I’d been hearing about the propaganda movie Obsession: Radical Islam’s War Against the West but was still surprised when this showed up in the mail:
The banner on the cover saying “As seen on CNN and Fox News” made me suspicious right away. The movie does seemed tailored to Fox News viewers. Those that listen to Savage or Rush probably ate this bullshit up.
This movie is such blatant propaganda it was hard to sit through. After finishing it I did some research.
Who’s been getting this movie?
From Truthout:
Newspapers Deliver Millions of “Terror” DVDs to Subscribers - in “Swing States”
“The arrival of tens of millions of DVDs of a controversial film on doorsteps around the nation - but almost exclusively in election “swing states” - via newspaper home delivery continues this weekend, with explanatory articles and subscriber feedback appearing on some of the papers’ Web sites.
(snip)
The documentary showcases scenes of Muslim children being encouraged to become suicide bombers, interspersed with shots of Nazi rallies. “The threat of Radical Islam is the most important issue facing us today,” reads the sleeve of the DVD. “But it’s a topic that neither the presidential candidates nor the media are discussing openly. It’s our responsibility to ensure we can all make an informed vote in November.”
It was shown on Fox News just before the 2006 mid-term elections, and conservative activist David Horowitz screened the film on college campuses during 2007. An article at the group’s site, www.radicalislam.org, all but endorsed John McCain this past week, then was pulled down. The DVD carries on-screen text near the outset that it is not indicting most Muslims.”
Who has the funds to mail out 28 million copies of a movie?
From Antiwar.com:
Neocons, Ex-Israeli Diplomats Push Islamophobic Video
“A group of hard-line US neoconservatives and former Israeli diplomats, among others, are behind the mass distribution, ahead of the November US presidential election, of a controversial DVD that critics have denounced as Islamophobic.
The group, the Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET), is working with another organization called the Clarion Fund, which produced the 60-minute video and is itself tied closely to an Israeli organization called Aish Hatorah.
(snip)
Critics allege that the movie “Obsession” is “hate propaganda” which paints Muslims as violent extremists and, among other things, explicitly compares the threat posed by radical Islam to that of Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
At least two major metropolitan newspapers solicited to insert the paid advertisement into their product have refused to do so because of a perceived bias in the film.”
Are people really believing this drek film?
From the Huffington Post:
Muslim Children Gassed at Dayton Mosque After Obsession DVD Hits Ohio
“Friday, September 26th ended a week in which thousands of copies of Obsession: Radical Islam’s War Against the West — the fear-mongering, anti-Muslim documentary being distributed by the millions in swing states via DVDs inserted in major newspapers and through the U.S. mail — were distributed by mail in Ohio. The same day, a “chemical irritant” was sprayed through a window of the Islamic Society of Greater Dayton, where 300 people were gathered for a Ramadan prayer service. The room that the chemical was sprayed into was the room where babies and children were being kept while their mothers were engaged in prayers. This, apparently, is what the scare tactic political campaigning of John McCain’s supporters has led to — Americans perpetrating a terrorist attack against innocent children on American soil.”
Is there a good place to read rebuttals of the film? Thankfully there is.
From Obsession With Hate’s website:
“Hate Hurts America is a nonpartisan diverse community coalition that brings together Americans of various faiths, races, and backgrounds in a unified stance against hate, incitement, community divisiveness, and intolerance - particularly against America’s minorities.
The HHA coalition unequivocally supports the right to free speech, including even the right of bigots to the same. However, we also believe that while Americans should respect the right of bigots to free speech, we are under no obligation to accept, embrace, or promote their bigoted endeavors. In fact, we believe in asserting our own free speech toward exposing bigotry and challenging intolerance.
The HHA coalition believes that “Obsession, Radical Islam’s War Against the West” is a classic work of hate propaganda, thinly disguised as a critique of radicalism, that attempts to subliminally demonize Muslims and their faith wholesale (read why). The pundits behind the film are well-known agenda-driven polemics who have made careers out of Muslim-bashing. Their disturbing record is clear with some accused of fraud, and others of having foreign state backing.
As American citizens, we are alarmed by the massive distribution of this hate DVD, through 70 US Newspapers in swing states, funded by a shadowy organization called The Clarion Fund whose sources of funding are kept a guarded secret from the American public.”
Their whole site is informative but their rebuttal page in particular is a must read if you’ve seen this movie.
I have a couple of points to add. The movie makes a big deal about religious crazies brainwashing their children. I kept thinking back to Jesus Camp. The kids in that movie were certainly being brainwashed but I don’t see a movie being made called ‘Obsession: Radical Christianity’s War Against The West’
The movie’s attempt to link Nazis and Muslims is pretty pathetic. They show many signs of Muslims saluting and try to convince the viewer they are doing a Nazi salute. The problem with this is many people raise their arm to salute things. Here’s one good example:
Should you see this movie? Probably. It sucks and if often difficult to watch without cursing at your screen. Why watch it? It’s good to know what is being sold to “Main Street” as truth. (Is anyone else sick of politicians using that phrase?) If you do watch this film make sure you read rebuttals of the film afterwards.
Posted by Vixen as Political Rants, News, Reviews at 11:20 PM CDT
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The best of this week’s blogs by the bloggers who blog them. Highlighting the top 3 posts as chosen by Sugasm participants. Want in Sugasm #151? Submit a link to your best post of the week by emailing me directly at radicalvixenatgmaildotcom Participants, repost the link list within a week and you’re all set.
This Week’s Picks
Stolen Time
“The sigh of a kiss that has been too long waiting is a wicked rush.”
Keeping things hot when everything hurts
“While it’s not as fun for him, what I love about those times is how sexy he makes me feel at a time when I probably feel the most worthless as a lover.”
Like lovers do…
“As soon as I got that groove, he felt it. His body started to tense up and tremble.”
Mr. Sugasm Himself
Sugar Bank
Editor’s Choice
At What Point Have You Crossed The Line?
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Posted by Vixen as Sugasm at 12:23 PM CDT
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From the $pread blog:
Desperate Call For New Staff
“Calling $pread fans: If you want to see us keep publishing, now is the time to step up and help! Most of our core staff have left in the past year, including three out of four editors (the last one is leaving in a few months), our art director, financial director, ad director, and new media director. A few very dedicated staffers are holding the magazine together but they desperately need help. People are always telling us that $pread is amazing and important but now we need you to put your time where your mouth is and get on board so we can keep it going.
We currently don’t have the resources to coordinate with long distance volunteers so we’re looking for people in the NYC area who can attend weekly Sunday meetings and dedicate at least ten hours a week to $pread (although you don’t need to be able to work during regular office hours) for a period of at least a year.
We know this is a lot to ask of unpaid staff but $pread has always relied on these kind of dedicated volunteers. The original team who have kept $pread going over the past few years are thoroughly burned out and can’t do it anymore so we need an enthusiastic new team to take over.
Volunteers MUST be reliable, self-motivated, and willing to jump in at the deep end and pitch in with whatever needs to be done. We are specifically looking for people with design skills, but we need general volunteers, too. So, if you live in New York and care about $pread, please step up to help us get through the next year.”
Posted by Vixen as Activism, Sex Workers at 11:33 PM CDT
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From St. Petersburg Times:
Pornographer sentenced to nearly 4 years in prison
“Bucklew sentenced the man known as Max Hardcore to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for selling and distributing his messy, sometimes violent videos in Tampa. She also made him forfeit three Web sites, fined him $7,500, ordered him to face three years of probation after his prison sentence and fined his company, Max World Entertainment, $75,000.
Tampa jurors convicted Little in June on 10 counts of selling obscene material on the Internet and 10 counts of shipping it to Tampa through the U.S. mail.”
(snip)
“Little’s attorneys, who argued his films were protected by the First Amendment, said they plan to appeal.”
I don’t like Hardcore’s style of porn but I think he should be allowed to produce it. Frankly, the only thing obscene about his case is that he was found guilty.
—
From XBiz:
Anti-pornography Crusader Stripped of Law License
“A Florida attorney who filed numerous anti-pornography lawsuits has been stopped in his tracks: the Florida Supreme Court ruled that he should be disbarred.
The attorney, Jack Thompson, told the website Law.com that he plans to file a request for an emergency stay in U.S. District Court in Miami, where he has filed a civil rights complaint against the Florida Supreme Court, the Florida Bar and a judge.
The Supreme Court’s four-page order summarized 10 acts of unprofessional behavior by Thompson over the past three years.”
Monica’s comment on the $pread blog sums up my feelings-”I love how in the Fox News Parallel Universe(TM), this guy is a “first amendment lawyer.” I suppose it’s technically true; he’s just in favor of trampling on rather than protecting it. (Seriously, though, this man sounds hilarious: “Thompson made false statements to courts, falsely accused a judge of fixing cases and accused lawyers who filed complaints against him of being ‘criminal pornographers who objectify women.’” That’s what I call all my enemies!)”
—
From XBiz:
Hustler to Parody GOP’s VP Nominee With ‘Nailin’ Palin’
“Sarah Palin won’t be the only politician parodied in the upcoming Hustler Video production “Nailin’ Palin.” Hillary Clinton and Condoleeza Rice look-alikes will share themselves sexually with the GOP vice president nominee.
The “sexy hockey mom” will be played by adult star Lisa Ann in the upcoming feature, which has garnered substantial buzz in the tabloids and the blogosphere. Hustler spokeswoman Julie Ambrose confirmed reports that veteran adult star Nina Hartley will star as Hillary Rodham Clinton.”
As I said when I posted this on $pread’s blog -”Man, Larry Flint kicks some ass! I love this idea and also love that Nina Hartley is going to play Hillary Clinton.
Although Barack Obama is hot too. Do we get a porno parodying him as well?”
—
I had hoped to have an update on the Wild/Subway story. I wrote Subway and received a generic “we care about your concerns and will contact you shortly” response.
It’s been a month and I still haven’t heard from them. I’ll try contacting them again.
Posted by Vixen as News, Sex Workers at 11:32 PM CDT
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From this gallery. Often on calls I describe myself stripping in front of the caller. Surprisingly I’ve gotten numerous requests to take my skirt and panties off first and leave on my bra and top until the very end. I guess I’m a strip from the top down sort of girl.
Posted by Vixen as Sexy Sensations at 11:49 PM CDT
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“I would love to be your asshole.”
-new client
Posted by Vixen as Quote Book at 11:45 PM CDT
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The best of this week’s blogs by the bloggers who blog them. Highlighting the top 3 posts as chosen by Sugasm participants. Want in Sugasm #150? Submit a link to your best post of the week by emailing me directly at radicalvixenatgmaildotcom Participants, repost the link list within a week and you’re all set.
This Week’s Picks
Art of the Cunt
“The point of the abstraction was so that they, although anatomically correct, are hidden enough in colouring and some of the external shapes to hide the image for what it is.”
Come Get Your Knife
“”Do you trust me?” I asked.”
Tangle of Limbs There is Softness
“But I know myself, I know my desire.”
Mr. Sugasm Himself
Sugar Bank
Editor’s Choice
Sugarbutch Star: Eileen
More Sugasm
Join the Sugasm
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Posted by Vixen as Sugasm at 11:38 PM CDT
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From Slacker Uprising:
“As you may have heard, I’ve decided to make my new film, “Slacker Uprising,” available for free to everyone in the United States and Canada. It is the first time ever that a major feature-length film is debuting as a free download on the internet — legally. I am doing this for two reasons:
1. Next year it will be 20 years since my first film, “Roger & Me,” so I’d like to give those of you who’ve supported my work over the years a thank you gift in the form of a brand new movie; and
2. I hope the release and wide distribution of this new movie will help to bring out millions of young and new voters on November 4th.
“Slacker Uprising” takes place in the wake of “Fahrenheit 9/11,” during the run-up to the 2004 election, as I traveled for 42 days across America, visiting 62 cities in a failed attempt to remove George W. Bush from office. My goal was to help turn out a record number of young voters and others who had never voted before. (That part was a success. Young adults voted in greater numbers than in any election since 18-year-olds were given the right to vote. And the youth vote was the only age group that John Kerry won.) ”
From Michael Moore’s site:
Michael Moore’s “Slacker Uprising” Draws Record-Breaking Downloads and Chart-Topping Numbers on the Web
“Oscar-winning filmmaker Michael Moore’s political concert film, “Slacker Uprising,” is rapidly spreading on the internet — legally. On Tuesday morning, Moore became the first major filmmaker to release a feature-length film free online. Three days later, SlackerUprising.com had already garnered more than 2 million visitors.
Moore, who has made three of the five top-grossing documentaries of all time, decided to release his latest film for free on the internet as a gift to his fans, and attempt to rally young voters to get involved in the presidential election. He teamed up with Robert Greenwald’s Brave New Films to coordinate the free, online distribution of the film. They partnered with various online media companies with the capability to allow viewers to stream, download, and burn “Slacker Uprising” to DVD.”
—
Whoa, I just found out about this! This is very cool. Hopefully it will inspire more filmmakers to provide free films via the internet. (Not that I’m opposed to them charging. But I rather like the idea of making a film free for activism and as a thank you.)
I’ve loved Michael Moore ever since I saw TV Nation back when I was in high school. His work has definitely influenced me.
Posted by Vixen as News, Activism at 11:53 PM CDT
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(This post title could describe the bailout too. I’m still working on that post. Right now it’s just a string of profanities and while that describes my feelings it doesn’t make for coherent reading.)
From the Colorado Independent:
Denver police ‘Beat the Crowds’ T-shirt no laughing matter, protesters charge
“Protest groups are demanding Denver police halt the sale and discipline anyone responsible for the creation of a “commemorative” DNC T-shirt distributed to officers featuring a baseball-bat wielding cop and the slogan “WE GET UP EARLY to BEAT the Crowds 2008 DNC.”
The T-shirt “makes a mockery” of the Denver Police Department’s Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and should be condemned, a statement from the Recreate 68 group said Thursday afternoon.
The group called for an investigation into the T-shirt and asked officials to “discipline” those involved. In addition, the group demanded that “police training regarding civil liberties be reevaluated, because it clearly has not achieved its intended effect.””
—
Denver police apparently think it’s funny to beat peaceful protesters? I don’t think the protesters that got beat downs are laughing.
“Denver Det. Nick Rogers, vice president of the police union, told the Rocky Mountain News on Thursday he hadn’t received any complaints about the shirts and said it’s common for Denver police to produce commemorative T-shirts after big events.”
Det. Rogers hasn’t gotten any complaints? Let’s change that!
From the Denver Police Protective Association’s site:
2105 Decatur Street
Denver, Colorado 80211
(303)433-8247
Fax (303)477-3166
Be sure to stay respectful and polite to insure your concerns get heard.
Posted by Vixen as News at 9:01 PM CDT
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