Burt’s Eye View: It Used to Be A Wonderful Life
by Burt PrelutskyWhen I was just a kid, I saw the stage musical, “Peter Pan,” starring Mary Martin in the title role and Cyril Ritchard as Captain Hook. It is to this day the only version of that old war-horse I ever liked. I still don’t know why that story has retained its popularity since 1904. Even Walt Disney couldn’t work his magic on it.
What I remember best about the show, the tunes aside, is that at the point when Tinkerbell’s light was flickering, and she was supposedly at death’s door, the audience was urged to start clapping in the hope that our applause would somehow save her. Suddenly a woman seated behind me leaned forward and said, “Little boy, you aren’t clapping. Don’t you want Tinkerbell to live?”
“I know the story,” I told her. “She’ll live even if nobody claps.”
You can see that, as young as I was, the die was already cast. Even back then, I had zero tolerance for baloney. That is one of my many problems with Barack Obama and his crew of cronies and stooges. They’re trying to make me clap for crapola like cash for clunkers, cap and trade, trillion dollar stimulus bills, AmeriCorps, ACORN, unlimited funds for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, socialized medicine and global warming.
On top of all that, look at the cast he’s rounded up for this tacky production. People used to say they wouldn’t buy a used car from Richard Nixon. Well, I wouldn’t buy a used hubcap from the likes of Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Henry Waxman, Alan Grayson, Christopher Dodd, Barbara Boxer, Charles Rangel, Rahm Emanuel, Cass Sunstein or David Axelrod. Furthermore, I’ve seen guys selling “genuine mink coats” out of the trunk of a ’94 Buick I’d trust more than Robert Gibbs.
It struck me the other day how beneficial a nickname can be. For instance, would Magic Johnson have been quite as magical if people had called him Earvin? Would Tiger Woods, however good his golf game, been quite as effective a pitchman if we’d all called him Eldrick? And would Barack Hussein Obama been able to pull the wool over so many eyes if he hadn’t been called the Messiah?
Barack pretends to be George Bailey, everyone’s best friend, but from the way he pushed ObamaCare through the Senate by using any means necessary — including bribes and intimidation — it’s obvious that behind the nice guy facade, he is actually Henry F. Potter, weaving his web like a giant spider, plotting to turn beautiful Bedford Falls, otherwise known as America, into the nightmarish Pottersville.
Two centuries ago, King George III was told that President George Washington, who had eight years earlier turned down the opportunity to be the king of the United States, was planning to give up the presidency at the conclusion of his second term and return to his farm in Mount Vernon. The astonished monarch, who had lost a war to General Washington, said, “If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world.”
Washington did, and he was.
Does anything more clearly illustrate how far we have fallen in 210 years?
[Ed. Note: Our duelling "Wonderful Life" posts are nothing more than one of those odd coincidences.]
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80 Comments
Great post Burt, you old curmudgeon, Ha!
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In an interview Wednesday with the Fremont (Neb.) Tribune (made at his own request, incidentally), Ben "Sell-out" Nelson further demonstrated how out-of-touch he is with the voters, stating that the negative reaction among Cornhuskers over the ObamaCare bill is based on misinformation and irrational anger which he doesn't begin to understand, saying that claims that the bill loosens restrictions on abortion are totally untrue, that polls showing the depth of the negativity are also untrue, and that "nine out of ten people that come up to me thank me" for voting for the bill. I checked the online responses to this article, and they have been vociferous, slamming Nelson up one side and down the other for his inane comments. Normally, I am rather doubtful that such fury will translate into electoral defeat; it's a long way to 2012, a lot can happen before then, and voters often have notoriously short memories. But based on the reaction this interview has had, I'm not so sure. If Nelson's not scared about his chances of re-election, he should be.
Today it is not the audience who is doing the cheerleading to make us believe things are going well, it is an entirely complicit media complex. None of those highly polished turds they call policies and none of the aforementioned crony- stooge politicians would even exist today without the media clapping along like they do.
At least Pottersville had an economy.
we clap all to often for mediocre things. When was the last time you saw a play or concert where there was not a standing ovation?
We look and act like trained seals.
if it is so easy to get us all to cheer, is is any wonder they give us such low quality garbage?
Burt: I wouldn't buy a new hubcap from those guys. Still, giving them the clap isn't a half-bad idea.
"Even back then, I had zero tolerance for baloney. "
Actually, Burt, it's called being a spoilsport. Not to mention a few worse things, which I won't articulate lest an administrator delete me.
"but from the way he pushed ObamaCare through the Senate by using any means necessary — including bribes and intimidation"
Setting aside how I feel about the bill in question…. in WHAT universe does compromising – generally to the detriment of one's own side – on nearly every point, giving up the most prominent aspect of the legislation and generally settling for about 1/10th (if that) of what you wanted qualify as somehow overly-aggressive?
For all the carping about Obama being too meek and defferential when it comes to foriegn policy and/or interactions with the international community, Republicans don't seem to have noticed that he's generally "fought" them in exactly the same way…
I don't care who you are, that's some funny stuff right there.
you can't get the clap, when all they do is fap to beloved leader's picture.
reactionaries: Point taken. LOL
Ah, first troll of the morning. Did mommy wakey uppy?
[...] reading on the disaster the Democrats and Team Obama have created: Burt Prelutsky, Big Hollywood: Burt’s Eye View: It Used to Be A Wonderful Life Michelle Malkin: Darkness reigns: Obama and the Vampire Congress and Let the cameras in: Calling [...]
Many American Indian tribes measured their personal worth by the strength of their adversaries.
Based on Glenn Kenny's post I am feeling pretty bad about myself…
“I know the story,” I told her. “She’ll live even if nobody claps.” As usual "zero tolerance for baloney" is what I love about you Burt.
A huge optimist like me couldn't be any more pessimistic. Misery loves company.
Translation: I met nine illegal immigrants who supported the bill, and the tenth guy was the janitor who was cleaning up my office.
Not only do people have short-term memories, but they also suffer from "every-pol-is-bad-except-my-guy" syndrome.
“I know the story,” I told her. “She’ll live even if nobody claps.”
Ha! I like you boy…you remind me of, well…me.
You can play with my kids any day of the week.
Not Over.
I only like George Washington.
Great Washington story, love the metaphor about clapping for inanity, and I was that kind of kid, too. Glen Kenny is an irritating trained seal, but he offers a lot of insight into who Obama supporters are. Individuals they ain't. How can paying money to see a show not be enough? Why do you gotta "help" the show. Puhlease. Con artists are never done with you, Kenny, don't you get that? Your vote is just the beginning.
Which oddly is the same way the New York Times conducts its polls.
While I'm rather fond of my representative and have even worked for her on occasion, I'm under no illusions about her less-than-conservative stance on several fiscal issues, and my senators (one Rep, one Dem) are just about awful. I'm hoping both those conditions you mentioned are starting to break down.
What is "blatent"…?
A new kind of tribble food…?
Besides, aren't you dead…?
Alternate translation '9 out of 10 people on my staff said the supported my vote. The 10th staff member was eating, so his mouth was filled.'
My congressman makes me want to bash my head against the wall.
http://www.house.gov/hinchey/
You're not that far off. Take a look at the picture: http://deceiver.com/2010/01/04/show-me-the-hypocr...
I see you're back into the Klingon wacky dust again.
Remember what happened last time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-yy2URAYqU
"Fought?"
Sure, now, laddie, that's why all the Democrats on the winning side are all retiring…I suppose they all want to get to the front of the line early for a lucrative lobbyist job before the rush starts…
Ouch.
+1 to you!
I partially read a piece by Peggy Noonan (she is a little… Joanny off the spot so I can only take so much). In it she talked about how she felt that this admin. looked down on being popular with the voters. They tolerated her putting forth that idea, but had it been any other conservative in name only they wold have smarshed her underfoot forthwith. Apparently they think it is weasily to be thought well of by their own constituents, but only covet the love of those who hate them (my own observation). He is not the every man's George Bailey, but only for those sneaking PETN in their frilly underthings.
Can you explain how bowing before a the King of Arabia is the same as locking the republicans out of negotiations, and generally refusing to even deal with them?
Because from where I'm sitting that's about as obviously opposite as you could possibly come up with.
But he LIKES being a tool…!
He'd line up for more toolage if the Obama would just cause His visage to shine down upon Glen Kenny…and unpocket some "stash" for him…
God, liberals are SO STUPID…
On the lighter side and also related: When my husband was little his busdriver got mad at him for being sassy and said "Hey kid! Stop being such a smart ass!" to which he replied "Better than being a dumbass".
Burt – can you imagine a G Washington going though the nonsense one does to become President these days? The reason we have "fallen" as we have isn't the people in this country – it is the politicians.
Cyril Ritchard was THE best HOOK, ever there was and yes, that production ruins all ( and I do mean ALL ) that came after it; on film, cartoon, or on the stage, for those of us who saw this one.
I hope you're not looking for volunteers for that job.
Are you seriously trying to claim that Nelson and Landreau among others weren't bribed? No kidding?
Amen! Say it, brother!
The modern American political system is like a septic tank- the biggest chunks always rise to the top.
Bill Brandt: The politicians are nothing to brag about, but the last time I looked it was the people who were responsible for the politicians. I mean, these men and women, dumb as doorposts and as evil as George Soros, were elected, after all. It's like blaming the TV executives for the garbage on the tube these days. Even on the cable stations, if there weren't a number of people tuning in, the shows wouldn't be on. The exception seems to be MSNBC, where people like Chris Matthews, Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann, seem to hang on even after their own parents have quit watching.
Regards, Burt
I guess I liked the show when I was a child, but not too much b/c I never watch it. Peter Pan him/herself is way too perky and clapping for the 'dying' Tinkerbelle is way to manipulative for me. I think it was on CHEERS once that Sam had some mimes approach him in the street and he immediately said "This is the stuff I hate." Same goes for clapping for dying fairies or sprites in the audience. Keep it on the stage.
Haha – clowns begin to fill the audience along with mimes. Instant seat clearer!
T_Rav: I must respectfully decline the honor.
Mary Martin was the best. They never improved on that!
Fun read Burt. I live in New York which is a truly beautiful state but has been taken over by the city, a haven for those dependent on governmant. Those of us who believe that people are responsible for their own decisions are outnumbered by those who depend on government and are truly screwed. Guys like Chuck Schummer have convinced the voters that he cares for them. We are all screwed.
In western PA, we have US Rep. John Murtha, who has been hanging around for decades like an ugly blind date. During this last election, when it looked as though he was finally going to be dumped and in the end wasn't by a very slim margin, one of my co-workers said "Yeah, better the devil you know, and at least he's *our* devil." I had to leave the room before I said something that would have gotten me fired.
Can you promise me that ending?
I always wanted to "do" Tinkerbell.
Burt, when you want to cut the crapola, you know right where to stick the knife.
*applause*
I see nothing but blatent racism in this unfair criticism of our Beloved Obama.
Shame on you all.
whoah ! way to bait me with tales of 'peter pan' and then switch to a political rant after the jump ! i was just reminiscing about the great cyril ritchard the other night… i was fortunate to see him in 'the roar of the greasepaint, the roar of the crowd' on broadway and was bowled over by his larger-than-life presence. today, there is hardly anyone who remembers him…and even the best version of 'peter pan' starring both he and mary martin is all but forgotten. how far we, as a culture, have fallen, indeed !
In the rewrite, George Hussein Bailey and a Death Panel of government officials decide that Tinkerbell does not have enough productive years left and orders the audience to save their claps for the State of Kommitariat speech.
I like it.
I remember it well. Mary Martin was better than outstanding. It never was as good, to me, after that.
“She’ll live even if nobody claps.” Burt, you were funny even as a kid. I love the fact that this column attracted a lot of flack. How sensitive they are that you and a billion others are turning away from Zero, as in 'O', as in 'nothing'. And what is the deal with being criticized for using a person's middle name? He was given the name and should be proud of it. Mine, for goodness sakes, is 'Lake'. The man's middle name is officially Hussein and it does scare me. If areyouserious doesn't like it then they should send a note to the WH asking it to be striken from the birth certificate…..oh, wait that brings up another isuue…
If Peter Pan looked like this, I think I'd start to question my sexual orientation, cause damn, that' one smokin boy….
http://vintagestills.com/photosales2/188marymarti...
Glenn Kenny–Not clapping for Tinkerbell is your notion of being a spoilsport or even something worse?! I guess you are one of those goofs who feel compelled to do the wave at baseball games. I have to suspect you also take umbrage at those of us who do not see the halo when we look at President Obama.
Sincerely, Burt
No wonder he's not buyin' what you're sellin'…
Nor is anyone else…
Here's to spoilsportage….
Hey, DaDDy! Nice to hear from you!
See, guys like GW had a life outside politics… yes, he was a truly great man, but he also had a farm to go back to. Guys like Obama and Clinton — heck, all they have is politics. Neither of them has ever had a real job. So, what's a guy like Obama going to go back to? Being a community activist? ACORN.
One of the requirements for being President of the United States should be: You must have had a real job, a PRIVATE SECTOR JOB, before you are eligible to run for office. Clinton and Obama are clueless about how the real world works. Or even worse, they don't care.
Unfortunately, with the exception of Peter King, I fear that's the general state of things in the great Empire State. Here in Missouri we occasionally get some level-headed people into office, but there's always the dingbats in St. Louis and Kansas City to deal with.
Maybe I saw it too old, but always thought Mary Martin looked freakishly unlike a prepubescent boy…looked absurd.
"Oh, and you can stop trotting out his middle name like it should be feared like the boogey man. That doesn't scare anyone but like-minded bigots such as yourself."
Observe as I expose this piece of liberal hypocrisy with one word.
Are you ready for it?
"Dubya".
In addition to the city filled with moochers, upstate where I live the economy is dependent on entitlements: disabled and retarded adults and children and their care givers. Almost everybody who is independent and self-reliant has left.
Aren´t you forgetting something? YOU voted for the incompetent, weak, ivory tower liberal with zero real world experience, no accomplishments as a legislator and an economic illiterate to boot. Did I mention serial liar (and he lied to you, too)?
Forget our problems with is agenda – he doesn´t even deliver on HIS agenda. Vast majorities in both Houses and the oh so smart Obama in the White House and all they accomplish is a big stinking pile of debt, corruption, lobbying, collusion, lies and incoherent legislation which they have to ram through in the middle of the night – which of course is when honest people who are proud of what they’re doing vote.
No wonder you have to call everyone racist just to keep yourself from crying. Sorry, dude, WE saw this coming.
Wish I could give you ten points for that.
If only he hadn't owned other humans.
GW thought owning other people was perfectly fine…brilliant commander, great American, noble by standards of his day, but as a black person it will always pain me that if I were to meet him…he wouldn't quite regard me as fully human. Nice to have a farm if other people are forced to do the actual work.
Actually, while it's true that we use the "Messiah" derisively, it originated with Keith "I suck even worse at exegeting politics than I did at sports" Olbermann.
I also find it interesting that, historically, it's been very common to refer to presidents using their middle name. To wit, George Walker Bush, William "I Swear I Thought She Was Eighteen" er, I mean Jefferson Clinton, George Walker Bush, Ronald Wilson Reagan, James Earl Carter, etc.
But when it comes to Oba-Mao, all of a sudden, it's racist to use his middle name? I contend that the racists are the ones who insist Oba-Mao be held to a different standard, in this case, because of his race.
Maybe you missed this Official White House Photo that was originally posted on the Official White House .gov website:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2332099/po...
Or perhaps you might have missed the March 26, 2008 issue of Rolling Stone Magazine, and please keep in mind this was before he even became the Democrat Presidential Candidate.
http://www.foliomag.com/2008/cover-critique-rolli...
Try to know what you are talking about before you post here AreYouSerious. Your OPINIONS are no more valid or important than the other 6.5 billion people living on this planet.
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Your reply is more than enough.
Thank you Sir.
Maybe that's why she stood out. Maybe, it was just the fantasy of a young boy from Kentucky who day dreamed about flying like Peter Pan.
While looking like a middle-aged woman? O-kay. Different kind of topic thread, but that's cool.
Excellent point, but do you think Oprah does her own dishes? Many of today's issues are really rooted in class warfare rather than race.
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