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The W - Current Events & Politics - A Star Wars base perspective....
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Leroy
Boudin blanc








Since: 7.2.02

Since last post: 3 days
Last activity: 1 hour
#1 Posted on | Instant Rating: 3.53
When I saw Eddie Izzard live, he said that if this were Star Wars, the rest of the world sees the US as the Empire, and nations like Cuba as the Rebels....

So with that in mind.....

I'm not entirely sure where this came from... a co-worker put it in my mailbox, and a quick Google search found a link.

http://www.livejournal.com/users/seanb/103030.html

Memorandum<
To: All Imperial Officers
From: Grand Moff Sun-yi

It is with a heavy heart that I must confirm rumors that I'm sure you all have heard by now. Our beloved Emperor Palpatine died yesterday. Police sources indicate that this was, as feared, a Rebel assassination. Not only did this assassination take place on one of our own vessels, but investigators say that one of our own high-ranking officers, Darth Vader, was involved. Vader is a Jedi.

There have been some media reports about possible suspects, though it is too early at this time to provide names. We strongly believe, however, that the operation was financed by members of Alderaan's royal family. This is the same group that committed the cowardly terrorist attack on Spirit One three years ago and attacked our settlement on Endor earlier this week. It is suggested that yesterday's assassination was in retaliation for our botched attack on a rebel terrorist training camp at Hoth last year.

About the Rebels The rebels are a small group of Jedi extremists who have distorted the Way of the Jedi, which is a very rich religion, into a violent drive for expansion and destruction of all who oppose its beliefs. These extremists believe that they achieve invincibility through "the force", a spiritual fever that comes over them. For this reason, they are willing to take on suicidal strategies. They see honor in facing great risk, and there are reports of fighter pilots turning off targeting and guidance systems as a way to test their faith. Many rebel pilots die in such attacks. Their belief system is reinforced with propaganda. For example, they would call Spirit One the "Death Star".

It is too easy, in a time like this, to point at a person's religious background as a destructive factor. We must take pains not to give in to prejudice or blanket generalizations about certain population groups or people with creeds different from ours. The strength of this empire comes from our diversity, and we must not lose that, our greatest strength. In this specific example, the prime suspect has exhibited destructive behavior in the past (including a strangulation episode that took place during a strategy meeting) that should have tipped off his superiors. We are working with a consultant to develop mandatory training programs for officers to identify these traits sooner in order to maintain a safe work environment. Nevertheless, the Empire will continue to encourage and accommodate people of different beliefs. This accommodation may be in the form of schedule changes, menu selection, or the ability to deviate from officer dress code if required. There are many Jedi in the Empire, and local Jedi spiritual leaders were the first to condemn the terrorism. Violence against Jedi-Imperials will not be tolerated.

Where are they? A terrorist organization operates from hiding. Nobody knows where their base may be, and they move frequently. These bases are surprisingly well-defended. For example, Imperial forces lost hundreds of people in the Hoth attack. Before Hoth, the empire was criticized from within by people who objected to our bombing of Alderaan. Though it is true that some innocent people lost their lives, we must remember that the royal family supported these terrorists and were building a large fleet of starships. Though people objected, it should be clear by now that our actions three years ago prevented hundreds of rebel attacks and probably saved thousands of innocent Imperial lives. It is not surprising to hear many of the critics changing their tune today.

What can we do? Economic sanctions have had no impact, even after the loss of funding from Alderaan. The main reason for this is that the rebels are being supported by smugglers, slavers, and extortionists. We have linked many rebel leaders to noted fugitives Hutt, Solo, and Calrissian. It is unsure how the rebels square their Jedi philosophy with the criminal element, but there is a lot about them we do not understand. The Empire has attempted military action to no avail. Bounty hunters have been brought in to intercept the masterminds behind the terrorism in an attempt to reduce injury to innocent civilians on the ground. After some bounty hunters met with grisly deaths, the Empire has discontinued that strategy. The loss of our Emperor, who was integral in shaping our counter-terrorism strategy, has been a blow to our cause. Evidence of moles in the highest ranks have forced strategists to discard the last several months of planning. There may be others in addition to Vader. The threat of assassination forces our leaders to stay apart from one another, which makes planning more difficult. Nevertheless, our security forces remain on high alert through this dark time.

What do you tell your children? Little ears hear a lot, and the deaths of 360 children on Spirit One was a tragedy that touched us all. We must be honest with our children, but we cannot let them be afraid of leaving their rooms. The Empire can assist in times like this. Counselors, psychologists, and the

clergy are available to work with parents and guardians. Don't let your child damage his or her stuffed Ewok toy. Talk it over. Your time means a lot to them.

A Need for Healing The Empire is made up of people from all walks of life. Jawas, Ewoks, Tuskens, and Wookies work beside us each day. Our diversity is something to be celebrated. Let us console each other, and not attack each other for the color or texture of skin, hair, or scales. If the security forces seem more prevalent and more persistent in their role of guardians, don't call them by the derogatory "stormtroopers". Smile and do your best to work with them. They have a very difficult job. The next few weeks will be difficult for us all. Remember that our cause is good, and that we are fighting for freedom. The rebel propaganda machine is strong, and they will attempt to demonize us. They conveniently dismiss our efforts to feed and house children across the galaxy, our beautiful art projects, and our commitment to the rights of indigenous races. Take the time to visit the Imperial gardens or attend a museum. Admission, as always, is free, and there will be special events for both children and adults.

Thursday next week has been designated as an Imperial Day of Mourning. Non-essential offices and schools will be closed. The Imperial funeral will also be held on Thursday, and there will be an Empire-wide moment of silence at time 2.505. A special broadcast of the war against the rebels will be shown tonight at 8.5.

Thank you.




"Who are these f--king people anyway? What more do they need to make a decision?" - Jason "George Costanza" Alexander on Swing Voters
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Nuclear Winter
Boudin rouge








Since: 9.11.03
From: Bedford, Michigan

Since last post: 3641 days
Last activity: 2192 days
#2 Posted on | Instant Rating: 2.51
I really don't think it's appropriate for people to compare a science fiction movie made 30 years ago to one of the worst days in our nation's history, and the events that transpired shortly thereafter.



You, watching this at home, worship me! I command you! Become my willing sprawls and live eternally! Oh, the sweet sublime feeling of complete obediance to your Evil Master! Come serve me, the Prince of Darkness, I command it! Hear me! Obey me! OBEY ME!
DrDirt
Banger








Since: 8.10.03
From: flyover country

Since last post: 2336 days
Last activity: 2238 days
#3 Posted on | Instant Rating: 7.06
    Originally posted by Nuclear Winter
    I really don't think it's appropriate for people to compare a science fiction movie made 30 years ago to one of the worst days in our nation's history, and the events that transpired shortly thereafter.


I agree. SOme events are just not appropriate for satire.



Perception is reality
Jaguar
Knackwurst








Since: 23.1.02
From: In a Blue State finally

Since last post: 1894 days
Last activity: 1894 days
#4 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.61
    Originally posted by DrDirt
      Originally posted by Nuclear Winter
      I really don't think it's appropriate for people to compare a science fiction movie made 30 years ago to one of the worst days in our nation's history, and the events that transpired shortly thereafter.


    I agree. SOme events are just not appropriate for satire.


Even though it had Affleck in it, I'm not sure you could consider "Pearl Harbor" a satire...

Oh wait.

-Jag



The only Presidents I respect are dead ones.
rockdotcom_2.0
Frankfurter








Since: 9.1.02
From: Virginia Beach Va

Since last post: 4016 days
Last activity: 1 day
#5 Posted on | Instant Rating: 3.49
Does this mean Im a bad person for laughing out loud when the memo refers to the Death Star as "Spirit One?"

(edited by rockdotcom_2.0 on 21.9.04 2208)


"I could be wrong, but I doubt it"---Charles Barkley
A Fan
Liverwurst








Since: 3.1.02

Since last post: 6992 days
Last activity: 6992 days
#6 Posted on | Instant Rating: 2.46
If most of New York is getting over 9/11, then so should the rest of the country. It was a tragedy, we getting our revenge, lets move on. As a Star Wars fan, I thought this was hysterical. It does remind me of the NewsRadio skit where they do a similar press release about the first Death Star being destroyed. Actually, if you watch these 30 year old movies and even the prequels, you begin to see similar striking similarities.
Von Maestro
Boudin rouge








Since: 6.1.04
From: New York

Since last post: 2596 days
Last activity: 2169 days
#7 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.20
    Originally posted by A Fan
    If most of New York is getting over 9/11, then so should the rest of the country.


Speak for yourself. There is a difference between living your life after 9/11 & "getting over 9/11".

I work a few miles from the World Trade Center & I head down there for business pretty often. I don't know about you, but every time I go to Wall Street I feel a pretty damn big hole in my heart & it's not something that I am "over".

To make a parody of the event is definitely distasteful.
OlFuzzyBastard
Knackwurst








Since: 28.4.02
From: Pittsburgh, PA

Since last post: 1809 days
Last activity: 986 days
#8 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.13
Sorry to dredge this post up, but George Lucas speaks on something very similar in his interview in the new Entertainment Weekly:

    Originally posted by Entertainment Weekly

    EW: Would the Empire have referred to the Rebel Alliance as terrorists, rhetorically?

    GL: That's a very politically charged word. I'm not sure terrorists have defined themselves as terrorists - they have defined themselves as rebels. And that's what we were, you know, we're the rebels. We are a nation of terror, we came out of terrorism - well, I mean, for God's sake, we are rebels but the British wouldn't have described us that way.

    If you were to look at [Star Wars] for what it actually is - get rid of all that cool stuff - one of its major issues is how you get from a democracy into a dictatorship without a coup. How did the Senate turn it over to Caesar? How did France turn over their republic to Napoleon? And how did Germany hand their country over to Hitler?

    That's embedded in the three films that are coming out now. Where the third one is put in, you'll say, "Oh, I see how that all works." The controversy is going to be that people expect some horrible, horrific thing to happen to [Anakin] that caused him to [become Darth Vader]. It's much subtler. It's something that everybody faces - when you're looking at yourself, you can see your good and your bad, and say "Is this a selfish choice or is this a compassionate choice? And once I get something, what would I do to keep from losing it? Would I make a pact with the devil to keep it?"




SKLOKAZOID
Bierwurst








Since: 20.3.02
From: California

Since last post: 1683 days
Last activity: 812 days
#9 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.71
    Originally posted by Nuclear Winter
    I really don't think it's appropriate for people to compare a science fiction movie made 30 years ago to one of the worst days in our nation's history, and the events that transpired shortly thereafter.


All works of fiction are inspired by reality, or were inspired by other works of fiction that were inspired by other works of fiction that were inspired by reality.

Lucas has even said that the primary inspiration for the Ewoks were primitive civilizations defeated technologically superior armies. There are many parallels between the Emperor's rise to power and the end of the Weimar Republic/beginning of Nazi Germany.

Are there parallels in Star Wars to present-day America? Yes. Lucas compiled his story from many of the great truths of human civilization over history and has shown us how a Republic can become an Empire. We are not immune to following the same path as the Galactic Republic.

We may detach ourselves from it as a work of fiction, but the moral story exists because it's true.

(edited by SKLOKAZOID on 28.9.04 1009)
Eddie Famous
Andouille








Since: 11.12.01
From: Catlin IL

Since last post: 2611 days
Last activity: 2151 days
#10 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.69

Unless there's going to be some serious repealing going on, it would be tough to find empires that change heads of state by law at least every eight years.

Comparing the United States to the "Star Wars" empire is about as silly as someone can get. Do you REALLY think that, as some point in human history, the US will govern most of the world? The closest that ever happened was the 1700-1800s with Britain and France tyring to control the planet. And it didn't work then. Ridiculous nonsense.

As for folks using the 9/11 events for satire or parody, you have to remember that you can't underestimate most people.




(edited by Eddie Famous on 28.9.04 1540)


"In the sky. Lord, in the sky..."
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That was THIRTY YEARS ago, with the military's hands tied behind it's back. C'mon, if the government had allowed the troops from Day One to go into the North and take care of business it would've been over in months with a victory.
- Eddie Famous, HAwks and Doves? (2004)
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