gdp's Comments

Big Hollywood : Dave Matthews' Politics of Racial Paranoia

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:06:14 +0000

You have half the story correct, middle types are done with "lefty claims" but we are done with "righty claims" too. There's no jumping ship, we've been shipless for decades. If we could get the people playing the race-card and the people playing the there's-no-racism-card out of the media (and blogs), the rest of us could have constructive conversations. I was at the march on Washington on 9/12... there were racists there looking for anyone to make them put down their signs. they were a small percent indeed and it is not fair to call us all in the march racists (which i don't think carter did)... but there were racists there. as a middle type I can spot the unfair accusations from the left and the abysmal denials on the right.

Big Hollywood : PBS Drama Episode Centers on Evils of Communism

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:27:15 +0000

no Bill, i do not know how the terms of \"left\" and \"right\" came about - do tell. I agree that there is sympathy for Marxism... while I have never fully studied it I do struggle with myself sympathizing with SOME of its themes. Mainly the ones that sound like they came directly from the teachings and deeds of Jesus. One of my favorite quotes is: \"\"When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint; when I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a Communist.�Catholic Archbishop Dom H�lder C�mara\". I doubt I'm the only one out there that is trying to be compassionate while not sounding like a socialist.

I have always thought it is unfair to ask a Christian politicians to not follow the commands of God while in office - they have the authority/power to do good deeds for the poor. So i empathize with Obama on the fact that he wants to help the under-privileged BUT he needs to be realistic and responsible with our treasure... which he's not. so how can the left and the right talk about programs to help the poor participate in a capitalistic society without sounding Marxist, without destabilizing our system of commerce and market? thanks for talking about all this!

Big Hollywood : ANOTHER SHOCK VIDEO: Third-Graders Sing Praises to Obama

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:59:12 +0000

thanks mitch for speaking up. agreed, i think if the obama tshirt was left out it would be a fine video on kids reviling in the idea that they could be president if they apply themselves to their studies. Regardless of what Obama stands for, he is a role model, he is the President of the UNITED States and schools should use this to motivate kids. they couldn't use Bush to motivate because he came from a well to do family - McCain on the other hand, I'm sure schools could have used him to motivate kids - he is a national hero! this video does not "shock" me like the earlier one did - this doesn't stink of indoctrination.

Big Hollywood : PBS Drama Episode Centers on Evils of Communism

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:57:08 +0000

Good examples Bill and I do refute a claim that some idolize communism, I'm just making sure we do not assert that 38% of this country (who claim to be left) are communist. Just as I tell those on the left that not ALL on the right want to set up a theocracy and establish an American vatican. To do either dismisses legitimate opinions on both sides. For our democracy we need opposing views... even if it is students harvesting sugar in Cuba or people doing business with Chinese communists. alas, i would prefer that neither happen(ed) but if we can get the right and left to work together neither communism or theocracy would look appealing to those disillusioned by the promise of America.

Big Hollywood : PBS Drama Episode Centers on Evils of Communism

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:43:42 +0000

I cannot speak for millions of leftist but as a moderate, the left is not promoting communism nor do they glow over its worth. can we stop labeling people commies to feel superior? everytime we buy something made in china, we support communism... we support their religious persecution... we support their government forced birth control. Chinese are communist NOT our neighbors — with our dollars we all support communism. I learned all that on PBS :)

Big Hollywood : New White House 'Guidelines' Are Pathetic Revisionist History

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:16:08 +0000

I found the article to have valid points but was put off but the lack of optimism — uncovering the NEA call is proof our democracy for the people is not dead, the government reacting to the people's outrage shows they know they are being watched and will be judged. They were wrong and this blog and the media called them out on it. We have to ask what is our pursuit here, to participate in government or see to its destruction? Ben, your article does not move us forward on this, it just keeps us on the outside looking in and shaking our fingers.