We Must Protect the ‘Shining City’
by Michael McGruther
With Washington and Hollywood acting with one unified radically liberal voice for the first time in American history, it’s become crystal clear that what the Democrats really want is simply to rule the world.
It was reported recently that box office receipts rose to a record $28.1 billion with 65% of that take coming from foreign countries. Bottom line, Hollywood is all about money and no one denies that. But now that the good old U.S.A. represents the smaller market share it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that the studios couldn’t care less what kind of anti-American low-brow product the town’s liberal elite continue to produce and promote.
Movies aren’t meant for us anymore. They’re meant for the rest of the world to see and be brainwashed by, because one way to bring about social change in this country is to change the American Dream itself in the minds of those who risk everything to come here.
We’re still that Shining City on a Hill — it’s just that our Democrat President and Congress, with the help of Hollywood, have distorted the bulb so badly that what’s illuminated and seen from a afar is a false image of what We the People, are all about. They’re showing the rest of the world what they want this country to be, not what it actually is, as defined by the vast majority of its citizens and the way in which they go about their daily lives.
Before liberalism infiltrated and took control of our politics and entertainment, America’s true light drew men and women of courage and hope to our nation who came for the chance to prosper in a land of opportunity — to become Americans. Immigrants like my in-laws, who came from the Philippines and were able to both find jobs and raise three kids in the heart of New York City — never seeking government hand outs, never complaining about long hours and the sometimes difficult circumstances of their journey, because the dignity that comes with providing for one’s self and family is reward enough for free men of any value. The rest is just gravy.
But now a new story is being broadcast around the globe. The dream is no longer what it used to be. Today it’s all about the idea that less is somehow more. Use less, do less, make less, buy less, leave less of yourself behind (meaning: children) — don’t breathe if you can help it. And so the net effect of socialism on any society is the distant stare you see in the hamstrung citizen’s faces — all the opportunities missed and chances never taken because they were always just out of reach.
I’ve been to Europe many times during Bush’s Presidency and let me assure you that no one ever gave me a hard time for being an American, and I typically break all the rules upon meeting someone new – religion and politics are the very first things out of my mouth. I have talked at length with cabbies on the way to the English countryside, artists in London, bankers in Canary Wharf – and not a one of them hates Americans or America. Although… When I was in Japan with my wife during the Clinton/Lewinsky debacle hiking around Mt. Fuji two Japanese men stopped us in the middle of a stunning snow-covered garden and said, without any introduction whatsoever, “Bill Clinton – Hahahahahahaha.” We felt horrible that our President disgraced us that day.
The Democrats must be kicked out of office in sweeping fashion in 2010 and 2012, or I fear that the Shining City’s light will be cranked down to a dull flicker in an ever darkening world. I’m fearful for the day when I walk the streets of our great cities and towns and fail to see that glimmer of light and hope in my fellow citizens eyes – the look you can only get from a free man pursuing his dreams without the government on his back.
Let’s dare to dream big again and let’s vote into power only those who legislate for lower taxes and smaller government so that we can achieve those dreams once more. Because when the American people are set free the world will be quickly reminded as to who we really are.
Register. Get active. Volunteer and spread the word and get out the vote NOW. President Obama spent two years running for office, so let’s spend three years running against him.
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111 Comments
WWRD?
I had a similar experience in France when I was on my high school's foreign exchange trip. Random stranger- "Monica Lewinski hahahahahah!"
I wasn't as embarassed back then as I am now at our faux pas president.
The America of 100, or even 50 years ago, is no longer. She has become what we the people have made her, a diverse cultural and political plurality accepting of all lifestyles and beliefs that are non-violent. Given the liberal nature (traditional definition) of American society, realistically, I can't see that kind of change, a change to a well defined, unified culture happening anytime soon. America is, at it's very core, self destructive. I, for one, don't intend to surrender my values to right and left coast statists nor the bandits of either party within the beltway.
Excellent post! Truly what America needs to hear, you do great work!
Just one point to clarify on. You stated "…what the Democrats really want is simply to rule the world." That should say "liberals" instead. The terms are not 100% interchangeable, the Democrats would be perfectly happy to be the top beetle on an a dung pile that formerly was our great nation. But liberals are everywhere, at different stages of conquest. That battle is now on keeping the liberals here from catching up to their European counterparts, even surpassing them, as all these head liberals rush to a unified world where they can all share power, while those not in charge share misery.
I'm not worried about the Euros and Asians laughing at us or shouting anti-American slogans. I'll start worrying when they stop.
i feel like i'm waiting for the true tipping point of action. like i'm a junkie's mom waiting for them to hit rock bottom so i can then help to rebuild a life. the problem with the waiting is that sometimes the junkie never hits rock bottom. sometimes they die before that happens.
I can't help but feel that with Hollywood ignoring the American audience's wants and needs to focus on the international audience, that something will rise up to take its place that will actually give the American audience what it wants. And if history is any judge, that something's products will be more popular internationally anyway.
I used to like this site. Now it's just getting reactionary.
The anti-American anti-war films MAKE NO MONEY. That means NOBODY is watching them. It's the big tent-pole films of heroic deeds and self-sacrificing characters and lots of explosions and special effects that make the big money. It's the Pixar and Disney and Dreamworks family-oriented films that make money. So STOP WHINING.
Great post, Michael.
"Today it’s all about the idea that less is somehow more. Use less, do less, make less, buy less, leave less of yourself behind (meaning: children) — don’t breathe if you can help it."
The trouble with Statists (Mark Levin's term) is that they view individuals as expensive liabilities. Conservatives see them as precious assets. An old Italian proverb: Along with every new mouth comes a pair of hands.
McGruther is kinda right. He's right that Hollywood considers how their movies will play overseas when they make a film, but guess what? Every corporation does the same. I work in high-tech corporations, and several of them have stated goals of getting at least half of their gross income from outside the U.S. (and, consequently, they want to hire outside the country as well.
From what I understand (and what J the Individualist states above), movies that don't have complicated plots (that have to be explained through translation), lots of explosions and/or visual effects bring in the most money, and, for better or worst, represent our culture abroad.
So what McGruther is indicting Hollywood for isn't liberalism, but capitalism, or at least capitalism as seen by Hollywood execs.
"…accepting of all lifestyles and beliefs that are non-violent."
Unfortunately this does not appear to exactly be the case, and is a delicate matter to discuss, since we have grown accepting of some that are violent, even against this nation, at the very least they have provided individuals who have committed violence.
But there is a way to gauge which should be freely allowed and which deserve close scrutiny, based in quality assurance. I call it the peanut butter test. Picking out numbers, let's say at a particular plant 2 out of every 100,000 jars is shown to contain a potentially-lethal amount of bacteria, people have died. What's the response? Do you say that's acceptable, exceptions happen, the odds of someone getting hurt or killed are too low to worry about, it's the price we pay for our system, keep the plant running while they try to improve? Or do you want that plant shut down right now, scrubbed clean, the products recalled, those in charge heavily penalized and even put on trial, with long-term to permanent strong scrutiny if it's ever allowed to re-open?
Granted we don't want a nanny state, you can adjust the numbers, find the threshold based in reason where freedom is balanced with protection. But haven't we hit the point where we must address the worst offenders?
I never thought I'd say this, but I miss Bill Clinton. I even miss Jimmy Carter. Heck, at this point, I'd take Wilson.
This is an odd column coming right after Obama returned from a European trip that was by all estimates a success. Especially with the citizens of Europe. You seem to forget the last 8 years. News for you – the Europeans and Asians didn't much like Bush and by extension America. Maybe some dude once laughed about Clinton but I'm guessing you either didn't travel out of the country over the past 8 years or maybe you really didn't talk politics with people on the street. That said Obama IS a big part of the American dream. Accept it. He wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He has relations who live all over the world. He is African American. Europe still has not elected someone of African decent. His victory shows all things are possible in America. And maybe now in Europe as well. America continues to lead the world and maybe we can be respected for it now.
So just what did Barry get accomplished – selling ipods with his speeches on late night TV? He took a verbal thrashing, blamed bush, got no consenus on Afganistan, blamed bush and flew onto Turkey. embraced Islam and blamed bush. The way he's putting miles on Air Force One, Boeing can't replace the parts fast enough. That was some trip.
Yeah, I'm that way to. I keep scouring online news and blogs, thinking, people have to eventually wake up to the direction our country is going in. But the MSM, for the most part, are applauding this. I feel like Robert Neville in Matheson's "I am Legend" – like I'm part of a dying breed where the roles have been reversed, and our future society is one where the deviants are considered normal, and the normal are hunted down and killed.
I anticipated this comment and here's my reply — yes Hollywood is a very capitalistic business but you're overlooking the fact that it's purpose at the moment is to soften the public to accept socialism and therefore the destruction of capitalism as demonstrated by just about everything The President does and says. We conservatives need to start pumping cash into arts and programs that show our values and the people will naturally start running back to our side. As long as the door is closed by Hollywood to truly conservative points of view the world will no little about that view as if it never existed in the first place.
Hear , hear – the Americans I see around me seem to have become very complacent, believing all will be well because of the big man in office. We all need a refresher course in who we are and how we can get things done – ASAP! Thanks for the needed jolt.
This isn't a whining post — it's a call to action. Nobody whines on Big Hollywood — only commenters who are disagree by what they read here do.
Obama's trip was a success? Bwahahahaha. Success at what, making apologies for everything that is America? At bowing to Saudi (Muslim) leaders and trying to make nicey-nice with our true enemies. And make no mistake, these enemies are at war with us. Even if the nieve socialist thinks it's not so. Somebaody tell Obama that he won the election and now it's time to be the President – or at least try to act like one for the cameras.
Obama's trip was a success? Bwahahahaha. Success at what, making apologies for everything that is America? At bowing to Saudi (Muslim) leaders and trying to make nicey-nice with our true enemies. And make no mistake, these enemies are at war with us. Even if the nieve socialist thinks it's not so. Somebody tell Obama that he won the election and now it's time to be the President – or at least try to act like one for the cameras.
Well I would see your quibble and raise you one: I am a classical liberal in that I support a strict interpretation of the Constitution, a liberal in the sense that our Founding Fathers would understand it. I think what you might mean is the Left, or as pointed out in another BH article: Statists.
It is so funny, because I remember that James Carville et al. said over and over and over that the French think it's funny that we cared so much. Basically, if the French didn't care then why should we. At the time, I said over and over and over that I didn't care what the French thought…still don't…
Although the author offers no citation for his opening statement, other than "It was reported recently . . . ", let's all take a deep breath and try to approach this topic rationally.
" . . . box office receipts rose to a record $28.1 billion with 65% of that take coming from foreign countries."
Are we speaking simply of movies coming out of Hollywood, USA or does the above figure include Bollywood as well? Indians love their movies, and are making more and more of them each year. World population growth, combined with the benefits of free trade and globalization, is rapidly expanding the global middle class. Middle class folks in India and China – even if they don't speak our language – like to do middle class "American" things, like attending college, owning cars and going to the movies. Imagine that.
So, in reality, this seems to be more about numbers and scale than patriotism and anti-Americanism in Hollywood. But to win back seats, you gotta be angry about something, right Mr. McGruther?
OK I agree to a point – but when the POTUS is this radical and from top to bottom the Democrat congress is doing what wants and even writing bills that are not voted on — we can no longer call them liberal. They didn't call us conservatives — no, the made Republican into a bad word. They are Democrats in my opinion. Go back are read my earlier article about the Democrats you are taking about.
The numbers come from the MPAA official press release but here is just one of many links that shatters your comment to pieces. And the numbers reflect moves made within the Hollywood system only, Matt. Read better next time.
http://www.screenindia.com/news/global-boxoffice-...
Sell weapons to the Iranians/Hezbollah?
Sell weapons to the Iranians and Hezbollah?
Sorry, I have to disagree with your premise that Hollywood has a "purpose" to spread socialism. Many movies may express what you see as "socialistic views," (and the extent of that would be another discussion), but when it does, that's the product of groupthink that pervades the entertainment industry, not a conspiracy or organized direction.
I personally don't judge arts solely on whether I agree with the political content or not; I judge them on how well they tell their story or express their point of view and would suspect the average viewer is more like me than readers here.
So while I would welcome more conservative films *if* they are not propaganda masquerading as films, and *if* they tell a good story. And if you can prove they make more money than so-called "liberal" films (without cooking the books like another BH contributor does), you'll see a major change in what Hollywood produces.
But again, it's about the money.
I worry when their leaders say that Obama is going too far to the left. When you hear that from a European it tends to make you sit up and go,"Okay now that's saying something!" Or at least it should.
"I personally don't judge arts solely on whether I agree with the political content or not; I judge them on how well they tell their story or express their point of view and would suspect the average viewer is more like me than readers here."
So I guess you and average viewers can really get into a good communist infused story so long as it's done well? That makes no sense to me.
Let me go ahead and quote Chesterton – "Art is like morality and both being by drawing the line somewhere" And right now — Art is without lines or morality it's just a big ugly mess.
If Obama's trip was a success, it must have been played on a channel I can't get. He is an embarrassment. Apologizing and sucking the Europeans derriere won't make them like us. And since when did we worry so much about whether or not they like us? Oh yeah! – since moveon and the crazy liberals told us to worry about it. We have covered Europe militarily for 60 years with nothing in return but smirks and insults. They are such socialist cowards that they would take capitulation over conflict any time. And now we have elected an empty, bungling socialist for our own leader. He can't fill a cabinet, without resorting to criminals and incompetents. He can't speak without a teleprompter, and he thinks Austrians speak Austrian. But thank God he's not stupid like Bush was. Obama's beliefs are easy to understand. Go read Alinsky or Marx. He's as transparent as tissue paper and we are the worse for having him in a powerful position.
And the real danger with sacrificing self and individuality to become part of the statist mindset and ideology is that you lose your creativity and you lose your innovation. Part of what made our country great was that spirit of individuality and sense of self. If we subsume ourselves to the state we lose our innovation.
Look at what has happened to the socialized countries of Europe. How much have they actually contributed by way of new ideas and innovation recently? Why are so many of the new breakthroughs done in places like the United States?
When you hear it from an ex-KGB officer, it should make you at least slow down a bit.
Ok, and this is the same guy who now tells the rest of us that the American Dream is dead and we shouldn't hope to live it. How hypocritical is that?
It feels like Star Wars ep 3, where the senate has just given the Supreme Chancellor more power, and they applaud him. The only ones who can read the writing on the wall have been made into jokes.
Indeed, although I'm not so sure the "ex" applies really, once a goon with a police state at your beck and call, always a goon with a police state at your beck and call if you ask me. The economic system may have changed in Russia but the mindset of the leadership hasn't.
For Bush, though, it wasn't about being liked. I don't care if we're hated by the Europeans, as long as the militant Muslims aren't killing us. And I heard, by all accounts, that the other prime ministers didn't like Obama much. They'd go out for drinks with Bush, but they only want to hang around Obama during business hours.
Obama is a very attractive man who has been educated beyond his intelligence.
"The numbers come from the MPAA official press release . . . " Thank you, that was not specified in your original piece, or, for that matter, linked to your reply (maybe the MPAA only sends you hard paper copies of press releases, rendering them un-linkable?)
" . . . but here is just one of many links that shatters your comment to pieces." One of many? Why not post many? Your vague language leaves me feeling as though we are playing journalistic hide-and-seek. And I fail to see anything in the link that "shatters" my previous comment, but bonus points for the forceful word choice in lieu of an actual argument.
"And the numbers reflect moves [sic] made within the Hollywood system only, Matt." Once again, there was nothing to that effect in your original post. Re-read your second paragraph, Michael. Write better next time.
I posted a link from India reporting on Hollywood — it's called irony.
The infiltration has begun!
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/6d6ad04ce4/eco-c...
You don't have to be a communist to recognize the power of "Battleship Potemkin" or a Nazi to recognize how skillfully "Will to Power" wove its imagery. Heck, I cheered with the rest of the audience when the Wolverines offed those Mexican commies in "Red Dawn" without believing such an invasion was imminent or likely, and I loved "Incredibles" without endorsing its Randian viewpoint. Later, I may argue the political points, but the viewpoint alone won't ruin a good story.
That may not make sense to you, but I think it reflects the average filmgoer more than the average reader of Big Hollywood. And again, I doubt there are many producers in Hollywood who says, "good story, but how does it promote socialism?"
No, it's called evasion. What's ironic is that the guy who co-wrote the screenplay for Tigerland – a well done, thinking man's war movie – could be so blinded by nonsensical partisan zeal as soon as he's offered a soapbox by Andrew Breitbart. But all banter aside, Tigerland was a great flick. I hope someday you'll return to screenwriting, and leave frothing-at-the-mouth conservatism to those with less natural talent to waste.
And at the rate he's blaming Bush, the MSM will run out of word-processing equipment and band-width before they can replace them.
I gave your reply a thumbs up for the comment – thanks for watching Tigerland, Matt!
After Tigerland I moved to L.A. and experienced nothing but nonsensical partisan zeal for just about the entire 8 years of Bush's Presidency — everywhere I went. It's a no man's land of different opinions and it made it for very uncomfortable moments with the people you are trying to work with on projects when they are first trying to get a clear idea of your political views and once they know you're not "on the team" opportunities start to dry up. Go back and Read Jude's brilliant article this very tactic — it was one of the first posts.
For the record, when Andrew started talking about this blog I SOUGHT HIM OUT and asked to be a part of it. And my friend, this is just the beginning of what's to come. We're going to make indie films and release them ourselves and God willing, create a New Hollywood.
Heck — I could make Tigerland for $500K today and that itself is another post all together.
Amazing! He did all of that and he has only been in office for 10 weeks. Now that is change.
Take a deep breath! Lets not get carried away.
Nah, Rush wouldn't do that.
He does though understand media. He may say we need an activist presence, "activist" in the sense the MSM is. Present the news without slant, just the facts, and remind people of past events. "Today Nancy Pelosi said this should be done. Back in 19xx they tried it and it failed. In 19xx they tried this change, it failed. In 200x they tried it with twice the funding, it failed." You get the picture. Easy enough to start it as a web presence, print form, add in audio and video segments, then streaming media. If all goes well, even syndicate the feed to broadcast stations, undercut "AP news on the hour" etc. Lots of stations out there who'd like cheaper programming, as long as the advertisers are fine with it, not to mention non-commercial stations like Christian etc.
Give the people a real alternative, defeat liberal lies with straight non-political truth, and make a healthy buck while doing it. Yeah, Rush would do that! He already almost is!
Show me where Obama said that. Provide a link and context. Thanks.
>>Before liberalism infiltrated and took control of our politics and entertainment<<
When exactly was that? Give me a time frrame and some examples. Thanks.
I think that the reason this website exists is because those in Hollywood in a position to know and see have realized we all have a job to do as Americans to restore this country to responsible people who love this country. And it has to happen not just in Hollywood but all around this country. Tea Parties planned in the many thousands across this country are not covered in the media . AT ALL. If you have Fox on Cable you will see how the plans are developing around the country and you can also see how the dems are doing their best to play it down and put up roadblocks to any planning or implementing of these massive Tea Parties. Many thousands have attended early parties already and the April 15 date is significant. Along with those in Hollywood who can and do produce movies that show appreciation for the country and Americans and our troops overseas now ( we ARE a country at war, afterall) all of us as individual Americans have a job to do. The calling, as someone stated above is NOW. We have a lot to catch up and a lot to overcome. It can be done and it will be done. Our founding Fathers will be proud.
My wife was born in Holland so we visit Europe periodically to see the relatives. Holland may be a small country but they are very involved and aware of world activities. During the clinton years we were asked if he was just a clown or what? During the Bush years the Dutch were appreciative of his handling of the mid east problems. Although Holland only has a small force assisting us in the mid east they constantly remind us of the trials and tribulations they suffered in WWII. My wife and her family lived through those years of Nazi occupation and lost many members of their family in that war. They still feel the pain of war and understand it like only those who lived it can. I look forward to our next trip to hear the comments on the gift giving habits of president hussein obama. His lack of protocol and his stammering speech when trying to talk without a teleprompter will be the subject of great conversations. In the 20 plus countries we have been to I have not had any problem being an American. This even includes the middle east and south America.
There are times I wish we had different terms. I learned sometimes it's hard to talk politics with Brits, the terms are reversed. We had a small government that went big, they had big government (monarchy) that went small, so to them their liberals are our conservatives, maybe even our libertarians. Don't know how those terms work inside other countries.
I wonder if we could use names less generic, no "republic" and "democratic." We can be the Big Freedom party, "Small on government, big on people!" Which would label the opposition as…
Side note, if foreigners get confused about the "Big" part, wonder how that works, we can tell them we're all for individual freedom, we'd never force people to go vegan.
It was only a success if you agree with what he is trying to do. I have not forgotten the past 8 (horrible) years, nor the 8 (horrible) years that came before that. I did not vote for Bush & suffered through those hair brain years. I knew that America was in trouble when Congress wet itself & gave a man named George the power of a King, no one seemed to notice the irony of our forefathers wresting that right away from a King named George. I did not vote for Obama either, he could not pass the simple test of, "Judge a man by his deeds, not his words". I for one am sick to death of all the bs. Both sides sound like broken records of garbled language. Considering most of the remarks come down to F****** Democrat/Republican (see….interchangeable). I could care less what each of the parties want, neither sticks to there ideology once in office anyway. They both gerrymander in order to subvert the vote. Neither care about America (unless there party tells them to). None of them represent the people (i.e. their constituents), only the party. (cont…)
I have not decided yet, if Obama is a complete fool with no knowledge of history or incredibly evil. If the "Man" is so smart, why in the world would he choose to mimic a 1930's German government. Not just their economic model, but also there social re-engineering programs & not expect people to be upset. Even if he is completely altruistic in his beliefs & efforts, will the next person be the same? Or will they take advantage of the government that has been created (i.e. Big Brother Government, Universal Healthcare, & re-education camps). How long before the IRS says to you ,"You are behind on your Carbon tax, you should stop exhaling until you pay up. Of course we see here that you still have 2 kidneys, they are currently going for 50k apiece, this should bring your taxes up to date. We will make the arrangements with the Doctor for your area." (cont…)
Why would he even pursue a Socialist agenda when history is full of failed socialist states. Not one Socialist state has done better than America (economically or otherwise), in fact most of them are in trouble now because they invested in our business (because they make money) not there own. The modern powerhouse Socialists have all but abandoned there previous models(Russia – making an attempt at Democracy & China realizing the government does not do well in business). He is embracing proven failure in an attempt to prove nature wrong, "Life is fair and the birds will stop eating the worms!" (Although the unintended consequence will be a massive die off birds due to starvation).
Michael,
BRAVO! A superbly written piece.
The " Great American Dream " is alive and well for many from India, at least, witnessed by the many successful, and good-natured, entrepreneurs running small businesses in my neighborhood, and the wonderful 'Dream' – affirming movie " Slumdog Millionaire ".
So you're saying that General Electric wants to spread socialism? One of the biggest arms makers is trying to undo capitalism? Why would they be doing this?
So you're saying that General Electric wants to spread socialism? One of the biggest arms makers is trying to undo capitalism? Why would they be doing this?
I'm not sure if you are on something but your rant makes little sense.
The model that Obama is following is the same model America has followed since right before World War II and we have been the most powerful and economically superior country on the planet. The bailouts etc are temporary fixes to keep the American dream alive and kicking. They are not permanent. Some would argue we should let banks and big business in America come crashing down. Fine. But if you have a better plan step up and deliver it.
And the only 'socialistic' plan he has is Universal Health Care, which hasn't even reached the floor of the House or Senate yet. Most likely only a very modified plan will pass – such as better health care for children.
I'd love to see you guys actually making movies. Much more useful than the whining that takes place on this site. But I'm curious — when your production companies are up and running, will you hire only conservatives? Will you have the kind of political litmus test you claim now exists in Hollywood? Will you hire actors or grips or drivers whose politics you dislike, or is this going to be an exclusive club?
Not that I'm applying for a job. It's just that in 20+ years in the real Hollywood as a TV writer and producer, I've never been asked about my politics before being hired, and never discussed politics at all with a studio or network exec. Wondering if you're going to bring a new sensibility to all this.
You are correct, America even tolerates some who would do her violence–some much more tolerant than others. Why? Because there is no longer a standard of behavior we all agree is acceptable and appropriate. We are no longer a unified culture of shared mores and memes. We have become a nation of self-serving, competitive, hedonistic rebels, celebrating our individualism rather than surrendering some of it for the good of all. Until that changes, if ever it does, nothing will change in the shining city on the hill. If I were a futurist, I would not be optimistic based on our past history.
So far, you've been missing an important part of human nature. It's about power, the gathering of it. Talk of money is distracting. Communist leaders don't need money, they just order anything they want. Communism fails because it kills business, removes the benefits of producing. Socialism keeps business chained, penned, to be fed from at will. Socialist leaders also get what they want.
The true leaders of the socialist movement want to get power, and keep it for themselves. They can talk about spreading the wealth around, but when the government controls everything and they are the government, who really owns that wealth? The ones who have it in their pocket, or the ones who dictate how it can be used?
Right now we still have capitalism, and those in Hollywood with money have power. If after socialism is imposed they'll still have power, then money doesn't matter, they'll still get what they want. But socialist leaders fear true capitalism, because just about anyone with talent can rise up, gain money, gain power, and those leaders want to keep it to themselves, if someone else gains some then they have lost some. They have succeeded, Hollywood is theirs, from which they can entice decent people who want to help those in need, with false promises of equality and fairness as they gather up their power, from the individual to the state, until they can solidify their rule by destroying true capitalism.
It's not about the money.
Open a book …….a hugely popular man of the people comes in on a liberal ticket claiming to be centrist. He introduces Keynesian economics, required service with government programs for the youth, & blames everything on newly departed right. He also swells the government to unheard of sizes, nationalizes healthcare, & develops a citizens army. No I am not talking about Obama, that would be a historical synopsis.
"I'm not sure if you are on something but your rant makes little sense. "— I guess this falls under the "lets just insult them, when we don't agree" category.
And the only 'socialistic' plan he has is Universal Health Care? —-"The Road to Serfdom", was written in 1944 by Friedrich Hayek. Hayek taught at the London School of Economics from 1931 to 1950. Hayek criticized Keynesian economic policies for what he called their fundamentally collectivist approach, arguing that such theories, no matter their presumptively utilitarian intentions, require centralized planning, which Hayek argued leads to totalitarian abuses. Keynes seems to have noted this concern, since, in the foreword to the German version of the 'The General Theory of Employment Interest and Money', he declared that "the theory of aggregated production, which is the point of ['The General Theory of Employment Interest and Money'], nevertheless can be much easier adapted to the conditions of a totalitarian state [eines totalen Staates] than the theory of production and distribution of a given production put forth under conditions of free competition and a large degree of laissez-faire."
What a clear and powerful comment/critique Kadaka — you’re exactly right!
So when you come over to BH wr1, and make a comment you’re not whining it’s constructive criticism, I see.
Okay, the name calling was a cheap shot. Sorry. But you wrote this:
>>,"You are behind on your Carbon tax, you should stop exhaling until you pay up. Of course we see here that you still have 2 kidneys, they are currently going for 50k apiece, this should bring your taxes up to date<<
WTF?
That's either comedy or you're using nonsense to make a point.
Also the whole If-I-don't-like-the-president-he-must-be-a-nazi has got to stop. The left did it for 8 years with Bush and now the right is doing the same with Obama. Stop it. We can agree to disagree but we have a pretty terrific electoral system. If you don't like the direction the country is taking go out and get voters to agree with your view of things and change it. Just don't do it with loaded language and nonesense about kidneys being sold and sky is falling scenarios.
ModDem You really are a true believer. That’s why even as a conservative I usually enjoy reading your post. I’m one of the evil business owners out here that suffer from government intrusion. Government to small business is as useless as a teat on a boar hog. I always ask but no one will answer, how much tax is enough? I’m just curious at what point this egalitarian Utopia is going to begin. Our adventure began under FDR’s New Deal through LBJ’s Great Society, Carter’s CRA, W’s No Child Left Behind, and now Barry’s stimulus. I recommend that everyone should go to a Sec8 Housing project and check out the great work of the government. These poor people are stuck in generational government servitude (slavery) with no end in sight. But I know it’s not the results it’s what’s in your heart, and your feelings. What Son of the Republic was hitting on I think is government is not the answer it’s the problem. You seem like a bright guy and how you can love government so is bewildering. I guess like so many things we’ll just have to agree to disagree.
You do know that because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act many Americans have LESS Federal taxes taken out of each paycheck each period now. There is also now Child tax credit, College tuition credit, Homebuying credit, an Expanded earned income tax credit, Home energy credit and a lot of tax credits for small business and large. It seems to me these facts should be given out to people at these Tea parties.
[...] want to destroy major American cities! Apparently with the rise of “liberalism,” Hollywood is forgetting all about New York, L.A., D.C. etc. because they want to make the U.S. weak,… BUT HEY… The Democrats must be kicked out of office in sweeping fashion in 2010 and 2012, or [...]
Yes, I did write that….read the sentence before it. "Even if he is completely altruistic in his [Obama's] beliefs & efforts, [will the next person be] the same? Or will they take advantage of the government that has been created (i.e. Big Brother Government, Universal Healthcare, & re-education camps)." It is a sensationalist statement, I agree. But seeing as how China sells the organs of those they execute (UN frowns upon his), hardly nonsense.
Again "I have not decided yet, if Obama is a complete fool with no knowledge of history or incredibly evil". Nazi would be incredibly evil, I have not decided that yet. The last admin gave off a facist stink but I never called them that. I have not called Obama that, just wondering why his policies mirror their earliest policies. (cont…)
StanH, Actually ModDem often means Moderate [although it can mean Modern]. No doubt the government can be a big problem and I don't look to them to solve all of our problems. But I look for a balance whereby business and citizens can flourish. I support capitalism as well but I don't want to implement a Milton Friedman type system. I can't speak for Sec8 Housing. But I do think the idea that poor people get stuck in the system is a bit unfair. The same needs to be said of Farmers or Chrystler for that matter. As I said before, the system we have in the US is pretty good. It can be modified but I don't think going too far left or too far right is the answer. Right now we are drifting leftward but Bush set it in motion and he was hardly a socialist.
From the sounds of it, you might be the perfect candidate for that. It would afford you a chance to get the facts about all those 'tax credits' et al. and just how little it will return to the 'average' taxpayer.
" If you don't like the direction the country is taking go out and get voters to agree with your view of things and change it."
They both gerrymander in order to subvert the vote. Both parties have been caught using this little "trick", and yet when "We the People" tell them to outlaw this practice all of a suddden bipartisanship shows up in Congress. Kind of like the "No Riders Bill" or "Term Limits", the people were behind, yet Congress will not touch. They might have to learn a new way of doing business & that just will not do.
And honestly, I do not think we are really disagreeing. Maybe I am just overly cautious. At least we both agree about our hopes for the country.
Oh god now you’re getting me excited a Milton Freidman economy would be wonderful. I’m from Georgia and I know families in Appalachia whose feet are stuck in the same spot for over 40yrs. It started when social workers came to them in the ‘60s with the start of the Great Society. This woman’s parents are buried on the land and she’s there with her kids and their kids and their kids, and brothers, cousins, living on 3acres of land in three trailers it’s pitiful. They all draw government checks they are all on Medicaid and Medicare, they’re all on food stamps, Social Security, SS Disability. What they get from government good intentions are generational poverty, drugs, and disease, and this is repeated all over rural America, and Sec8 housing. The same does need to be said for farmers, GM, and Chrysler, etc. Keynesian economics run-amuck. This country in my mind is great because of individuals not government
Is this man a homosexual, like Mat Drudge? Why is the Drudge Report leading to this meaningless trash? Drudge and his buddy Breibart have created a feedback loop to drive their hits and advertising revenues that I find disgusting.
The biggest mistake we can make is to replicate the left's approach to doing business. I'll have a few basic criteria for pictures I green light, #1 being that America is not the enemy and if you want to show an American steeped in the bad side of human nature in any story then you better show the good as well. #2 – same as number 1.
LOL! You are sooooo stupid it's almost painful. Thank God you're not on our side!
It's amusing how the liberal degenerates whose constituents are mostly homosexuals use the term homosexual as a pejorative. You gotta love the liberal mind, it is truly a wasteland.
Michael, this was a well written piece.
You make such good points. Why won't you talk to me. I really really like you. We could be good friends.
So what does "wr1" stand for? He is your sock puppet.
Who do you know with 20+ years in Hollywood as a writer? It's not you, that's for sure.
A few Quotes from our forefathers:
"Subject opinion to coercion: whom will you make your inquisitors? Fallible men, governed by bad passions, by private as well as public reasons. And why subject it to coercion? To produce uniformity? But is uniformity of opinion desirable? No more than of face and stature." –Thomas Jefferson: Notes on Virginia Q.XVII, 1782.
"No provision in our Constitution ought to be dearer to man than that which protects the rights of conscience against the enterprises of the civil authority." –Thomas Jefferson to New London Methodists, 1809.
"A free people [claim] their rights as derived from the laws of nature, and not as the gift of their chief magistrate." –Thomas Jefferson: Rights of British America, 1774
"If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen." Samuel Adams 1776
In his farewell address, Washington spoke of several avenues of tyranny, including selfish ambition (with pretended patriotism,) collusion of powers, usurpation and precedence of usurpation, debt, foreign influence, and rank party politics.
—–As for collusion of powers, he warned, "The habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism."
——-On usurpation, he warned, "If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed. The precedent must always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit which the use can at any time yield."
"The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism, but under the name of liberalism they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program until one day America will be a socialist nation without ever knowing how it happened."
– Norman Thomas [six-time presidential candidate for the Socialist Party of America]
"This country in my mind is great because of individuals not government " could not agree more!!!
"What they get from government good intentions are ….
"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.
– C. S. Lewis God in the Dock, p.292
Interesting anecdotal evidence you provide. Won't deny that sounds like a problem. But note too the number of people living in poverty after the 1929 crash. That wasn't pretty and it wasn't something anyone should deny or ignore. Hoover wanted nothing to do with helping people though government intervention and well…things didn't improve at all and he was justly punished for it. FDR at least saved the banks, cut unemployment in half and got a social security system which helped a lot of people [say what you want about it]. Took a while and wasn't perfect and many businesses hated him because he set hour and wage laws – but I think there are worse consequences if nothing was done in that case.
another quote for you in the same vain…
"Everybody has asked the question. . ."What shall we do with the Negro?" I have had but one answer from the beginning. Do nothing with us! Your doing with us has already played the mischief with us. Do nothing with us! If the apples will not remain on the tree of their own strength, if they are wormeaten at the core, if they are early ripe and disposed to fall, let them fall! I am not for tying or fastening them on the tree in any way, except by nature's plan, and if they will not stay there, let them fall. And if the Negro cannot stand on his own legs, let him fall also. All I ask is, give him a chance to stand on his own legs! Let him alone!"
–Frederick Douglass Social and Political Thought 1850-1920: Representative Texts, p.283
LOL…..apparently quoting Frederick Douglass needs site admin approval….LOL
Alas, how many have been persecuted for the wrong of having been right?
–Jean-Baptiste Say–
No that’s empirical evidence. Take the test yourself, I assume you’re in LA go visit a Sec 8 housing project, get to know’em . Hoover couldn’t resist the pressure and raised taxes on everyone over 100k this took the cash off the field and exacerbated the depression. Yeah Social Security is the mother of all Ponzi schemes, we’re in the neighborhood of 55 Trillion in unfounded liabilities, in the immortal words of Rev Wright, “Americas chicken have come home to roost.” The baby boomers are retiring and by 2018 SS will be bankrupt, what then? In my mind we’re whistling by the graveyard and heaping insanity on top of insanity. The social safety net is an excuse for most not to leave the house, get a job and break the chains of poverty. This is America failure is a choice.
No that’s empirical evidence. Take the test yourself, I assume you’re in LA go visit a Sec 8 housing project, get to know’em . Hoover couldn’t resist the pressure and raised taxes on everyone over 100k this took the cash off the field and exacerbated the depression. As far as Social Security it's the mother of all Ponzi schemes, we’re in the neighborhood of 55 Trillion in unfounded liabilities, in the immortal words of Rev Wright, “Americas chicken have come home to roost.” The baby boomers are retiring and by 2018 SS will be bankrupt, what then? In my mind we’re whistling by the graveyard and heaping insanity on top of insanity. The social safety net is an excuse for most not to leave the house, get a job and break the chains of poverty. This is America failure is a choice.
Yes, empirical. I meant you told a real life anecdote.
I understand SS won't be in trouble until 2040 or so. Also this social safety net has been with us since the 1930's and I don't see America as a 'lazy' country. There are always people who will take advantage of the system. Any system you have. There are people working in jobs right now doing nothing and getting paid. But I have to tell you every [non retired] liberal Democrats I know [and I know quite a few] are full time employees and have been for years and want to be. They raise kids, they have mortgages to pay and they earn their bread. So none of us support shiftless people who use the system – but we also don't think poverty is caused only by laziness and the government system. There are many social, economic and other factors.
Sell weapons to the Iranians and Hezbollah in exchange for hostages? Destroy all documents related to said treason? Create the first massive budget deficit in American history? Wage violent war against Americans over what they can or can not put into their bodies?
The stats I read was 2018 who knows really. But based on my set of “facts” right now there are 4 workers for every one person on SS, by 2018 1 to 1. This is untenable for my kids and grandchildren, and will lead once again in my opinion a collapse of the system. W was right it needs to be partially privatized, oh well. I know about all the BS occurring now, you’d still be better off in the long run have some money in stocks and may actually leave something for your survivors. But, oh well this will be another one that have to kick us in ball$ to understand. There is not a penny in the SS “trust fund.” It’s not because their lazy it’s become their legacy, their existence, it’s sad. As far as Democrats work of coarse that’s silly. They’re just wrong about oppressive government because somehow they benefit from govt. largess.
Excellent.
ModDem You really are a true believer. That’s why even as a conservative I usually enjoy reading your post. I’m one of the evil business owners out here that suffer from government intrusion. Government to small business is as useless as a teat on a boar hog. I always ask but no one will answer, how much tax is enough? I’m just curious at what point this egalitarian Utopia is going to begin. Our adventure began under FDR’s New Deal through LBJ’s Great Society, Carter’s CRA, W’s No Child Left Behind, and now Barry’s stimulus. I recommend that everyone should go to a Sec8 Housing project and check out the great work of the government. These poor people are stuck in generational government servitude (slavery) with no end in sight. But I know it’s not the results it’s what’s in your heart, and your feelings. What Son of the Republic was hitting on I think is government is not the answer it’s the problem. You seem like a bright guy and how you can love government so is bewildering. I guess like so many things we’ll just have to agree to disagree. By the way Barry lives with a silver spoon in his mouth, he knows nothing of the real world raised on the ruff shores of Waikiki Beach, please.
Of course, you use the term "Europe" when what you really mean is "Western Europe". I can understand your mistake as the MSM has been doing the same for the past 8 years.
This may surprise you, but Bush was quite popular in the Eastern portion of Europe. You know, the part that lived all those years under real tyrants. But, don't let that fact get in the way of your sweeping statement that all of Europe and Asia didn't like Bush.
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