In recent weeks the media's been abuzz with the saga of the Benham brothers, real estate millionaires whose tv show, Flip it Forward, was dropped by HGTV from its fall lineup because of the brothers' pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, Christian beliefs . In response to HGTV's smarmy and cowardly move, a petition, called Flip This Decision, was started on the pro-Christian website, Faith Driven Consumer, to pressure HGTV to restore the Benhams' show. I understand the reason for the petition and I actually signed it, but I'm not sure it's the right response to the censorship and anti-Christian bigotry of the cable channel. Here's why.
If HGTV restores Flip it Forward to its lineup it'll be a victory of sorts for traditionalists and religious freedom. But I can't help asking, should traditionalists have anything to do with a channel like HGTV? Think about it. HGTV's rapid fire cancellation of the Benham brothers' show suggests that the network is run by ardent secular progressives vehemently opposed to traditional family values. Therefore traditionalists--Christian and non-Christian--should not support HGTV. It's monumentally unwise to support, aid, and abet that which is against you and everything you believe. In a shooting war no general would fight like that. We must stop fighting like that in the culture war.
So what, then, should traditionalists do about HGTV? I believe the correct response is to fire HGTV. Drop it from your cable or satellite lineup. If you can't drop it, don't watch it. Don't buy the HGTV magazine. Have nothing to do with the network in any way. Instead of begging to participate, we should "come out of her" and all other secular progressive cultural/economic structures and begin building a traditionalist counter culture/economy. That sounds like a tall order and it is. But I now believe it is absolutely vital to preserving and strengthening the moral values on which our most basic and cherished freedoms rest.
Freedom of association, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, and economic freedom are all under assault in the name of tolerance and equality. Partnering with the attackers will just fortify them. They must be emasculated. Fire dies when it's deprived of oxygen. It's time to deprive the fire of the Left of the oxygen of our time, our money, our goodwill. It's time to "come out of her". Let's start by firing HGTV.
Showing posts with label Cultural Defense. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cultural Defense. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Monday, October 19, 2009
English Only Please!
There's something that happens every week at work that really irritates me.
Every Friday morning at work we have a meeting; ok, fine. The meeting is usually short and occasionally even informative; the problem is that the Big Boss always has a Spanish interpreter at the meeting. Everything she says is translated into Spanish for all the Hispanic workers. This upsets me; this is not right.
We are in America, not Mexico. America is an English speaking country. English is the language of American culture and American identity. It is the language of America's history and heritage. English is the language of America's founding documents, her classic art, and her national discourse. English is the linguistic glue that helps to hold this dynamic nation together; it's a key ingredient that puts the "Unum" in E pluribus unum: Out of many, one. In short, English solidifies who we are as a people. For immigrants to become American, as opposed to just being in America, they must speak English. They--and American citizens--are free to use any language they want at home, but they must understand that English is the language of public life and national identity.
Some will say that my view is racist and violates the principles of diversity and multiculturalism. I say no. Multiculturalism and diversity aren't always and inherently good. When they weaken national cohesion and encourage the Balkanization of the nation they are not only bad, but dangerous. Having an English only policy in the public square, including work, can help put a check on diversity and multi-culti inspired disunity and parochialism. If immigrants want to be American as they claim, they should have no problem with the primacy of English in America.
And my view isn't racist. What's racist is the expectation of many Latinos that they should be catered to in their native tongue, regardless of the inconvenience or unfairness to anyone else. Hispanics aren't the only people at my job--or in America--whose native language isn't English. There are Asian and African immigrants who work at the warehouse. However, at our Friday morning meetings the Big Boss never has interpreters to translate her words into Vietnamese or Swahili. Why not? I mean, if the demand of multiculturalism is that all cultures should be respected, then shouldn't the Asian and African workers have the meetings in their native tongues? Why are Hispanics deemed the only non-English speakers worthy of translators? Why do they feel themselves to be so entitled? That's the real racism.
The American ideal is equality; everyone is treated the same. All Americans should live up to the same expectations and abide by the same rules. When it comes to language, equality is expecting everyone to use the same linguistic medium of exchange in public life. It's recognizing that America, like every other nation, has it's own history, heritage, and culture that Americans have a right to preserve within their own borders. And immigrants have to respect that. If Hispanics feel they're being victimized by having to speak English they should remember Billy Wilder. Who's Billy Wilder?
Samuel "Billy" Wilder was a renowned Hollywood screen writer and director who wrote and/or directed such classic films as Double Indemnity, Sunset Boulevard, and Some Like It Hot. Wilder was also an immigrant, an Austrian Jew who arrived in America from Nazi Germany via France in 1933. One of the first things Wilder did after arriving in America was learn English. He didn't whine that he was a victim of racism because everything wasn't handed to him in his native language. Instead, Wilder understood that he was no longer in his native country and his native language no longer applied. Wilder learned a new "native" tongue, became a citizen, and then created some of the greatest movies in Hollywood's history. Billy Wilder knew he was expected to learn English and he did. If a White immigrant had to learn English to make it in America, Hispanics have no right to cry "Racism!" when they are expected to do the same.
One of the planks in comprehensive immigration reform is that immigrants/illegal aliens have to learn English. If we're serious about that then we must stop making it easy for immigrants and illegals to function without knowing English. And we certainly must stop catering to one non-English speaking group over all the others. Equality, as stated above, means the same rules and expectations for everyone. Billy Wilder had to learn English, and he was White. Non-Whites can't now demand a different standard for themselves. It's time to kick the translators out of the meeting. English only, please!
Every Friday morning at work we have a meeting; ok, fine. The meeting is usually short and occasionally even informative; the problem is that the Big Boss always has a Spanish interpreter at the meeting. Everything she says is translated into Spanish for all the Hispanic workers. This upsets me; this is not right.
We are in America, not Mexico. America is an English speaking country. English is the language of American culture and American identity. It is the language of America's history and heritage. English is the language of America's founding documents, her classic art, and her national discourse. English is the linguistic glue that helps to hold this dynamic nation together; it's a key ingredient that puts the "Unum" in E pluribus unum: Out of many, one. In short, English solidifies who we are as a people. For immigrants to become American, as opposed to just being in America, they must speak English. They--and American citizens--are free to use any language they want at home, but they must understand that English is the language of public life and national identity.
Some will say that my view is racist and violates the principles of diversity and multiculturalism. I say no. Multiculturalism and diversity aren't always and inherently good. When they weaken national cohesion and encourage the Balkanization of the nation they are not only bad, but dangerous. Having an English only policy in the public square, including work, can help put a check on diversity and multi-culti inspired disunity and parochialism. If immigrants want to be American as they claim, they should have no problem with the primacy of English in America.
And my view isn't racist. What's racist is the expectation of many Latinos that they should be catered to in their native tongue, regardless of the inconvenience or unfairness to anyone else. Hispanics aren't the only people at my job--or in America--whose native language isn't English. There are Asian and African immigrants who work at the warehouse. However, at our Friday morning meetings the Big Boss never has interpreters to translate her words into Vietnamese or Swahili. Why not? I mean, if the demand of multiculturalism is that all cultures should be respected, then shouldn't the Asian and African workers have the meetings in their native tongues? Why are Hispanics deemed the only non-English speakers worthy of translators? Why do they feel themselves to be so entitled? That's the real racism.
The American ideal is equality; everyone is treated the same. All Americans should live up to the same expectations and abide by the same rules. When it comes to language, equality is expecting everyone to use the same linguistic medium of exchange in public life. It's recognizing that America, like every other nation, has it's own history, heritage, and culture that Americans have a right to preserve within their own borders. And immigrants have to respect that. If Hispanics feel they're being victimized by having to speak English they should remember Billy Wilder. Who's Billy Wilder?
Samuel "Billy" Wilder was a renowned Hollywood screen writer and director who wrote and/or directed such classic films as Double Indemnity, Sunset Boulevard, and Some Like It Hot. Wilder was also an immigrant, an Austrian Jew who arrived in America from Nazi Germany via France in 1933. One of the first things Wilder did after arriving in America was learn English. He didn't whine that he was a victim of racism because everything wasn't handed to him in his native language. Instead, Wilder understood that he was no longer in his native country and his native language no longer applied. Wilder learned a new "native" tongue, became a citizen, and then created some of the greatest movies in Hollywood's history. Billy Wilder knew he was expected to learn English and he did. If a White immigrant had to learn English to make it in America, Hispanics have no right to cry "Racism!" when they are expected to do the same.
One of the planks in comprehensive immigration reform is that immigrants/illegal aliens have to learn English. If we're serious about that then we must stop making it easy for immigrants and illegals to function without knowing English. And we certainly must stop catering to one non-English speaking group over all the others. Equality, as stated above, means the same rules and expectations for everyone. Billy Wilder had to learn English, and he was White. Non-Whites can't now demand a different standard for themselves. It's time to kick the translators out of the meeting. English only, please!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Traditional Girl
Here's a poem/song I've been working on for the past few days. The words, and even a melody, started coming to me while I was at work. The poem is inspired by Miss California Carrie Prejean. As I'm sure you know, Miss Prejean has been the object of viscious personal attacks since declaring her support for traditional marriage during the Miss USA beauty pageant. I find Carrie Prejean's grace and bravery under pressure quite admirable. She is a role model for every believer in traditional values. The sentiments in my poem probably don't reflect what every traditionalist believes; that's not the point. I want this poem/song to encourage traditionalists, especially young ones like Miss Prejean. The culture isn't totally sold out to progressive, anti-Biblical values. We traditionalists are still in this fight. I'm using cultural ammo to fight a culture war, and I'm fighting to WIN!
"Traditional Girl"
by Seane-Anna
I walk the old paths
that they say are bad.
I read the Bible
and salute the flag.
I believe all that I earn
is my own.
The work of my hands
and to me it belongs.
And I know the Lord loves
the rich and the common.
And marriage is between
a man and a woman.
I stand on my first right
and say it out loud:
I'm a traditional girl
and I'm strong
and I'm proud!
The ways of tradition
were sent from above.
Like a child is best brought up
by his mother's love.
And the father stands firm
as the strength of the home.
And it's for him to bear arms
to protect his own.
And I know true beauty
shines out from within.
It's not found on newsstands
displaying bare skin.
I stand on my first right
and say it out loud:
I'm a traditional girl
and I'm strong
and I'm proud!
Charity leads us to
uplift the poor.
To teach them the way
how to famish no more.
Neighbor is better than
state at this part.
'Cause good's only good
when it comes from the heart.
And I know you can't spend
your way out of debt.
It's been tried before
and it hasn't worked yet.
I stand on my first right
and say it out loud:
I'm a traditional girl
and I'm strong
and I'm proud!
I believe my land's
the home of the good.
Established by brave men
who did what they should.
In danger their fortune
and honor they pledged.
And they left us a great law
that means what it says.
And I know those Fathers
are still our foundation.
And the blood of the brave
is the seed of the nation.
I stand on my first right
and say it out loud:
I'm a traditional girl
and I'm strong
and I'm proud!
A traditional girl
and I'm strong
and I'm proud!
There it is folks, my poem/song in defense of traditional values. I hope you like it and I hope it inspires you to stand as firmly and courageously for tradition as Carrie Prejean and others do.
"Traditional Girl"
by Seane-Anna
I walk the old paths
that they say are bad.
I read the Bible
and salute the flag.
I believe all that I earn
is my own.
The work of my hands
and to me it belongs.
And I know the Lord loves
the rich and the common.
And marriage is between
a man and a woman.
I stand on my first right
and say it out loud:
I'm a traditional girl
and I'm strong
and I'm proud!
The ways of tradition
were sent from above.
Like a child is best brought up
by his mother's love.
And the father stands firm
as the strength of the home.
And it's for him to bear arms
to protect his own.
And I know true beauty
shines out from within.
It's not found on newsstands
displaying bare skin.
I stand on my first right
and say it out loud:
I'm a traditional girl
and I'm strong
and I'm proud!
Charity leads us to
uplift the poor.
To teach them the way
how to famish no more.
Neighbor is better than
state at this part.
'Cause good's only good
when it comes from the heart.
And I know you can't spend
your way out of debt.
It's been tried before
and it hasn't worked yet.
I stand on my first right
and say it out loud:
I'm a traditional girl
and I'm strong
and I'm proud!
I believe my land's
the home of the good.
Established by brave men
who did what they should.
In danger their fortune
and honor they pledged.
And they left us a great law
that means what it says.
And I know those Fathers
are still our foundation.
And the blood of the brave
is the seed of the nation.
I stand on my first right
and say it out loud:
I'm a traditional girl
and I'm strong
and I'm proud!
A traditional girl
and I'm strong
and I'm proud!
There it is folks, my poem/song in defense of traditional values. I hope you like it and I hope it inspires you to stand as firmly and courageously for tradition as Carrie Prejean and others do.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Another Brave Voice
We've all heard of the controversy involving Miss California Carrie Prejean. We've seen her courage in the face of viscious denunciations. On "The O'Reilly Factor" this past Tuesday I saw where Miss Prejean got some of her courage: her pastor, Miles Mcpherson. I don't know where Miles Mcpherson stands on all the issues, but on the issue of gay marriage he's a fearless advocate of Biblical morality and truth. He's also African-American, which undermines the gay rights activists' effort to equate their struggle with Blacks' struggle for civil rights. Mcpherson rejects that equation. Like I said, the man is brave. Give a look and listen to Miles Mcpherson. If you're a traditionalist like me, you'll cheer.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Why Not "Hail Victory!"?
Hail Victory!!! Two words that are rejected and even hated by not only liberals but a lot of conservatives, too.
When Barack Obama took his I'm-the-Messiah tour through Europe he gave a speech before the Victory Column in Berlin. Conservative talk show host Glenn Beck derided Obama's choice of venue because, he felt, it was too closely associated with the Nazis and their battle cry of "Sieg heil!", or "Hail victory!". While I share Beck's disdain for Obama's rock star jaunt through the Old Continent, I totally disagree with his discomfort with the Victory Column location and with the cry "Hail victory!"
Yes, I get the Nazi thing. And no, I'm not a Nazi. But neither am I someone who blindly rejects things simply because of their untoward association. The hard truth is that the Nazis were right to yell, "Seig heil!". And we'd be just as right to yell it, too.
What is the alternative to "Hail victory!"? What should we cry instead? Hail defeat? Hail slavery--or humiliation, occupation, or genocide--which usually follows defeat? The truth is that victory is good. It is good for nations to win. When conflict befalls a nation victory should be sought with all the urgency, resolution and singlemindness of a wolf pursuing a wounded deer. Defeat should never be an option.
Unfortunately, defeat is not only an option, it is an eagerly sought objective for a dangerously large segment of the Western world, including America. Gripped by an incomprehensible self-hatred and a corrupt "anti-racism" that insists non-Whites can do no wrong, Western progressives have sided with their civilization's worst enemy. From pop stars openly hoping for a Muslim victory to an Israeli PM declaring his country was "tired of winning", progressives purvey the poison of defeatism from every available venue.
To these woefully misguided people pursuing victory, or simply naming the enemy, is "warmongering". Peace, they think, can be had only by ensuring the West's defeat, thereby showing the enemy our good intentions. If we show the foe that we mean him no harm, the theory goes, he'll abandon his aggression and become a reasonable, well-behaved member of the international community. Progressives--and irrational pacifists--followed this theory during Hitler's rise to power, the Cold War, the Vietnam war, and now during the War on Terror. That this theory has been a monumentally tragic failure in practice doesn't deter each new generation of progressives from having an almost religious devotion to it.
Working for the West's defeat is not a noble show of peacemaking. It is, rather, a crass display of cowardice, useful idiocy, and betrayal of the West's highest principles. Peace and the survival of Western civilization can be secured only by resolutely and totally crushing the enemy. The West needs another leader who will bluntly tell us, "Victory at all cost...for without victory there is no survival". Without victory there is no survival.
Hail Victory!
When Barack Obama took his I'm-the-Messiah tour through Europe he gave a speech before the Victory Column in Berlin. Conservative talk show host Glenn Beck derided Obama's choice of venue because, he felt, it was too closely associated with the Nazis and their battle cry of "Sieg heil!", or "Hail victory!". While I share Beck's disdain for Obama's rock star jaunt through the Old Continent, I totally disagree with his discomfort with the Victory Column location and with the cry "Hail victory!"
Yes, I get the Nazi thing. And no, I'm not a Nazi. But neither am I someone who blindly rejects things simply because of their untoward association. The hard truth is that the Nazis were right to yell, "Seig heil!". And we'd be just as right to yell it, too.
What is the alternative to "Hail victory!"? What should we cry instead? Hail defeat? Hail slavery--or humiliation, occupation, or genocide--which usually follows defeat? The truth is that victory is good. It is good for nations to win. When conflict befalls a nation victory should be sought with all the urgency, resolution and singlemindness of a wolf pursuing a wounded deer. Defeat should never be an option.
Unfortunately, defeat is not only an option, it is an eagerly sought objective for a dangerously large segment of the Western world, including America. Gripped by an incomprehensible self-hatred and a corrupt "anti-racism" that insists non-Whites can do no wrong, Western progressives have sided with their civilization's worst enemy. From pop stars openly hoping for a Muslim victory to an Israeli PM declaring his country was "tired of winning", progressives purvey the poison of defeatism from every available venue.
To these woefully misguided people pursuing victory, or simply naming the enemy, is "warmongering". Peace, they think, can be had only by ensuring the West's defeat, thereby showing the enemy our good intentions. If we show the foe that we mean him no harm, the theory goes, he'll abandon his aggression and become a reasonable, well-behaved member of the international community. Progressives--and irrational pacifists--followed this theory during Hitler's rise to power, the Cold War, the Vietnam war, and now during the War on Terror. That this theory has been a monumentally tragic failure in practice doesn't deter each new generation of progressives from having an almost religious devotion to it.
Working for the West's defeat is not a noble show of peacemaking. It is, rather, a crass display of cowardice, useful idiocy, and betrayal of the West's highest principles. Peace and the survival of Western civilization can be secured only by resolutely and totally crushing the enemy. The West needs another leader who will bluntly tell us, "Victory at all cost...for without victory there is no survival". Without victory there is no survival.
Hail Victory!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Feeling Vindicated
Last night I saw a man on The Glenn Beck Show who made me feel really good. The man's name is Andrew Klavan and he's a conservative in Hollywood. Glenn Beck had Klavan on his show to promote his new novel "Empire of Lies", a political thriller with an evangelical Christian as the hero.
What I liked about Andrew Klavan was that he echoed an issue that weighs on my own heart; an issue that I feel too many conservatives still don't fully grasp the significance of. Klavan said that conservatives have lost the culture and that we have no one to blame but ourselves. He said the Left dominates the entertainment industry--publishing as well as Hollywood--because conservatives surrendered it to them without a fight. Oh, we complain loudly and righteously about the corruption coming out of Hollyweird, but we don't counter it with anything better. And we are often the people watching the stuff. Glenn Beck concurred, pointing out that the most popular tv show among professedly Christian women is "Desperate Housewives".
Klavan, who's worked with some big names in Hollywood, wrote his novel to try and change things. He said conservatives must start creating high quality art and entertainment that winsomely conveys our point of view. That's something I've been saying for a while; that's why I feel vindicated. I was beginning to think I was alone in my opinon. Most other conservatives are dogmatically committed to politics as the sole means of advancing our cause. They refuse to acknowledge that while we were winning elections and running the country the culture became more and more liberal. That's because liberals control the culture. Klavan understands that and is working to beat the liberals at their own game. I'm cheering for him, and I thank him for vindicating me.
What I liked about Andrew Klavan was that he echoed an issue that weighs on my own heart; an issue that I feel too many conservatives still don't fully grasp the significance of. Klavan said that conservatives have lost the culture and that we have no one to blame but ourselves. He said the Left dominates the entertainment industry--publishing as well as Hollywood--because conservatives surrendered it to them without a fight. Oh, we complain loudly and righteously about the corruption coming out of Hollyweird, but we don't counter it with anything better. And we are often the people watching the stuff. Glenn Beck concurred, pointing out that the most popular tv show among professedly Christian women is "Desperate Housewives".
Klavan, who's worked with some big names in Hollywood, wrote his novel to try and change things. He said conservatives must start creating high quality art and entertainment that winsomely conveys our point of view. That's something I've been saying for a while; that's why I feel vindicated. I was beginning to think I was alone in my opinon. Most other conservatives are dogmatically committed to politics as the sole means of advancing our cause. They refuse to acknowledge that while we were winning elections and running the country the culture became more and more liberal. That's because liberals control the culture. Klavan understands that and is working to beat the liberals at their own game. I'm cheering for him, and I thank him for vindicating me.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Frag The Traitors!!!!
Ok, I've had it! I've had it up to here with the left-wing, America hating scum infecting our nation and working overtime to destroy her from within. Whatever America's faults there was no excuse to curse her as "the greatest sin against God" as Barack Obama's spiritual mentor, Michael Pfleger, did at Obama's now former church. I can care less if Obama has finally quit Trinity United Church of Christ. The problem of leftist fifth columnists goes further than the loud mouths at TUCC.
The sad and frightening truth is that Michael Pfleger, Jeremiah Wright, Brian de Palma, Michael Moore, Bill Ayers, Ward Churchill and their ilk have infected every corner of American society. From the pulpit, in films, in classrooms, and in our streets these vermin systematically tear down our pride in our nation and ourselves and seek to infect us with a debilitating self-hatred. They rush to believe and disseminate the worst about America. They spit on our vets and military recruiters; they call our soldiers baby killers and portray them as raping, murdering thugs. They burn Old Glory but proudly carry the flags of our enemies through our streets. They teach our children that our president is another Hitler. They endlessly berate America for slavery but never praise her for ending it. Indeed, they won't recognize any of this nation's positive accomplishments , yet they have the audacity to call themselves patriots!
These left-wing malcontents are no patriots. They are fifth columnists embarked on a campaign of psychological sabotage meant to destroy our will to fight and thereby ensure victory for our enemies. They are ideological termites eating America from within. They are a political autoimmune disease attacking the very "body" that protects them. And they MUST BE STOPPED!!!!
When you join our armed forces you recite an oath that recognizes the existence of enemies "foreign and domestic". America has domestic enemies, and they are no less deadly than her foreign enemies. Consequently, our internal foes should meet the same end as our external ones. The time for debate has passed. The liberal fifth columnists won't be dissuaded by words; they are too entrenched and too dedicated for persuasion to work. A national cleansing has to take place. It's time for the radicals, for the bombers and the shooters and the kidnappers and the killers, to get a taste of their own medicine.
Don't frag an officer like the "peace" activists advised; rather, frag a "peace" activist. Frag a fifth columnist. Frag a traitor. Wait until after the election, so there won't be any negative blowback for the patriotic candidate, then take your pick. Personally, I think Michael Pfleger would be a good one to start with. But that's just my opinion. Whoever is first, I'll serenade his and all other "cleansings" with the immortal words of Queen: And another one gone, and another one gone, and another one bites the dust! Oh yeah!!
The sad and frightening truth is that Michael Pfleger, Jeremiah Wright, Brian de Palma, Michael Moore, Bill Ayers, Ward Churchill and their ilk have infected every corner of American society. From the pulpit, in films, in classrooms, and in our streets these vermin systematically tear down our pride in our nation and ourselves and seek to infect us with a debilitating self-hatred. They rush to believe and disseminate the worst about America. They spit on our vets and military recruiters; they call our soldiers baby killers and portray them as raping, murdering thugs. They burn Old Glory but proudly carry the flags of our enemies through our streets. They teach our children that our president is another Hitler. They endlessly berate America for slavery but never praise her for ending it. Indeed, they won't recognize any of this nation's positive accomplishments , yet they have the audacity to call themselves patriots!
These left-wing malcontents are no patriots. They are fifth columnists embarked on a campaign of psychological sabotage meant to destroy our will to fight and thereby ensure victory for our enemies. They are ideological termites eating America from within. They are a political autoimmune disease attacking the very "body" that protects them. And they MUST BE STOPPED!!!!
When you join our armed forces you recite an oath that recognizes the existence of enemies "foreign and domestic". America has domestic enemies, and they are no less deadly than her foreign enemies. Consequently, our internal foes should meet the same end as our external ones. The time for debate has passed. The liberal fifth columnists won't be dissuaded by words; they are too entrenched and too dedicated for persuasion to work. A national cleansing has to take place. It's time for the radicals, for the bombers and the shooters and the kidnappers and the killers, to get a taste of their own medicine.
Don't frag an officer like the "peace" activists advised; rather, frag a "peace" activist. Frag a fifth columnist. Frag a traitor. Wait until after the election, so there won't be any negative blowback for the patriotic candidate, then take your pick. Personally, I think Michael Pfleger would be a good one to start with. But that's just my opinion. Whoever is first, I'll serenade his and all other "cleansings" with the immortal words of Queen: And another one gone, and another one gone, and another one bites the dust! Oh yeah!!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Operation Candlelight
As we approach the changing of the year I've been thinking about the future of conservative thought in America. Although I want to be optimistic I feel conservatives--all those who believe in traditional values, really--are coming in for some hard times in the new year. My gut is telling me that the Left is poised for a comeback in '08. The mainstream media has convinced the majority of Americans that Iraq is a hopeless mess and I suspect they'll vote accordingly, i.e. Democrat, in the upcoming presidential election.
And Americans seem to be leaning leftward on issues besides Iraq. A majority approve of universal health care, support for capital punishment is waning, and though voters rejected gay marriage in various state referendums in 2004, opposition to it is declining. All and all I fear the next several years, not just 2008, bode ill for right-wingers. But facing that bleak scenario has made me start thinking again about something that's been in the back of my mind for a while. How do we spread conservatism in America?
I think conservatives, religious and secular, have put too much emphasis on politics. Winning elections is important but it doesn't guarantee that people will adopt our values. We must convince people of the truth of conservatism rather than assuming that election victories will make converts out of them. We are in a culture war and our side is losing. I once heard someone say that this war won't be won by those who tell the truth but by those who tell the best stories. And therein lies our opportunity.
No, I'm not saying that we should tell a bunch of entertaining lies to sell our worldview. I AM saying that we must use the transmitters of culture to fight a culture war. What are the transmitters of culture? They are everything a people uses to teach their way of life to the next generation. Language, the family, churches, schools, entertainment, newspapers, even blogs are all transmitters of culture. And outside of the family the most powerful transmitter of culture is entertainment. Liberals have understood this for at least a generation and have brilliantly used entertainment to advance their cause. Conservatives, unfortunately, have been asleep at the wheel.
Weaving an idea, belief, or point of view into a compelling story is one of the best ways to "evangelize" it to the public. Conservatives do know this and have been calling liberals on this practice for years. I can remember conservative groups bemoaning the content of television way back in the '70's. We have been excellent in cursing the darkness. What we've failed miserably at is lighting candles.
It's time to stop wringing our hands over anti-Christian and anti-American movies, violent video games, and sexed up tv shows and start producing better entertainment. We need to criticize by creating, as Chuck Colson put it. Conservatives need to take the entertainment industry by storm and start creating the best books, movies, tv shows, music, and video games on the market. I call this "revolution" Operation Candelight or OC. But how would this revolution actually work? Let's use tv as an example.
There are lots of cops shows on tv. What if, on one of those shows, the detectives had to solve the murder of a pastor who was the victim of a hate crime perpetrated by a militant gay activist? Or how about a drama with a morally traditional character who's a good guy? Why not have a prolife teenager, portrayed sympathetically, show up on one of the night time teen soaps? I know, today's tv writers would never write such episodes. But that's where the talented, conservative OC revolutionaries would come in. They would write those tv episodes, and lots more.
They would write, produce, and direct movies that show conservatives and moral traditionalists in a positive light. They'd write novels that sympathetically depict another side to issues that have, for far too long, been seen only from the left-wing perspective. And they'd do the same for plays, music and even video games.
Imagine a film about a family being persecuted for homeschooling. Imagine a young adult novel about teens fighting communism in Hungary's 1956 uprising. Imagine a video game where the hero fights for freedom against the global caliphate. Imagine a hard rock song glorifying our troops' skill and bravery in the Battle of Fallujah. Imagine. Imagine. But none of these things will be delivered to us by those now dominating the entertainment industry. It will take talented and committed conservative artists to get our worldview into the public imagination. It will take Operation Candlelight.
To our shame and our culture's detriment we conservatives have left the arts and entertainment to the liberals for too long. We are as creative, artistic, and talented as the leftists now controlling the media. It's time we regained our confidence and showed it. We must take back what once belonged to us. Are you ready for the revolution?
And Americans seem to be leaning leftward on issues besides Iraq. A majority approve of universal health care, support for capital punishment is waning, and though voters rejected gay marriage in various state referendums in 2004, opposition to it is declining. All and all I fear the next several years, not just 2008, bode ill for right-wingers. But facing that bleak scenario has made me start thinking again about something that's been in the back of my mind for a while. How do we spread conservatism in America?
I think conservatives, religious and secular, have put too much emphasis on politics. Winning elections is important but it doesn't guarantee that people will adopt our values. We must convince people of the truth of conservatism rather than assuming that election victories will make converts out of them. We are in a culture war and our side is losing. I once heard someone say that this war won't be won by those who tell the truth but by those who tell the best stories. And therein lies our opportunity.
No, I'm not saying that we should tell a bunch of entertaining lies to sell our worldview. I AM saying that we must use the transmitters of culture to fight a culture war. What are the transmitters of culture? They are everything a people uses to teach their way of life to the next generation. Language, the family, churches, schools, entertainment, newspapers, even blogs are all transmitters of culture. And outside of the family the most powerful transmitter of culture is entertainment. Liberals have understood this for at least a generation and have brilliantly used entertainment to advance their cause. Conservatives, unfortunately, have been asleep at the wheel.
Weaving an idea, belief, or point of view into a compelling story is one of the best ways to "evangelize" it to the public. Conservatives do know this and have been calling liberals on this practice for years. I can remember conservative groups bemoaning the content of television way back in the '70's. We have been excellent in cursing the darkness. What we've failed miserably at is lighting candles.
It's time to stop wringing our hands over anti-Christian and anti-American movies, violent video games, and sexed up tv shows and start producing better entertainment. We need to criticize by creating, as Chuck Colson put it. Conservatives need to take the entertainment industry by storm and start creating the best books, movies, tv shows, music, and video games on the market. I call this "revolution" Operation Candelight or OC. But how would this revolution actually work? Let's use tv as an example.
There are lots of cops shows on tv. What if, on one of those shows, the detectives had to solve the murder of a pastor who was the victim of a hate crime perpetrated by a militant gay activist? Or how about a drama with a morally traditional character who's a good guy? Why not have a prolife teenager, portrayed sympathetically, show up on one of the night time teen soaps? I know, today's tv writers would never write such episodes. But that's where the talented, conservative OC revolutionaries would come in. They would write those tv episodes, and lots more.
They would write, produce, and direct movies that show conservatives and moral traditionalists in a positive light. They'd write novels that sympathetically depict another side to issues that have, for far too long, been seen only from the left-wing perspective. And they'd do the same for plays, music and even video games.
Imagine a film about a family being persecuted for homeschooling. Imagine a young adult novel about teens fighting communism in Hungary's 1956 uprising. Imagine a video game where the hero fights for freedom against the global caliphate. Imagine a hard rock song glorifying our troops' skill and bravery in the Battle of Fallujah. Imagine. Imagine. But none of these things will be delivered to us by those now dominating the entertainment industry. It will take talented and committed conservative artists to get our worldview into the public imagination. It will take Operation Candlelight.
To our shame and our culture's detriment we conservatives have left the arts and entertainment to the liberals for too long. We are as creative, artistic, and talented as the leftists now controlling the media. It's time we regained our confidence and showed it. We must take back what once belonged to us. Are you ready for the revolution?
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Debate in Spanish? Not!
On the Glenn Beck Show tonight there was a lively exchange on the subject of the presidential candidates debating on the Spanish language tv station Univision. As you might've guessed, I came down on the no-debate-in-Spanish side. And I don't apologize for it.
I know that Hispanics are the fastest growing minority and I understand the desire of the candidates to win over this voting block. But they should reach out to Hispanics the same way they reach out to other Americans, in English. The candidates aren't speaking Chinese to Chinese Americans, are they? They aren't reaching out to Cajun Americans in French. None of them are campaigning in New York's Little Odessa neighborhood waving signs written in Cyrillic letters. All other non-English speaking minorities are expected to participate in this nation's civic life in English. Why should the standard be different for Hispanics?
The language of America is English. It might not be "official", but it's reality. America began as a British colony and part of that heritage is the language we speak. If you don't want to speak English, don't come here. You definitely shouldn't come here and then demand that Americans disown their own culture, including their language, in order to accomodate you. No, you have to accomodate America. Enter America legally, assimilate into her culture, embrace her heritage, and learn English as fast as you can. Do this and you will be welcomed; don't do this and you will be deservedly resented. The choice is yours and in the meantime, no debates in Spanish!
I know that Hispanics are the fastest growing minority and I understand the desire of the candidates to win over this voting block. But they should reach out to Hispanics the same way they reach out to other Americans, in English. The candidates aren't speaking Chinese to Chinese Americans, are they? They aren't reaching out to Cajun Americans in French. None of them are campaigning in New York's Little Odessa neighborhood waving signs written in Cyrillic letters. All other non-English speaking minorities are expected to participate in this nation's civic life in English. Why should the standard be different for Hispanics?
The language of America is English. It might not be "official", but it's reality. America began as a British colony and part of that heritage is the language we speak. If you don't want to speak English, don't come here. You definitely shouldn't come here and then demand that Americans disown their own culture, including their language, in order to accomodate you. No, you have to accomodate America. Enter America legally, assimilate into her culture, embrace her heritage, and learn English as fast as you can. Do this and you will be welcomed; don't do this and you will be deservedly resented. The choice is yours and in the meantime, no debates in Spanish!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Under Assault Again
Western culture is under assault again. The latest attack on our culture came over the weekend when the Seattle airport removed all of its 14 Christmas trees rather than also put up a menorah to recognize Hannukah, as asked by a rabbi. Airport officials claimed that they removed the Christmas trees because they feared that if they put up a menorah other religious groups would ask that their symbols be displayed, too. Rather than having the courage to stand for Western culture and its Judeo-Christian religious heritage, the officials caved in to anti-Western, anti-Christian, anti-semitic multiculturalism.
If the airport officials in Seattle had decided to display other religions' symbols in addition to those of Christianity and Judaism, that would've been fine. However, if the officials had decided to NOT display other religions' symbols while keeping the Christmas trees and the menorah, that would've been fine, too. The problem is that in our politically correct, multiculturalist world very few people would understand why. Here's why.
Christianity is the religious heritage of Western civilization, including America. Hindus didn't build Western civilization. Bhuddists didn't build Western civilization. Muslims didn't build Western civilization. Christians built Western civilization. The display of Christmas trees at Christmas time is, therefore, totally appropriate. The display of menorahs is also appropriate because Judaism gave us Christianity and helped to build the West in an indirect way. Putting up symbols of Christianity and Judaism for all to see is not only a show of holiday spirit but also a celebration of Western culture. There's no need to celebrate religions that had nothing to do with creating that culture.
Yes, we have freedom of religion in America and all other Western countries. But freedom of religion doesn't require that we Westerners deny or disown our own heritage. In Western lands non-Christians and non-Jews have absolute religious freedom; they should just understand that their faiths had nothing to do with building the civilization in which they now live. So when they see us Westerners celebrating our religious heritage in our own countries, while not celebrating theirs, they have no right to be offended. After all, they're in the West. And that's not politically correct, but it's the plain truth.
Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah!
If the airport officials in Seattle had decided to display other religions' symbols in addition to those of Christianity and Judaism, that would've been fine. However, if the officials had decided to NOT display other religions' symbols while keeping the Christmas trees and the menorah, that would've been fine, too. The problem is that in our politically correct, multiculturalist world very few people would understand why. Here's why.
Christianity is the religious heritage of Western civilization, including America. Hindus didn't build Western civilization. Bhuddists didn't build Western civilization. Muslims didn't build Western civilization. Christians built Western civilization. The display of Christmas trees at Christmas time is, therefore, totally appropriate. The display of menorahs is also appropriate because Judaism gave us Christianity and helped to build the West in an indirect way. Putting up symbols of Christianity and Judaism for all to see is not only a show of holiday spirit but also a celebration of Western culture. There's no need to celebrate religions that had nothing to do with creating that culture.
Yes, we have freedom of religion in America and all other Western countries. But freedom of religion doesn't require that we Westerners deny or disown our own heritage. In Western lands non-Christians and non-Jews have absolute religious freedom; they should just understand that their faiths had nothing to do with building the civilization in which they now live. So when they see us Westerners celebrating our religious heritage in our own countries, while not celebrating theirs, they have no right to be offended. After all, they're in the West. And that's not politically correct, but it's the plain truth.
Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah!
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