I would find this all a lot more persuasive if commentators weren't arguing that al-Megrahi's release signals a necessary step towards Scottish assertiveness and independence:
Well, I think it's important to distinguish between life sentences with the possibility of parole and life without parole. I'm not opposed to awarding prisoners parole per se; I just think that al-Megrahi's crime is so heinous that he doesn't deserve any similar considerations.
I believe it's standard operating procedure to convene a review panel for terminally ill patients sentenced to life in prison. They don't always recommend release, however.
Interesting point, but Tyler Perry's movies are tailored to a very specific audience. Incidentally, I do think you could target social conservatives in a similar fashion; it just hasn't been done yet.
I agree with Friedersdorf insofar as conservatives should stop complaining about ideological imbalances and start producing quality stuff that may occasionally explore a sympathetic political subtext. My question - and it's something I wish the article had explored in greater detail - is whether those with socially conservative views find it more difficult to get ahead in the entertainment industry. Now, maybe social conservatives are only interested in producing didactic, preachy movies that are completely lacking in artistic quality. Maybe that's why movies with an obvious socially conservative sympathies are pretty rare. But maybe there are implicit barriers to advancement for outspoken social conservatives in the entertainment industry. As I said, it's an open question, and one I think is worth exploring in greater detail.
I don't think people check their political identities at the door. Politics may take a backseat to plot twists, special effects or engaging characters, but it still exists as an important subtext. Moreover, Hollywood knows this - look at Paramount's marketing campaign for GI Joe, for example:
Fair enough, but given the number of social conservatives in the United States and elsewhere (outside of Western Europe, are people more or less socially conservative than the United States?), you would think that some movies would be aimed at that particular demographic.
Quality can be pretty subjective, so perhaps that's not the best determinant, but surely there's a distinction between people whose sole interest is appealing to a mass audience for financial gain and people who want to create an artistic statement.
That's a smart point, but I'm not sure the entertainment industry and "art" are synonymous. Hollywood is about catering to a mass audience, and there are quite a few social conservatives out there. Art may be at odds with social conservatism, but I don't think the entertainment industry should be, particularly when so many potential customers are self-identified social conservatives.
I don't know any of the songs from Jamelle's list except "So This Is Goodbye," but my two favorite Junior Boys' track have always been "In the Morning" and their "Sleep Tonight" remix.
Not a teatotaller, but definitely not a fan of raucous partying. He is kind of a dork (and I mean that affectionately), so laser tag and D&D aren't bad suggestions. I would like to find something a bit more memorable, however.
AC does seem to be the go-to location, but that place really is a hole, and I don't think the groom has any interest in a low-rent remake of "The Hangover."
The Top Golf suggestion is worth investigating, though. Thanks Mark!
So despite reports of successful, courteous townhall meetings (http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2009/08/12/mccaskill-on-her-town-hall-terrific/) and the fact that many of the disruptive participants are LaRouche extremists (http://washingtonindependent.com/54801/lyndon-larouche-and-the-hitler-meme), you're ready to tar every protester with the same brush?
And even if many of these people are misinformed or simply ignorant, I daresay they have a right to get some explanation of a massive, thorough-going reform of the health care system from their duly elected representatives.
*Comment archive for non-registered commenters assembled by email address as provided.
On “Podcast: Conspiracy Nation”
Thanks.
On “Takedown of the Day”
". . . less than optimal nature of the New Republic?" What does that even mean?
On “None dare call it justice”
I would find this all a lot more persuasive if commentators weren't arguing that al-Megrahi's release signals a necessary step towards Scottish assertiveness and independence:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/aug/21/megrahi-lockerbie-scotland-macaskill
"
Well, I think it's important to distinguish between life sentences with the possibility of parole and life without parole. I'm not opposed to awarding prisoners parole per se; I just think that al-Megrahi's crime is so heinous that he doesn't deserve any similar considerations.
"
I believe it's standard operating procedure to convene a review panel for terminally ill patients sentenced to life in prison. They don't always recommend release, however.
On “Objectively Pro-Death Panel”
Ethical considerations aside?!?! That's one hell of a caveat.
Anyway, this is begging to be stuck on the front page.
On “Hollywood Squares”
Interesting point, but Tyler Perry's movies are tailored to a very specific audience. Incidentally, I do think you could target social conservatives in a similar fashion; it just hasn't been done yet.
"
Moff -
I agree with Friedersdorf insofar as conservatives should stop complaining about ideological imbalances and start producing quality stuff that may occasionally explore a sympathetic political subtext. My question - and it's something I wish the article had explored in greater detail - is whether those with socially conservative views find it more difficult to get ahead in the entertainment industry. Now, maybe social conservatives are only interested in producing didactic, preachy movies that are completely lacking in artistic quality. Maybe that's why movies with an obvious socially conservative sympathies are pretty rare. But maybe there are implicit barriers to advancement for outspoken social conservatives in the entertainment industry. As I said, it's an open question, and one I think is worth exploring in greater detail.
"
Aziz Poonawalla -
I don't think people check their political identities at the door. Politics may take a backseat to plot twists, special effects or engaging characters, but it still exists as an important subtext. Moreover, Hollywood knows this - look at Paramount's marketing campaign for GI Joe, for example:
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-fi-ct-gijoe3-2009aug03,0,4109393.story
"
Fair enough, but given the number of social conservatives in the United States and elsewhere (outside of Western Europe, are people more or less socially conservative than the United States?), you would think that some movies would be aimed at that particular demographic.
"
Quality can be pretty subjective, so perhaps that's not the best determinant, but surely there's a distinction between people whose sole interest is appealing to a mass audience for financial gain and people who want to create an artistic statement.
"
That brought a grin to my face. Well said, Jaybird.
"
Aziz Poonawalla -
That's a smart point, but I'm not sure the entertainment industry and "art" are synonymous. Hollywood is about catering to a mass audience, and there are quite a few social conservatives out there. Art may be at odds with social conservatism, but I don't think the entertainment industry should be, particularly when so many potential customers are self-identified social conservatives.
On “Kulturkampf”
For my money, 35 years is a pretty short time. Not to mention the fact that Greek democracy isn't exactly renowned for its stability.
As for Berlusconi, start here for a taste of his checkered career:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1184532/Berlusconi-facing-fresh-calls-quit-corruption-trial-judge-confirms-David-Mills-DID-accept-350-000-bribe-save-him.html
Or try his Wikipedia page.
On “Friday Genius Ten”
Heart it Races is a fantastic song.
I don't know any of the songs from Jamelle's list except "So This Is Goodbye," but my two favorite Junior Boys' track have always been "In the Morning" and their "Sleep Tonight" remix.
On “Bachelor Party Bleg”
Transplanted Lawyer:
The Nats kind of suck, but I like the steak, cocktails and cigars game plan. Any ideas for decent cigar/cocktail lounges in DC?
"
Lots of pot and a Bob Ross marathon? That sounds kind of amazing.
On “This Week’s Sign of the Apocalypse”
I had forgotten all about that egregious OC appearance. Damn - that was like ripping a band-aid off an open wound.
On “Bachelor Party Bleg”
I love the Drafthouse, but we go there all the time . . .
"
Scott and Mike -
Both bachelor parties sound fantastic. Neither of us really has access to a cabin or a farm, though. We're also stuck in DC.
"
That's a suggestion worth investigating. Thanks Dan!
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I think I'm with you on that one, Mike. I'm not really a big fan of strip clubs, either.
"
Not a teatotaller, but definitely not a fan of raucous partying. He is kind of a dork (and I mean that affectionately), so laser tag and D&D aren't bad suggestions. I would like to find something a bit more memorable, however.
"
AC does seem to be the go-to location, but that place really is a hole, and I don't think the groom has any interest in a low-rent remake of "The Hangover."
The Top Golf suggestion is worth investigating, though. Thanks Mark!
On “just a thought”
So despite reports of successful, courteous townhall meetings (http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2009/08/12/mccaskill-on-her-town-hall-terrific/) and the fact that many of the disruptive participants are LaRouche extremists (http://washingtonindependent.com/54801/lyndon-larouche-and-the-hitler-meme), you're ready to tar every protester with the same brush?
And even if many of these people are misinformed or simply ignorant, I daresay they have a right to get some explanation of a massive, thorough-going reform of the health care system from their duly elected representatives.
*Comment archive for non-registered commenters assembled by email address as provided.