Pajiba

i come here for your movie reviews, not your politics.

I think I've already given in to cynicism regarding the "differences" between the parties. But then I just watched the party that I entrusted with achieving the closest representation of what I want for America (and believe me, it's not that close) betray almost every one of the ideals I supported them for. I think that's where all the despair and hope I have for America knots up into a ball: people are more the same than they think. People are more the same than they think because we all want the same basic set of things for ourselves and we all know what that is. Things get confused when we start to disagree on how to achieve those things, and then the really bad things start to happen when we start reacting to the way other people want things done as opposed to looking honestly for the truth and the best way to do things. Eventually people are different enough that we just don't like the way another set of people does things and rather than looking at their viewpoint and evaluating it honestly, we're going to spend our time digging up anything wrong with it and wrong with THEM that we can. But we do all basically want the same things and that gives me hope. What makes me dispair is that politicians are really all the same too. They all want the same thing and they go about getting it in the same way. When I hear about really good campaign managers, that scares the shit out of me. Politicians make a science of how to leverage the differences that people have built up between themselves, rather than making a science of what is best for the country. Congratulations to the American people for making a statement, but I think the party that won is too busy thinking about what's in that for them to worry much about why it happened, just as the other party is too busy worrying about how to win the next one to care too much about doing their part to produce responsible legislation (well that and about staying out of jail, it seems).

How the NMN be so down? We were promised by Speaker Pelosi (god that still sounds fucked up to me) that in their first 100 days, change would be abound! Minimum wage would increase! The War in Iraq will be fixed! Global Warming will be checked!

Then, again, haven't we heard this before? Unfortunately Mr. N hits on all the cogent points. Especially regarding '08. How can someone focus on a job when they are already campaigning for the Presidency or a way to retain their Congressional seat? I, like Eep, am absolutely horrified by the current system and the effectiveness of campaign managers in splitting things along ideological lines. They hope for nothing more than a knee-jerk response and they often get it. Sadly, this will continue until campaign and lobbying reforms are pushed through, which won't happen. One would think that the Abramoff scandal would clear things up, but it will only serve to make those complicit in such dealing more careful and more knowledgeable in paper-shredding. As much as I rejoiced when the Democrats wrested away control of both Houses, I find myself in the same position as the NMN. The only true difference between the parties it seems, is the animal that represents it. Personally, I think that both parties should be represented by the same animal, the rhino. It is slow and always eating, but introduce some danger and the sonofabitch is gone quicker than you can say subpeona.

Oh, I'm sorry...I have the wrong website. I thought this was the one with movie reviews. I'm with you Boarwild, lead the way.

The problem is, none of this is going to change until more people put down the bag of Cheetos, turn off the tv, and intellectually engage themselves in the political process. In Dallas county, so many people blindly voted a party ticket that they elected a District Attorney who had never tried a case in a courtroom! Every two years I am shocked and dismayed by the number of people who don't bother to exercise their franchise, or can't be bothered to put in the effort to do so intelligently.

It's THEIR website, assholes. They can put whatever they want on here. And it's not like you're paying to view this website, either, like you just got gypped out of your money because instead of a review you accidentally read someone's opinion. Dipshits.

Hattie - couldn't have said it better myself!

NMN- Once again - your genius is undeniable! I just hope that the democrats read your article and learn something about what the people who elected them REALLY expect!

Keep up the good work and continue ignoring the naysayers. They obviously don't have much else to do than to read stuff they are not interested in...

That's a pretty comfortable spot you've got for yourself in the middle. No need to make a choice or decision--moderacy is cushy as hell, ain't it?
But, really, it's pragmatic as well, and I can't even begin to tell you how much I agree with you.
Pajiba, that's for allowing NMN to give us a little perspective--I understand that not everyone appreciates it, but just letting you know that some do.

What? Have I stumbled upon an alternate universe? A NMN commentary that I wholeheartedly agree with? With relatively little bombastic egoism? Will wonders never cease? Bravo, NMN. Oh, and hell yeah.

I don't think the Dems 'won' per se, it was more the Republicans lost because they don't have their shit together and are totally oblivious to what their constituents want (but let's be honest, that describes both parties).

Why the hell should the minimum wage be raised? It shouldn't exist in the first place.

The World's Smallest Political Quiz

Dear Boarwild and Karenann.
Do you come here often? You say you come here for the movie reviews. Well if you have been here more than once perhaps you would notice the link at the top of the page that says "about pajiba". Upon clicking on said link you will gaze upon an article which includes the following statement...

"Pajiba is a film review site, though we used to feature weekly political commentary as well. Unfortunately, our political column was shut down by the Bush Administration through a little-used clause in the Patriot Act."

I understand how it might be hard for you to read this with your head so far up your respective asses, alas it was there for your feces encrusted eyes to see. If you don't like the political view then feel free to find yourself a different movie review website. One that won't force you to think about the world around you. Don't let the door slam into your asses/heads on the way out.

On the behalf of the rest of us who enjoyed the article and all of the movie reviews that you give to us free and selflessly.
Thank you.

Dear Hattie,

MNM tells us his opinion. We tell him ours, even if it's that he blows and should not be on Pajiba. I have a friend you'd like to meet. His name is John Kettle. Uh-oh, I bet MNM would say that that term was first used to disparage Dred Scott or something. If only we were as glorious as he...

Your pal,
me

"Free and selflessly"? Almost everything on the internet is free, numbnuts! Let's not make martyrs of the writers here. I'm sure they only include Netflix pop-ups and ads because they care about what choices we make as consumers, and would never think of making money off this site, or using it to further their ambitions as "legit" film critics. Hot damn. I want some of this Kool-Aid that everyone else drinks, I'd be a fucking king.

Dear Hero.
I do wish you had a big fucking glass of Jim Jones kool aid. You stupid fucking prick.

Okay, I don't agree with NMN all the time, or even most of the time. I think his argument for using the word Nigga is utter bull. But I do agree with this piece. It is time for politicians in general to start actually listening to the people they convinced to put them in power. I can't see anyone who can disagree with that.

As for those who don't like the political posts, as much as I hate to say it, JUST DON'T READ THEM. You want to know how you can tell the difference between a Pajiba review and a NWN piece? The revies have the names of the actual movies on them. You can click on them directly, bypassing the pain of enduring these posts and getting to the sweet, sweet nougaty goodness of a movie review.

I assume you find both the movie reviews and nougat as "sweet, sweet". My apologies if they are not.

Good article. I hope this congress can institute some positive change for the majority of people who need it in this country. We need to have a representative body that serves something besides the wealthiest people in the country.

Wow, I think I found the smartest reader on here! Herosuckscock... you're my hero, now!!!1!

wtf,please set up a fucking political blog for this please,not here

NMN, I don't always agree with your views, but I do enjoy reading them, if only because of the potential new perspectives gained. That being said, I agree fervently with this piece, though I'm hardly optimistic regarding any great changes occuring. Mrgh.

Detractors, if it's truly so painful for you to scroll past the miniscule link to these articles, why not simply go elsewhere for your precious reviews? No one is forcing your face to the screen.

Yikes!!! I never meant to solicit such hostility. All I did was express an opinion. I am quite nice actually, well respected and acutally a sweet mild person prone to laughing easily and avoiding squirrels on the road. I don't think my comment really makes me an asshole or a dipshit with my head up my ass -eyes encrusted with feces, but maybe I am...thank you for the enlightenment. will work on this..

yeah, calm down everybody. it's their site and they can publish whatever they want to on it, and if you know you don't like their political philosophies, then don't read it. it's ridiculous to call for a totally separate blog just because this is primarily a movie review site.

and if you dont have anything more creative to say than "i thought this was a movie review site" then please spare us. and as far as the "dred scott" comment goes, your insular prejudices are better stored up your ass than on this comment board, you hateful wretch.

i respect pajiba as one of few truly independent minded movie review sites left on the web and if they want to feature political commentary as well that's their choice. nobody is forcing you to read it, and if you don't like their views, start your own review site.

I'm a fairly left-leaning independent who was raised in a conservative family. Last week was the first time I had ever voted, and I voted mainly for democrats (in Ohio). I'm incredibly glad that 'my' first election turned out so well, and what with all of my mom's complaining about the Democrats and how they "won't do anything" I sincerely hope that they prove her and anyone else wrong.
Thanks for your opinions, NMN.

So... how does mentioning Dred Scott make me racist? My mexican girlfriend and me would like to know. Thanks a bunch!

I'm sorry. I can't sit down and read anything written by an obviously ignorant dumbfuck. Anything you write, any point you try to make about politics or society is totally lost to me because of your idiocy.

Really well-written piece...probably my favorite one so far. Good job, NMN. Love the Tinky-Winky comment too.

(Also, I love the hate comments that the NMN elicits from some people. I don't know why, but seeing the word "dumbfuck", in almost any context, and reading about how angry people are without explaining why, makes me giggle like the schoolgirl I once was).

didn't the Bad News Bears loose at the end of the movie? I know it's kind of a retarded thing, but that's all I could think about.

People like Hero and I am Never Wrong are clearly just trying to flame you guys and gals on the site. If you look at their posts, they just respond to comments in hopes that someone will answer them.

I understand the mentality because, to an extent, I am like them. True, I like nothing more than stirring up the pot and I know what's it like waiting all day by the computer in hopes that someone, anyone, will answer my plea of desperation and loneliness.

The only thing that's really really sad about 'Hero' and 'I'm Never Wrong' is that, unlike me, they are obviously stupid. And I mean that in a low-IQ, barely able to write beyond the third grade level kind of way. Most of their "rebuttals" take the form of ... "You don't like what I'm saying, well Fuck You."

Yes, just brilliant.

So, good folks of this message board, instead of getting pissed off and playing into their hand, feel sorry for these very pathetic, slow-witted numbskulls. They are lonely, desperate and crave any attention you might lavish on them.

I'll take the first step:

Hero, I'm Never Wrong...

You are loved. Truly. (Not by me or anyone on this site, but someone.)

It is with the utmost compassion that I tell you: go play somewhere else. A perfect place for your "unique" abilities might be an AOL chat room for teens, or perhaps you can find a 'love connection' at eHarmony or something similar.

We wish you the best. Now leave.

Nirradus

Oh yeah, having a Mexican girlfriend absolves I Am Never Wrong of allllll racism. I bet one of his best friends is black, too. I love it when casual racists want to look like kind people and drag out a positive interracial encounter for "PC cred".

Loved it, NMN! So well-written and insightful. I wish more people could see then "and" in their ideologies rather than the "or". I like this site and keep coming back for the movie reviews _and_ the political opinions.

Damn you, nirradus! Now I feel small. Yeah, you flamers are loved...yadda yadda...go in peace.

Posted by: em at November 14, 2006 12:44 PM:




"(Also, I love the hate comments that the NMN elicits from some people. I don't know why, but seeing the word "dumbfuck", in almost any context, and reading about how angry people are without explaining why, makes me giggle like the schoolgirl I once was)."




Ha Ha! I'm glad I wasn't the only one giggling!

Dear Nirradus,

I'm sorry, are you the site administrator? Do you speak for everyone here? I'm not sure, I don't remember reading one of your posts before. You certainly fit the type of the more smarmier readers. I understand you might not like my postings. To that I say in the words of the great David Mamet, "tough titties". Here's the thing, the free and open exchange of ideas aren't just limited to those you agree with. I find the PC fascism quite frightening. The KKK have as much of a right to march as the Black Panther Party. I have many complicated political leanings. I'm a hands-off kind of guy, against affirmative action but for gay civil unions. I have just as much right to hand out smug declarations of self-importance as you do. Obviously you seem to get off on it more than me.

There are several posters on here that proclaimed their opinion against MNM, as there have been, no doubt, different posters in the past to do so as well. They may do so. It is in Pajiba's best interest to generate discussion and debate, as that makes the counter go up and the ad rates increase. I'm a big fan of capitalism, and wish them nothing but success. I would get a kick out of reading some of the reviewers in the latest Giant or some similar all-encompassing entertainment magazine.

I've posted on different forums in the past. Some like me, some don't. In general, I try not to lose much sleep over it. All totaled I've posted here far less than some of the superfans.

I wish I could say I appreciate your compassion, but it's only the smug, sarcastic type of emotion I would expect from a particularly thoughtless fellow man. I hope you find something to live for, Nirradus, I really do. In fact, feel free to unburden yourself. Tough boss, depression, romantic unfulfillment... these are all emotion that we feel as humans and may color how we interact with others. Please take care of yourself. While I personally won't be adding you to my Christmas card list, I have no doubt if we were to meet in person we'd find some sort of common ground and hell, I might even buy you a beer.

Keep it real,
I Am Never Wrong

I Am Never Wrong,

Yes, I am the site administrator.

Yes, I speak for everyone here.

I'm glad you've posted on other forums. Glad to know some people like you, some don't. Glad to know you really don't care one way or the other.

Why am I glad? Because the reason I post at all is in the hopes of finding new friends, and clearly your post just now is a plea for friendship.

I also want to thank you for offering me the option to vent. Not that I needed your permission, but I'll take you up nonetheless.

Don't you just hate when someone is kinda rude and obnoxious on a message board, and then someone calls this person on it, and then they write this very cogent missive to let everyone know they're an okay person? God, I hate that. And it happens all the time. I'm sure you know exactly what I mean. Right?

Anyway, it's been real. Really. But now I have to get back to my depression, my smugness, tough boss and romantic unfulfillment. Oh, not to mean my sarcasm and thoughtlessness.

Nirradus

See? I totally knew there was an alright bloke under there! Good on you, sir!

Unfortunately rationality, pragmatism, and serving your constituency have little to do with politics. The Dems won a victory, but not a mandate, unless you can make a mandate out of "We aren't Republicans." There will be no gains in "social justice," but the righteous indignation and rhetoric will escalate, and there will be a shift in who Congress panders to. But will the disenfranchised, the underclassess, the put down-upon feel better or more empowered in two years? Uhh, no.

Thank you, New Millenium Nigger. I will remember your words of wisdom forevermore.

What is the problem with having NMN linked to Pajiba? Let me just tell you: MNM is linked here, along with other sites which have little to do with movie reviews. That's the way Pajiba seems to want to be these days. You don't have to like it, but there it is.

That being said, you can choose to read NMN on this site, or you can just keep from clicking the link and stick to reading the movie reviews. If it truly pains you to read a political opinion, make yourself stop when you're about to click on the link which you know will lead you directly to one.

That dude needs to get off blogspot ffs, it hurts to read that shit. I don't come here for your politics either - or for those of the "New Millenium Nigga" - but considering your reviews have collectively been going downhill as of late with a handful of sterling exceptions, fuck it.

Je trouve ces polemiques risibles. Le Net fut invente pour creer un nouvel espace d'expression, a chacun ses opinions. Surtout, reservons nos commentaires pour ceux qui nous font rire et ceux qui expriment une opinion originale, quelle qu'elle soit

Eu concordo, mas alguns destes povos são ridiculous! Tal hatred de ambos os lados do argumento! Fere meu coração...

Look, just because the Dems won, it doesn't mean you now have a right to speak Frenchie or Brazilian on Pajiba. I'll have none of that "Let's talk about them in Romanian to establish our Euro-superiority." This is an Engrish-only site, thank you very little, and I'm still eating Freedom Fries, monsieur.

Question to "I am always right": who is "MNM"?

Anyhow, the commentator is right about one thing:

The Republicans and Democrats are the same fucking party.

You foolish American asses need to get a clue.

"You foolish American asses need to get a clue."

The guy who said that is probably an American himself, but he IS right. Just because the Democrats are YOUR party doesn't mean that they aren't politicians up to the same crap politicians area always up to.

And I too come here for the movie reviews, not some windy political tirade.

Hey, I come here for the reviews too, but if I can also read some political commentary along with some fucking hilarious tirades from pissed off readers, then it's a bonus! It's like a plastic ring in a Cracker Jack box--ain't nothin' wrong with that!!!

Nirradus,

your first post says it best. no point in responding to faked vituperation for attention/self-aggrandizment.

"I'll have none of that "Let's talk about them in Romanian to establish our Euro-superiority."

Why not? I'm Romanian and I'm better than you are :)

Hah, kidding. I just liked the fact someone used a small country no one knows about as an example and the fact I came from it.

Back to the review. I have to say for once I actually agree with NMN. Still, I think one of the reasons most Americans are so lazy about politics is being life here is all in all good. Don't flame me. I know that's not a popular thing to say. But I'm sorry the whole "We as Americans have it so hard" whining is getting old to the rest of the world. Still, I appreciate NMN's post as a whole. We all should be more involved with politics and take time to really listen to what they have to say (myself included). The current government, however, (I'm talking about the general infrastructure not the Bush administration) is set up pretty good. It has flaws, but no form of government doesn't. My reason for pointing this out is so that people realize you can make a difference, and care about politics, and not fall deep in the well of despair and pessimism as a lot of political actively people are prone to do (from my personal observation). The world isn't going to end tomorrow. The world isn't the worst it's ever been. Bush isn't Hitler. Relax. Focus on the problems and enjoy life.

Rowan - Yes, the Bad News Bears DID lose at the end of the movie.

this is a blog, and its owners are entitled to use it as they please. nobody asked anyone to read this, and nobody asked for an opinion either.

chill out already.

Here's an idea, if you don't want to read political commentary, don't click.

Oh lord that was so hard wasn't it?

do we have to go through this everytime there is a NMN column? seriously? wtf. whoa, what a surprise, a NMN column, like so many times before!

I have to stand up and applaud for the latest entry from the NMN. My political views lean towards conservative, but like Mr. NMN I don't think either party has anyone's interests other than their own in mind. It's nice to know that some people the "other side" feels the same way some of us conservatives do. ;-)

It doesn't make much sense, does it? "I don't come here to read your political opinions! But I do click the links, sort of read them, and comment on them!"

It does not follow that someone with views that borrow from each of two camps cannot make decisions and resides in a fluffy cloud of "moderacy". I think that imagery describes every moron that adheres strictly to a party line prescribed by the people who lead it. NMN clearly described several of his political views, all of which represent well defined beliefs and decisions on his part. It takes more balls to evaluate each issue independently and come to what you feel is morally and practically the best conclusion than to crawl up the ass of your political party. As if it makes any fucking sense that half of all people should hold one set of beliefs and values, and the other half a distinctly different set, with no variation or mixing.

NMN, I have to say, I agree with this part--there are no "parties", only professional politicians who pull their opinions out of a box and only care about getting re-elected and scratching their rich purse-strings' backs. The only thing that's going to change now that the Dems are in control of the House and Senate are the names on the desks. None of those politicians care about regular citizens--the Democrats are only bigger liars in that they pretend that they do. There is no party for those of us who think for ourselves and don't march in lockstep with either the Jackasses or the Elephants, and they do everything they can to assure that there never will be one. I came away from the polls last week very sad because instead of voting for candidates who I thought would try to make positive changes (there were NONE on the ballot, imho), I had to vote for the people whom I thought would do the least damage. When are we going to get something better to vote for than the lesser of 2 evils? And it's our fault as citizens because not only do most of us of voting age not even bother to do it, but most of us keep voting the same 2 parties over and over again and expecting things to change although they have no reason but to continue as they have because we keep voting them in and don't hold them accountable for anything they do. Oh, except for that Monica Lewinsky thing that had NOTHING to do with the President's job, for that we had to impeach him. Sickening and embarrassing. Our government is a cesspool and until Americans get our heads out of our butts and start demanding accountability (and voting useless desk-fillers out!!!) nothing is going to change. I love my country and I'm proud to be a citizen so I continue to vote and hope that some changes will happen--we need people to get mad enough to have a revolution at the polls, but I don't know what it's going to take to wake people up. I really don't. This "democratic victory" was no revolution, just a reaction--after all the victory dances end, it will just be "business as usual", everybody saying what they're going to do and doing nothing but froth at the mouth, wait and see. Thank you for your opinions; I always enjoy reading them whether I agree with them or not.

i. I could write this in Romanian but most won't be able to read it so I won't.

ii. Like it's been said before: this isn't the first NMN article so CHILL. Don't visit this site if you don't like it. I'm sure Roger and Ebert don't have political commentary so read their reviews.

iii. Americans in general care so little about politics that not even half show up to vote. Something to do with education dontcha think?

iv. Politicians (Romanian, American, Canadian) are very shady individuals. How many examples of great politicians have we ever had???? I can't even count five. Think of who wants to get into politics to begin with. People who CRAVE power. So with that in mind: vote for the lesser of evils or emigrate.

I think the reason a majority of American's don't vote is because there isn't a party that speaks to them. They are the "Silent Majority", and some of them made a rare appearance at the polls this time around because things are so f*&cked up in DC. I voted, but I didn't necessarily agree with the watered down, or as NMN says "Republican-lite", side of the fence. There are such things as gray areas, and people who work in absolutes are appealing not to our rational sides, but to our emotional. There is probably a study out there that says more people vote based on emotional decisions rather than rational.

I think the biggest news in not the new Republican-lite congress, but the removal of the architect of the entire Iraq debaucle, Rumsfeld. That is where the true power lies; not with a representation of the 11th district in NC.

Happy opinioning everyone.

I loves me some New Millenium Nigga. I loves me some pajiba. I hates me some government/politicians. Trust both 'bout as far as I can spit 'em. To my brethren from another methren, "Rock on cabron!"