Blog Archives
Something From Nothing
“We don’t like him/her/them.”
This pretty much (though not entirely) sums up the 2014 midterm election messaging strategy from both Republicans and Democrats. That, and the convenient amnesia of whether Democrats voted for President Obama and the audacious weight that comes with asking such a prying, personal and Constitution-violating question (at least in Kentucky…apparently). The conventional statistical analysis currently points towards the Republicans gaining the majority in the Senate, improving their legislative power and influence. It would be, undoubtedly, a partial result of the relentless incompetence of President Obama and his administration and the continuous stream of national scandals and terrible foreign policy decisions (Romney…Romney), plus the current Senatorial gridlock led by Sen. Harry Reid. However, it would potentially be achieved without any clear, inspirational policy initiatives for the 21st century American worker: employed, unemployed and underemployed. This is a major problem, but also the key opportunity for 2016 and the 21st century from a governing standpoint. The political party that can develop, articulate, implement and defend broad and specific economic policies for the ever-changing globalized economy in a “turn-of the-century” kind of way that proves compatible with the many challenges facing white and blue collar workers today and tomorrow will take the future.
It’s really that simple. Be true to your convictions and do so with intelligence, purpose, composure and sympathetic awareness.
That will, in a macro sense, be the 2016 election (well, should be). Which candidate and political party can produce the most competent, innovative yet simple, inspiring and inviting economic message for a second American century? Whoever it is, this person will be sitting in The White House in January of 2017.
Returning back to the 2014 midterm election today, many of whom have declared it the “Seinfeld election,” as it’s basically about nothing with regards to specific policies and the consequences of these invisible policies. But that can only be partly true because the Senate will likely flip control, indicating it’s at least about something/someone.
Although, Seinfeld was a brilliant television show with engaging characters, talented actors and a surprisingly original, intelligent premise that endured and happily entertained and satisfied its audience for nearly a decade (not counting syndication).
On second thought, maybe this isn’t the “Seinfeld election” after all. What the country wouldn’t give for a dramatically energetic Kramer entrance right about now, declaring the next wildly imaginative invention to solve the world’s problems.
That would really be something.
A Rhetorical Abstention from Reality
Here is a brief recap of President Obama’s State of the Union speech from last night:
No serious proposal for opportunity-centric tax reform to help the middle class and low-wage earners
No legitimate solutions that would help those living in poverty move up into the middle class, far above the poverty line
No hints of genuine bipartisanship
No fresh, new vision for a country hurting in a stagnant economy exacerbated by his policies
No debate or reconsideration/adjustment at all on climate science-related policies, even though Europe (of all places) is scaling back funding for such projects and the fact that scientists are progressively suggesting a mini-Ice Age may be upon us (the Polar Vortex, anyone?)
No mention of the debt
No mention of excessive government spending
No reexamination or humble remarks regarding Obamacare as he refuses to even entertain suggestions dealing with structural changes from Republicans, despite his nearly 20 executive orders/delays for the law
No new, innovative plans for the energy sector that would produce jobs and energy now
Nope, nothing.
And President Obama and the media calls the Republican Party the “Party of No”?
Oscar’s Favorite Number This Year? 10
The Oscar nominations were announced early this morning. As is true every year, there are obvious selections in popular categories, as well as obvious snubs (Tom Hanks anyone?).
Two points today:
1. Back in 2006, my family and I saw a Broadway show called “Three Days of Rain” starring Bradley Cooper, Julia Roberts and Paul Rudd. I know what you’re thinking: who was in charge of casting? If only there could have been some quality “name” actors, right?
The story took place in an intimate apartment setting, but featured larger than life personalities. This dynamic pushed the limits of storytelling to a place that left us and the audience in an awe. We were able to escape into this world of, well, rain and a will for the father of Roberts and Rudd’s characters.
The play was great and one I will never forget, especially when Julia Roberts waved to me from her black Escalade passing us by on the street outside the theater!
2. American Hustle and Gravity dominated this morning’s party with an astonishing 10 nominations…each.
Wow.
Having seen Gravity, it’s not surprising this Space thriller and drama with the beautiful and talented Sandra Bullock has garnered a tremendous amount of respect and potential for glory come next month’s golden ceremony. In terms of cinematography, it’s virtually incomparable this year. Admittedly, I have not seen American Hustle yet, but will definitely venture to a theater near me as soon as possible. The latter film features a couple of my favorite actors (plus today’s Lois Lane) and it looks like a fun and wild ride with a top-notch cast.
There are other good movies in Best Picture category, but these two seem to rise above the rest.
Regarding Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, it’s a bit surreal to see Bradley Cooper and Julia Roberts listed…and in the same year no less. Not surprising, but just surreal that brings a smile to my face and those of my family’s who were in attendance that wonderful night in New York City (it could be argued that Paul Rudd should have received a Best Supporting Actor nod for 2013s Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, but…).
Regardless, talk about “Three Stars of the Future.”
American Hustle is an exciting, elaborate portrayal of political corruption, with some ties to real life events. It features an outstanding cast: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence and Jeremy Renner. Even though I have not seen it (coupled with the fact I predict I will likely really enjoy it when I do), it does seem to strike the right tone for what has transpired in 2013 (and the past few years before) in politics with our trusted “leaders.”
Conversely, Gravity has more weight to it by the fact that it ties to what most Americans (and people around the world) are facing each day: uncertainty, financial and personal struggles and feelings of isolation for how to continue with heartbreak and such frustrating prospects for improvements in the job market. The plot/story, characters, symbolism and visual imagery is absolutely stunning and provides a powerful narrative that connects with so many viewers all around the world in 2013.
Memorable movies tend to speak to a generation. Or, in Gravity’s case, more than one generation. Both movies represent us in starkly different ways, but which one do we ultimately want to celebrate and remember at this point in history?
If the choice for Best Picture comes down to celebrating an American hustle or a story of personal enlightenment and new-found strength in an environment of the seemingly impossible, the American people and those around the world may want something with a little more gravity to it.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 