Bill Maher Discusses Palin, Gates Arrest, Health Care Reform On CNN (VIDEO)

Bill Maher appeared on CNN's "The Situation Room" today to discuss a wide range of topics, from health care reform to Sarah Palin's resignation. But he stressed one point: that society now attaches a for-profit motive to everything, including things that were once considered too important to leave in the hands of those whose first motive is to make money:

A generation or two ago, not everything in this country had to be for-profit. Some areas were roped off and we said that's just too important to put the profit motive in... But we've changed, we've become a different society. Everything has to be for-profit now and some things shouldn't be.

When host Wolf Blitzer asked Maher if he meant that there's no room for capitalism in the U.S., Maher responded, "No, of course capitalism is good. I am not a communist... But as a society we used to understand that it didn't have to go everywhere."

Maher also addressed the controversy surrounding the the arrest of Henry Louis Gates, saying he thinks Obama's comments about the Cambridge police were correct and offering his opinion of the real reason Gates was put in handcuffs:

I'm not even sure this is a racial situation because I don't know if this cop is racist. But I have to say it seems to me more like a police situation. I think Henry Louis Gates was arrested for the crime of not kissing the behind of the police officer.

Watch the full interview below:

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Comments

[hankelvis]

The point is on the top of his hate-mongering little head.

[snoopjohnny]

It's time for people to start noticing the change Maher refers to in this piece (and others). Profit has always been a powerful strength in this country. The economic might we wielded for many years was built on a philosophy that managed capitalism better by understanding that not everything is subject to the "laws" of profit. We've changed; now any mention of non-profit or an enterprise that isn't immediately profit driven is seen as socialist. It's cutting the legs from under intelligent long term investment, R&D, etc. THOSE were the very assets we lead the world with.....for years.

[jaslyn]

First of all, why is Wolf, possibly the most benign, unthinking, unchallenging , snoozefest still of T.V???!!! Secondly, how refreshing to listen to Maher say what he thinks without masking it in political correctness. Love that. Thirdly, many Americans ARE stupid for crying out loud. What, you think there can be an entire country of smart people? Look at the things they vote for and against. And Palin? the unltimate know nothing narcissist as V.P.? And the Repubs STILL think she's a good idea? Stupid is as stupid does.

[Gordo10]

One reason I don't trust the cops its been now shown that what the officer put in his police report does not match the 911 call by the women she never said anything about them being African American & there are other things in the report that don't match the 911 call. This HAPPENS ALL THE TIME TO BLACK PEOPLE .. COPS LIE JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE

[Roger]

Love you Bill - I agree with you 90% of the time and I admire your willingness to unflinchingly, humorously stand up to the socity's predators and ignorant masses, but we all need to walk back the "stupid country" stuff. Yes, there is a permanantly stupid minority and a sometimes stupid majority ("...you can fool some of the people all of the time...") but in the end, America always seems to let the permanently sane, intelligent and progressive minority hold sway. We (even our best satirists such as yourself) do need to watch our hyperbole every so often so we do not descend to the depths of those who would bring us to ruin.

[hip dibler]

I disagree with Bill often but I also wish I could be as smart, logical and speak with so much clarity. He is badass.

[hip dibler]

and just to clarify, i didn't disagree with anything he said in that segment. See what i was talking about?

[Cathar]

It is the comedians and the satarists who speak truth to power.When Wolf questions Bill about the disorderly conduct Wolf tries to say we were not their how could we know. Well this much we do know the charges were dropped. This need to provide blance when the facts do not support it is another ill of this country. To compare Sarah Palin to Nixon on her strategy is a joke. Besides the WaterGate Nixon was a Senator and Vice Presidnet before running for President. All Ms. Palin is a partial term Alakan Gov who quit her state to pursue the all mighty dollar.

[jamjim]

I wish folks on the left and on the right would stop
missing the point with the Gates/Crowley thing,

and that is it is perfectly legal in Massachusetts
for someone to yell at a police officer.

He wasn't breaking the law when he was arrested,
even though he may have been acting stupidly too.

[Errrlord]

I love this guy

[lmab]

As if everything about Bill is not "for profit".... How is your friend and business partner Ann Coulter?

[kasv]

Maher - the absolute best at getting to the heart of the matter - no psychobabble.

[ofcoursejesusisblack]

Thank you Bill for the TRUTH!

[thrugreeneyez]

That was great! LOL

[Biscuit]

At the very least, education and health care should not be for profit. The military is not for profit; it's too important for that. So are education and health care. There's more, but I'd be satisfied with those two for a start.

[Acidic]

The military is not for profit? What rock have you been living under?

[marred]

Yeah I'd say you not only have been living under a rock but that rock is covered in mud under a swamp!

[i812]

in my view sgt crowley was in a state of trespass the instant professor gates produced his i d and certified his home address