Category Archives: Ilana On Radio & TV

On The Sean Hannity Show

Environmentalism & Animal Rights, Ilana Mercer, Ilana On Radio & TV, Private Property

I was asked out of the blue this afternoon to appear on the Sean Hannity nationally syndicated show to defend my short “In Defense of Michael Vick.”

When Mr. Hannity’s producer comes calling, you don’t refuse or let her wait. They were exceedingly professional, nice, and respectful. I was asked if there is anything I’d like omitted from the introduction to my segment. I replied: “don’t describe me as a left-liberal.” I was assured that they had checked out my bio and there was nothing remotely left-liberal about me. That was a relief.

I found Sean Hannity to be tough, but fair on this topic. He clearly did not agree with me, but sounded as though he respected my propertarian convictions. I was surprised to learn from him that he has read my work over the years, did not agree with a lot of it, but respected the thought and uncompromising intellectual stances taken over the years.

He is, doubtless, a very charming man. Disarmingly so.

This is the section of the column Mr. Hannity read over the air, before proceeding to drill me:

“But even more uncivilized than Vick’s alleged dogfighting violations has been the zeal among media pack animals to convict him. Vick is not a thief, a murderer, or a rapist. Neither has he defrauded anyone. He is a gifted athlete—and an obviously aggressive young man, who may have channeled his abundant aggression into a blood sport, as men have done throughout time.”

It was very gratifying to get a note from one of the producers to say, “I admire your individualism, you are patently not subject to ‘group think’—all too increasingly rare nowadays.” I’m not sued to such kindness fro media. But I could certainly get used to it.

Mr. Hannity’s producer tells me you can listen to the show by going to www.hannity.com. and becoming a “Hannity Insider,” which would give you access to audio clips. Getting it on “real time on web stream–wabcradio.com”—is another option The interview will be played at 5:00 Eastern Time again. If a listener locates the tape, please send me a link.

Update: Here is the Hannity money quote:

“Having read your columns throughout the years, I think I know you a little bit—I know you come from a very intellectual point of view, an intellectually honest point of view—you have given the most articulate argument I’ve heard [“In Defense of Michael Vick” and against animal rights] on the other side of this, one that is consistent with many of the views you have.”

The follow-up column is “Man Is The Only Top Dog,” which appeared in the Orange County Register. (The WND, longer version is here.)

On The Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Ilana On Radio & TV, Media, South-Africa

I’ll be speaking to John Safran of The Australian Broadcasting Corporation about my article the genocide of the Boers in “democratic” South Africa. The program is “Sunday Night Safran,” and it will air on “Triple J,” between 9 and 11pm on Sunday, February 4, Australian Eastern Summer Time, or between 2 and 4am Pacific Standard Time. You can listen live on the web by going to and following the links. Or you can access the broadcast as a podcast, following the show at http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/listen/podcast.htm#safran.
John is the first member of the media to have shown interest in the tragedy of South Africa, as far as I know, and to have a realistic perspective of what’s going down there (as opposed to these “flaccid fools”; the one a mongrel paleoconservative, the other a neocon). The West —America in the lead —has betrayed certain endangered bastions of western civilization, South Africa being one; Serbia another. Israel is next, although its own leaders are doing a fine job of it.
In any event, I believe South Africa is one of the defining stories of our times. The manner in which it was betrayed —through sanctions and international incitement —makes a mockery of our claim to be fighting to maintain Western civilization. What has arisen there is anything but.

Unlike very many Americans, John was remarkably relaxed and did not become apoplectic given the politically incorrect topic of discussion. I hope to get to chat with him again, so that I can improve my output. Being a typical writer, I tend to be reclusive. Put it this way: I haven’t adopted the circus animal persona of the modern pundit, and am unlikely to change.

Background Reading:
“The Genocide in Democratic South Africa”
“The Ugly truth About Democratic South Africa”
“Oprah’s Excellent Elitism”
“Self-defense: A Universal Right”