He's politically incorrect and proud of it

http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectID=457&articleID=20101209_457_WK9_CUTLIN528002

By AMANDA FITE World Scene Writer

Published: 12/9/2010 2:18 AM
Last Modified: 12/9/2010 4:50 AM

"Hi, I'm Bill. I'm a birth survivor."

Comedian and political talk show host Bill Maher has survived much more than his Catholic upbringing, including a controversy or two that would have dropped lesser mortals off the public airwaves for good.

By September 2001, his show "Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher," which began in 1993, was winning awards and regularly raking liberals, conservatives and other public figures over the comedic coals.

But days after the terrorist attacks on the East Coast, Maher made a public comment that rocked even the Americans who'd forgiven him for "Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death":

"We have been the cowards, lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away," he said. "Staying in the airplane when it hits the building, say what you want about it, it's not cowardly."

The remark prompted public outrage, and sponsors jumped ship. Maher was unrepentant.

"All I did was tell the truth. That's what the whole show is about!" he said. "And if 'Politically Incorrect' has to go down for it, so be it!"

The show was canceled the following year - the same year in which Maher received the Los Angeles Press Club's highest honor for championing free speech.

And, by 2003, Maher was triumphantly back on the air and controversial as ever, hosting "Real Time with Bill Maher" on HBO.

He also stirred things up with the 2008 comic/documentary film "Religulous," which explored world religions.

Maher, of course, makes no secret of his leanings on the topic.

"Religious people don't need to be ethical, because religion is mostly about salvation," he's been quoted as saying.

"It's about closing your eyes, very tightly, and believing in someone so much, without question, that when you die he will save your ass.

"Religion is about saving your ass. And that ain't ethical."
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He said what?

Maher detractors say he spends his air time backing liberal causes and taking stabs at tea partiers, the government in general and all religious institutions.

Here are a few quotes attributed to Bill Maher that might surprise you:

•Things aren't right. If a burglar breaks into your home and you shoot him, he can sue you. For what, restraint of trade?
•There is no greater model, in my view, than Jesus Christ.
•Everything that used to be a sin is now a disease.
•I think capital punishment works great. Every killer you kill never kills again.
•We have the Bill of Rights. What we need is a Bill of Responsibilities.
•We need more people speaking out. This country is not overrun with rebels and free thinkers. It's overrun with sheep and conformists.
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MAHER ME, BILL

Bill Maher takes the stage Friday at the Brady Theater, 105 W. Brady St. Doors open at 7 p.m., and all ages are welcome. Tickets: $45-$65, at Reasor's and Starship Records. (866) 977-6849, tulsaworld.com/protix, tulsaworld.com/brady

By AMANDA FITE World Scene Writer