The M-Word

This week has brought upon issues that question the infrastructure of American society. One heavily has to do with the fact that Congresswoman and former Republican Presidential candidate Michele Bachmann accused Secretary of State Aide Huma Abedin of having ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, strongly insinuating that she was infiltrating the U.S, government as if she was some sort of spy, if not a terrorist. Such an accusation induced so much controversy that Abedin needed police security after a Muslim from New Jersey gave her death threats. Very unnecessary, up to the point where even the infamous Boehner wished she kept her mouth shut- which states a lot.

What does the word "Muslim" mean in America, and why does it automatically produce fear-mongering? Is it wrapped up in a sociopathic, autocratic being like Emmanuel Goldstein in "1984"? It is still strongly linked to the tragic event of 9/11, a corporatism-fueled incident hidden under the guise of a religious crusade?

I am continuing my research on this and am reading an amalgamate of books (including "The Rise and Fall on the Third Reich" to give you pieces that would hopefully get the conversation stirring in a sociological , exploratory way- but not in a way bore you, readers. Even under an administration of an intelligent, brilliantly well-spoken Harvard Law graduate who originally wished to shut down "Gitmo" and withdraw all troops from Iraq, the facade of a religious crusade, a failing sense of Imperialism, and a misunderstanding of international politics with a fear of a complex religion still prevail.

Colorado Monster

My condolences go out to those who have been hurt in the recent Colorado shooting, as well as their family and friends. It is an unexpected, tragic event, and it is also unfortunate that "random" shootings have become more frequent in history. In the history of Colorado, Columbine also comes to mind... a tragedy frozen in time in the case of later Generation X (and beyond).

James Holmes is a monster. He is also a graduate of the University of California-Riverside, which is in the same area as I am in. He is described as being a highly intelligent man, and disgustingly enough, due to his growing fame, numerous people have requested being a "friend" of the wrong James Holmes on Facebook. It quickly reminds me of the 1990's movie "Natural Born Killers" in which the media glamorizes psychopathic, cold-blooded murderers. Our society isn't too far off from that scenario. And to think that the shooting happened in a movie theater in which innocent movie-goers were just trying to watch "The Dark Knight Rises". He had to pick a place where no one could see it coming, where it would be hard to escape.

Aside from the actual incident, Holmes reportedly purchased 6,000 rounds of ammunition online. I wonder if such a finding would be distorted in the media, or in society in which gun control is still a fiery topic. It is not guns that kill people; it is those evil people who misuse guns. There are other people out there who are responsible with their weapons, and who would never harm another soul- yet there are a few token individuals out there who ruin it for everyone else, and our culture once again reverts to black-and-white thinking in which the right to bear arms becomes visibly reduced.  However, it also reported that "changes in laws are unlikely, partly because of a lack of support for new measures in Congress and among the public at large". The Trayvon Martin case has also come to mind, with issues going beyond Second Amendment rights and racial lines. Time will tell how tragedy affects everyone else's rights and perspectives as a whole. But regardless of the result, it doesn't make our country any less fearful.

The Return of Batman

Here is the trailer for the next Batman film "The Dark Knight Rises", which is to be released on 7/20:

Contrary to unpopular belief, the villain you see in the main photo of this video is not Mitt Romney.

I was trying to see the part where Obama and Romney battle each other in the world of Gotham City since commentator Rush Limbaugh claims this movie is about those two.  

I wonder if he knows that "Two Face", a.k.a. Harvey Dent, appeared in "The Dark Knight" a few years ago. It would make more sense... kind of.

McCained, Palined, Disdained

Today in the political news realm, McCain has caused outrage and twisted fascination alike on Politico:

 

The headline itself is very self-explanatory.

With a media circus centering him and his Vice Presidential candidate a mere 4 years ago, it is not wise at all that the Senator say such a statement- it is clearly embarrassing, albeit truthful and honest (and foolish). It just proves that it was a very good thing that his campaign lost in the 2008 Presidential elections. Besides some of the countries that are being invaded right now by the current administration (and the one before that), what else would have McCain put on the map? Georgia? And with a huntress in tow, I would hate to think of the neo-Conservativism that would have infiltrated America even more. But I digress...

Due to the fact that McCain said such a statement, he has undoubtedly received unfavorable responses; he was reportedly "irked by blowback over Palin remark" and worsened the situation by trying to explain why he said what he said... it all looks like a mess by the end of this Tuesday.

Regardless of what he said, it reminds me of an HBO film I mentioned in a earlier blog entry: the movie "Game Change". I finally had the chance to watch it- and while the critically-acclaimed book covered both sides of the spectrum, the movie was all about Palin. No one has denied a false sense of events and Nicolle Wallace, a former McCain/Palin adviser, has claimed that the film was very accurate. The film clearly depicts a fast-talking, beautiful politician who underestimates the role of Vice President of the United States. With campaign strategist Steve Schmidt being the protagonist of the whole story, the question is... did he regret having Palin be the candidate or not? 

 Right before the credits roll, with Steve Schmidt being interviewed on television, the question is answered...

American Idol

On July 14, 2012, the Obama Administration came out with this ad: 

(Be warned: Romney is singing) 

 

 As a response, Romney's campaign came out with this not-well-thought-out ad:

Before finally taking the chance to mock Obama's singing chops AFTER releasing not-well-thought-out ad:

 

Which turns out to be an epic fail because, well, love him or hate him, the man can sing...

Besides the fact that the actual messages of the ads are just plain ineffective.  

*Update*: Romney's latest ad was deleted due to copyright violations. Maybe the Al Green introduction was a little too good...