PoliticalTalk

Silver Screen Lacks Values: Hollywood Films Encourage Hatred of America

To the average Liberal, it’s President Bush, the arrogant, war hungry, oil-company-loving, go-it-alone cowboy, who has ruined America’s reputation around the world. There’s no doubt that many share that view.

Senator Barack Obama talks about President Bush’s “catastrophic failure of leadership.” To the senator, Bush’s “handling of the Iraq war” and his “not talking to leaders we don’t like” have hurt America’s reputation abroad. Are we hated by the world? America passes the “gate test!” Millions try to come to our “hated” country legally and illegally. The gate swings in, and immigrants resist leaving!

The Pew Institute Global Attitudes Survey provides mixed views of America in its most recent 47-nation-study. When asked to identify their closest ally, 19 countries identified the United States. The EU and Saudi Arabia are tied as a distant second with five votes each. When asked to isolate their greatest threat, 17 countries picked the US. But you don’t win popularity contests with the publics from China, Turkey, Pakistan, Venezuela and some Muslim countries by taking a strong stand against communism, fascism, Islamic extremism and terrorism!

The 80th Academy Awards is now history, but Hollywood’s movies also reinforce a negative image of America to the world.  A Google search of “Hollywood Ruins American Reputation” secures 105,000 hits.

John Stewart, this year’s host, joked: “Let’s take a moment to congratulate ourselves. We look beyond the dark days to focus on happier fare, this year’s slate of Oscar-nominated, psychopathic-killer movies. … No Country for Old Men, There Will Be Blood. All I can say is thank God for teen pregnancy.” Focusing on the ever-smiling Javier Bardem, the Best Supporting Actor winner, Stewart continued, “Your great work in No Country for Old Men combined brilliantly Hannibal Lecter’s murderousness with Dorothy Hamill’s wedge cut!” 

During the ceremony, soldiers in Iraq graciously honored the movie industry, but at no time did Hollywood return the favor by honoring the soldiers who daily defend the freedoms they depend upon. After Alex Gibney received his Best Documentary Oscar for Taxi to the Dark Side, he railed against American interrogation abuses and ended by saying, "Let's hope we can turn this country around, move away from the dark side and back to the light."

Mr. Gibney, Hollywood thrives on the dark side. They film it, sell it, glamorize it and often have stars who crash because of the values and actions they promote. Americans may watch the Oscars, but they tend to shun the abhorrent “masterpieces” Hollywood so often honors. After all, these dark, “provocative, edgy and intelligent” films are not meant to make money, and they usually don’t!

Hollywood sells an America few of us experience. If enemies want to prove that American business leaders put greed first, watch Michael Clayton. If they want to show that American oil barons are slimy, greedy and violent and Christian preachers are money-grabbing charlatans who spread myths to gain power, watch There Will Be Blood. If they want to show an America consumed with drugs and violence, watch the Best Picture Oscar winner, No Country for Old Men. Even the often touching and humor-laden Juno would inflame some Muslim countries where out-of-wedlock sex gets you killed. 

Robert Lichter’s research confirms that the most popular enemy in American movies is unethical business people, beating out professional criminals 22 to 9 percent. The negative portrayal of businesspeople is getting worse. A follow-up study of television found that 81 percent of the shows that turned on the question of whether business were honest and honorable or unfair and corrupt, portrayed business dealings as dishonest and corrupt. To Hollywood, positive stories that convey the power of free enterprise to generate prosperity and tap the human spirit are “fairy tails” unworthy of their attention or awards.

There are examples of excesses by some business and military leaders, and they should be held accountable for their illegal actions. But to paint the culture and corporations and our military with such a wide brush is not only dishonest; it hurts our image abroad. During World War II, Hollywood created movies to rally the troops and the public to win a war. Today, they shamelessly create, promote and honor politicized movies, documentaries and TV shows that are created to whip up an anti-war frenzy and bash our culture, our military, our government and free enterprise.

Under the guise of freedom of artistic expression, Hollywood trashes faith, our country, the war against terrorism, free enterprise and traditional American values!  Hollywood has every right to produce such movies, and Americans ought to stay home when they do. As we approach November, remember where these Hollywood losers invest their contributions! John Stewart provided a clue: “"You have to admit, this is a huge election…. The field is wide open. Have you all had a chance to examine all the candidates, study their positions and pick the Democrat you'll vote for?"  If what Hollywood puts on the screen is any indication of the kind of values their candidates will bring to Washington, look out America!

Byline: This first appeared in Ventura County Star, March 3, 2008, B-6. Dr. Terry Paulson is a psychologist, speaker, author and host to the politicaltalk.org blog. Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com.

Memorial Day Thoughts--Today, We Are Reminded to Earn Their Sacrifice

In a war against terrorists, citizens in the war zone are on the front lines. You never know when a car will be transformed into a bomb or a plane into a missile. Outside of 9/11, America has been spared such experiences. Now, we see the war and carnage from afar and want it to be over.

After the terrorist strike on the Twin Towers, columnist Jerry Useem reminded Americans of how different this war is, "If this is the first war of the 21st century, then it was also the first war that was visited on the workplace. Home of the cubicle, the busted toner cartridge, and other 'Dilbert' plot conventions, the American office has long been trivialized as a sanctuary of the petty and banal. On September 11, however it suddenly became anything but. Words and glances passed between colleagues took on life-or-death consequence. Co-workers clasped hands and decided to flee or, some cases, perish together. …  Just as the rituals of democracy take on renewed meaning when we're under attack, so too do the rituals of capitalism…. Now, our work is not only important, but it is now the source of American muscle." These words, written in November of 2001, remind us that in some way 9/11 has forever transformed Memorial Day. With no slight to the soldiers who have died on past and current battlefields, we should also honor those business people, police, firemen, and average citizens, who like soldiers, were caught in the crosshairs of war!

On a recent New York trip, I looked into the holes that once held the majestic Twin Towers. The area bustles with construction activity, but the 9/11 notes and stirring pictures remain to remind us what happened that day. 

Searching for a place for quiet meditation, I found the small St. Paul's Chapel. The chapel's wrought iron fence had been a spontaneous memorial covered with banners, flags, pictures, ribbons and letters expressing anger, despair, love, resolve and support. Tormented by the realities at Ground Zero, thousands had cried, prayed, and found what solace they could grasp.

Today, the fence is clear, but the chapel houses a collection of letters, pictures and tributes. I came to pray, but I was compelled to read many of the heartfelt messages. One observed the power of community: "The person standing next to me, who I did not know, took my hand. We cried together." "The little chapel that stood" became a counseling center, hospital, home, cafeteria and memorial-"an oasis of heaven in the midst of hell."

There was human pathos but also strong resolve! One message left by Leonard Pitts read, "There's a gulf of difference between making us bloody and making us fall. … When provoked by this level of barbarism, we will bear any suffering, pay any cost, go to any length in the pursuit of justice."

It seems he was wrong about some Americans. We won't bear any suffering, pay any cost or go to any length! Impatient with the pace of progress, at a time our military leaders are seeing some progress and asking for sustained support, Democratic leadership want our soldiers out now.

On Memorial Day, we honor a generation of soldiers who crossed through Hell on Earth so that the sun would continue to shine on this country and its liberties. I fear we fail to fully appreciate the debt this generation owes and the honor due those men and women who persevered to defeat Nazi Germany and Fascist Japan. As a result, we fail to understand what it will take to defeat the Islamofascists we face today!

In response to a recent column, Hal Wilder wrote: "Seventy-Seven years ago, when I was 12, I read a quote from Dinsmor Eli, who, mortally wounded in France, said, 'It is an investment, not a loss, when a man dies for his country.'"  But each death is a painful loss for the families and friends who grieve. So on Memorial Day, we remember these painful losses and costly investments then and now with deepest appreciation.

There are scenes from the movie, "Saving Private Ryan," that ought to be seen every Memorial Day. In a final street battle, Captain Miller (Tom Hanks), whose men were charged to find and safely bring back Private Ryan, is mortally wounded. As Private Ryan (Matt Damon) kneels by his side, the captain says in his last breath, "Earn this." In the closing scene as Ryan's family walks the Normandy Cemetery, an aged Ryan implores his wife to reassure him that he has indeed "earned" what Miller and others did for him.

For the rest of us, the fields of military and 9/11 graves ought to remind us of the price so many have paid and continue to pay for our freedom and our well-being. For each generation, on Memorial Day and every day, may all Americans once again take to heart Miller's charge to Ryan-"Earn this!"

Byline: Dr. Terry Paulson is a psychologist, speaker, author and host to the PoliticalTalk Blog. Contact him at www.politicalassessment.com or at terry@terrypaulson.com. First appeared in Column in the Ventura County Star, May 28, 2007, B-6.

What It Is to Be Truly Rich

How do you define rich? Is it the one that dies with the most toys…or the largest stock portfolio? Is it defined by how high you climb on the Forbes "World's Billionaires" List? Or is it better defined by the personal riches that come by serving and making a difference for others? Recent experiences have reinforced my belief that living rich lives is far more important than merely "being rich." The return on your life is more important than the return on your investments.

Janel Perez, a nurse practitioner here in Ventura County, recently returned from a Project Compassion medical mission trip to Huatulco, Mexico and shared her experiences with other members at Westlake Lutheran Church. The passion and joy that radiated from her as she talked about her mission experience spoke volumes about what it is to "truly be rich." She said, "I received much more than I gave. My life will never be the same. The hardest part is explaining to my husband how there is a way to use our money better than putting in a swimming pool. My priorities have changed, and my faith is so much stronger. I look forward to being able to go again."

Tim Richardson, professional speaker and founder of "The REAL Richest People List" (http://www.TheRichestPeopleinAmerica.com) echoed Janel's sentiments: "I believe too much emphasis is placed on material wealth and not enough on the wealth and richness that are truly important and fulfilling. True richness comes from the love of giving back to society, and happens whether you make $10,000 or $10 million a year. It's not just about how good you are; it's about what good you do."

Tim has started his "REAL Richest People List" in hopes of inspiring businesses and individuals to give more of their profits and their time in making a difference in the world. Recipients are honored not by how much they have but by how much they give. Here's a sampling of nominees from this year's list.

Carol Schillios, a credit union consultant and founder of the Fabric of Life Foundation, has helped Mali's poorest of the poor-young begging girls-learn sewing, fabric weaving, dyeing and beading skills to generate income and break the cycle of poverty.

John Wood, founder of Room to Read, has helped open more than 280 schools and 3,600 multi-lingual libraries across the developing world, distributed over 2.8 million children's books and supports more than 2,300 girls with long-term scholarships.

Nancy Rivard, an American Airlines flight attendant and Founder of Airline Ambassadors, coordinates missions to hand deliver supplies to children in need and escort children who need medical care. Nancy affirmed: "A life oriented around oneself does not ultimately bring happiness. A life oriented around others does."

Tim is accepting nominations for next year's list with the goal of announcing the "400 REAL Richest People in America" as Forbes releases its Richest Americans list. Tim is now traveling the country showing companies and organizations how to experience greater richness through supporting giving. Richardson claims that there is a direct correlation between giving and employee morale, customer loyalty and even corporate profitability.

Send in your nominations now, and if you want to explore this approach to richness further, see the movie, The Ultimate Gift. As you unwrap this movie gift, you'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll be reminded of the gifts life provides-the gifts of work, friends, family, money, learning, problems, laughter, dreams, giving, gratitude, love…and the gift of a day.

This FoxFaith inspirational drama brings to life Jim Stovall's novel and boasts a stellar cast that includes James Garner, Brian Dennehy and young Abigail Breslin fresh off her Oscar-nominated performance in Little Miss Sunshine. The movie title refers to an intriguing enticement offered to spoiled grandson by his recently deceased and extremely wealthy grandfather. Via a series of video messages, the grandfather promises the irresponsible young man that if he completes a series of tasks, "gifts," he may receive a substantial inheritance.

After enduring a series of humiliating episodes in which he experiences life as a homeless person, does back-breaking labor at a ranch and travels to South America to come to terms with the death of his father, the young man begins to change. We watch him find a life-changing relationship with a beautiful single mother and her feisty young daughter who is dying of leukemia.

Enough of the story line! This movie will challenge you to have conversations with your own children and grandchildren about the things that matter most in life. Instead of just leaving them money, you might want to leave them a few more meaningful messages. The Ultimate Gift will leave you thankful for the blessing life provides when lived richly! At this tax time, take a moment to count the blessings you have received by making a difference for others. There are no taxes due on those riches!

Byline: Dr. Terry Paulson is a psychologist, speaker, author and host to the PoliticalTalk Blog. Contact him at http://www.politicalassessment.com or at terry@terrypaulson.com. This column first appeared in the Ventura County Star, March 25, 2007.

Community Spirit Alive and Well

In the last few days, I have come to appreciate over and over again that the American Dream is still built on enduring but simple principles, men and women of strong character and caring communities. Every culture changes, but the best societies find a way to endure. With the right mix of tradition and change, each generation must then test anew great American principles against today's uncharted choices. In short, we must again affirm what it is to be uniquely American.

As we begin 2007, I'm both optimistic about our future and appreciative of the rich foundation past generations have provided. That optimism has been reinforced by a mosaic of recent experiences-two inspiring movies, the death of a President, a Boise State victory and a Christmas Day in the ER.

Two movies, one a blockbuster and another a limited-release gem, remind us that the American Dream must be earned, and it can still be earned today.

Out of Minnesota, Ali Selim's first feature film, "Sweet Land," seduces you with simple truths and authentic characters who are tested to reveal inner strength and beauty. The simple story captures the rugged and challenging life of Norwegian immigrants as they forge their way in a new land.

Young Inge travels from Europe after World War I to marry a man she has never met, a Norwegian farmer named Olaf. Inge is the dream mail-order bride, but her German heritage and lack of proper immigration papers create a difficult challenge for the sturdy, quiet Olaf.

Their longing for love, the strength of deep and heartfelt friendships, the pain of local prejudices, and the struggle to earn the American Dream are played out in a way that makes you wish the movie would never end.

Reminding us that the American Dream is still alive, Will Smith brings a stirring performance to "Pursuit of Happyness." The movie dramatizes the inspiring, true story of Chris Gardner as a down-but-not-out salesman who does what it takes to care for his son and find his way to success.

As a struggling single parent, Chris nurtures his "can do" spirit and secures a prestigious stock brokerage internship. His refusal to give up, his love for his son and his innovative strategies to succeed give testimony to the fact that America can still deliver on dreams when people work hard to achieve them.

Models matter! The litany of tributes on the passing of President Gerald Ford reinforces another American value-we want to believe that any American can grow up to become President. President Ford didn't just champion mainstream American values; he lived them. As an All-American center for the University of Michigan, his hand was involved in every offensive play, but he let others get the credit for the victories.

At a time the partisan vitriol could have torn the country apart, President Ford put forgiveness and healing ahead of his own political interest. Character was more important than ambition, common sense more useful than experts, and getting along never required compromising principles.

By honoring him, we truly honor the American values that helped create him. He was the consummate American, a humble but capable man of quiet integrity, common sense and compassion.

President Ford's Michigan connection aside, USC's Rose Bowl victory over Michigan was a joy, but it was Boise State's Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma that inspired me as an American.

Undefeated Boise State was a real-life "Rocky," the underdogs who play the whole game, take it to the big dogs, and earn an overtime victory no one gave them a chance to win. As they had done all year long, they believed in themselves and delivered on their dream. Like great Americans of any age-Boise State Broncos never, ever give up! On that day, they were America's team!   

The American Dream requires more than individual excellence; it's nurtured by a caring community. When circumstances left my wife and I spending five hours of our Christmas Day in the Los Robles Medical Center ER, we experienced first hand what makes America great-it's the values and compassion of average Americans.

The waiting room housed a variety of ailments-a scratched eye, abdominal pains, bleeding wounds and more than a few cases of stomach flu. There was enough pain, disappointment, frustration, and boredom for all, but there was also a spirit of community. On this memorable Christmas, everyone willingly waited as people with more life-threatening emergencies were treated. They reached out to console one another.

Not to be outdone, the Los Robles staff did their best to bring joy to their work. Many were wearing Christmas smocks; most brought a warm smile and a calming touch. Yes, community still happens in America!

Recent polls show that most Americans are optimistic about the future, and so am I. As we start this year, may we count our blessings and renew a commitment to the values that have made America great. After all, "E Pluribus Unum," out of many we remain one. We are Americans! 

Byline: Dr. Terry Paulson is a psychologist, speaker, author and host to the PoliticalTalk Blog. Contact him at http://www.politicalassessment.com or at terry@terrypaulson.com. First printed in, "Community Spirit Alive and Well," Ventura County Star, 1-15-07, B-6.

Memorial Day Needs to Be a Day of Remembrance

What a Memorial Weekend it has been! It's been a time for movies--Andy Garcia's The Lost City and Universal's United 93. Both in their own way challenge us to remember and to stay vigilant. The freedoms we so easily take for granted can be taken from us and can come under attack.

In Andy Garcia and Cabera Infante's The Lost City, we experience a family's love affair for Cuba and its capital Havana. The memories of what was is contrasted with the unpredictable and tragic impact of revolution and of freedoms lost. One family's struggle and the divisions it created becomes the vehicle to explore how fragile the values of free countries can fall victim to chaos an anarchy. We watch the rise of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro in response to a cruel and abusive Batista government. We watch suppression of demonstrations turn underground into covert plots to overflow tyranny. But the revolution turns as repressive as the government it overthrew. We watch the dismantling of freedom through the experience of Andy Garcia's nonpolitical character, Fico Fellove. Fico is the owner of El Tropico, an upscale Vegas-style nightclub. We see the communists outlaw saxophones and close the nightclub when two musicians are caught playing cards for money. Life as they know it dies a quick death. See the film, and you'll appreciate how blessed we are to have been born American and to have so many who have fought so hard to sustain the freedoms we so easily take for granted.

Memorial Day brought pride and tears. We attended the annual Memorial Day Tribute at the Griffin Cemetery in Westlake Village. The patriotic music, moving reenactments, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, the fighter flyovers and the moving reactions of so many veterans in attendance is how every Memorial Day barbecue should be forced to start. We have come every year for the last five years. I hope it is a tradition we can continue. Watching parents who have lost children in recent wars put wreaths on the stage and hearing their comments in support of our country and our need to remain strong made for one meaningful morning.

But our day was not done! With an almost full theater, we took time to see the Universal Studios film, United 93, a movie that accurately portrayed the heroic actions of citizens on the hijacked flight that was to crash in Pennsylvania. The plane was on the way to Washington; it's target was the capitol building. Other planes had targeted each of the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. They had been successful. Once the passengers gradually came to realize that they were to die as a terrorist missile, they decided to take the plane or die trying. Their actions resulted in a crash of United Flight 93, but it saved the capital and who knows how many lives. May we never forget. May we always be vigilant. May we be ready to do our duty to fight the fight against terrorism on every front.

Remember. Remember. Remember. Freedom is never secure. It is earned and reearned in every generation. We do not know whether on any given day that we will be the warriors called into action to defend that freedom. May we respond as nobly as the soldiers and the citizens that have gone before us.

"American Dreamz" Is Liberal Dreamz on Steroids!

People worry about American not being ready for the movie about Flight 93. It is American Dreamz that should come with a warning--"Beware of Vomiting that May Occur While Watching!" With the War for peace in Iraq at a critical stage and soldiers in harm's way from terrorists who are not funny but deadly, this film belittles the office of President, reinforces every Bush bashing wet dream, makes fun of every faith possible, makes soldiers infantile and shallow, and minimizes the drive and effectiveness of the enemy. If you have children who have served in Iraq, prepare to be enraged by a storyline that has a soldier using explosives on himself. Rest assured that over 50% of the audience will find this film more than a waste of money and time; they will see it as inappropriate at this time...or any time. Don't waste your time on this film.

A Ceremony that Counts: Eagle Scout award trumps the Academy Awards

Sunday night was a study in contrasts. There was the glitz and glamour of the 78th Academy Awards Ceremony, and there was the heartwarming satisfaction of attending a Boy Scout Eagle Ceremony for a young man we'd watched growing up. As any red-bloodied American, we tried to make room for both. I Tivo'd the Academy Awards and headed off to Westlake Lutheran Church for the Eagle Ceremony for John Francis Murphy IV.

The Academy Awards selections this year were an exercise in obscurity and political activism. The movies nominated for Best Picture were not epics; they were niche movies with small budgets and even smaller audiences. Thank goodness they had clips of film highlights, or people might not have even known what they were about.

I must confess that my wife and I liked Walk the Line and Pride & Prejudice. We even found the Best Picture winner, Crash, a thought-provoking, well-acted movie. But those movies aside, all the buzz was about cowboy gay themes and a Desperate Housewife playing a transvestite. Still others focused on trashing US covert operations and unethical drug industry czars. Emcee Jon Stewart said it best: "A lot of people say this town is too liberal, out of touch with mainstream America, an atheistic pleasure dome, a modern day beachfront Sodom and Gomorrah, a moral black hole where innocence is obliterated in an endless orgy of sexual gratification and greed. I don't really have a joke here. I just thought you should know a lot of people are saying that. I've been to the parties!"

The Academy loves edgy pieces where their antagonists are rich, evil business executives or overly zealous Republican politicians bent on controlling the world. They save the best roles for liberal characters who can't win elections in the real world. Stewart provided the best line of the evening: "The Oscars is really, I guess, the one night you could see all your favorite stars without having to donate money to the Democratic Party. And it's exciting for the stars as well. This is the first time many of you have voted for a winner. No, it's good--enjoy. Enjoy your votes!"

I celebrate the freedom in America we have that allows Hollywood screenwriters to be critical of our country. But actors and directors act as though their actions are somehow courageous. Their "courageous" pieces get applauded in Hollywood and receive numerous industry awards. It would be truly courageous for a film to have a Republican hero or an executive who outsourced low-paying jobs to an impoverished village in desperate need of hope. No, that kind of courage would be seen as selling out. Courage in Hollywood is defined as saying something all liberals will applaud.

At John's Eagle Scout ceremony, we applauded something far greater. The emcee quipped that the best supporting actor award should go to Debbie Murphy, John's mother, for all the work she has done to shepherd John through the scouting maze. This was America at its best. We celebrated values worth valuing! We talked about a young man giving over 300 hours of service, of going above and beyond expectations and mentoring other younger scouts.

Families had bought their own young scouts to show them what they could achieve if they worked hard. The mayor of Thousand Oaks was there to congratulate John. There were letters from Presidents and a flag that had flown at the US Capital. As with all ceremonies, John gave a brief acceptance speech.

I congratulated one of the scout leaders after the event, and indicated that we had increased our financial support of the Boy Scouts ever since the ACLU had made them a target. He was gracious in his reply, "The ACLU has done some good things over the years, but their efforts against the Boy Scouts of America has taken dollars and hours of volunteer time away from developing more young men like John Francis."

The Boy Scouts had made a difference in my own life. As a young boy in Atlanta, I achieved my Life Scout Award and became a member of the Order of the Arrow. I attribute my love of backpacking and my confidence in handling most survival situations in the wilderness to those years. I never achieved my Eagle Award. When I moved to California, I joined a troop that loved to camp and play but did little to build a culture of excellence like John had in troop 775.

Which award ceremony do you think is more important to America? As for me, give me more Eagle Award Ceremonies and young men equipped and ready to be responsible citizens. I'd rather support an organization that celebrates what is right with America and tries to perpetuate that than patronize Hollywood liberals eager to bash anything American in pursuit of artistic "excellence." Supporting freedom of expression does not mean we have to appreciate their products or pay ten dollars to see movies the industry feels are worthy of an Academy Award.

Byline: Dr. Terry Paulson is a psychologist, speaker, author and host to the PoliticalTalk Blog. Contact him at www.thedinnerbook.com or at terry@terrypaulson.com.

(Source: "A Ceremony that Counts: Eagle Scout award trumps the Academy Awards," March 13, 2006, B-6 (834 words-sent on 3-6-06)