Hey I am posting my little Christmas Story hoping to make it an annual thing. I am sure all my readers kept looking back at this blog for it. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
"The Gift"
Some time around the first week of the year. I took a second look at one of our traditional Christmas decorations; it was a complete and total eyesore. It was a gift some old lady gave my mother 10 years ago for Christmas and I guess she felt obligated to put it on the tree each year. It was a gaudy looking knitted cat. It was one the most hideous things I have ever laid eyes on. They say its thought that counts well it’s the thought that angers me when I see it every year.
That same Christmas like every year an epidemic spread through the grade school. This year it was in the form of Sega, the newest video game system. Over greasy square pizza, pale yellow peas, and flavorless mashed potatoes shaped like an ice cream scoop, I would hear all the kids discuss the latest video games. I would try my best to stay absent from the conversation. I wouldn’t know what to say when they would ask me if I had gotten past the castle board yet.
One day went I went home I sat my father down and tried to tell him how I would benefit from having a Sega game system of my very own. I told him it would give me better hand eye coordination and against the popular notion it made kids zombies, I told him it acutally made them think and make quick decisions. He went on and on about how when he was a kid he would just use his imagination to have fun, and how kids today are spoiled. I think that conversation is had all over America in every family at one point and time. I used to think that my parents and all the other parents would go to secret meetings at night or when all their kids were in school and discuss stuff like this. I pictured a man with a gavel leading the meeting and hammering home the idea of telling children why they are spoiled and to shove vegetables down their throats. One time I actually searched my mother’s purse for a pamphlet when they got home late the night before.
That Christmas I was hoping for a miracle. I rushed down the steps that morning and studied each mystery. I did the shake test, the weight test and the hold them up to the sunlight test. As I tore, open each one my chances of getting the coveted Sega was getting slimmer and slimmer. All kinds of flashes were going off from my mother’s camera capturing images of me, and my reactions to each present.
Later that day my family and I went to my aunt and uncle’s for dinner. I was in a miserable mood the whole time. The only bright spot was that my cousin Robby who was about my age was there. And guess what he got for Christmas? Of course the very same Sega system. He told me he got it weeks before Christmas even came. Robby and I were always highly competitive. So while the sweet smell of the pending ham dinner dissipated through the air we settled down in front of the television. With all those weeks of practice, he had on me he humiliated me. I think he set a record for goals scored in a hockey game, shot my plane down about a dozen times, and beat me all over the wrestling ring. I went home feeling worse than I did when I realized I wasn’t getting the Sega.
On the ride home my father tried to reach out to me. But I just pushed him away. The image of my wrestler I was controlling laying on the floor after about 30 seconds was burning in my mind. I sat in fit of rage in the back seat as my parents were in the front. My father turned the radio down. He told me that maybe one day I would get one. But I didn’t hear it. I wanted to tell him how Robby’s parents weren’t any richer than we, that I was the only kid that didn’t have a Sega. But all that came out at the top of my tiny lungs was I HATE YOU! And instead of saying anything after that. I just repeated I HATE YOU! Because he was driving of course he had his back to me. But we passed a street light that light up the rear view window and I glimpse of his face. Suddenly I didn’t want to yell anymore. I did not apologize either, in fact no one said anything. The car just hummed along the rest of the ride.
About two months later I got a Sega for my birthday. It funny the minute I unwrapped the gift and realized what it was, I almost had to fake excitement. Sure I spend many a night in the glow of my television going to far off lands and winning championships, but I could never take those words back. At least in a video game you are blessed with more than one life. At the time I meant the words that came out of my mouth. I hated my father as much as I hate that stupid knit cat now. One time after coming home from a fishing trip with my father after many years of those words keeping me up at night, it figured it was time to apologize. However my mouth froze, I never did. I like to think that my father knew what I was thinking. Like I said they say it’s the thought that counts.
I put the rest of the ornaments in a box, and I carried them basement. I placed them in a closet we hardly used. It was full of dust and mildew. I rested the box right on top of the Sega.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TOO ALL MY READERS AND I HOPE YOU ALL GET LOTS OF COOL STUFF FROM SANTA
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
"Tucker looks at It s a Wonderful Life"
Some people have not given Its a Wonderful Life a chance, and to be honest I really did not until a few years ago. Maybe the reason is because at one point due to botched paper work the film went into public domain meaning any channel could should the film with out giving anyone a dime as many times as they wanted. Ironically when it was released in 1946 it quickly disappeared from theaters, did not win an Oscars and was eventually pretty much forgotten. That was until the error in the 1970s resulted in the film being shown dozens of times and word of mouth got out and even more channels started to run the film. The film was colorized and bastardized for a few decades, but now NBC owns the right to the film and limits themselves to showing the film twice during the holiday season. The DVD picture looks amazing for a film this old and is a great buy.
The film was director Frank Capra’s finest hour. Capra more or less invented the road comedy with IT Happened One Night, and actually tried various kinds of films. However the films that he would be remembered for were movies about the little against the system (see also Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1934). Most of the plots were fairly simple and critics dubbed his humor and sappy blend as CAPRA-CORN. However it just proves to me that critics were dickheads back than too. I have not seen all his major films yet but I Capra had a rare gift to tap into the human spirit that many directors these days lack. It’s a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Go to Washington still hold up after all these years as entertaining films and their storylines are still socially relevant today.
It s a Wonderful Life is an important film for many reasons, one being the time of the release. In was 1946 and World War II had just ended and the movie industry just wanted to churn out war stories. Capra was sick of the horrors of war and set out to make his most passionate picture of his career. James Stewart had joined the war effort immediately the bombing of Pearl Harbor and rose to the ranks of colonel before the war ended. He was hesitant about returning to acting after his experience. Stewart and Capra were supposedly both close to breakdown during production of the film, and Stewarts tears in the bar scene were real. He was extremely moved by the scene and Capra kept the moment on film.
I doubt many of my readers have not learned the plot of this film that has been spoofed and ripped off countless times however I guess I should throw up a spoiler warning any way. The movie shows us the life of George Bailey (Stewart) starting with his childhood when he rescues his younger brother from drowning in a frozen lake. We get take a brief tour of a small fictional American town Bedford Falls in the first portion the 20th century. The film touches on the roaring 20’s when everything seemed right in the world both broad and George’s. George tags along with this high-school dance ( we get to see George do the Charleston) and Stewart plays to his all shucks persona for the first quarter of the film. George was supposed to leave the next day and fulfill his life long dream of traveling all over the globe. However circumstances arise and he must shelf his dreams in order to keep the family business the Savings and Loans of Bedford Falls alive.
Staying in his hometown has its rewards such as settling down with his life long love interest, and serving as role model for the town. He stands his ground at first to the polar opposite opposition Mr. Potter who owns most of the town and the surrounding area and even was one of the few to capitalize on the great depression. While George lives modestly and barely breaks even with the business Mr. Potter gets increasingly more powerful and wealthy over the years. While George helps build the American dream with his clients even going as far as helping them move into nicer homes or start their new business Potter is looking at his customer base as dollars and cents and making calculated moves in order to maybe them more dependent on him and shake them down for more coinage.
When money is missing George has an intense breakdown, all his sacrificed could have been in vein if he ends up in the slammer. Stewart s performance is nothing short of brilliant as we watch him quietly grow increasingly more bitter and resentful to never leaving his home town while watching his brother; best friend and various others come go as the please chasing after the American Dream as he remained at a job he never cared for. On the brink of Suicide Christmas Eve an angel in training allows him to see a vision of how the people in his life would have been affected had he never been born.
Actually many movie goers thought this sequence pushed into being too depressing when it was released. Without Stewart many his loved ones were worse off. Certainly his brother who was supposed to be a war hero was. His beloved Mary never found her soul mate, and Mr. Potter had no one to stand up to him. The entire town was overrun with bars and nightclubs. Everything including the town bared his namesake, the bars were slummier and one can argue that it Capra was dead on as his vision for the future of many American towns.
The film I think actually gets better with annual viewings. One of the reasons the film still holds up is its timeless story line. Everyone can relate to their life not panning out to the way they mapped it out as a child. Everyone has had to make decisions based on elements they have not control over. Speaking for myself I often measure myself against others. The film speaks to the audience to look less outward and more inward. George s brother Harry was a good solider because he had a good brother. George’s best friend offered George many chances to get rich, and although he lived the high life he certainly respected his childhood home. This was key for the film not to paint all rich people as cold hearted bastards and to show money can be used for good. Everyone has had misfortunes pile up to the point that they want to kick the crap out of things.
The movie plays very well this year, a year that saw death and destruction, a year of layoffs and various college graduates like myself struggle to carve out their niche in the world. The movie alludes that a capitalistic society can appear to be unforgiving at times. Especially for those who have always played the hands dealt close to their chest with aspirations to make it a big in the world. Many war veterans this year had to struggle with the issue of returning back to their hometowns. Going back to normal life many of them returned with a greater appreciation of what they have.
Liza (so were others) was miffed that Mr. Potter who was basically a crook seemingly got off the hook at the end of the film. Something unheard of in movies until this film came a long. The Mr. Potters of the world will always have more impressive pay stubs than me but as the film says if you have a good heart and surround yourself with people of good character no one can logically call you a failure. Mr. Potter’s success was only in the business world not successful in the aspects of life that actually matter. The films title references something that can’t be judged by a bank examiner.
Capra perhaps after the film flopped never really gained his confidence back, and most of his films from that were what I am told not up to par, and he eventually moved into television films. However he did leave a film legacy and now that I have Netflix I plan to discover some of his films. In movies today there are too many overly cynic post-modern directors so it will be refreshing to cook up a warm tub of CAPRA-corn every now and than.
As for Stewart It s A Wonderful Life was turning point for him. He had been mostly known for his screwball comedies until Capra helped him find his dramatic capabilities. Later he worked with the legendary Alfred Hitchock several times often going against type. Most of the calibrations between Hitch and Stewart was his Hitch at his best as it was for Capra. The films included Rear Window, Vertigo, The Man Who Knew Too Much, and the under appreciated Rope. He returned to sentimental comedies/dramas with the wonderful film Harvey. Eventually like everyone else he moved in to Western films for the better half of a decade and towards the end of his career he coasted on his persona in stuff that from what I understand was beneath him. He showed up in a few note worthy roles in the taking on the supporting roles mainly. I plan to check out the Shootist with Stewart playing the doctor of long time friend John Wayne who as his character in the film was dying of cancer at the time. Stewart’s final theatrical film was a Lassie movie ( live action), and than he pretty much retired. He surfaced in the mini series North and South, and provided a voice in Fivel Goes West for his final role. He claimed towards the end of the year it was better to just retire since people weren’t interested in seeing his kind of movies anymore. How wrong he was.
Some people have not given Its a Wonderful Life a chance, and to be honest I really did not until a few years ago. Maybe the reason is because at one point due to botched paper work the film went into public domain meaning any channel could should the film with out giving anyone a dime as many times as they wanted. Ironically when it was released in 1946 it quickly disappeared from theaters, did not win an Oscars and was eventually pretty much forgotten. That was until the error in the 1970s resulted in the film being shown dozens of times and word of mouth got out and even more channels started to run the film. The film was colorized and bastardized for a few decades, but now NBC owns the right to the film and limits themselves to showing the film twice during the holiday season. The DVD picture looks amazing for a film this old and is a great buy.
The film was director Frank Capra’s finest hour. Capra more or less invented the road comedy with IT Happened One Night, and actually tried various kinds of films. However the films that he would be remembered for were movies about the little against the system (see also Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1934). Most of the plots were fairly simple and critics dubbed his humor and sappy blend as CAPRA-CORN. However it just proves to me that critics were dickheads back than too. I have not seen all his major films yet but I Capra had a rare gift to tap into the human spirit that many directors these days lack. It’s a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Go to Washington still hold up after all these years as entertaining films and their storylines are still socially relevant today.
It s a Wonderful Life is an important film for many reasons, one being the time of the release. In was 1946 and World War II had just ended and the movie industry just wanted to churn out war stories. Capra was sick of the horrors of war and set out to make his most passionate picture of his career. James Stewart had joined the war effort immediately the bombing of Pearl Harbor and rose to the ranks of colonel before the war ended. He was hesitant about returning to acting after his experience. Stewart and Capra were supposedly both close to breakdown during production of the film, and Stewarts tears in the bar scene were real. He was extremely moved by the scene and Capra kept the moment on film.
I doubt many of my readers have not learned the plot of this film that has been spoofed and ripped off countless times however I guess I should throw up a spoiler warning any way. The movie shows us the life of George Bailey (Stewart) starting with his childhood when he rescues his younger brother from drowning in a frozen lake. We get take a brief tour of a small fictional American town Bedford Falls in the first portion the 20th century. The film touches on the roaring 20’s when everything seemed right in the world both broad and George’s. George tags along with this high-school dance ( we get to see George do the Charleston) and Stewart plays to his all shucks persona for the first quarter of the film. George was supposed to leave the next day and fulfill his life long dream of traveling all over the globe. However circumstances arise and he must shelf his dreams in order to keep the family business the Savings and Loans of Bedford Falls alive.
Staying in his hometown has its rewards such as settling down with his life long love interest, and serving as role model for the town. He stands his ground at first to the polar opposite opposition Mr. Potter who owns most of the town and the surrounding area and even was one of the few to capitalize on the great depression. While George lives modestly and barely breaks even with the business Mr. Potter gets increasingly more powerful and wealthy over the years. While George helps build the American dream with his clients even going as far as helping them move into nicer homes or start their new business Potter is looking at his customer base as dollars and cents and making calculated moves in order to maybe them more dependent on him and shake them down for more coinage.
When money is missing George has an intense breakdown, all his sacrificed could have been in vein if he ends up in the slammer. Stewart s performance is nothing short of brilliant as we watch him quietly grow increasingly more bitter and resentful to never leaving his home town while watching his brother; best friend and various others come go as the please chasing after the American Dream as he remained at a job he never cared for. On the brink of Suicide Christmas Eve an angel in training allows him to see a vision of how the people in his life would have been affected had he never been born.
Actually many movie goers thought this sequence pushed into being too depressing when it was released. Without Stewart many his loved ones were worse off. Certainly his brother who was supposed to be a war hero was. His beloved Mary never found her soul mate, and Mr. Potter had no one to stand up to him. The entire town was overrun with bars and nightclubs. Everything including the town bared his namesake, the bars were slummier and one can argue that it Capra was dead on as his vision for the future of many American towns.
The film I think actually gets better with annual viewings. One of the reasons the film still holds up is its timeless story line. Everyone can relate to their life not panning out to the way they mapped it out as a child. Everyone has had to make decisions based on elements they have not control over. Speaking for myself I often measure myself against others. The film speaks to the audience to look less outward and more inward. George s brother Harry was a good solider because he had a good brother. George’s best friend offered George many chances to get rich, and although he lived the high life he certainly respected his childhood home. This was key for the film not to paint all rich people as cold hearted bastards and to show money can be used for good. Everyone has had misfortunes pile up to the point that they want to kick the crap out of things.
The movie plays very well this year, a year that saw death and destruction, a year of layoffs and various college graduates like myself struggle to carve out their niche in the world. The movie alludes that a capitalistic society can appear to be unforgiving at times. Especially for those who have always played the hands dealt close to their chest with aspirations to make it a big in the world. Many war veterans this year had to struggle with the issue of returning back to their hometowns. Going back to normal life many of them returned with a greater appreciation of what they have.
Liza (so were others) was miffed that Mr. Potter who was basically a crook seemingly got off the hook at the end of the film. Something unheard of in movies until this film came a long. The Mr. Potters of the world will always have more impressive pay stubs than me but as the film says if you have a good heart and surround yourself with people of good character no one can logically call you a failure. Mr. Potter’s success was only in the business world not successful in the aspects of life that actually matter. The films title references something that can’t be judged by a bank examiner.
Capra perhaps after the film flopped never really gained his confidence back, and most of his films from that were what I am told not up to par, and he eventually moved into television films. However he did leave a film legacy and now that I have Netflix I plan to discover some of his films. In movies today there are too many overly cynic post-modern directors so it will be refreshing to cook up a warm tub of CAPRA-corn every now and than.
As for Stewart It s A Wonderful Life was turning point for him. He had been mostly known for his screwball comedies until Capra helped him find his dramatic capabilities. Later he worked with the legendary Alfred Hitchock several times often going against type. Most of the calibrations between Hitch and Stewart was his Hitch at his best as it was for Capra. The films included Rear Window, Vertigo, The Man Who Knew Too Much, and the under appreciated Rope. He returned to sentimental comedies/dramas with the wonderful film Harvey. Eventually like everyone else he moved in to Western films for the better half of a decade and towards the end of his career he coasted on his persona in stuff that from what I understand was beneath him. He showed up in a few note worthy roles in the taking on the supporting roles mainly. I plan to check out the Shootist with Stewart playing the doctor of long time friend John Wayne who as his character in the film was dying of cancer at the time. Stewart’s final theatrical film was a Lassie movie ( live action), and than he pretty much retired. He surfaced in the mini series North and South, and provided a voice in Fivel Goes West for his final role. He claimed towards the end of the year it was better to just retire since people weren’t interested in seeing his kind of movies anymore. How wrong he was.
Monday, December 22, 2003
Um. Blooger has gone crazy and I can not use quotes or it goes nuts. Sorry I am working to find out how to fix this.
Sorry to get all dark on you folks but I had to do this. Later this week I will post my Its a Wonderful Life article which I finished, and have my 2nd annual last minute shoppers message, and republish my short story The Gift a Tuckers World tradition.
*****TUCKER SLAMMED BY TERMINUS*****
Not a Man Not Yet a Human
My friend Drew has a blog 1. TERMIUS, as you know. Like every blog writer last week he chimed in on the whole capture of Saddam. Well he has his own comments section unlike me. So I decided to ask him what he thought about all the liberals making this out to be a negative thing. So many liberal minded people were saying, such as it isn't the real Saddam, Saddam was found months ago and was kept in a bunker in Texas, etc. I point out the irony that these same people were the ones who wanted proof of WMD, are now pulling these stories out their ass. I guess the most bold claim I made was that I wouldnt be surprised if some whacko-s just say we should release him.
I posted a comment to ask him how people could feel sorry for Saddam, because many people actually did. Now read the comments and I could be wrong but I don't recall saying that if you felt bad for the guy that you were on his side or anything. I simply have no sympathy for the guy, and asked the question how people could. I honestly can't feel sorry for him. I didn't belittle them really I was just amazed how people were upset because he will actually be given a trial, a man who put to death anyone who looked at him funny.
I cant express sympathy for a man who killed thousands of people and had mass graves all over the country. As for embarrassment I think it could be a lot worse, I have seen people on Survivor look in worse shape than him and as for the images I have seen worse on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy Drew did agree that he deserves everything he gets, but after getting insulted for being branded a Sympathizer (although I never did any such thing) he goes on to say
"Oh, yes, and how dare any human being express any sympathy for a man who is going to be locked up for the last few short years of his life before being executed. Where does this idea come from that feeling sympathy for someone means that you support or approve of them. Put your self in Saddam's shoes right now and imagine what you'd be thinking and feeling. If you don't feel sympathy for that, you're not human. That doesn't mean that Saddam should be freed. It doesn't mean that Saddam doesn't deserve everything he gets. Of he course he does, and more. But the poor sonofabitch went from sovereign ruler of Iraq to living in a hole in a matter of weeks. It's got to be pretty hard for him. What's wrong with saying so?"
WOW. I did not make that up folks. Now think back a week ago. Did you feel sympathy for him? I hope so for your sake you did, if not you are not a human. Drew my friend I did think for a moment about the irony of him being in a tiny hole that when he climbed out had a view of his huge palace. Putting myself in his shoes would mean I would have had to see the horror that he unleashed upon humanity and my over-active imagination simply could not do it justice. I had to stop. If you are going to put yourself in the mans shoes Drew I suggest you think about it. He was a rich asshole who if he wasnt killing people he was willing letting people starve to death. Yeah it had to be pretty hard for Saddam leaving his golden toilets for a hole in the ground, but is it wrong for me not to feel bad for the end of Saddams rule.
Let us look at what he wrote. When he says if you don t have sympathy for THAT well....... what does he mean by that exactly? Judging by his previous statements THAT is Saddam being placed on trial and getting locked up for the last few years of his life. So now why would I feel sympathy for justice being served against someone who is being charged with historic crimes against humanity. Saddam might have been scared, and since tried to negotiate his way out of the hole I guess he was.
What I would be thinking and feeling if I were Saddam? Well maybe I would be thinking I should not have murdered thousands of people for no reason. Do I feel sorry that Saddam felt maybe a tenth of a fraction of fear that people did as they watched their loved ones being murdered by his followers or himself personally. Do I regret us having to have Saddam a man who murdered members of his own family and innocent children having his feelings hurt? HELL NO. All he got was a bruised ego big deal. He was on the run for a few months big deal. I am glad that the poor son of a bitch had it hard we are like one of the only countries in the entire world that would not murder him on the spot. If anything he got lucky.
I can only hope that Saddam THINKS about what he did while he is locked up for the last few short years of his life before being executed. I want him to feel fear, and maybe put himself in his own shoes for once. JESUS. Being alone with his thoughts has to be scary. Does he really think I am a bad person for wondering if Saddam is feeling blue?
Drew hates being labeled Un-American for speaking his mind but when I do he will imply I am unworthy to be considered a human. Isn't that a bigger insult? I must be a vicious horrible beast by definition I guess. I guess Saddam and I are both Monsters in his eyes than, because I do not know what else that makes me since I am clearly not a human loyal readers. Do you do yourself a favor ask people around if their heart strings were tugged on. Maybe Dr. Phil should have been sent down the hole and tried to reach Saddam.
Does Drew do this to get a rise out of people like me? I really don't know.
I wonder if Drew feels sorry that Hitler hit hard times when he was cornered and took his own life rather than be captured. What makes Hitler different? It is inhuman to not feel sorry for what Hitler was thinking and feeling when he had that gun ready to take his own life. I mean a in the matter of a mere couple of years he went from almost taking over all over Europe to being surrounded by troops out to capture him. Support the war or not Saddam can easily be put on a list with Hitler as far as horrible deadly people, I mean he did not get the name butch of Baghdad for nothing. I hate to end on a cliche. Does having sympathy for Saddam s crushed dreams and fears when he saw those troops looking down at him make you un-American will not call you that Drew maybe a hypocrite if you mange to worm your way out of applying the same logic to Hitler. How can you not put the same logic to Hitler s case? What about his feelings is on a different plan than Saddam? Maybe there is different levels of inhumanity than? I am glad you are here to define what is right and wrong to think Drew. Then again I am not human.
Sorry to get all dark on you folks but I had to do this. Later this week I will post my Its a Wonderful Life article which I finished, and have my 2nd annual last minute shoppers message, and republish my short story The Gift a Tuckers World tradition.
*****TUCKER SLAMMED BY TERMINUS*****
Not a Man Not Yet a Human
My friend Drew has a blog 1. TERMIUS, as you know. Like every blog writer last week he chimed in on the whole capture of Saddam. Well he has his own comments section unlike me. So I decided to ask him what he thought about all the liberals making this out to be a negative thing. So many liberal minded people were saying, such as it isn't the real Saddam, Saddam was found months ago and was kept in a bunker in Texas, etc. I point out the irony that these same people were the ones who wanted proof of WMD, are now pulling these stories out their ass. I guess the most bold claim I made was that I wouldnt be surprised if some whacko-s just say we should release him.
I posted a comment to ask him how people could feel sorry for Saddam, because many people actually did. Now read the comments and I could be wrong but I don't recall saying that if you felt bad for the guy that you were on his side or anything. I simply have no sympathy for the guy, and asked the question how people could. I honestly can't feel sorry for him. I didn't belittle them really I was just amazed how people were upset because he will actually be given a trial, a man who put to death anyone who looked at him funny.
I cant express sympathy for a man who killed thousands of people and had mass graves all over the country. As for embarrassment I think it could be a lot worse, I have seen people on Survivor look in worse shape than him and as for the images I have seen worse on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy Drew did agree that he deserves everything he gets, but after getting insulted for being branded a Sympathizer (although I never did any such thing) he goes on to say
"Oh, yes, and how dare any human being express any sympathy for a man who is going to be locked up for the last few short years of his life before being executed. Where does this idea come from that feeling sympathy for someone means that you support or approve of them. Put your self in Saddam's shoes right now and imagine what you'd be thinking and feeling. If you don't feel sympathy for that, you're not human. That doesn't mean that Saddam should be freed. It doesn't mean that Saddam doesn't deserve everything he gets. Of he course he does, and more. But the poor sonofabitch went from sovereign ruler of Iraq to living in a hole in a matter of weeks. It's got to be pretty hard for him. What's wrong with saying so?"
WOW. I did not make that up folks. Now think back a week ago. Did you feel sympathy for him? I hope so for your sake you did, if not you are not a human. Drew my friend I did think for a moment about the irony of him being in a tiny hole that when he climbed out had a view of his huge palace. Putting myself in his shoes would mean I would have had to see the horror that he unleashed upon humanity and my over-active imagination simply could not do it justice. I had to stop. If you are going to put yourself in the mans shoes Drew I suggest you think about it. He was a rich asshole who if he wasnt killing people he was willing letting people starve to death. Yeah it had to be pretty hard for Saddam leaving his golden toilets for a hole in the ground, but is it wrong for me not to feel bad for the end of Saddams rule.
Let us look at what he wrote. When he says if you don t have sympathy for THAT well....... what does he mean by that exactly? Judging by his previous statements THAT is Saddam being placed on trial and getting locked up for the last few years of his life. So now why would I feel sympathy for justice being served against someone who is being charged with historic crimes against humanity. Saddam might have been scared, and since tried to negotiate his way out of the hole I guess he was.
What I would be thinking and feeling if I were Saddam? Well maybe I would be thinking I should not have murdered thousands of people for no reason. Do I feel sorry that Saddam felt maybe a tenth of a fraction of fear that people did as they watched their loved ones being murdered by his followers or himself personally. Do I regret us having to have Saddam a man who murdered members of his own family and innocent children having his feelings hurt? HELL NO. All he got was a bruised ego big deal. He was on the run for a few months big deal. I am glad that the poor son of a bitch had it hard we are like one of the only countries in the entire world that would not murder him on the spot. If anything he got lucky.
I can only hope that Saddam THINKS about what he did while he is locked up for the last few short years of his life before being executed. I want him to feel fear, and maybe put himself in his own shoes for once. JESUS. Being alone with his thoughts has to be scary. Does he really think I am a bad person for wondering if Saddam is feeling blue?
Drew hates being labeled Un-American for speaking his mind but when I do he will imply I am unworthy to be considered a human. Isn't that a bigger insult? I must be a vicious horrible beast by definition I guess. I guess Saddam and I are both Monsters in his eyes than, because I do not know what else that makes me since I am clearly not a human loyal readers. Do you do yourself a favor ask people around if their heart strings were tugged on. Maybe Dr. Phil should have been sent down the hole and tried to reach Saddam.
Does Drew do this to get a rise out of people like me? I really don't know.
I wonder if Drew feels sorry that Hitler hit hard times when he was cornered and took his own life rather than be captured. What makes Hitler different? It is inhuman to not feel sorry for what Hitler was thinking and feeling when he had that gun ready to take his own life. I mean a in the matter of a mere couple of years he went from almost taking over all over Europe to being surrounded by troops out to capture him. Support the war or not Saddam can easily be put on a list with Hitler as far as horrible deadly people, I mean he did not get the name butch of Baghdad for nothing. I hate to end on a cliche. Does having sympathy for Saddam s crushed dreams and fears when he saw those troops looking down at him make you un-American will not call you that Drew maybe a hypocrite if you mange to worm your way out of applying the same logic to Hitler. How can you not put the same logic to Hitler s case? What about his feelings is on a different plan than Saddam? Maybe there is different levels of inhumanity than? I am glad you are here to define what is right and wrong to think Drew. Then again I am not human.
Sorry to get all dark on you folks but I had to do this. Later this week I will post my It’s a Wonderful Life article which I finished, and have my 2nd annual last minute shoppers message, and republish my short story “The Gift� a Tucker’s World tradition.
*****TUCKER SLAMMED BY TERMINUS*****
“Not a Man Not Yet a Human�
My friend Drew has a blog TERMIUS, as you know. Like every blog writer last week he chimed in on the whole capturing Saddam story. Well he has his own comments section unlike me. So I decided to ask him what he thought about all the liberals out there have turned into a negative. So many liberal minded people were saying what I thought was off the wall stuff, such as it isn't the real Saddam, etc. I pointed out the irony that these same people wanted proof of WMD were now pulling these stories out their ass. I guess the most bold claim I made was that I wouldn’t be surprised if some whacko-s just say we should release him.
I went to ask him how people could feel sorry for Saddam, because many people actually did. Now read the comments and I could be wrong but I don't recall saying that if you felt bad for the guy that you were on his side or anything. I simply have no sympathy for the guy, and asked the question how people could. I honestly can't feel sorry for him. I didn't belittle them really I was just amazed how people were upset because he will actually be given a trial a man who put to death anyone who looked at him funny.
I didn't express sympathy for a man who killed thousands of people and had mass graves all over the place having his bearded image shown across the world. As for embarrassment I think it could be a lot worse I have seen people on Survivor look in worse shape than him and as for the images I have seen worse on “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy� Drew did agree that he deserves everything he gets, but after getting insulted for being branded a "Sympathizer" (although I never did any such thing) he goes on to say
"Oh, yes, and how dare any human being express any sympathy for a man who is going to be locked up for the last few short years of his life before being executed. Where does this idea come from that feeling sympathy for someone means that you support or approve of them. Put your self in Saddam's shoes right now and imagine what you'd be thinking and feeling. If you don't feel sympathy for that, you're not human. That doesn't mean that Saddam should be freed. It doesn't mean that Saddam doesn't deserve everything he gets. Of he course he does, and more. But the poor sonofabitch went from sovereign ruler of Iraq to living in a hole in a matter of weeks. It's got to be pretty hard for him. What's wrong with saying so?"
WOW. I did not make that up folks. Now think back a week ago. Did you feel sympathy for him? I hope so for your sake if not, you are not a human. Drew my friend I did think for a moment about the irony of him being in a tiny hole that when he climbed out had a view of his huge palace. Putting myself in his shoes would mean I would have had to see the horror that he unleashed upon humanity and my over-active imagination simply could not do it justice. I had to stop. If you are going to put yourself in the man s shoes Drew I suggest you think about it. He was a rich asshole who if he wasn t killing people he was willing letting people starve to death. Yeah it had to be pretty hard for Saddam leaving his golden toilets for a hole in the ground, but is it wrong for me not to feel bad for the end of Saddams rule.
Let us look at what he wrote. When he says if you don t have sympathy for THATwell what does he mean by that exactly? Judging by his previous statements THAT are him being punished for what he did and getting ¦locked up for the last few years of his life. So know why would I feel sympathy for justice being served for someone getting punished for historic crimes against humanity. Saddam might have been scared, and since tried to negotiate his way out of the hole I guess he was.
What I would be thinking and feeling if I were Saddam? Well maybe I would be thinking I should not have murdered thousands of people for no reason. Do I feel sorry that Saddam felt maybe a tenth of a fraction of fear that people did as they watched their loved ones being murdered by his followers or himself personally. Do I regret us having to have Saddam a man who murdered members of his own family and innocent children having his feelings hurt? HELL NO. All he got was a bruised ego big deal. He was on the run for a few months big deal. I am glad that the Poor sonofabitch had it “hard� we are like one of the only countries in the entire world that wouldn not murder him on the spot. If anything he got lucky.
I can only hope that Saddam THINKS about what he did while he is "locked up for the last few short years of his life before being executed." I want him to feel fear, and maybe put himself in his own shoes for once. JESUS. Being alone with his thoughts has to be scary. Does he really think I am a bad person for wondering if Saddam is feeling blue?
Drew hates being labeled Un-American for speaking his mind but when I do he will imply I am unworthy to be considered a human. Isn't that a bigger insult? I must be a vicious horrible beast by definition I guess. I guess Saddam and I are both Monsters in his eyes than, because I do not know what else that makes me since I am clearly not a human loyal readers. Do you do yourself a favor ask people around if their heart strings were tugged on. Maybe Dr. Phil should have been sent down the hole and tried to reach Saddam.
Does Drew do this to get a rise out of people like me? I really don't know.
I wonder if Drew feels sorry that Hitler hit hard times when he was cornered and took his own life rather than be captured. What makes Hitler different? It is inhuman to not feel sorry for what Hitler was thinking and feeling when he had that gun ready to take his own life. I mean a in the matter of a mere couple of years he went from almost taking over all over Europe to being surrounded by troops out to capture him. Support the war or not Saddam can easily be put on a list with Hitler as far as horrible deadly people, I mean he did not get the name butch of Baghdad for nothing. I hate to end on a cliche. Does having sympathy for Saddam s crushed dreams and fears when he saw those troops looking down at him make you un-American will not call you that Drew maybe a hypocrite if you mange to worm your way out of applying the same logic to Hitler. How can you not put the same logic to Hitler s case? What about his feelings is on a different plan than Saddam? Maybe there is different levels of inhumanity than? I am glad you are here to define what is right and wrong to think Drew. Then again I am not human.
*****TUCKER SLAMMED BY TERMINUS*****
“Not a Man Not Yet a Human�
My friend Drew has a blog TERMIUS, as you know. Like every blog writer last week he chimed in on the whole capturing Saddam story. Well he has his own comments section unlike me. So I decided to ask him what he thought about all the liberals out there have turned into a negative. So many liberal minded people were saying what I thought was off the wall stuff, such as it isn't the real Saddam, etc. I pointed out the irony that these same people wanted proof of WMD were now pulling these stories out their ass. I guess the most bold claim I made was that I wouldn’t be surprised if some whacko-s just say we should release him.
I went to ask him how people could feel sorry for Saddam, because many people actually did. Now read the comments and I could be wrong but I don't recall saying that if you felt bad for the guy that you were on his side or anything. I simply have no sympathy for the guy, and asked the question how people could. I honestly can't feel sorry for him. I didn't belittle them really I was just amazed how people were upset because he will actually be given a trial a man who put to death anyone who looked at him funny.
I didn't express sympathy for a man who killed thousands of people and had mass graves all over the place having his bearded image shown across the world. As for embarrassment I think it could be a lot worse I have seen people on Survivor look in worse shape than him and as for the images I have seen worse on “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy� Drew did agree that he deserves everything he gets, but after getting insulted for being branded a "Sympathizer" (although I never did any such thing) he goes on to say
"Oh, yes, and how dare any human being express any sympathy for a man who is going to be locked up for the last few short years of his life before being executed. Where does this idea come from that feeling sympathy for someone means that you support or approve of them. Put your self in Saddam's shoes right now and imagine what you'd be thinking and feeling. If you don't feel sympathy for that, you're not human. That doesn't mean that Saddam should be freed. It doesn't mean that Saddam doesn't deserve everything he gets. Of he course he does, and more. But the poor sonofabitch went from sovereign ruler of Iraq to living in a hole in a matter of weeks. It's got to be pretty hard for him. What's wrong with saying so?"
WOW. I did not make that up folks. Now think back a week ago. Did you feel sympathy for him? I hope so for your sake if not, you are not a human. Drew my friend I did think for a moment about the irony of him being in a tiny hole that when he climbed out had a view of his huge palace. Putting myself in his shoes would mean I would have had to see the horror that he unleashed upon humanity and my over-active imagination simply could not do it justice. I had to stop. If you are going to put yourself in the man s shoes Drew I suggest you think about it. He was a rich asshole who if he wasn t killing people he was willing letting people starve to death. Yeah it had to be pretty hard for Saddam leaving his golden toilets for a hole in the ground, but is it wrong for me not to feel bad for the end of Saddams rule.
Let us look at what he wrote. When he says if you don t have sympathy for THATwell what does he mean by that exactly? Judging by his previous statements THAT are him being punished for what he did and getting ¦locked up for the last few years of his life. So know why would I feel sympathy for justice being served for someone getting punished for historic crimes against humanity. Saddam might have been scared, and since tried to negotiate his way out of the hole I guess he was.
What I would be thinking and feeling if I were Saddam? Well maybe I would be thinking I should not have murdered thousands of people for no reason. Do I feel sorry that Saddam felt maybe a tenth of a fraction of fear that people did as they watched their loved ones being murdered by his followers or himself personally. Do I regret us having to have Saddam a man who murdered members of his own family and innocent children having his feelings hurt? HELL NO. All he got was a bruised ego big deal. He was on the run for a few months big deal. I am glad that the Poor sonofabitch had it “hard� we are like one of the only countries in the entire world that wouldn not murder him on the spot. If anything he got lucky.
I can only hope that Saddam THINKS about what he did while he is "locked up for the last few short years of his life before being executed." I want him to feel fear, and maybe put himself in his own shoes for once. JESUS. Being alone with his thoughts has to be scary. Does he really think I am a bad person for wondering if Saddam is feeling blue?
Drew hates being labeled Un-American for speaking his mind but when I do he will imply I am unworthy to be considered a human. Isn't that a bigger insult? I must be a vicious horrible beast by definition I guess. I guess Saddam and I are both Monsters in his eyes than, because I do not know what else that makes me since I am clearly not a human loyal readers. Do you do yourself a favor ask people around if their heart strings were tugged on. Maybe Dr. Phil should have been sent down the hole and tried to reach Saddam.
Does Drew do this to get a rise out of people like me? I really don't know.
I wonder if Drew feels sorry that Hitler hit hard times when he was cornered and took his own life rather than be captured. What makes Hitler different? It is inhuman to not feel sorry for what Hitler was thinking and feeling when he had that gun ready to take his own life. I mean a in the matter of a mere couple of years he went from almost taking over all over Europe to being surrounded by troops out to capture him. Support the war or not Saddam can easily be put on a list with Hitler as far as horrible deadly people, I mean he did not get the name butch of Baghdad for nothing. I hate to end on a cliche. Does having sympathy for Saddam s crushed dreams and fears when he saw those troops looking down at him make you un-American will not call you that Drew maybe a hypocrite if you mange to worm your way out of applying the same logic to Hitler. How can you not put the same logic to Hitler s case? What about his feelings is on a different plan than Saddam? Maybe there is different levels of inhumanity than? I am glad you are here to define what is right and wrong to think Drew. Then again I am not human.
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