business ventures that interest him. He is a bully and a skank. He has absolutely no class and only has money through inheritance and his own brutality in “beating” down whomever stands in his way in business. That is what he teaches on his television show. It is gladiator versus gladiator…a fight to the “business” death (i.e., “You’re fired!”).
    As for me, every time I see or hear someone on television or in an article bashing Rosie or ridiculing her, I write a note to them and copy in the newspaper editor or television network scolding them for their laziness in not investigating the facts because if they did, they would see that Rosie is standing up for our very way of life! I can’t stand injustice to such a selfless, generous, gentle soul such as Rosie O’Donnell. Rosie is well-loved by those of us who treasure freedom, truth, and the values that this country was built upon but which are very much in danger of disappearing, thanks to GWB, his administration, and the idiots such as Bill Geddie and Elisabeth Hasselbeck who try to muzzle the voices of those who disagree with fascism and corporate ownership of this country.
    Again, I thank you for writing this spectacular article. And to Rosie, keep the faith. I wish for you every happiness and joy and that one day those sad eyes will be turned into the smiling Irish eyes that we’ve seen before. As Dan Rather would say, “Courage!”

  • 87 LINDA T // Sep 29, 2007 at 6:59 pm

    Amen, Jane! Nothing more to add, you said it all. Peace and sanctuary to Rosie.