It Was Easier In Hanoi
By Oliver North
March 16, 2007
Page 2 of 2
It didn't happen. In a series of last-ditch phone calls all day March 12, it became apparent that the "hang-up" had nothing to do with artful phrases in a contract. In a phone call at 5:45 p.m., a Smithsonian representative told our FOX News attorney and my executive producer that, "your shoot would be a violation of our third-party agreement." Though they never mentioned the name of the "third party," it's now apparent: It is none other than Showtime/Viacom -- the new "owner" of America's history and heritage.
Last Jan. 29 at the Real Screen Summit in Washington, representatives of the Smithsonian Networks were questioned about their secret deal with Showtime/Viacom. Thomas Hayden, David Royle and Gary Beer assured the audience of documentary filmmakers that the Government Accountability Office had "reviewed and approved the deal and all public policy questions have been resolved."
But that doesn't seem to be true, either. This week I called Sen. Charles Grassley, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, with oversight responsibility for the Smithsonian. He responded: "This raises serious concerns about any contracts that the Smithsonian may have entered into that limit people's contact with America's treasures. The American people have entrusted the Smithsonian to keep watch over some of our most valued possessions and no one should be locking out the public."
He's right. This isn't just a slight to FOX News, our great "War Stories" team or to me. It's an insult to Steven Udvar-Hazy, the Hungarian refugee who fled communism to become a successful American entrepreneur -- and who donated $65 million to build this magnificent museum. The secret deal with Showtime/Viacom gives exclusive control over images of historic artifacts in more than 150 Smithsonian facilities to a single company. This is an injustice to every citizen whose taxes support these magnificent museums. Worst of all, it's an affront to the courage, perseverance and ingenuity of all who made our nation's history worthy of preservation.
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Oliver North is the host of "War Stories" on the FOX News Channel.
COPYRIGHT 2007 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC
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Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA. >> Back -- Page 1 2
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