watch a great story - be inspired

Here is a continuing list of great films I have recently seen:

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Opal Dream

Catch a Fire

Evening

The Hours

Music of the Heart

Kramer vs. Kramer

Defending You Life

Vitus

SweetLand

what are we doing in america?

So, it looks like our "choice" has come down to a Mr. Obama and a Mr. McCain. Frankly, I am torn: to me it seems that John McCain is hollow and dangerous, and Barack Obama believes too much in the power of the state. Is there a great "they" out there for whom we are waiting for deliverence? On the other side, do we believe a corporate- and war-driven Americanism should become the foundation of a new world order?

At this point, I find myself really missing Dr. Paul . . .

a chronicle of films worth watching

Here is a list of films I have recently seen that have meaningfully broadened my worldview. I offer them for your consideration. These recommendations are not so much endorsements of a particular opinion as they are invitations to expand one's educational base. I am very glad to have seen each of them. Most of these films can be had for free at the Provo library or for $1 at the Orem Library.

I am happy to hear your opinions on these films/documentaries, and would be delighted to hear of any that you would recommend to me and others.

The McCarthy Years (1991; NR) -- Journalist Edward R. Murrow confronts the actions of Senator Joseph McCarthy, challenging his abuses of power in connection with the alleged proliferation of Communism in the United States in the 1950's.

Who Killed The Electric Car? (2006; PG) -- From 1996-1999 General Motors produced the all-electric EV-1. The car was so efficient and received such glowing reviews that those lucky enough to be leasing one thought they were on the brink of changing the way America did automobiles. So why were they all destroyed?

Why We Fight (2005; PG-13) -- The anatomy of American war-making. Inspired by President Eisenhower's 1961 farewell address in which he warned Americans about the dangers of the "military-industrial complex," this documentary is an exploration of half a century of American foreign policy from World War II to the Iraq War. It examines how political and corporate interests are increasingly entangled in the business of war. "It is nowhere written that the American empire goes on forever."

Bowling For Columbine (2002; R) -- An interesting and startling look at the issue of guns and a growing culture of violence. In the wake of the recent Columbine shootings, Michael Moore focuses on the background and environment in which the massacre took place and on some common public opinions and assumptions about related issues.

ps. Here is a list of some of my favorite movies starring Anthony Hopkins -- delightful!

   The World's Fastest Indian (2005)

   84 Charing Cross Road (1987; also starring Anne Bancroft)

   Remains of the Day (1993; also starring Emma Thompson)

   Shadowlands (1993)

ron paul speech at iowa straw poll

Click here to listen to Ron Paul's speech at the Iowa Straw Poll (16 mins).

meet ron paul

Check out 2008 Presidential candidate RON PAUL. Every policy he advocates is backed by the Constitution. He is optimistic, positive, he always answers straight, and he is consistent and honest. Here are some introductory clips available on youtube.com:

Ron Paul on freedom (7 mins)
Ron Paul on monetary policy (4 mins)
Ron Paul on the Federal Reserve (9 mins -- excuse erratic soundtrack)
Ron Paul CNN Late Edition (7 mins)


Even if you don't want to vote for him and won't vote for him, hear him out. The ideals, policies, and standards that he espouses need to be upheld. We need to expect strict alignment of the government with the statutes of the Constitution, no matter who is in office.

I love this line: "The dangers exist, but they're not quite bad enough, and they never should be bad enough to sacrifice liberty. There's no reason to sacrifice liberty in thinking you're going to be safer" (Ron Paul in an interview with Tucker Carlson). -- My question is this: Does this statement hold when it's a question of surrendering to God? Is the surrender of will to God the same thing as surrendering one's liberty to God? Are liberty and will the same thing?

brave new world

I've put off having one of these, certain that "blog" was equal to "waste-of-time." But lately I've come to wonder if someone, somewhere might be happy to engage in conversation with me. I think I am finally coming to realize the internet's power to connect different thinkings -- I suppose if one were to call me something at all, a "thinking" is perhaps as good a word as any. Are there any more out there? Any more thinkings looking for links and thinks? It's to you I am writing. Please respond with your thinks and wonderings. Write back with you opines and learns. I don't think it possible there is only one of us . . . you see? Already we are "us" and "we." Please send word.

I'll be somewhere near Sirius.