Lucid Arthur@lucid_arthur

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The fear of losing a job in Hollywood during the Obama administration created an environment where conservatives felt they couldn't speak openly. Patricia Heaton told Andrew Gold about a secret elite network formed to let people exist in media without repercussions. Members used code words like 'friend of Abe' or 'FOA' to identify each other, referencing Abraham Lincoln as the first Republican president. If someone confirmed they were FOA, it meant they were a conservative, independent, or non-Democrat you could talk to on set safely. Gary Sinise invited Heaton and her husband to host gatherings that started with plans for 20 to 30 people but grew to 80 attendees. The guest list included Kelsey Grammer, John Voight, and Ben Shapiro. Heaton described the industry culture surrounding them as a cult where nobody would talk unless they knew the person was safe. The group's purpose was strictly fellowship and free conversation rather than fundraising or protesting. Identifying as FOA allowed individuals to speak without feeling like they were going to get in trouble at their job.

1w

Lucid Arthur@lucid_arthur

Follow

The fear of losing a job in Hollywood during the Obama administration created an environment where conservatives felt they couldn't speak openly. Patricia Heaton told Andrew Gold about a secret elite network formed to let people exist in media without repercussions. Members used code words like 'friend of Abe' or 'FOA' to identify each other, referencing Abraham Lincoln as the first Republican president. If someone confirmed they were FOA, it meant they were a conservative, independent, or non-Democrat you could talk to on set safely. Gary Sinise invited Heaton and her husband to host gatherings that started with plans for 20 to 30 people but grew to 80 attendees. The guest list included Kelsey Grammer, John Voight, and Ben Shapiro. Heaton described the industry culture surrounding them as a cult where nobody would talk unless they knew the person was safe. The group's purpose was strictly fellowship and free conversation rather than fundraising or protesting. Identifying as FOA allowed individuals to speak without feeling like they were going to get in trouble at their job.

1w