I am torn. I LOVE the political commentary. I thought his mockup of "patriotic" posters was brilliant & inspired.

Unfortunately, he does fall into the same trap he accuses others of -- "lumping".

He lumps Muslims together. And granted this probably came out before we found out soldiers were torturing detainees or that some of them had nothing to do with anything related to Iraq-- but still -- his dismissal of the treatment in Guantanamo came off as altogether insensitive.

And when it comes to his views on gender... he lumps ALL women together! I HATE and completely disagree with him on nearly everything he says about women! He does nothing but perpetuate and reiterate tired old stereotypes. Women love shiny rocks and don't care if children in Africa are losing limbs? Really? Does he know any women or is he just too busy getting "pu$$y" as he always talks about - to actually talk to women? He believes that ALL men are incapable of fidelity? That ALL men would prefer "new" over commitment? (or that he doesn't think some women could feel/act that way too?) ALL women's fantasies are not ever sexual, only romantic? (and even if that were true- he doesn't seem to believe/understand the socialization component or that it could change). He dismisses some woman trying to explain to him about having been given nothing but romance novels & books would affect you-- and he refuses to entertain the notion of some middle ground... where men and women individually (not biologically) could how much of sexuality and fantasy they wanted (some, all, none, etc.)

His insistence on the seeing BIOLOGICAL differences in women's/men's behavior, thoughts and lifestyles is so tired and old I can't believe he can't see through the bullshit on this issue as he can on so many others (religion, government, etc.)

So, first half was fantastic, second half made me angry.

Bill Maher has spent the last decade as the host of "Real Time with Bill Maher", but has also done stand-up comedy. "Bill Maher: Victory Begins at Home" is a recording of a 2003 concert in New York. His material centers mostly on the Iraq War, the 2000 election, and the problem with religion. He includes what he recommends as wartime posters for the 21st century.

I don't always agree with everything that Maher says. On the subject of religion it would be better if he was equally tough on all religions. Nonetheless I like what he has to say about the screwed up aspects of US society. One might call Maher a less forceful version of George Carlin: an avowed atheist who pontificates on how f**ked up everything is.

I should note that since this is a decade old, some of the topics have become obsolete. I'll be eager to start watching "Real Time" once it starts up again.

I'm surprised Bill didn't get sniped at some point considering how actual freedom of speech, in practice, is dwindling. Nevertheless, Bill once again points out how ridiculous and over-simplified politics have become, and not just in America and not just "politicians". Societies all over the world have distorted views on what's best for everybody. And equally important is the fact that I laughed my ass off. My only criticism would be that this is one man's opinion, but that's really more of a warning to viewers than a shot at the performer himself. About 80% valid argument, 20% Bill's inner-monologue. But after all, that's what a comedian does.

Just as a side note: Stand up comedy takes more courage that most people can dream of mustering, but when someone can do it without a hand-mic, that's a true sign of comfort.