Cold Comfort Farm is one of my favorite movies of all time because it shows how simply and naturally people can escape the grip of a totalitarian tyrant — in this case, Aunt Ada Doom, of Starkadder Farm. The short version: connect people with their dreams and their ability to achieve them.
I’ll be developing this theme. But in the meantime, here is a clip that starts at the end of the turning point scene where the first character to free himself announces he’s leaving. It includes the ever-delightful Eileen Atkins chewing the scenery when the second character to free himself leaves and the wonderful line, “I’d take her, too, but she’s gloomy!”
Do watch the entire movie again and again until you understand the mechanics of how enslaved, dominated and manipulated people become able to free themselves.
And perfect casting with the very young Kate Beckinsale, who also played Jane Austen’s Emma to the hilt. It’s weird to see her running around with vampires. I guess work is work.
Like how socialism provides people the means to be free from the tyranny of the rich capitalists?
Or how secular liberalism helps free women and homosexuals from the crush of religious fundamentalism?
Smellerbee,
Or like down is up? And the moon is the sun? And all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others?
The rich capitalists got rich in the first place by making the most of their talents and opportunities, which they were motivated to do because capitalism allows them to keep a fair portion of the fruits of their labors — currently less than half under our current tax system (note to wage slaves: you think your employer pays half your FICA tax but you have to create that much value to keep your job, so it’s really a tax you pay, just not directly). Entrepreneurs create inventions, new products and services — and jobs. Capitalism fills people with energy, joy, enthusiasm and ambition.
Gov. Sarah Palin, who is Republican and conservative, embodies EVERYTHING the feminist movement said it supported in the 1970’s.
As for the crush of religious fundamentalism — spare me! Obama is the religious fundamentalist the homosexual community should fear. Obama will NEVER deliver on any important promise to the homosexual community because that would anger the constituencies he truly cares about: anti-gay black churches, especially the ones who follow Black Liberation Theology; illegal immigrants; and Muslims. Also, Obama has stated his opposition to marriage equality for gays. Homosexuals are fools to donate work or money — or anything — in support of Obama.
The politician speaking out most strongly now for homosexual equality is former Vice President Dick Cheney, a Republican and conservative. McCain/Palin campaigned with openly gay people on their staffs. Obama campaigned with an ex-gay as his opening act. Also, Obama has never marched in a Pride Day parade.
I look for consistency between what people say and what they do. I find considerable consistency between words and action on the right. On the left — almost none. Go ahead and find out for yourself — pressure Obama to fulfill his promise to get Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and “don’t ask, don’t tell” — the Democrats have a majority in Congress, they could do both in half an hour.
Cynthia