So this is how liberty dies—to thunderous applause (Revenge of the Sith)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7773581/site/newsweek/

<snip>

This is the most savage and despairing of the "Star Wars" movies. The surviving Jedi knights are forced into exile, and the Empire consolidates its evil power. This glimpse of intergalactic hell inspires moments of epic grandeur that haven't been felt since "The Empire Strikes Back." It's hard not to feel that Lucas's engagement with this story has a contemporary urgency, as line after pointed line invites us to see a parallel with today's wartime climate. As the Senate cedes power to Palpatine under the guise of intergalactic security, Natalie Portman's Princess Padme exclaims bitterly, "So this is how liberty dies—to thunderous applause."

Wonder how many in the audience will see the parallels?

[yurbud]

1. short but to the point.

[The Doctor.]

2. Yes, number 2,

"Attack of the Clones" made quite a point of illustrating how to go about consolidating dictatorial power;

Create an enemy, create a conflict, aqcuire emergency powers.

I figured 3 would be like this.

(Haven't seen it - no spoilers please)

[Crunchy Frog]

3. I can't wait to watch it.

Sounds like it's going to be a really good one.

[IChing]

4. I'm hoping many

Lucas has been working many years on this story
and it will effect the collective unconsciousness, even if they don't see the parallel at first.

The loss of the republic was not something that occurred through a obvious takeover
it was given freely but unsuspectingly by its members, for order and external threats created by the participants of the takeover.
Does this sound familiar? After-all its just a work of fiction and a movie.

[Beelzebud]

5. Many won't. They'll go home, turn on Fox News, and begin applauding.....

BTW, George Lucas is a genius.

Watch THX-1138.

[Inland]

6. Some dictators grab power. Some have it handed to them.

What do you think is happening in the US?

[walldude]

7. Lucas has admitted the political parallels

in The Star Wars movies,(The OT to Vietnam and the new ones to current events) and if you think the movies do it you should read the books. Most SW writers are liberal and it shows in the novels.

[Ladyhawk]

8. I decided I needed to delve into escapism for awhile, so I re-read

a great many of my Star Wars novels and noticed that many of the writers tend to take on a liberal point of view. This isn't something I noticed on my first read.

Here's to hoping Episode III blows everyone away and makes them take a second look at our own little despot.

(BTW, walldude, I haven't read the Episode III prequels yet and may not get the chance. I should walk to the library and see if they have anything good, but I doubt it. Our county library is teensy.)