A Hollywood Republican

This blog is for an open discussion on politics. My views will be to the right as will be most of the posters. But, we are willing to post alternative viewpoints as lons as they are well thought out. I started this in response to the Obama election and will continue it as long as it feeds a need.

Dec 23, 2009

Avatar and Boycotts


Over the last weekend, I had the privilege of seeing “Avatar.” This is a film of epic proportions and although I had some problems with it cinematically, from a technological standpoint, I recommend that everyone should see it. However, do not go and see it if you are expecting a live action film or good acting. It is a combination of live action and animation and it should be viewed as such. Just expect the equivalent of a technologically advanced, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” I was disappointed because I was expecting a fully integrated live action film.

However, there is one thing about the movie that really upsets me. It is blatantly anti-military and less blatantly Anti-American. Without giving away too much of the plot, the bad guys in the movie are the United States Marines. Apparently, in the future, the world has become one big country that seems to be controlled by the United States. The United States Marines are sent to the planet of Pandora to destroy the opposition to the New World Order’s acquisition of its substitute for oil which just happens to be located on Pandora.

There are scientists assigned by the New World Order to Pandora to negotiate a peaceful solution, but they are overruled by the military and the business interests at every turn. Eventually, the military solution is the final solution. The military then attacks with pure hatred and determination the locals on the planet. They do not care for the sanctity of the alien life, whether it be women or children. And, they attack with sophisticated weapons against the bows and arrows of the natives.

The glee with which the American Marines participate in this massacre is appalling and does not show the true feelings and concerns of the real United States Military. James Cameron should apologize to the American Military and should make a statement that he does not truly feel this way about them. He should also apologize to the American public for painting our young men and women that defend this country as cold blooded killers.

However, I am sure the Mr. Cameron will not do this as the movie is obviously a political comment on Iraq and Afghanistan.

On another issue, all of my regular readers know that I am a firm believer in Free Speech. I believe that this aspect of the Bill of Rights is absolute. Neither the left nor the right should have any say in limiting it. I agree with the United States Supreme Court on the few limitations on Free Speech they have declared as there is an obvious reason for those few and rare limitations.

In the past few years, many department stores such as Target have decided that the use of the word Christmas should not be permitted in their stores. The new corporate policy is that it is the Holiday Season and these are Holiday sales. My brother wrote an article in this column a few weeks ago dealing with this very issue. I agree with my brother’s concerns.

However, it has just come to my attention that Starwood’s Hotels has now adopted the same policy. I have been informed that all of their employees have been told that they are not permitted to say Merry Christmas or to type Merry Christmas in e-mails. To me this is a clear violation of both Free Speech and Freedom of Religion. If a person wants to wish another person a Merry Christmas, they should be able to do so freely.

I have many Jewish friends. I wish them Happy Hanukah and many of them wish me a Merry Christmas. This is one of the Freedoms that are allowed in this country. If someone chooses to say “Happy Holidays,” that is also their own personal choice. But, when a company I am working for tells me that I cannot say “Merry Christmas,” this is going too far.

Accordingly, I am asking that all people should begin a boycott of Starwood Hotels. Everyone that reads this column should pass this on through their e-mail lists, their Facebook account, their My Space account and their Twitter Accounts. The American public was able to force Target and other department stores into changing their policy back to the way it used to be. Let’s see if we can get Starwood to change its policy as well.

© 2009 by Frank T. DeMartini. Permission to copy will be freely granted upon request.

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8 Comments:

Anonymous Michele Nicholson, your Facebook friend said...

Thanks Frank. I value your opinion, and I thought the same thing about Avatar from the promos alone. I also agree about the violation of free speech. Unfortunately, I feel that this country is on a downhill slide to Socialism and an anti God society. It just seems to get worse every year. How's that for some holiday cheer? Haha.

December 23, 2009 at 11:54 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great Article Franky...
I agree, this is an outrage! I don't know of a Starwood Hotel around me but if I find one I will call them and let them know my family and I will not be staying there until they change their policy. Might make a difference...might not but doing the right thing never hurts!

Bruce Carson

December 23, 2009 at 12:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I dare say that Frank does not need a pat on the back. He, and conservatism, can be better served by watching his back. And by that I mean suffer not the “Ya Ya Man, right on” but rather cut your own original thoughts on issues and contributions to a Conservatism revolution.

The Bible with all of its proliferation of double meaning words, homilies, stories of spiritual redemption and wisdom can be reduced to the Ten Commandments. The simple demons of intellectual curiosity serve us the best. “It is the worst of times, it is the best of times.” “Life isn’t fair, we “lose” only when we are not fair.” “Failure (bears repeating Failure) is essential for success. A welfare statism crushes this gift beyond functionality. “Winner never cheat.” “Figures never lie but liars figure.” Churchill is one of our go to philosophers, he said “With integrity nothing else counts. Without integrity nothing else counts.” If one doesn’t get that from Avatar, then don’t buy a ticket.

With this kind of succinct, probative, time tested intellectual philosophy and wisdom, one does not need to analyze the minutia of political discourse, bureaucratic double speak, and egocentric self aggrandizement to arrive at the power of honesty, integrity and focus of purpose. Serve your fellow man and forgive yourself….a powerful message for an open tent conservatism. Hollywood in general is the opposition.

Isn’t it ironic, insulting and oxymoronic that after Senator Mary Landrieu’s vote for Healthcare reform which follows immediately on the heels of being bought and paid for with the second “Louisiana Purchase” of a 300 million exemption on Medicaid liability, that Madam Mary Landrieu had the audacity to state coldly, stoically, with an aura of total embarrassment and preposterous pomp “I cannot be bought.” This is the twisted, torture, and mendacious culture of “I did not have sexual relations with that woman….”Lenny Bruce, a comedian worthy of criticizing this corruption said, and I paraphrase, “If you find me in bed with another (Harry Reid politically) will you believe me (my denial) or your lying eyes.” Respect is something earned and can be lost. History tells us, that until one is disabused of the comfort of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness do not expect a rational resistance to tyranny. If you understand this, you may gain some insight into liberal Hollywood.

Whether you boycott or don’t buy a ticket is irrelevant. What you believe in and why is paramount.

December 23, 2009 at 8:01 PM  
Anonymous KK said...

Well said Frank. By the way, boycotts can and do work. I have participated in many and have seen the corporations back down and do the right thing. Follow the money.

December 23, 2009 at 11:32 PM  
Blogger Craig Covello said...

Expressing your beliefs by boycotting companies that push social agendas contrary to your views IS RELEVANT. That is simply common sense. Politicians don't listen to us these days because they are funded by taxes. We have no choice but to pay. Companies, at least for now, can't force us to pay, so they must listen to our wallets. If James Cameron loses enough of his investor’s money, then perhaps he won't make another movie vilifying the US military.

December 23, 2009 at 11:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

FYD,

I too saw Avatar and was duly impressed. I'm not sure you are correct in describing the Marines as being on 'active duty' missions. It was my impression that these were ex-Marines that had hired onto a Blackwater like security company. I'm going to travel incognito on this as I don't enjoy being wrong in public places, but would like to hear from other viewers as to their impression of the 'status' of the Marines.

Frank, whether on a government mission or at a paintball game, most men buddy-up with their teammates for emotional and physical support. And any time the "other side" shoots at you, you shoot (and maybe even shout) back.

There is much to enjoy in the film. And, Frank, don't your films have good guys, bad guys, and conflict? Avatar is a reverse field version of Custer's Last Stand, ultimately telling the story from the indigenous POV. Cameron used the American Indian's spiritual belief that everything is a gift from Mother Earth. Honor Her. Give thanks for all she yields. The very idea of Thanksgiving is (partially) attributed to the indigenous.

May I publicly wish you and your readers a very Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.

Got your back, Bro.

December 24, 2009 at 1:05 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks Frank, good review, and good commentary! Nice to hear the movie perspective!
Hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Gammy will be 60 on the 1st of January! WOW time flies when you are having fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gammy Sparkles

December 24, 2009 at 7:50 AM  
Blogger bruce nahin said...

Great review- to me Avatar was full of new age stuff and frankly left me wondering on the spiritual level- bewareof the prince of darkness who comes inthe light. The Goons have left DC but with a horribe wake i their stead. I encourage everyone to speak to their Reps before the hiatus ends perhaps with God's will this nonsence can be stopped and reversed. Blessed new year to all of you, and hear this Starwood MERRY CHRISTMAS

December 24, 2009 at 10:12 AM  

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