Apocalyptics Anonymous II: Watch Gran Torino!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Watch Gran Torino!

We just watched Gran Torino--we rented it from the local movie place. The ending was surprisingly poignant. I have always enjoyed Clint Eastwood movies and this was no disappointment.

I really like the two Confession Scenes: One for the Priest and One for Karma. Even though Catholicism plays into this movie strongly, I observed that the underlying motif was Karma.

There are a lot of racial epithets in this film. A lot of language. I don't suggest watching this movie with young children.

Walt's disappointment in his children and grandchildren in the movie say a lot about the Boomer's perception of the Affluenza and sense of entitlement that the current generation perpetuates in their children.

Its a really great movie. Not just entertaining but thought provoking.

2 comments:

Dr. Zaius said...: I'll make sure to watch it when it come out on HBO!; July 2, 2009 5:28 AM
Seeing Eye Chick said...: Its a real Tear Jerker, but in a manly sort of way. I really enjoyed it. There are a lot--a lot of racial epithets though, so be warned of you ethnic guests over. You might want to give them a heads up.; July 2, 2009 1:44 PM

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Quotes Of Interest

A bit on the Constitution Party by SPLC
The Consitution Party--Sponsoring Reverend Chuck Baldwin for President in 2008:The details were sketchy, aside from the fact that the national chairman of the staunchly anti-government, anti-abortion, anti-gay, anti-immigrant third party — the only political entity listed as a "Patriot" group by the Southern Poverty Law Center — had approached Moore about quitting the GOP and mounting an anti-Bush candidacy.--The quote was referencing the infamous Judge Roy Moore in this story from 2004
Oct 16 2008: The latest newsletter by an Inland Republican women's group depicts Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama surrounded by a watermelon, ribs and a bucket of fried chicken, prompting outrage in political circles.The statement is followed by an illustration of "Obama Bucks" -- a phony $10 bill featuring Obama's face on a donkey's body, labeled "United States Food Stamps." African American Members of the club, understandably, were driven to tears and explained that this is why African americans dont join the Republican Party. My guess is that probably suits the Republicans just fine.
“Witchcraft is a sad reality in many parts of Africa, resulting in scores of deaths in Kenya over the past two decades. Bishop Muthee’s blessing, then, was simply a reflection of his cultural understanding of evil. While others are not obliged to accept his interpretation, all can be expected to respect it. More than that—Muthee should be hailed for asking God to shield Palin from harmful forces, however they may be manifested. And for this he is mocked and Palin ridiculed? Qtd by People for the American Way, Blog Right Wing Watch. Referencing Catholic League, Bill Donahue
"I really believe that the Pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians, ... the ACLU, People For the American Way - all of them who have tried to secularize America - I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this [terrorist attack] happen." Jerry Falwell, 700 Club, 2001-SEP-13. qtd by ReligiousTolerance.org
David Kuo, former deputy director of the White House’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, wrote a book revealing that political operatives in the White House, led by Karl Rove, cynically used the “faith-based” initiative to energize its Religious Right base and help favored candidates. Kuo’s Tempting Faith: An Inside Story of Political Seduction reported that the White House faith-based office was used in 2002 primarily to help elect Republican candidates in tight races. Kuo said White House strategist Rove and other Republican leaders staged a series of supposedly non-partisan events around the faith-based initiative in states with tight House and Senate races. According to Kuo, 20 events were held, and Republican candidates subsequently won 19 of those races. Americans United
2007 April 23 ACLU CALLS FOR CONGRESS TO REJECT ATTEMPTS TO REWRITE LONG STANDING CIVIL RIGHTS PROTECTIONS FOR HEAD START TEACHERS ... The American Civil Liberties Union strongly urges you to oppose any attempts to repeal longstanding critical civil rights protections that explicitly prohibit government-funded employment discrimination based on religion in Head Start program. ACLU
2005: The Senate Actually passes a Resolution to Protect Christmas. “During 2005, Representative Jo Ann Davis (R-VA), supported by twenty-five Republican representatives, no Democrat and no Independent representatives, submitted House Resolution H. Res. 579 for debate and a vote. It is titled: "Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the symbols and traditions of Christmas should be protected." When attempts to add the symbols of other Winter Seasonal Holidays from nonChristian religions, Jo Ann Davis refused. ReligiousTolerance.org
2005 Nov 10: Pat Robertson Prognosticates Disaster of Biblical Proportion in Dover PA if locals fail to uphold the use of Disclaimer stickers in Biology text books where evolution is discussed. ReligiousTolerance.Org
1997 Sept 17: Washington, D.C. -- In a speech that raises serious legal questions, Christian Coalition Chairman Pat Robertson told a closed-door session of the group's state leaders his plan to control the Republican presidential nomination in 2000. Speaking at a Sept. 13 breakfast for state leaders at the Coalition's "Road to Victory" Conference in Atlanta, Robertson said he will recommend a candidate in private correspondence and urge Coalition leaders to unite behind the candidate. The Virginia Beach religious broadcaster also outlined a precinct-based political strategy for electing federal, state and local officials and compared the Christian Coalition to the notorious Tammany Hall political machine. Americans United
1981 Kirchberg v. Feenstra, 450 U.S. 455, 459-60 (1981), overturns state laws designating a husband “head and master” with unilateral control of property owned jointly with his wife. {The Learning Place}
"If you're a Christian, you cannot support a candidate like Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton," Booth said. Pastors to Preach Politics from the Pulpit by B.B. Hagerty--NPR 2008