Pride observed

I was there, working. I saw most of the parade and interviewed several participants. And I was conflicted.

Am I just a reflexive critic? My motives are pure — I want the movement to mature — but what’s the harm in a couple of days of hedonistic fun?

Then I saw the bears marching in leather thongs. And I was embarrassed. Those who hate us don’t differentiate by subgroup. We’re all radical gay activists trying to seduce their children and destroy America.

And Pride gives them fodder. Maybe I shouldn’t care what the haters think, but change requires some conversion. That’s happening, but progress is curbed when we celebrate shamelessness.

(more on the anachronism that is Pride here)

Cap du jour, dumb criminal edition

Utah’s most wanted

Deutschland, Deutschland über alles

Germany has barred the makers of a movie about a plot to kill Adolf Hitler from filming at German military sites because its star Tom Cruise is a Scientologist, the Defence Ministry said on Monday.

Cruise, also one of the film’s producers, is a member of the Church of Scientology which the German government does not recognize as a church. Berlin says it masquerades as a religion to make money, a charge Scientology leaders reject. …

Defence Ministry spokesman Harald Kammerbauer said the film makers “will not be allowed to film at German military sites if Count Stauffenberg is played by Tom Cruise, who has publicly professed to being a member of the Scientology cult”.

“In general, the Bundeswehr (German military) has a special interest in the serious and authentic portrayal of the events of July 20, 1944 and Stauffenberg’s person,” Kammerbauer said.

Germany gets it. America, which recognizes Scientology as a religion — tax-exempt — does not. 

Meet Islamic Rage Boy

He’s a professional Jihadist protester. And — big surprise — he’s angry.

Nobody in Ayatollah Khomeini’s circle could possibly have read the book for him before he issued a fatwah, which made it dangerous to possess. Yet on that occasion, the bookstore chains of America pulled The Satanic Verses from their shelves, just as Borders shamefully pulled Free Inquiry (a magazine for which I write) after it reproduced the Danish cartoons. Rage Boy keenly looks forward to anger, while we worriedly anticipate trouble, and fret about etiquette, and prepare the next retreat. If taken to its logical conclusion, this would mean living at the pleasure of Rage Boy, and that I am not prepared to do. — Christopher Hitchens

The easiest audience

Christians, no doubt. Look no further than Christian rock. And while virtually every legit critic in America ripped "Evan Almighty," James Dobson loved it:

"We perceived Evan Almighty as a very entertaining movie which, although ‘over the top’ at times in its slapstick humor, will delight most viewers. It has many laudable features, including a strong presentation of family values and a [Ed. note: spoiler alert!] ‘feel good’ ending. The storyline includes no illicit sex or violence and was better—far better—than the usual Hollywood fare."

So did the Christian Broacasting Network:

"The movie not only offers an entertaining story, but it provides some heart-warming glimpses of how God often works in our lives. While the plot appeals to adults, the film’s physical comedy and silly animal antics provide ample fodder to keep the young ones entertained as well. Load up the kids and climb aboard for a fun adventure!"

Crosswalk.com raves:

"Does Evan Almighty deliver laughs? It does. Not the side-clutching, gut-busting guffaws of the best comedies, but a gentle amusement, with several chuckles along the way. It’s a summer blockbuster for the under-10 set, as well as teens and adults."

Pride observed

I was there, working. I saw most of the parade and interviewed several participants. And I was conflicted.

Am I just a reflexive critic? My motives are pure — I want the movement to mature — but what’s the harm in a couple of days of hedonistic fun?

Then I saw the bears marching in leather thongs. And I was embarrassed. Those who hate us don’t differentiate by subgroup. We’re all radical gay activists trying to seduce their children and destroy America.

And Pride gives them fodder. Maybe I shouldn’t care what the haters think, but change requires some conversion. That’s happening, but progress is curbed when we celebrate shamelessness.

(more on the anachronism that is Pride here)

Cap du jour, dumb criminal edition

Utah’s most wanted

Deutschland, Deutschland über alles

Germany has barred the makers of a movie about a plot to kill Adolf Hitler from filming at German military sites because its star Tom Cruise is a Scientologist, the Defence Ministry said on Monday.

Cruise, also one of the film’s producers, is a member of the Church of Scientology which the German government does not recognize as a church. Berlin says it masquerades as a religion to make money, a charge Scientology leaders reject. …

Defence Ministry spokesman Harald Kammerbauer said the film makers "will not be allowed to film at German military sites if Count Stauffenberg is played by Tom Cruise, who has publicly professed to being a member of the Scientology cult".

"In general, the Bundeswehr (German military) has a special interest in the serious and authentic portrayal of the events of July 20, 1944 and Stauffenberg’s person," Kammerbauer said.

Germany gets it. America, which recognizes Scientology as a religion — tax-exempt — does not.