Barry Manilow's Oppressive Rationality

This past week, Barry Manilow decided he would not appear on the show, The View. Manilow posted on his web site (emphasis mine):

Monday, September 17, 2007
A message from Barry...

Hey guys,I wanted to let you know that I will no longer be on The View tomorrow as scheduled. I had made a request that I be interviewed by Joy, Barbara or Whoopi, but not Elisabeth Hasselback. Unfortunately, the show was not willing to accommodate this simple request so I bowed out.

It’s really too bad because I've always been a big supporter of the show, but I cannot compromise my beliefs. The good news is that I will be on a whole slew of other shows promoting the new album so I hope you can catch me on those.

Love,
Barry

The entertainment reporting site, TMZ.com quoted Manilow as saying, "I strongly disagree with her views. I think she's dangerous and offensive. I will not be on the same stage as her."

Interestingly, Manilow doesn't specify what views Hasselbeck holds that are "dangerous and offensive." He simply asserts that she - that is, not her views but Hasselbeck, herself - is "dangerous and offensive" while providing absolutely no evidence.

Second, every statement surrounding the purpose of Manilow's appearance was to promote his new album not to debate any issues with the co-hosts. Had he just appeared, no one would have compared his beliefs to anyone else on the show.

Third, even if Manilow had been on the show to debate issues, that is the format of the show. It is called The View after all. So why wouldn't Manilow want the opportunity to give solid, rational arguments in support of his positions and why Hasselbeck's positions are faulty.

I suspect it's because Mainlow doesn't hold his positions based on rational arguments. He holds them becuase they make him feel good. If someone opposes his positions, well, that doesn't make him feel good so he engages in name-calling, trying to paint Hasselbeck as evil. That makes him feel better. Rather than think carefully on this matter, he emotes.

I also suspect that Manilow believes he is an open-minded tolerant person. Thus, Manilow's labeling of Hasselbeck as "dangerous and oppressive" raises a question:

What would Manilow have called Hasselbeck if he was intolerant!