Late-night HBO talk show host Bill Maher reacted to the deadly terrorist attack in Paris Friday night, opening up a panel discussion by asking, “Why do they hate us?”
He said when Islamic extremists carried out terrorists attacks in January, including a shooting at the offices of a French satirical magazine, people stood in solidarity with France, but not for long.
“When the Charlie Hebdo thing happened, we said ’Je suis Charlie,’ but not really. They didn’t really stick with them,” Mr. Maher said, Meidiaite reported.
“I’m going to ask you this question that people asked after 9/11, because I don’t think we still know the answer. Why do they hate us?” Mr. Maher asked a panel of guests on his show, “Real Time.”
He said terrorists often say they are outraged that the West is occupying Muslim lands.
“I have a crazy idea. Why don’t we get out of Muslim lands?” Mr. Maher asked.
Dylan Ratigan, former MSNBC host, said the attacks are spurred on by the U.S. financing Saudi Arabian oppressors, which prompts disgruntled people to lash out.
Michael Steele, former Republican Lt. Gov. of Maryland, said that the American objective of bringing democracy to Middle Eastern countries has been “wholly rejected.”
Former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno agreed, making a “Star Trek” joke to explain that they U.S. shouldn’t bring democracy everywhere.
“Kirk goes to the other planet, and he brings democracy. They don’t want it. They don’t care about it,” Mr. Leno said.
Mr. Maher showed his support for France at the beginning of the show when he attempted to sing the first part of “La Marseilles,” the French national anthem in solidarity, Mediaite reported.
• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.
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