Perhaps you would like to join me in a couple of t-blog homework assignments?

Surrogate has challenged me to view Farenheit 9/11, by Michael Moore. I'll do it, provided the DVD is still available at the local Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. He gently, or perhaps not so gently, chided me for being presumptious in refusing to watch or read anything produced by the troublesome liberal (i.e. Moore, not surrogate). Monday I intend to view what I've presumed to be a political hatchet job. I'll grit my teeth, semi-bite my tongue, and afterwards write some opinions on this blog. If you've viewed the film, or would like to do so, then I'd like for you to join in the conversation.

Juniperflux has enlightened me to the brutal human rights abuses in Burma. This is a situation I am most ignorant about. I have received no information from my government, news media, or church. So my intent is to do a bit of research and probably write a personal response. Perhaps you would like to read comments by juniperflux to the previous post, and then give some feedback with this issue?

In conclusion, I want to make note of an interesting observation about the current state of interaction here on t-blog. Juniper and Jonguleur are right. There have been lots of hard words passed along of late. So I find it encouraging that some of the bloggers who have very differing viewpoints have been willing to come onto my blog and actually engage in energetic discourse. I had sadly surmised there was not much desire for civil conversation from a large segment of our blogging community. And I'm still a bit hesitant about knocking on some of these other doors. But this is a positive sign. Maybe we can sit around the table, coffee cups in hand, and have spirited and thoughtful conversation.

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posted by: katiespinkshoes (reply)
post date: 01.06.07 (9:39 am)

To be fair to you, there has been no coverage in our media about Burma and what is going on there.

I read Amy Tan's "Saving Fish From Drowning" and learned about the coup and the sufferings of the native, rural people. It's my understanding that the work is fiction, but in it Ms. Tan thoroughly explains the events that have happened. I highly recommend the book.

I also recommend a Frontline special on PBS about the situation. Since I can't post links in comments, if you're interested, do a google search with "PBS" and "Burma" and you'll see the story.

It's very sad that our media doesn't provide us with the information we need to know what's going on in our world. I am left feeling ignorant and surprised and betrayed when things like this are not on our "radar".

I commend your for having an open mind to do some research and learn about things outside of your comfort zone. I hope that others are willing to do so as well.

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posted by: Cutter (reply)
post date: 01.06.07 (11:12 am)

It's a nice thought, but I think that I'd rather not tempt fate. I'm prone to flying into a rage, and I'd rather let those more in control of their tempers than I am do the "round table" thing.

I do wish I were capable of participating though. I often end up learning a lot from people who I start off disagreeing with.

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posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 01.06.07 (11:44 am)

I'LL BRING COFFEE!

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posted by: FinalyFree (reply)
post date: 01.06.07 (1:16 pm)

...ahhh, in a perfect world! :)

I'd like to sit in on that round table discussion, I, like Cutter tend to learn alot from differing viewpoints!

Looking forward to your review of M. Moore's film, I haven't seen it either.

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posted by: mercury (reply)
post date: 01.07.07 (2:12 pm)

I'll bring the cheesecake! :)

I'll be looking forward to your review as well. I've seen it :/
Be careful, I don't want you bitting your tongue off!

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posted by: drforbush (reply)
post date: 01.08.07 (6:13 pm)

Wow PastorDave, I am surprised that you didn't know about the problems in Burma/Myanmar. In 1991 Aung San Suu Kyi won the Nobel Peace Prize for her heroic efforts in that country. At that time her name and the abuse of that government were in the news everywhere. The government is the same and Aung San Suu Kyi is still there fighting for human rights. It's too bad that her name isn't a household name like Nelson Mandella or Mahatma Gandhi.

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posted by: guerillafunk (reply)
post date: 01.08.07 (7:15 pm)

Hmm. It's been ages since I was on. I'm rather out of touch with a lot of you I was friends with before, aren't I? Unfortunately, I can't bring myself to grit my teeth and endure liberal ridiculosity. I have, however, decided not to be presumptuous about the liberal standpoint. Simply put, I've decided to agree to disagree. I'll never agree with the liberal point of view, so there's no point in my trying.

As for other issues of concern to various folks, it isn't that I don't care about the socioeconomic issues in Burma, but with a baby on the way I find myself more concerned about my birth plan (specifically, making sure the doctors follow my strict orders NOT to circumcise my baby if it is a boy). So Burma and its suffering residents shall simply have to wait.

And thus, I part. I'd love to hear from you, though.

-G.Funk

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posted by: heavyarms (reply)
post date: 01.11.07 (10:46 am)

As National Review's Dave Kopel said, Moore's "Bowling for Columbine" was about as factual as a "documentary" as "This is Spinal Tap." In any of his "documentaries" Moore uses sensationalism, and either takes his "facts" either completely out of context, or pulls them out of thin air. I hope you haven't actually spent money on F 9/11 yet. If you HAVE to watch it, contribute to internet piracy and download a torrent.

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