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PABAAH

Patriotic Americans Boycotting Anti-American Hollywood (or PABAAH: pronounced "Puh-bah") is a politically conservative organization that calls for (as the name suggests) the boycotting of Hollywood films made by American film celebrities (though not limited to: they boycott musicians as well) who have made statements deemed to be either "un patriotic" or "anti-American." It was formed by Jon Alvarez in reaction to the "Not In Our Name" internet petition against the war in Iraq, which included many celebrity signatures. According to Alvarez, these celebrities are un-patriotic for "stepping out of their roles as entertainers". That is, making political stances (although this assertation is somewhat deceptive), particularly against current U.S. president George W. Bush and his foreign policy. Very few people take the organization seriously, and many simply assume that PABAAH is a satirical website.

PABAAH has been criticized for this attitude; many liberals who visit the site (and on occasion, moderate Republicans) have accused the group of censorship. While some members of the group have, in the past, advocated positions close to censorship, it must be noted that nearly all of the members have stated that all that they wish to deny liberal celebrities is money, not the right to free speech.

PABAAH has reached national (and in some places, international) attention, being covered by some major news broadcasts, newspaper columnists and (on one occasion) The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (in that case as an object of parody). PABAAH is best known on this level for its extensive list (posted on its website) of those who have made statements that are considered by the group to be either anti-Bush or anti-American (though not necessarily actually American: Canadians Neil Young and Dave Thomas are included, as well as British rock star Sting), which it updates frequently. Celebrities who support the Bush administration (or have remained neutral on the subject) are posted on a similar list of "Patriotic Entertainers" (which also includes non-Americans: e.g. Canadian Norm Macdonald of SNL fame).

PABAAH, in addition to its support for the war in Iraq, also supports other conservative activism, initiatives and petitions. Examples include: the repeal of the 22nd Amendment (which is not conservative in theory, but for the purpose of having President Bush run again in 2008 it may be seen as such) and a petition to the current Attorney General that film maker Michael Moore be tried as a traitor to the United States.

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