While most of my readers seem to get more into Serious Issues of The Day, I try to leaven my offerings with a little fun. Sometimes that falls flat. But I’ll try once again, by sharing this item, which a colleague brought to my attention, knowing my fondness for the movie in question.
It seems that lawmakers in the state of Idaho — which doesn’t really spend a lot of time in the national limelight — passed a resolution showing their appreciation to the makers of "Napoleon Dynamite," the phenomenally successful little indie film, set in a tiny Idaho town, about a geeky high school student who finds acceptance by following his heart. At least, I think that’s what it was about. If you ask the makers, they’ll probably say, "It’s about what I FEEL like makin’ it about, what do you think? GOSH!"
I realize this is gibberish if you haven’t seen the film; it may be gibberish if you have seen it. Anyway, my favorite part of House Concurrent Resolution 29 is this:
WHEREAS, any members of the House of Representatives or the Senate of the Legislature of the State of Idaho who choose to vote "Nay" on this concurrent resolution are "FREAKIN’ IDIOTS!"
Hence my headline.
The Idaho Falls Post Register‘s report on the legislative action ended with this:
The only "freakin idiots" in the Senate, by the way, were Davis and Assistant Majority Leader Joe Stegner of Lewiston.
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Never saw the film in question, but love the sense of humor of the legislators!
Brad,
Great subject.Indie films are usually the best.I feel guilty for not having seen this one yet,but will soon.My all-time favorite indie is Todd Solondz’s “Happiness”.It’s a little twisted(unavailable at Blockbuster),but definitely worth seeking out,if you haven’t seen it already.
My favorite line from Napoleon Dynamite: “It’s a liger, it’s pretty much my favorite animal; it’s like a lion and a tiger mixed — bred for skills and magic.”
I still prefer the emperor penguin for a party mascot, but maybe the liger would be a good compromise?
This is funny stuff. I was pleasantly surprised that this film caught on like it did. I thought I’d spend more time convincing people to see it, but many people already had, so I was the freakin’ idiot.
To reference a previous blog posting, I had to resolve my disdain for Mormonism (one of the few religions I find unfathomably digusting)with the fact that the creators of this little Idaho gem were staunch, vocal adherents of that misguided (and misguiding) cult. The legacy of petty larsonist R.Crumb is a minute threat compared to that of the brigands and fat lards who were Jonathan Smith and Brigham Young.
Now, off my soapbox and on to making myself a dang quesadilla for lunch…
First of all, it’s Joseph Smith, not Jonathan Smith. Secondly, smear campaigns against people’s religion are not helpful, especially since religion goes right down into the heart of who we are (even if a person swears he doesn’t have any, he has faith in something). I would like to think that we could keep mutual respect alive for our personhood, without which we cannot communicate in any helpful fashion on this blog. I had two Mormon missionaries over yesterday afternoon. They had come calling last week, but I didn’t have time for them. While I profoundly disagree with them, we talked with each other on terms of mutual respect. It wasn’t an arguing match.
I would suppose that we could discuss Mormonism (I’m not aware of such discussion on previous topics, but I’m a relative newcomer here), but we would need fair representation by a Mormon of their position. Otherwise we are too apt to beat up on a straw man.
I have rarely met a person that I couldn’t learn from. But it becomes very difficult to do so when attacked with personal insults. In my opinion, there is a little too much of that on this blog already. It is, I suppose, one of the dangers, of writing on machines as opposed to personal encounter with people. We tend to tone it down when we’re in someone else’s presence. At least I hope we do!
I don’t mind people calling each other “meatheads” or even “retarded” if you want. But am I wrong or are we becoming less capable of sustaining meaningful relationships in this society because of a lack of respect for one another?
You’re right,Herb.I just read a piece about how much society has changed since John Lennon’s death,pretty much what you’re saying,and it reminds me of a line from a Joni Mitchell song-“You can feel it out in traffic,everyone hates everyone”-I think most of us have been guilty of this(me too),maybe one for the resolutions list,but,now I’m going out to rent Dynamite,and try and get over my Lennon blues.
Herb, thanks for correcting my one error in that posting, honestly. It was a reminder to not post so hastily. Yet, one naming error does not defile an entire post’s points.
I am usually very liberal, at least, in comparison to the current political climate of SC except in cases such as Mormonism. This is not a matter of simple respect for an opposing viewpoint. Almost invariably, I do have that. This is a matter of standing up for what is right against what is wrong.
Mormonism is a cult, plainly and simply. It is a danger to society. Simple research and investigation will lead a person to find logical, ethical and emotional appeals to support my case. Before you ask, climb into Jon Krakauer’s excellent book on the matter. And, before you ask again, I have investigated, met with Mormons in our state, and attended “church” services in the Mormon cultic place of worship.
In the end, I found that Mark Twain was right again…the Mormon Bible is chloroform in print. That is wisdom I would espouse to your face or the biggest cult member’s on the block, as well, with zero fear of resulting physical harm.
Certain truths are eternal and unerring. Postmodernism, be damned.
Capital A, as an evangelical Christian, I am no post-modernist, either. But I have to ask myself what my forum is here. The Apostle Paul, who for evangelicals and Roman Catholics is one of the greatest examples of the spirit of Christ, handled error differently in the church than outside of it. He viewed idolatry as a doctrine of demons (1 Cor. 10:21), and said so in the church context. But his approach to idolaters in the marketplace or the political arena was one of respect and politeness (Acts 17:22). My point is, if we are going to examine a certain position, like Mormonism (and I’m not at all sure that is the purpose of this blog — I leave that to others), then we need to look at specifics. But I don’t find generalizations and slurs helpful, but rather just another example of “ranting and raving” that some have pointed out happens too often on these pages.
Herb, one problem with the internet is that sometimes “tone” does not come across. Whether that is the fault of the writer or the reader is debateable. In this case, I’ll accept fault. I would have expected that anyone who has seen the movie would have viewed my use of the “slurs” from the film as comical and as references to the hysterical work that is Napoleon Dynamite. My intention was to be rather tongue in cheek, Twainian even, as I usually am when approaching the satirization of religious matters. By no means was I in “rant mode.” I am steeped in a Christian background, but I am no fan of organized religion, in general. Men do seem to go crazy in congregations and only get better one by one.
You present yourself as a level headed fellow which I truly do appreciate. Most of those professing to be evangelical Christians are not so respectful as you have shown yourself here. Oddly, I would urge you to become more like your brethren where the twin evils Mormonism and Scientology are concerned. The latter is no real direct threat to our state at this point in time. Mormonism, however, is fast making inroads in a state society that ever increasingly loves its Jesus whitewashed.
If you can’t stand up against a cult that claims Jesus visited the Native Americans, that claims Native Americans are Jewish descendants, whose founder transcribed his version of the Bible from the bottom of a fedora, that promises an entire planet to followers to be populated by their polygamist products of pollenation, then what will you stand up for, Herb? And, when will you do it? In God’s time?
Moron-i is the angel who supposedly visited Smith. Here’s hoping Common Sense-i is another who will whisper in all our ears, arming us all with a flaming blade of truth and understanding to diagnose and innoculate such downright nonsense before the infection spreads. (Ok, so that last paragraph was over-the-top in tone, I admit it!)
Capital A, Yes! Now we have some specifics to go on. Personally, I have often wondered why the whole archaeological evidence for the book of Mormon doesn’t come under some intense scrutiny, since goodness knows it doesn’t have a chance of holding up. Rumor has it that anyone who tries comes under death threats — or is that another evangelical conspiracy theory? It is curious that the press seems to treat topics like Muhammad or Mormonism with kid gloves.
I don’t have a problem when we talk about specifics and look at things objectively. The question is if the “blogmaster” (what do you call those guys, anyway?) wants that discussion. We’re a long way now from the original “lighter” topic that he proposed.
Oops! I made a mistake. That last one was posted by me, not by Capital A.
Herb, don’t steal my identity! That would be like…me joining a cult.
Seriously, I don’t think the “blogmaster” cares where the discussion goes as long as we are respectful towards each other, which I think we have been. That’s the magic of blogs: they warp to any whim as long as it’s almost topical.
I think the media represents the majority and, as such, refuses to bully representatives of the minority which are represented by Islam and Mormonism in your posting. That’s a wonderful trait that sets America apart from other countries, but it can also be a failing when a minor threat is allowed to grow into a major monster.
Fundamentalist Islam and modern-day Mormonism are two such threats. Some will try to compare Christian fundamamentalism to those two movements, and I have my problems with Christian fundamentalism, but its list of sins, at least in the era in which we live, is not even comparable to that of the cabals of Smith and Mohammed. Those two con men even initiated their cults in much the same way, when you view the process.
The difference for me is that Christian fundamentalists present themselves for what they are, with little or no guile. Islam claims to be a modern religion, yet has not undergone a reformation. This will be its undoing. Mormonism, on the other ironic hand, is too radical in its sweeping changes to its touchstone. So much so that it can’t stand the crucible when placed under logical fire…
Now, I’m not saying let’s ban or totally burn away these beliefs because that would be un-American. I am saying let’s examine and learn from them, call them out for what they are: two geneses of lunacy.
Herb, I forgot to add a suggestion. By no means should this be anyone’s only research into Mormonism, but you may want to try Jon Krakauer’s book called Under the Banner of Heaven. It’s a frightening look into the evils of modern-day Mormonism with insights into what lies beneath. You may remember him as the author of Into Thin Air, the book that concerned itself with the 1996 Mt. Everest climbing tragedy. I think you’ll find he is an informed, “trustworthy” presenter.
And, as far as I know, they haven’t bumped him off yet..:) Heck, I’m still here, and I visit Mormon churches in my area from time to time for craps and giggles and to remind myself of what we’re facing.
What? It’s free and funnier than WCW Wrestling at the Township.
Capital A, thanks for the book tip. I’ll look at it when I have time. Again, I’m all for discussing issues, as long as they are issues, and not generalizations. At the same time, I can win an argument, but lose the person. “Speaking the truth in love,” the New Testament calls it.
I have Muslim friends whom I deeply respect. I’m also pretty sure that the new research on the Qur’an (Yemeni manuscripts) proves that it did not drop from heaven, but was compiled over a period of at least 100 years. But attacking their book, which they basically worship (though they would not admit it) is a task that needs the right time and forum. Simply making generalizations about how awful Islam (or Mormonism, for that matter)is, doesn’t gain anything in my opinion.
Capital A, I’m thinking that Brian McClaren does a good job of articulating the type of attitude and response we should have to those of other faiths. See his response to that question at: http://www.anewkindofchristian.com/archives/000387.html