anti-[everything]

Apparently the Global War on Christmas™ has started early this year. In an Action Alert email dated October 12, the American Family Association fired up the Christmas Jihad Crusade season by declaring war against that notorious anti-Christ, Mrs Fields.

Here's the email:

While I' not shocked by the yearly resurgence of holiday-related Christian victimology, I'm a little surprised it's started so early. Then again, retailers seem to release their seasonal garbage earlier every year. It's good to see that of all the pressing issues facing their nation, Christian activists can zero in on such a fundamental(ist) problem as a lack of explicitly Christmas-themed samplers from Mrs. Fields. Remember when some of the same decriers of marketplace agnosticism flailed and screamed so loudly when someone deemed their religion worthy of a one-off confectionary Christ. Christians are hard to please!

Celebrate Our Savior's Birth Or Else!
Christians won't be happy until every American cowers in fear of their Jesus. They'd be happiest, of course, we both feared and revered their god, but they'll take fear. Actually, fear is probably their first goal.

The strategy taken by Christian activists is brilliant. They've managed to cast themselves as persecuted victims within the United States. They rule this country. (When's the last time there wasn't a Christian in the White House? How about most of your elected positions?) Yet, they've convinced themselves that they're victims (1) when any level of government doesn't explicitly promote their faith and (2) when any private, commercial enterprise opts to have advertising that isn't explicitly Christian. For example, when the federal government issues money with "In God We Trust," the Pledge of the Allegiance includes "Under God," or when public schools teach Christian-style creationism, they don't see the government establishing religion contra the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Rather, they see agitation to remove such religious devotions from secular government and education as attacks upon their religious freedom; which apparently includes a freedom to indoctrinate and force participation.

Sell Us Your Products!
The issue of corporations and advertising is interesting. Of course, if someone or some group does something you don't like you have every right to complain about it. You can even boycott them, as the AFA'ers are planning to do. What amazes me is the demand to be consumers, the willingness to engage to activism to demand the right to buy crappy products.

There's nothing a corporation could want more than for millions of screaming morons protesting for the right to buy their stuff. Here's the Christmas cookie message boiled down to its essence:

"Sell us a whole bunch of Christmas cookies, Mrs. Fields! You're offending and oppressing us by not supporting our God-given right to give you our money for Christma-themed cookies! We can't live without your cookies! Won't you please sell us something! We demand the right to buy, own and consume!"

What the hell is wrong with people?

The AFA's Christmas campaign (Project Merry Christmas) web page reads:

It's time Christians take a stand and proclaim to our communities that Christmas is not just a winter holiday focused on materialism, but a "holy day" when we celebrate the birth of our Savior (emphasis in original)

But, are these Christmas campaigns really about their savior? Notice the AFA claims "Christmas is not just a winter holiday focused on materialism" instead of "Christmas is not a winter holiday focused on materialism." The meaning there should be clear.

The barely hidden ideological core of the entire Christian response to the perceived Global War on Christmas™ is an unreserved commitment to Consumerism, as long as it is Christ-branded. It should be ironic that Christians would opt to decry the lack of over-the-top Christ-based Christmas advertising and agitate for their right to make the birth of their savior as materialistic as possible. In essence, they demand that Jesus be used as a marketing ploy. They're absolutely strong interested in a non-materialistic Christmas else they would urge people find ways to celebrate that don't involve and orgy of consumerist coveting. But, that would be un-American.

Turns out, Jesus does have a place for you...in line at the mall.

Suckers.

Technorati Tags: American Family Association, Christian activism, Christianity, Christmas, Mrs. Fields

Under Capitalism, everything is for sale.

When US-made 'censorware' ends up in iron fists | csmonitor.com:
OAKLAND, CALIF. - During Burma's short-lived uprising late last month, young dissidents risked their lives to smuggle news of their peaceful protest to the outside world. They may have been up against Internet censorship software designed in America, if a connection found to exist in 2005 still holds.

Moreover, if a US firm wanted to sell Internet filters to Burma (Myanmar) today, despite several layers of economic sanctions against the government there, it would probably be legal to do so, say export lawyers.

Absence of federal regulation has allowed so-called censorware of at least four California companies to end up in the hands of foreign governments shown to block citizens' access to political, religious, and other websites.

The Capitalists' greatest value is profit. All other values are secondary and dispensable as long as the first value is obtained. Any social reality is acceptable as long that first value is materialized.

That is why they will sell the undertakers of capitalism the rope, and be too busy counting their profits to see the noose tied.

Technorati Tags: censorship

It's long been acknowledged that history is an unfortunately malleable narrative frequently reshaped to serve the needs of the present. This flexibility is often captured in studies of what anthropologists call social memory and the processes by which some viewpoints of the past, present and future are suppressed in favor others. The process by which dominant narratives are created may include the disjointed, rearranged renditions or entirely fictive pasts.

Here's an example: VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: G.I. Joe was just a toy, wasn't he?.

In this article Suprynowicz argues that the forthcoming GI Joe movie, based on Hasbro's line of toys, is somehow an insult or subverting "America" by changing elements of the story line. He identifies multiple problems.

1. GI Joe will an acronym for Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity, an international team based in Brussels

2. GI Joe battles Cobra, a terrorist group headed by an arms-dealer

Well, thank goodness the villain -- no need to offend anyone by making our villains Arabs, Muslims, or foreign dictators of any stripe these days...

3. GI Joe was based on real-life Marine and war hero Mitchell Paige.

Well, who cares. G.I. Joe is just a toy, right? He was never real. Right?

...¹

When the Hasbro Toy Co. called some years back, asking permission to put the retired colonel's face on some kid's doll, Mitchell Paige thought they must be joking.

But they weren't. That's his mug, on the little Marine they call "G.I. Joe." At least, it has been up till now.

Mitchell Paige's only condition? That G.I. Joe must always remain a United States Marine.

But don't worry. Far more important for our new movies not to offend anyone in Cairo or Karachi or Paris or Palembang.

After all, it's only a toy. It doesn't mean anything.

If you read the comments at the article, you'll see a number of people outraged by this fabricated travesty despite proof that Suprynowicz has most of his facts wrong. I was one of them. I'm most of the Cobra Commander comments.

The Facts
1. GI Joe is US based, though only in the US market. He's referred to as Action Man in other markets.

2. In 1982, Hasbro introduced the GI Joe: A Real American Hero line after six idle years. Cobra has always been this GI Joe's prime enemy and it this line that moviemakers are obviously targeting. Destro, the Scottish arms dealer, was a major villain but did not head Cobra. There is little real about the story line here. GI Joe is a fairly fantastic story line. Remember Zartan? Serpentor?

I'm not sure why Suprynowicz is so upset GI Joe's enemies aren't Muslim, Arab or some other sort of foreigner. Maybe he's a racist?

3. None of the Mitchell Paige section of Suprynowicz's argument is true at least in regards to GI Joe. Mitchell Paige was absolutely not the basis of the toy. He was honored with a 12" action figure in 1998 as part of Hasbro's Classics line, well after GI Joe was introduced as a product (1960s) and after Cobra was established as GI Joe's prime enemy (1980s). (See also Mitch Paige's website or Habro's product history)

Ironically, it is Mitch himself who has become one of those necessary heroes. When Hasbro Toy Company released its Classic Collection GI Joe figures, one was created to remember the young hero of Guadalcanal himself. The Mitchell Paige GI Joe figure was released in 1998. (emphasis added; Source)

As a number of commenters have stated at the original article, Suprynowicz is either confused, lazy or dishonest. I agree. It took me less than 10 minutes to get the facts on GI Joe. At the time of this posting, there has been no retraction or comment from the author. I suspect there will be none since the error-ridden column serves his ideological purpose.

Why does all this matter?
Suprynowicz argues that the movie industry and toy makers have an obligation to ensure that GI Joe lives up to his mythic origins in World War 2, a myth anchored in Mitchell Paige's heroics. However, Suprynowicz has inverted history by placing Mitch Paige at the origins of GI Joe history where doesn't belong. In reality, GI Joe is a product. It was originally designed not to honor war heros or America but to turn a profit. It was, and is, a profit-driven venture.

Created in 1963, G.I. JOE was inspired in part by a TV show called "The Lieutenant." A licensing agent named Stan Weston brought the concept to Don Levine at Hasbro, with the idea of creating a poseable soldier for boys. Levine and his team of designers ran with the idea, and the rest is history.

In February 1964, at the American International Toy Fair in New York, America was introduced to G.I. JOE: "AMERICA'S MOVABLE FIGHTING MAN." The name G.I. JOE was taken from the movie "The Story Of G.I. JOE" which featured an American army unit in World War II.

G.I. JOE was an incredibly ambitious product release, with 75 different products to support the four basic branches of military - Soldier, Sailor, Marine, and Pilot. Each action figure was 11 ½ inches tall, had 21 moving parts and came in fatigue uniform with boots, work cap, and a dog tag. Sales the first three years were enormous, and Hasbro aggressively rolled out new products that evolved the line, like the Five Star Jeep, Mercury Space Capsule, Deep Sea Diver, footlocker, Green Beret, and Soldiers of the World. Buoyed by their success, Hasbro even tried a few new products, like the G.I. NURSE. She failed spectacularly, and today remains one of the most sought-after G.I. JOE toys. (Source)

Apparently is wasn't even really one guy.

After all, it's only a toy. It doesn't mean anything.

Yes Vin, it is just a toy. A quick check through the GI Joe product's history will indicate that the back story has changed repeatedly. These changes have always been to drive sales and increase profits of the toy manufacturer, not to carry on some patriotic tradition. It is perhaps ironic that a self-described Libertarian would cry about a capitalist venture attempting to turn a profit on the international market. Under capitalism, profits are the first value are they not?

Lacking Mitchell Paige as it's mythic, moral anchor, we can clearly see that GI Joe is just another product. Even the slogan "A Real American Hero" goes with a product line that has been officially retired. It outlived is usefulness as a marketing slogan in 1994. Why should the change toward an international force be so shocking? It's part of the toy line's heritage after all.

Thus, Vin Suprynowicz's arguments falls flat and becomes another urban legend to outrage those too confused, lazy, or dishonest to check their history.

On a final note, it's depressing that US citizens, as demonstrated in the comments section, cannot comprehend when their values are being manipulated for profit. GI Joe's status as a "Real American Hero" was cultivated to create sales, not celebrate patriotism or the heroic acts of an individual. Despite repeated attempts to tell people otherwise, folks keep posting their outrage over the movie referring to a toy that never really existed and an ideal it never really embodied.

Here's one commenter responding to the statement "GI Joe is just a toy"

schizoidman wrote on October 29, 2007 02:12 AM: CobraCommander said,

"You're the one crying because GI Joe is being used as it was created, as a product. I and many others have no problem with it. Wipe your tears. You're crying for a toy, not some grand American symbol or socio-political statement."

And the flag is just cloth. And the blood is just liquid. And the Constitution is just paper and ink.

Sad. But through the articles and comments we can see a clear process by which a new truth is made that serves an ideological need. We can see how people readily grab onto this new history by defending it, improperly "remembering it" and emoting about it. All of this has occurred despite a parallel argument that points out the fallacy of this collection memory.²

Oh, and even if they get the GI Joe/Cobra story line correct, the movie will probably suck as bad as the Transformers did.³

Technorati Tags: GI Joe, GI Joe movie, losers, patriotism, Vin Suprynowicz

Here's why we won't have real health care reform:

As Democrats Criticize, Health Care Industry Donates - New York Times:
WASHINGTON, Oct.28 — In a reversal from past election cycles, Democratic candidates for president are outpacing Republicans in donations from the health care industry, even as the leading Democrats in the field offer proposals that have caused deep anxiety in some sectors of the industry, according to campaign finance records.

Hospitals, drug makers, doctors and insurers gave candidates in both parties more than $11 million in the first nine months of this year, according to an analysis done for The New York Times by the Center for Responsive Politics, an independent group that tracks campaign finance.

In all, the Democratic presidential candidates have raised about $6.5 million from the industry, compared with nearly $4.8 million for the Republican candidates. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York has amassed the most of any candidate, despite her calls for broad changes to the health care system that could pose serious financial challenges to private insurers, drug companies and other sectors.

Is it any surprise that Clinton has received the most healthcare industry dollars? Remember Clinton's mandatory insurance plan?

Which half of the ruling class are you voting for in 2008?

Technorati Tags: 2008 elections, healthcare, insurance, corporate goverment

Christians are gearing up for the Christmas War. Onward Christians Soldiers! They're gathering arms to fight the unholy 'Winter Holiday' and 'Happy Holiday' heathens. With what weapons you ask?

Well, other than their ongoing whining about their personal savior, you can now cower in fear of their magnetic "bumpstickers" and lapel buttons!

Take that secular America!

Just check out WND's online store for your personal "Christmas-defense kit." What you'll find are three choices of bumper stickers:

"This is America! And I'm going to say it: 'Merry Christmas!'"
"It is STILL a wonderful life – Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas! An American Tradition"

They're all magnetized for seasonal use. Buy them separately or all together. Use them this year, next year and for many years to come. (WorldNetDaily.com)

or

Here is a Christmas Plan They Can't Ban!

It is time to take a stand. Sponsor your church in
Project Merry Christmas.

It's hard to believe that there are companies which ban "Merry Christmas" and replace it with "Holiday Greetings" because, they say, they don't want to offend anyone.

It's time Christians take a stand and proclaim to our communities that Christmas is not just a winter holiday focused on materialism, but a "holy day" when we celebrate the birth of our Savior by reveling in unhinged materialism and self-righteousness! Let's go to the mall! The Christmas signs will light the way! Yay Presents! (red text added for clarification. you're welcome. a-[e]).

This year you can remind your community of the true meaning of Christmas by taking a vital leadership role in AFA’s "Project Merry Christmas."(American Family Association)

Is there something odd about these two groups selling Christmas spirit and Christian sentiment? Wouldn't it be more effective to get their dupes to express themselves? Oh wait. There's no money to made off of that!

If you're wonder who buys all of this persecuted Christian Christmas nonsense, here's an example:

1. Donna on 10/17/2007, said:

I agree with Harold! We need Christmas Back for Christ . I get so tired of our Christian ways offending some people, I dont like all the satanic Things out their Like Halloween!! , But thats ok ,to offend us that don't celebrate it. We have to put up with their stuff. And pray and go on Well, its time, IF they don't believe in Jesus Christ, than they can do the same !!! And WE Will Celebrate OUR Holidays TOO!!! like CHRISTMAS!!! FOR CHRIST!!!!! (Source)

Donna is right! I'm particularly glad the children could read that. Not only does it express a religious intensity rarely heard in this day and age, but it's also in authentic Christian gibberish!

I think maybe the non-Christian and faithless among us need some bumper stickers to counteract their overbearing, pervasive Christmas foolishness.

• "This is America! And I don't have to celebrate your savior's birth!"
• "It is STILL a wonderful life -- Except for Jesus. He's STILL dead.
• "Merry Christmas! Whether you like it or not, heathen!
• "Jesus: Dead roughly 2000 years and STILL a pain in the ass!"
• "Christmas: The spendiest time of the year!"
• "Christmas! Tell them you love them this many dollars' worth!"
• "Buy your way into heaven this year with CHRISTMAS."
• "Chri$tmas loves you!"
• "The reason for the season: Corporate America's Bottom Line."
• Christmas: Max out your credit cards for Christ!
• What Would Jesus Spend?

Further suggestions?

Technorati Tags: American Family Association, Christian activism, Christianity, Christmas, War on Christmas, WorldNetDaily

You have to wonder how something this retarded could get published.

Marx's erupting skin may have influenced writings
LONDON (Reuters) - Karl Marx, who complained of excruciating boils, actually suffered from a chronic skin disease with known psychological effects that may well have influenced his writings, a British expert said on Tuesday.

Sam Shuster, professor of dermatology at the University of East Anglia, believes the revolutionary thinker had hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in which the apocrine sweat glands -- found mainly in the armpits and groin -- become blocked and inflamed.

"In addition to reducing his ability to work, which contributed to his depressing poverty, hidradenitis greatly reduced his self-esteem," said Shuster, who published his findings in the British Journal of Dermatology.

"This explains his self-loathing and alienation, a response reflected by the alienation Marx developed in his writing."(emphasis added)

While I wouldn't label myself a Marxist, Marx's works do have many valuable contributions. Supposing Shuster properly diagnosed Marx's condition based on letters, it's a rather large jump to move from dermatological ailment to specific philosophic positions.

Technorati Tags: dermatology, Karl Marx, Marxism, medicine, Sam Shuster

From Media Matters:

Citing new G.I. Joe movie, Glenn Beck warned of a possible "one-world-government nightmare"

But first, there's something else. We're being attacked someplace else in the cover of night, and if we lose this battle, we lose it all. Here's "The Point" tonight. G.I. Joe is the latest casualty in the war against the American way, and I know, I know, Glenn, it's just a toy, a little hunk of plastic, a cartoon. I know. And that makes it easy to dismiss this. But I believe that would be a huge mistake.

We cannot lose sight of the fact that G.I. Joe was a real guy and he is something more, as well. He's -- he is a symbol, and when you attack a symbol, you strike a blow against everything it represents.

I know. Glenn Beck proves he's an utter moron 365 days a year. This is no exception.

It's sad so many people can't differentiate between marketing and meaning.

See also: GI Joe: Just a Toy

Technorati Tags: capitalism, GI Joe, GI Joe movie, Glenn Beck

A little kid dressed as Link just rang my door bell. The costume was homemade and kick ass. I wish I had a camera handy.

That kid wins Halloween.