I don’t like W.

But I do like W.

President George W. Bush has been a disaster as a President.  Our economy is in the toilet.  The Constitution has been shredded.  The nation is in an illegal war.  And or country is divided.

But in a surprisingly nuanced and even-handed portrayal of our 43d President, director Oliver Stone has given us a personal story of triumph and, ultimately, tragedy. 

George W. Bush is our Charles Foster Kane of Citizen Kane fame.  Born with a silver spoon in his mouth but never truly able to lead a life outside of the shadow of his family name and his father’s shared name.

Kane longed for his missed childhood through the metaphor of his sled, Rosebud.  Bush longs for the adoration of not just a nation but more importantly, of his father, George H.W.

Stone does portray Bush as a buffoon at times.  But the bumbling Bush, expertly played by Josh Brolin, also understands he’s a screw up—and does something about it.  He truly does find God and religion.  He is sincere in his beliefs.  He gives up drinking and carousing.  Bush becomes a responsible adult after a profligate youth.

Stone could have made fun of all this.  He doesn’t.  He plays it straight. 

Laura Bush, portrayed by Elizabeth Banks, is a smokin’ hot—but smart—smoking librarian.  She probably is the best thing that ever happened to Bush—a no-nonsense Texas woman who may stand by her man but isn’t afraid to tell him when he’s wrong—and when he’s right.  Theirs is a touching love story.

James Cromwell’s “Poppy” Bush is perhaps the character who comes in for the most negative scrutiny.  He obviously thinks his son is a loser.  Jeb Bush is the fair-haired son.  Poppy is distant and dismissive.  W wants nothing more than to gain his father’s approval.

As W gains his confidence as a businessman and as governor of Texas, it becomes clear that his political instincts are better than his fathers.  In a meeting with evangelicals during the 1992 election, George H.W. doesn’t understand the nature of the evangelical’s faith.  W does.

Vice President Dick Cheney, wonderfully portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss, is even more calculating and chilling as you might think.  W truly does believe what he believes about terrorism, democracy, and making the world better (flawed as his ideas and execution was). 

Cheney, on the other hand, uses W’s idealism and ability to connect with people for his own nefarious purposes in a Dr. Strangelove sort of way.

Perhaps the most tragic figure in the movie is Secretary of State Colin Powell, who kind of has the same role as Bernstein—he was there before the beginning and there after the end.

A voice of reason and integrity about the lead-up to the second Gulf War, he ultimately capitulates to Cheney, Paul Wolfowitz, and the nearly literal lap dog, Condoleeza Rice.  His failure to act to stop the war despite the lies is an allegory for America buying the lies that have lead to the tragedy of the Iraq War.

Some critics have criticized the movie for being too straight forward.  I disagree.  It is full of metaphor, not something you see in modern American movies.

I don’t know for sure if in 50 years people will claim W to be the classic American tale that explains our times and our public figues as did Citizen Kane.  But I’m sure up there in cinematic heaven, Orson Welles has a big glass of wine, a fine Cuban cigar—and a big smile on his face—over Stone’s effort.

The above photo-illustration of Barack Obama is by Sioux Falls cartoonist Jackie Dusseau-Bielke.  She took the photo of the Man Crush when he was in Mitchell, SD prior to the June SD primary.

Want proof that Barack Obama is a different kind of politician, a transformational figure?

Look at the art that has popped up around his candidacy.

It is something akin to religious iconography.

Not even Ronald Reagan—beloved as he was and transformational as he was—received such treatment.

The above remarkable piece is representative—It is both Lincolnesque and Christ-like.

Wow.

Photo: General view of Unconventional ‘08 at The Manifest Hope Gallery on August 27, 2008 in Denver, CO. (wireimage.com photo)

Someone got the bright idea to post writer George Orwell's diary entries from 70 years ago as blog postings, exactly 70 years from the day he wrote them.

As great of a writers as Orwell was with 1984, Animal Farm, and his various essays, he was (is?) a very boring blogger. I doubt he would have had many followers as a blogger.

Boring, boring, boring.

He liked to prattle on about the weather and plants and animals he saw.

No great insights (so far), no raging debates (that I've seen), a lot of weather (paging Shawn Cable!), and a lot of "Dear Diary, what a day it's been!" kind of stuff.

Some examples.

For today:

August 16

16 August, 2008 by orwelldiaries

Technorati Tags: George Orwell, blogging, diaries

I’m not a jazz fan. I’m even less of a heat fan.

So I don’t attend the annual Jazz Fest in Sioux Falls each summer. I also try to avoid the traffic mess near the venue, Yankton Trail Park.

I think it is great that such a cultural event is held here. Seriously. There are some great artists who attend. And most people behave themselves.

But apparently the event has a dark side you don’t read about in the Argus Leader.

For local law enforcement, it’s like an extended St. Patrick’s Day.

A friend of mine is a correctional officer at the Minnehaha County Jail. He said this weekend and Monday—thanks to Jazz Fest—will be one of the busiest weekends of the year at the jail, with 70-80 new “guests” spending some time in the local bastille for everything from DUI, public exposure, public drunkenness, and warrant checks.

I know the jazz folks think they’re a little smarter than the rest of us. True, perhaps. They’re apparently just not any better behaved.

Have fun—responsibly—while at Jazz Fest.  If you can’t, bring bail money.

Technorati Tags: Jazz Fest, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, jail, jazz, music

Here’s some news to make my artist buddy Scott Ehrisman smile—the NEA says there are twice as many artists as lawyers in the U.S.

From the ABA Journal:

Ever dreamed of giving up your legal career to become an artist? If you did, you would find yourself in a more popular occupation, at least in terms of numbers (and perhaps in terms of public sentiment).

The National Endowment for the Arts has studied the U.S. census data and concluded that nearly 2 million people earn their living as artists, the Washington Post reports. That compares to 1 million people who work as lawyers.

I’m guessing the average Joe can name more famous artists than famous lawyers. Heck, I’m a lawyer and can probably name more famous artists than lawyers.

But on a serious note, both artists and lawyers serve important roles in our society. Though most people might like to hang a lawyer in their living room, they typically don’t and hang a painting instead. Which is good business for both groups.

Technorati Tags: lawyers, attorneys, artists, NEA, ABA, Scott Ehrisman

The following is from the South Dakota Peace and Justice Center:

Calling Artists!!  Create for Peace and Justice!

        Witnessing Occupation: Reactions to the 5^th Anniversary of the War in Iraq

 Exhibit runs March 16 through April 6^th, 2008 at Black Sheep Coffee, Sioux Falls

    Applications are at Black Sheep Coffee

www.SDPJC.org

or email: peaceandjustice@svtv.com

         Application deadline: Saturday, March 1^st

         If your work is selected, delivery must be Sunday, March 16^th before 6 pm.

         Artist reception:  Friday, March 21, 8 pm

                     This exhibit is open to all artists across SD. Sorry, but only art that can be hung on a wall can be accepted.

                   There are no fees to be in this show.

               You may offer your work for sale if you wish.

              The South Dakota Peace and Justice Center reserves the right to select artwork, and our decision is final.

 
    Artist Responsibilities  

              Entrants are responsible for transportation of your work to Black Sheep Coffee.   

              Work MUST BE PICKED UP Sunday April 6^th before 12 pm.

              Artwork must be original in concept, composition, and execution.

           Artwork must not be copied in part or wholly from any published or copyrighted work.

      All art must be ready to hang—screw eyes and wire are preferred.
 

    Liability Since Black Sheep Coffee is a public venue and cannot be responsible for loss or     damage to artwork, however caused. The SD Peace and Justice Center, as sponsor, will also not be responsible for damage. Artists are responsible for insuring their own work.

 

Name _________________________  Phone________________Email _____________________

Dimensions of artwork: _________________ Media: _________________

Title: ________________________________ Return this form with a picture of your artwork. You can email a JPG file to peaceandjustice@svtv.com Fill out one form per work you want to enter.

Technorati Tags: Peace, War in Iraq, Black Sheep Coffee, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, South Dakota Peace and Justice Center

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The New York Times has a story about an art exhibit in a sleepy corner of the New York Public Library that has people talking in the library about public art and politics.  (Major Hat Tip my new favorite blog, BAGNewsNotes.)

Read: Politically Charged Prints Cause Talking in the Library

Rather than an excerpt, the photos that are pissing people off:

Enlarge This Image

Jim Kempner Fine Art

Vice President Dick Cheney in “Line Up” by Ligorano/Reese, at the New York Public Library.

Enlarge This Image

Jim Kempner Fine Art

Donald H. Rumsfeld, the former secretary of defense, in “Line Up.”

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[where: New York, NY] 

 

The Huffington Post has a project to develop posters that succinctly note the six-plus years of crap the Bush Administration has foisted on our country and the world.

The posters are developed by the same guy who developed the brilliant "Got Milk?" ad campaign.

Here are the prototypes.  Click to enlarge:


Technorati Tags: Arianna Huffington, The Huffington Post, art, Bush Administration, President Bush, agit-prop

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I have two major regrets in life.

Here is my latest entry on KELOLAND.com—The Big Dreams and Art of Sioux Quartzite

An excerpt:

I’m no artist or architect but I know what I like.

And I like buildings made from or at least decorated with our local Sioux quartzite rock.  Sioux quartzite is the rock that the Falls of the Big Sioux tumble over.  It is a hard, dark pink, beautiful rock. 

What else could be more locally distinctive?

Similarly, what buildings in Sioux Falls help define a “Sioux Falls” feel and look, buildings that you’re not likely to find elsewhere?

The old Minnehaha County courthouse, the federal courthouse, and the Calvary Episcopal Cathedral—and other buildings like the Minnehaha County building next to the old Courthouse and the Pettigrew home.  There are also historic buildings and homes use quartzite as a major decorative element… .

 

Former South Dakota state treasurer and Rep. Bill Janklow state field director Dave Volk has written a book about his experiences as a drafted soldier in the Vietnam War.

The book has been out for a couple of months and I’ve been meaning to post Dave’s email about it for some time but I felt Memorial Day weekend would be an appropriate time.

Dave’s email, reprinted with permission:

Friends:

As many of you are aware, I recently authored a book entitled: “DRAFTEE: A High School Teacher Goes to War”. It essentially covers the time period from 1969 to 1971 when, after recently being married and graduating from college, I was abruptly drafted into the weird and alien world of the Army and Vietnam.

 

When I started to write of those days, I decided to include ‘the good, the bad, and the ugly’ parts of my brief military career. So, should you decide to read it, I do hope neither the language nor the tales of my youthful indiscretions offend or shock you.

 

I enjoyed writing it and have included some of you in the book who were part of that strange journey. It was written from my memories and, for those of you I wrote about, I hope you find my recollections somewhat accurate.

 

Vietnam vets, especially draftees,would most probably find this book of interest so if you know anyone who fits that bill perhaps you could forward this email to them.

 

My website is: www.drafteegoestowar.comand from there it takes you to Amazon.com, who published the book. I have also attached a press release, which Amazon generated and the cover for the book. (Press release is reprinted below.)

 

Thanks,

Dave

Thanks to Dave for his service and for candidly sharing his experiences in Vietnam with the rest of us.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

Vietnam Veteran Gives Back to His Country in More Ways than One

 

Draftee,the incredible journey of one soldier in Vietnam-

 

SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA – In Draftee: A High School Teacher Goes to War, David Volk tells of being drafted into the Army in 1969and serving his country in Vietnam. Encouraged by the gratitude shown today for troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, Volk shares his memoirs as a draftee in an all too rapidly fading war. He seeks not to rehash the rights and wrongs of that war, but to tell how it forever changed him and an entire generation,

 

Told with biting humor Volk paints an altogether original and incredibly vivid account of Army life and the Vietnam experience as seen through the eyes of a draftee from a small Midwest town. As the author reminisces, he also tries to reconcile his pride in serving his country with the appalling waste caused by a war that shook the foundations of our democracy.

 

In the faraway summer of 1969, Volk, an idealistic newlywed and recent college graduate, was preparing for his first job teaching high school history when the call to service came, and within weeks found himself in the Army and later Viet Nam.

 

Though the author does not miss his chance to point a few fingers, this memoir is mostly told with a romantic, heartwarming wanderlust and humor.

 

“Moving,memorable and funny, DRAFTEE: A High School Teacher Goes to War, is sure to spark memories from veterans and to open up the Vietnam era to a whole new generation. This book is a page out of American history, but also a window into the human heart,” wrote New York Times best-selling author Ellen Tanner Marsh.

 

For more information or to request a free review copy, please contact the author at dave.volk@stalwartins.com and www.drafteegoestowar.com. Draftee: A High School Teacher Goes to War is available for sale online at Amazon.com, Borders.com, and through additional wholesale and retail channels worldwide.

From a release from the author, Mike Palecek. You gotta love a guy who used to live in Norfolk, Nebraska (also my home for a short while as an infant):

More info contact: mpalecek@rconnect.com

Former Peace Prisoner, Seminarian, Candidate, Editor To Appear At Zandbroz Variety, Sioux Falls

Date: Friday, April 6,

Iowa resident Mike Palecek served five jail and prison terms during the 1980s for protests at Offutt Air Force Base.

He crossed the line at the base on many occasions along with others to say no to the United States military and its surge toward global dominance. He and his family were a part of Greenfields Resistance Community in North Omaha during the 1980s. Members of the community worked with the poor and protested against the Strategic Air Command, because of the command of God, Thou Shall Not Kill, and because of the massive amount of tax dollars spent on weapons of mass destruction at Offutt compared to the meager dollars used to help the poor.

Palecek’s incarceration included the county jails in Omaha, Papillion, Lincoln and Council Bluffs and also included the federal prisons in Chicago, Terre Haute and El Paso.

A former seminarian for the Omaha archdiocese, Palecek once asked for sanctuary in the Cathedral rather than attend a sentencing hearing for an Offutt protest, in order to attempt to convince the Omaha Catholic Church to denounce the Strategic Air Command. The bishop denied Palecek’s request. Even though the Cathedral was surrounded by FBI agents, Palecek was able to slip past them. He and his family then went underground for two weeks, pursued by the Omaha FBI office. He ended up giving himself up at a press conference in front of The Chancery, the offices of then Omaha archbishop Daniel Sheehan. Palecek then served six months in the Pottawattamie County Jail.
Mike Palecek

Palecek later went on to work for small-town newspapers in Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa.

He also wrote for the Sioux Falls Argus Leader as a stringer.

In 1997 he left newspaper work to concentrate on writing novels. His works are based in the Midwest and feature individuals fighting against the general conservatism they find in their towns.

A native of Norfolk, Nebraska, Palecek now lives with his family in Sheldon, Iowa.

Novels:
KGB [Killing George Bush]
Joe Coffee’s Revolution
The Truth
The Last Liberal Outlaw
Twins
Looking For Bigfoot
Terror Nation

Non-fiction:
Prophets Without Honor

The latest book is “The American Dream,” published by CWG Press, released in February 2007.

The book is a satire based in a small Midwestern community —a town asleep in time of war — asleep at work, asleep at church, asleep at the wheel. The bus is headed toward a gigantic cliff and nobody is aware or seems to care. The people sleep, through the alarm, the house afire.

Palecek has said he will be sending in a crossed-out tax form to the IRS before he leaves on the tour as an additional act of resistance against the insane murderer, George W. Bush.

Omaha is one of Palecek’s first stops in a nationwide tour, “The American Dream Tour,” taking place March through early July.

The book tour, covering the United States, is a modern-day ride of Paul Revere, carrying along the writings of Thomas Paine, warning the people of the coming of fascism by the perpetrators of 9/11 — the liars, the murderers, the charlatans of this current United States government.

Palecek’s website: iowapeace.com
CWG Press: cwgpress.com

Local Tour Dates:

April 2: A Novel Idea Bookstore, Lincoln, Nebraska
April 3: Soul Desires Bookstore, Omaha, Nebraska
April 4: The Reading Grounds Bookstore, Omaha
April 6: Wayne State College, Wayne, Nebraska
April 6: Zandbroz Bookstore, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
April 10: Hill Avenue Bookstore, Spirit Lake, Iowa
April 12: Southeast Minnesota Peacemakers, Rochester, MN

technorati tags:Palecek, peace, novelists, dakota, President, Bush, war, protestors, protests

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My favoriate Aberdonian, Dr. David "The Newk" Newquist, has come to my defense against certain unpersons who attempted to sully my name and reputation regarding George Orwell's "1984", among other things.  Read: Campaign TV Ads: What's Required?

The Newkster's essay is far more intelligent that anything I can write about Orwell, "1984" and the Bush "legacy."  Go read it and get smarter.  And thanks, Doc Newquist, you have my back.  I owe you one.   

The very literate Corey Vilhauer over at Black Marks on Wood Pulp (or is it White Spots on Black Dogs?) celebrates S.D. Great Writers Week. 

My list is at http://cdub.driscocity.com/index.php/2006/09/18/top-ten-writers-%e2%80%94-the-bloggers-part-one/

Some of your other favorite bloggers are also polled for their favorites.  I'm honored that Corey asked me contribute my favorites.  I'm sure some of you are surprised that my favorite books aren't the "Jane Fonda Progressive Coloring for Liberals" series.  It was close but didn't quite make the list.  Maybe next year.

One of the few advantages of having been an English major is that you have to read a lot of classic books and literature.  Like boot camp, it is good to do--once.   John Steinbeck is my favorite writer, far and away. Also, thank goodness for Cliff Notes.  Thanks to them, I learned that in John Milton's "Paradise Lost," Mr. Satan loses and isn't too happy with God about getting tossed out of heaven.  (Wait, that sounds a like my life the past week.  Never mind.)

Anyway, in my old age, I've become more middle brow in taste and prefer to watch a good TV show or listen to music rather than read.  As a lawyer, I do lots of reading as it is, and most of it isn't all that interesting, unless the S.D. Rules of Civil Procedure, my opponents' appeal briefs, or water law cases from California are your ideas of fun.  

I think that best stuff today that is being written is on TV, namely, HBO and cable, and even some of the network programs.  Tell me that HBO's "Deadwood" isn't high literature in a Shakespearean vein?!   Tell me ABC's "Lost" isn't something that wouldn't make Arthur C. Clarke or  Edgar Allen Poe proud?!  Tell me Bruce Springsteen isn't a poet of the highest order?!  Tell me that Sibby isn't the greatest blogger on the face of the earth?!  Ok, I went a little far on that one.  Greg Belfrage is.  Greg, I kid because I love.  And we share that obsession about SCTV.

But I digress.

And if you can' read well you can't write well.  One wonders what Sibby read as a kid.  The US Army Field Manual (my favorite chapter is on how to field strip your M-16 while blindfolded.)?  "Mein Kampf"?  The "Nancy Drew" collection? "Th Great Gatsby?"  Ayn Rand?   Corey should ask him for his top ten list.  I bet that is interesting.  And Steve, I kid because I love you too.  Seriously, I like you.  Of course, in a manly sort of way that is appropriate between heterosexual men who do not cohabitate in Cornpalaceville.  We'll always have Cabelas.

Damn, but I digress again.    

So, here's to reading!  Take a starving author--or blogger--to lunch this week!  And read a freakin' book, if you know what's good for you!  (Except of course Ann Coulter.  Just momentarily admire her tremendously leggy legs and cascade of luscious blonde hair on the cover of her latest screed against godless liberals like me and move on to Al Franken's books bashing zealot conservatives like Ann Coulter.   You'll be glad you did.)