I FINALLY HAVE TO TALK ABOUT "THE VIEW." I'VE KEPT QUIET TOO LONG. PART ONE

I HAVE HAD SO MANY THOUGHTS ABOUT "THE VIEW" FOR SO LONG, AND OUT OF RESPECT TO BARBARA WALTERS, I'VE KEPT MY MOUTH SHUT.

HISTORY: "The View" is and always was, a rip-off of the old Virginia Graham daily show called "Girl Talk." It ran on the network from 1963-1969. When Barbara first went to ABC to pitch her show and it was bought, she did, in her early interviews, acknowledge Virginia Graham. That acknowledgement soon stopped as the show gradually built to a hit.

Virginia Graham with guest Joan Crawford on "Girl Talk."

"Girl Talk.

Meredith Viera, Star Jones, Joy Behar and Debbie Matenopoulous were the first group. Lisa Ling was added after Debbie left, and she was a wonderful addition. The rest, for the moment is irrelevant. Star imploded by being arrogant and greedy, Lisa left to become a serious news person, and Meredith left for the "Today Show."

Star Jones' firing really helped the show's visibility because it caused a controversy that made "The View" its own gossip mill.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck had already entered the fray, and was dismissed early as a kind of air-head right-wing twit---BUT NOT BY ME.

I liked her from the minute I saw her. It's true that she was a little "green," but she had something, and Barbara had the guts to put her on and support her. She was a "mom," a "wife," a "survivor," and perfect for a large segment of viewers. She has held her own against attacks that would make weak people shrivel. She is an example of "grace under fire," and a bright, reasonable, well-mannered person who is polite to people of all views. Bravo to her for leaving at just the right time for a terrific job.

YOU SEE.......CASTING "THE VIEW" IS LIKE A SALAD. YOU NEED YOUR LETTUCE, YOUR TOMATOES, YOUR RADISHES, YOUR PEPPERS, AND MAYBE SOME ONIONS.

IT'S ROSIE O'DONNELL TIME

Before Meredith left, Barbara saw Rosie at an awards show or somewhere where she was on stage. She rightfully thought--now there's some spice. Barbara was smart enough to know that it was a crucial time for "The View." Society was changing. Impolite topics were being discussed. It may not have made her comfortable personally, but she knew it would be good for ratings. LET ME SAY RIGHT HERE THAT "ALLEGEDLY" (ALWAYS A GOOD WORD TO USE WHEN YOU ARE ABOUT TO GET INTO POLITICS) Barbara owns 49% of show. ABC owns 51% making them always the final word.

END OF "THE VIEW" PART ONE. STAY TUNED..............