From the comments – One not to miss

Because often comments get lost or not noticed or read at all, I’m giving this particular comment a blog post of its own. I’ve only done that a couple times in the past because for one reason or another, I think they require attention. This is one of those times.

Mr. King writes that he feels ‘dispirited’ after reading so much misinformation and distortions on the web. I hope I have given him reason to feel differently.

Dear Roxannadanna,

I will start by saying: I won’t be snarky. I am the co-witer and co-creator of the episode in question. And I haven’t commented everywhere because virus-like this story has spread everywhere, and it’s very hard to chase down a viral confusion. It really lends some truth to the epigram: “a lie runs halfway around the world before the truth can get its shoes on.”

Having said that, I wish people would watch the episode in question. I know it seems like a lame justification, but the episode really is strangely a defense of Tea Party adherents. Most of the criticism of the episode has been taking the words of the obvious villain to be the meaning of the episode– when it’s actually the opposite.

Secondly, the “McVeigh” name given to the character played by Gary Cole is part of the point. In the 15th episode of the first year– an episode titled “Bang”– the character was introduced. And the liberal partner, Diane (as played by Christine Baranski) was prejudiced against McVeigh. The reason she was prejudiced was his name. So the name was the point. It’s not an attempt to sneak in some liberal propaganda (as I think some bloggers have suggested). It’s the point of the character. Diane judges a right-wing character based on his name, and then she, and the viewer, quickly realize he’s nothing like the character they expect.

It’s very hard to argue that now without seeming like an apologist. But look at the episode “Bang” from last year (you can find it on line) and then look at the episode “Silver Bullet” from this year. They are a defense of these character’s conservative values.

But anyway this has been an education for me– how the internet becomes a funhouse mirror of agendas and political opinions. It’s very dispiriting.

I hope you’ll give the show a chance. It’s not what you expect. Thank you.

–Robert King

Quote of the day – Justin Bieber – (lol I never thought I’d ever be quoting this kid)

Let’s not forget, these evil Americans have made him a star and a multimillionaire.

“I’ll never be an American citizen. You guys are evil. Canada’s the best country in the world.  We go to the doctor, and we don’t need to worry about paying him, but here, your whole life, you’re broke because of medical bills. My bodyguard’s baby was premature and now he has to pay for it. In Canada, if your baby’s premature, he stays in the hospital as long as he needs to and then go home.” Justin Bieber from Rolling Stone

 

 

A sadness that lasts forever

VanGogh self protrait

It’s hard to imagine feeling as though your world is so broken and the sadness so deep that you have to mutilate yourself in order to find any peace. I guess that’s how cutters feel and maybe how Vincent felt.

Vincent moved to the south of France, some say to start his own artist colony while being supported by his brother, Theo. Theo was able to talk Paul Gauguin to move there and keep Vincent company. Vincent had a great admiration for Gauguin and saw him as a kind of mentor. Gauguin influenced Vincent’s style, especially in the use of vibrant colors. Vincent painted his famous Sunflowers for Paul and in anticipation of his arrival. But they had a very turbulent relationship and after an intense and almost violent argument with Gauguin, Vincent took a shaving razor and cut off his own ear.

This was the beginning of a downward mental spiral for Vincent that not only resulted in committing himself to an asylum and his suicide but also some of the most wonderful art of his short lifetime. After shooting himself, it took him 2 more days to die. His final words to Theo were “the sadness will last forever.”  He was right – the sadness will last forever because we will never know the fullness of his art. He was only 37 when he died.

The importance of Paul Gauguin in Vincent’s life is reflected in this self portrait – over his left shoulder is a Gauguin painting.

I have to wonder why he put Paul’s painting in his own self portrait. Was he trying to manipulate Paul with this passive/aggressive gesture? To make Paul feel guilty? Was he trying to tell us that he loved Paul so  much that he put his work inside his own? Was he trying to integrate himself into Paul’s world? Was Vincent saying that he would never be good enough – never be as good as his idol?

It’s a question I guess I’ll ask him over lunch when I get to heaven.