Bill Maher gets 'Religulous' over Sarah Palin!

The Dish Rag ran into Bill Maher at a screening of his new film “Religulous.”

The film is directed by "Borat" director Larry Charles. 

We wanted to know Maher's take on Gov. Sarah Palin, her religious beliefs and how will that play into the religious right voting for McCain. 

How much does he need that vote?  Is Palin a ploy to get that vote and then will he shut her up for the next four years? 

Or could she (shudder) end up being president? 

“If McCain wins the White House, it's going to be because of Sarah Palin's vast army of religious lunatics that got him there -- and then they will own him," Maher, never one to mince words, said. "And then he'll die. And then she'll be president. 

"So this is really the time for my rationalist friends to stand up, speak up and take our country back from the forces of organized superstition. God help this country if Palin ever got into any kind of position of power.

"She’s completely and utterly unqualified in every way."   

Gee, Bill. Tell us how you really feel.

To hear more from Bill, click here to see his video chat with the Envelope's Gold Derby awards expert, Tom O'Neil.

Photo: Bill Maher and Larry Charles at a "Religulous" lunch in New York.
WireImage

Reporting: Leah Sydney

Comments

[whynot]

Palin has the nerve to talk about Obama - when she infact is one step away from being a felon. Troopergate, tax evasion, witchcraft. This is the best John McCain could do????

[Dave in Woodbury]

What a mixed up kook. He's woried " the forces of organized superstition" and so who does he want to help??? "God help this country if Palin ever got into any kind of position of power" Sounds a little mixed up to me.

[todd]

Bill is a great comedian, but his political views are just as radical as those on the far right that he constantly bashes. There is NO politician that comes without baggage. Sarah Palin is just as qualified as Joe Biden... at least she has executive experience and not just age in her corner.

[Pat Williams]

Sarah Palin is a big joke. I simply cannot believe that McCain would pick her except in an emergency! He must be terrified at losing AGAIN that he would pick a big mouth like Ms Palin who should stay home and look after her children that need her as one has Down's syndrome and the oldest is pregnant. This should tell you something about what her priorities are!!

[Cheryl]

I received a forwarded email, circulating the evangelical circles, that a pastor in Lebanon, Ohio had a divine revelation from God, TELLING him that Sarah Palin was GOD'S choice for this hour...a prophetess for these final days, and she is to be like Queen Esther of the Old Testament...and will save the U.S. Apparently, he met her (along with McCain) in Lebanon, Ohio, and told Sarah this, and she was moved to tears, and thanked him for this prophecy.
If the owners of this blog are interested in having me forward it to you with telephone numbers and all, you can let me know by email. I think this is very scary indeed. Imagine if the tables were turned and some pastor had spoken these words over Barack Obama....John McCain and Sarah would be going crazy, and Sean Hannety's head would be spinning around 360 degrees in overdrive, and pea soup would come spewing out of his mouth!!!
I do believe in God, by the way, but I am VERY scared of McCain, who is a hothead, and Sarah Palin, who is getting too empowered for her britches. Now she's even contradicting McCain...she's a know-it- all, and a climber, and I don't want a SIX PACKER as president.
We are just getting rid of SIX PACKER!!! The guy most likely voted that you would want to have a beer with. If I saw humility in Sarah, it would be a step in the right direction. But she is out of control!!! Common, you simpletons in America. Pull the wool off your eyes!!!

[Cassie]

Bill's got it right. Palin is an unfunny joke. She's clueless AND ambitious. Twice she's referred to the "Palin and McCain administration". McCain won't last long if they manage to get elected. They're trying to keep the Troopergate report from coming out, so they've got a lot to hide. She's corrupt, clueless and dangerous for the nation. She's not fit to govern Alaska.

[Alisa]

She is completely and utterly unqualified in every way. Simply put, and I couldn't agree more. She was picked because she's a woman, not that she's an appropriate candidate for the position. Bill's views are radically left, I'll admit that. But as a self-labeled moderate, I tend to agree with him.

[kf]

There's not enough or taxx system to do all this. What Next? More taxes or **** the poor? Interesting!
What a waste!

[Rick]

Maher is not even a comedian .He is idiot jerk !! He is the most obnoxious fool on the planet!

[Rick]

Obama is less qualified than Palin ! Democrats must be fools!

[Bob]

If Bill does not believe in God why would he say "God help this country if Palin is elected ?"
He is a candidate for butt cancer and not soon enough!

[Reese]

Bill Maher is JOKE!!!!

[Crystal]

"Proclaiming to be wise they became fools" I am sad for Bill, he thinks he has it all figured out.

[Religulous helps humanity]

Maher's new film is a breath of fresh air as we finally have a voice of reason in this country. I am begging folks to become more humble and reasonable. Most folks couldn't swallow the pill unless it was accomplished through humor. Well Done on a fascinating topic for Americans. P.S. I hope Palin doesn't believe in 5,000 years and 6 days. She seems like a level-headed lady.

[B R Y A N]

Palin less qualified than Obama? Is that supposed to be funny? Alaska has a population less than Rhode Island. Being the governor of Alaska is like being the Mayor of Dallas. Obama is a Senator, if you don't understand the difference, go Google it.

Plus she's a creationist Fundamentalist Christian, which are just as scary as the fanatic Jihadist Muslims everyone is terrified of. Anyone remember the Crusades or the Inquisition, or how 'bout the KKK? Ring a bell?

[kimo]

bill maher never said he didnt believe in God, he said religion is the problem. Sarah Palin makes Bush look like an intellectual and that's the scary thing. Neo-cons no more, we need progressive ideals in this country, or we'll end up in idiocracy.

[Imagine77]

It is important to note that Bill Maher has never spoken absolutely about the existence of God, or even a creator. He has always maintained that he is open and that he admits "he does not know." This leaves him open to say "God help" or "God bless".
The danger he is referring to, is people who believe absolutely, that they have all the answers regardless of sound reason, and those people making decisions for everyone.

[judi]

I'd love for Bill to be President. CAn we right him in?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=200261412587

[Rick]

Maybe Obama and Palin should debate she would make him look so stupid!

[Rick]

Obama is a do nothing Senator just wanting to be the first black president .A black President would be fine if had any experience ,if he had anything to offer! Obama has NOTHING to offer us .

[Subir Kumar Bhattacharyya]

Mr Bill Maher

Dear Bill,
I doubt if you will find time to read my e-mail. I only hope you do.

First of all, I congratulate you on your making the film 'Religulous' making mockery of established religions. I have not watched the film, watched only a trailer and an interview in CNN that Larry King conducted with you and some opinions in the press about the film. My first comment has been based on these information. I wish to watch the film shortly.

There are people, who do not profess any religion, seeing the ugly face of each of them and the harm it caused to humanity in the name of God and religion in the past and is causing everyday. Some of them are agnostic, but most of them are atheist. I belong to the latter group. Most of the scientists are atheist and some believer among them do not believe in a God as portrayed in Judea-Christian and Islamic religious scriptures. According to their belief, He does not intervene, might have given the laws of nature and fine-tuned some constants and allowed the universe to evolve itself. However, many renowned scientists do not even buy those views as the genesis and evolution of the universe can be explained by other theories like eternal inflation, multi-verse/mega-verse and the like without invoking a heavenly deity. The works of scientists like Richard Dawkins (God Delusion), Stenger (God- a failed hypothesis) and The God is not so great by a renowned
journalist have shown beyond doubt that God theory is redundant. My belief was developed early by reading books on theology, history and anthropology/paleontology and lately confirmed by studying books on cosmology/astrophysics and genetics and related subjects. Although, I always express my views in private discussions, dare not say anything publicly because of fear generated in my past experiences. You are very brave; I salute you for your courage and making it public through a film, which has greater impact than books can do.

It is really difficult to convert the religious ideologues, as they do not believe in reasons/logic and science, although they are enjoying the fruits of scientific discoveries. Some of Muslims argue that hints of scientific discoveries have been taken or plagiarized by scientists from the Quaran. Other religious fanatics may have similar beliefs. Therefore, I took a slow approach to first educate Muslim women, who can play a significant role to desist their sons in particular and daughters from taking their own lives to kill innocent people. My argument is: as none is responsible for his/her own birth, why should a woman be disadvantaged and subservient to man as per qaran. In this context, I wish to say that I had drafted a UN resolution in 1999 and sent it to Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General for getting it adopted by the UN General Assembly. A reply came from his office saying that a resolution presented by an individual could not be placed before
UNGA, and that I should approach either my Govt. or our Permanent Mission in New York to sponsor it and place before the UNGA. However, My effort went in vain. I append below the resolution for your perusal.

We, the people of the globe,

Acknowledging that humanity or Homo sapiens is one species and that earlier hominids including Homo erectus might have evolved in Africa and split off to various parts of the world,

Recognizing that 99.9 % of human genes are identical,

Noting that the very small variation in genes, particularly those responsible for physical features is due to geographical locations with diverse environmental conditions where our ancestors settled in various parts of the world in search of food and gradual mutations,

Drawing on experiences from incidents around the globe and history that although religious doctrines were preached for the good of humanity, they were somewhat divisive in practice and they were often exploited by shortsighted people to achieve their own selfish and parochial goals leading to bloodshed,

Determining that egoistic and selfish attitude emanating from base instincts of the id and lack of respect and consideration for one another is one of the major causes of wars among nations, internal conflicts and personal animosity among political leaders,

Further recognizing that mankind has a common destiny and a celestial object like an asteroid can wipe out its existence,

Further noting that a human being cannot be an enemy of another human being and that humanity’s common enemies are hunger, poverty, malnutrition, diseases, natural and man-made disasters and environmental degradation,

Further acknowledging that no one is responsible for his birth, which, however, determines his race, ethnicity, cast and creed and gender, and in almost all cases his or her religious belief,

Believing that gender equality is the most essential and achievable goal of the humanity, particularly to empower women and make them self-reliant,

Further believing that it is not only an indispensable tool to exploit the best potentials of the women, but also a vital instrument to fight terrorism through their active participation in motivating their vulnerable children and achieve a peaceful world,

Realizing that apart from divisions among human beings based on religion, race, ethnicity, cast and creed and gender, class exists in societies based on wealth and political power,

Further realizing that rule of law, protection of human rights, social justice and democracy are major practical steps to achieve equal opportunity for every mankind,

Taking into account that terrorism, conflicts and social unrest emanate from deprivation, social injustice, sense of insecurity and inequality of all kinds,

Further taking into account that all three kinds of freedom as adopted in the Millennium Declaration: freedom from want, freedom from fear and freedom of the succeeding generations to lead a sustainable living: and better standard of living are the best safeguards against rising tide of movement for self determination around the globe,

Further acknowledging that globalization, if properly managed, can gradually dilute the strong sense of nationalism and bring the international community closer together,

Visualizing that clash of perceived national interests and lack of full understanding of each others civilizations are contributing to growing tension among nations and destabilizing world peace and order,

Hereby agreed as follows:
• Renounce superiority of all kinds in terms of race, religion, ethnicity, caste and creed and gender as well as class based on wealth and riches and political power.
• Establish equality of status and opportunity for every mankind in all spheres of society, recognizing cultural and social diversity.
• Must refrain from engaging in discriminatory behavior and activities prejudicial to the concept of equality of mankind.
• Work together to fight our common enemies – hunger, poverty, malnutrition, diseases, natural and man-made disasters, environmental degradation and common threats to our very existence.
• Take a fresh vow to work together to make this earth an ideal place by establishing rule of law, social justice and protecting human rights, where succeeding generations can make a sustainable, wonderful, happy and satisfying living and where full potential of every human-being can be exploited.
• Encourage and support for the emergence of watchdog bodies in every country to ensure eradication by phases of all barriers against the equality of mankind.
• Empower women and create congenial environment for women to become self-reliant economically, and involve them in the decision making process in the family so as to influence the youth, particularly the boys to refrain from self-destructive activities.
• Remove gradually religious and social barriers and annul in all countries all municipal and international laws, including all personal laws that are extra-constitutional and discriminatory to women.
• Introduce liberal and secular education at kindergarten and primary levels, particularly emphasizing the equality of mankind and that religious belief is personal and should not be politicized.
• Resort to a new kind of approach and a fresh round of dialogue among nations and societies, the main thrust of which should be focused on recognizing the equality of mankind, appreciating diversity of culture and tradition and finding commonality of beliefs, values and purposes among civilizations for resolving regional and internal conflicts.
• Apply the norms of globalization for the common good of humanity, not as a basis of furthering national interests only.
• Construct shrines or monuments in such sites as Lake Turkana in Kenya, Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania and Bleak Afar Triangle and Middle Awash region in Ethiopia where skeletal remains of early hominids, that is, of our common ancestors were found.
• Create a special development fund for Africa to fulfill global obligation towards our common ancestral home that is Africa.

I wish to associate myself with your progressive work, although I know you are very busy and have your own friends and admirers to contribute to your work.

I am a retired Ambassador of Bangladesh, presently staying in Richmond, Virginia (VA-23059), Sherwin Pl. 10628. Tel: 804- 477- 6772

Wish you all sucess in your endeavors and all the best things in life.

Yours sincerely,

(Subir Kumar Bhattacharyya)

[colin]

One thing I notice about all the religious fanatics that comment about this film is their continued attempt to associate God with religion.

Religion has nothing to do with God, not the real God, the creator of the universe, creator of our souls (not our bodies of course, only our souls), the creator of time and space - except as for one of the many the small "g" god's in the fairytale books of the christians, jews and muslims, entities spawned from the evil of darkness and the moronic minds of control-freaks wallowing in that darkness of evil, that are written about as schizophrenic 4-year-olds where one day they want this and another day they want that and one day they say don't kill and another day they say "Kill - and kill that one because they don't believe what you believe." Organized religious cults are all about war and hate and fear and keeping that money coming in to the coffers of the religious cult's upline.

Religious cult fanatics don't believe in God - they believe in their cult, under whatever name the upper-level managers in their particular multi-level marketing scam gave it. They believe in writings that give their cult some imagined supremacy over other cults and will kill and destroy as much as they can if their cult is not granted the position of supremacy. Disgusting!

There is not one whiff of difference between any religious cult fanatic whether they are spawns of a christian, jewish or muslim cult - they are all founded on death, hatred, fear, human-created lies and insults against God, and a focus on keeping humankind as backward and unevolved as possible.

At least Maher makes an attempt to show the idiocy of the organized religious cults, but in my opinion he should have gone much further...the film is pretty tame as far as exposing the disgusting, anti-God, anti-Human, anti-Intelligence level of organized religious cults.

One can only look at this film as just one small step toward a future where humankind no longer needs the hateful, backward superstitions of religious cults.

Maher says he believes in God and not religious cults - and the cultists have a conniption fit because they associate their cult and their small "g" god with the real God, the perfect entity, the non-human-failings-possessing real God, and think one can't believe in God and not believe in religious cults. Well, nothing is further from the truth.

God is perfect, and has to be perfect to be deemed a God. A perfect God cannot have human failings, human desires (believe me, God has no need for money or a building); God is not inconstant, contradictory, or confused; God does not give one group of his children possession of or power over another of his children. God cares not what cult one wallows in, God only cares about how one of his children treat another of his children.

The world will be a much better place when people stop wallowing in the darkness and evil of religious cults and start focusing on Love - of themselves and one-another.

Every human being on this planet is either a brother, a sister, a father or a mother of every other human being on this planet. No one is "special" in the eyes of God, over another of God's children, ALL are special equally.

There are no rewards for belonging to or believing in one or another religious cult, God doesn't kill his own children so all the cult's that suggest such is the case are easily seen as not being about GOD but only about a small "g" god.

Good for Maher to at least tackle the darkness of organized religious cults, but I do find it strange that such an attempt would come out of a place - Hollywood - where one of the most moronic of cults: Scientology; holds sway.

So yes, good for Maher, maybe next time he'll really tackle the issue.

[John Helger]

you know who's the idiot here? bill maher, little b, little m