Originally posted by Pete McCabe:
He gets a fantastic response from the people he performs for. His specials get great ratings and are talked about across the country and around the world.
The ends do not always justify the means. As to Mr. Blaine presenting his magic as "real", I find that makes him nothing more than a con artist-- a palm reader with good publicity. I don't think he should be respected for that at all.
The only thing that separates us (Magicians) from most televanglists, grifters and con artists is that we make no bones about it being entertainment. I wonder if Mr. Blaine has considered the damage he could be doing by convincing people that he can do "Real Magic"?
I do not think so. He strikes me more like a mercenary street punk who's lucked into "the big con".
And I find it absolutely hilarious that he was too stupid to realize that South American Natives probably wouldn't know what playing cards are. And I find it even funnier that the producers were too stupid to edit that mistake out...
But Hey, That's Just My Opinion. I could be wrong.
Steven Youell :p