Superman and the Culture War

Superman and the Culture War

By: Bill O'Reilly for BillOReilly.com

Thursday, Jul 06, 2006


The culture war has tugged on Superman's cape, and it is not pretty. In the new film "Superman Returns," Daily Planet editor Perry White responds this way after being told the man of steel has come back after a five year absence: "Does he still stand for truth, justice and all that stuff?"

And all that stuff?

The original line, of course, was "truth, justice and the American way." But no way the "American way" gets in the film.

That's because Warner Brothers, the studio distributing the movie, doesn't want to tee off any foreign viewers with pro-U.S. sentiment. It's bad enough Superman was raised in the Midwest; we can't be having the hero actually standing for the American way, now can we? Some jihadist in Pakistan might throw popcorn at the screen.

You don't need x-ray vision to know that things have changed drastically in America in the past five years. When Superman left to go visit the planet of his birthplace, the USA was not engaged in a terror war; the country was merrily drifting along, hoping that rap music would follow Monica Lewinsky into obscurity.

But that was then. Now, America is a divided country. We are fighting a fierce war on terror overseas, and an intense culture war at home. No longer is the "American way" something to be proud of; today, forces abroad and at home believe we are a deeply flawed nation that is a danger to the world.

According to a Pew Global Attitudes survey, almost 30% of Americans believe that America's presence in Iraq poses a greater danger to world peace than Iran's quest for a nuclear weapon. In Turkey, 65% of the people feel that way. This kind of muddled thinking reflects the sentiment of the anti-American press worldwide and here in the USA. It is also the product of the rise of a well-funded and well-organized secular-progressive movement in America.

The secular-progressive philosophy would rattle even Superman. Led by moneymen George Soros and Peter Lewis who have bought enormous internet access, the secular-progressives are selling the theory that the USA needs radical change, a complete overhaul. Think about it: Almost every day, the secular-progressive press bombards us with messages that America violates human rights, that it is bigoted against gays and other minorities, that the rich control everything and don't pay enough tax, and that the rights of women are trampled if any restrictions are placed on abortion.

And the secular-progressive scribes are becoming increasingly emboldened. Writing in The New York Times, David Nasaw, a professor at the ultra-left City University of New York, made this comment about the charitable gifts of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett: "While we can only applaud the decision by Mr. Buffett and Mr. Gates to give away so much of their fortunes ... is society served by permitting (italics mine) so much capital to be accumulated by so few?"

Fifty years ago, Professor Nasaw would have received an invitation to appear before the House Committee on Un-American Activities. Today, he is a lion in the secular-progressive movement which seeks to have a large centralized government decide who can earn what.

That's not the American way Superman used to uphold. This is a brave new world that threatens even superheroes. The old ways of respect for the basic nobility of America, the capitalistic free enterprise system, and the Judeo-Christian philosophy of personal responsibility are all under siege by stealth forces more powerful than a locomotive. They can even exorcise a classic pro-American line from a movie about a traditional comic book hero.

Please tell Perry White there is no justice in eliminating the American way. And that's the truth.

I heard Bill O'Reilly is gay... Nope, sorry, let me check my facts. I meant to say blow hard...;)

Ya, being too "PC" is flat out stupid and way out of control. We might hurt someone's feelings. Awwww and we don't want to do that.

"...America violates human rights, that it is bigoted against gays and other minorities, that the rich control everything and don't pay enough tax, and that the rights of women are trampled if any restrictions are placed on abortion."

I think there's some element of truth to all of that. American soldiers raping and murdering Iraqi civilians -- it happened. Do the rich pay too little in taxes? Depends on who you ask, but Warren Buffet says yes, he pays too little, and calls it "welfare for the rich". When the second richest man on the planet says he pays too little in taxes, I'm inclined to believe him. Are we bigoted against gays? Well, 45 states are, certainly, which is a large majority. Are the rights of women being trampled on? Well, depends on where you are. In at least one state, it's now illegal to get an abortion EVEN IF THE WOMAN WAS RAPED, and the conservatives are pressing this issue elsewhere too.

So, all-in-all, it looks like the secularists actually do have some points to make.

Thats because Amerika is no longer what it used to be. It is now a warmongering nation. It is the new Nazi Germany.

Torog...........To hell with that Movie...........All that stuff...please

I vote with money....... i just wont go see it

Isn't Superman really a god? He has powers far beyond the normal man, and the villain's name, Lex Luther, even sounds like Lucifer.

Hereâ??s more about the similarities of the first two Superman movies, and the bible(s).
http://www.unomaha.edu/jrf/Vol7No1/unholy.htm


My verdict: Up with secularism, and down with religion. The hell with Superman. He sucks. So does Batman.

O'Reilly can take a hike. I can't watch that idiot anymore. His statement, "the Judeo-Christian philosophy of personal responsibility are all under siege by stealth forces more powerful than a locomotive." is a laughable.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Breukelen advocaat

O'Reilly can take a hike. I can't watch that idiot anymore.

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Wow, I actually agree with you.

As do I . . .

Dammit!

I guess they won't make a Captain America movie now will they??
: (

I wonder if Bill O'Reilly jacks off to an American flag.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Breukelen advocaat

Isn't Superman really a god? He has powers far beyond the normal man, and the villain's name, Lex Luther, even sounds like Lucifer.

Hereâ??s more about the similarities of the first two Superman movies, and the bible(s).
http://www.unomaha.edu/jrf/Vol7No1/unholy.htm


My verdict: Up with secularism, and down with religion. The hell with Superman. He sucks. So does Batman.

O'Reilly can take a hike. I can't watch that idiot anymore. His statement, "the Judeo-Christian philosophy of personal responsibility are all under siege by stealth forces more powerful than a locomotive." is a laughable.

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Howdy BA,

I don't see Superman as a god of any sort,and if there are any 'messages' in the film,they were authored by the writers and editors,of the script.

My verdict: Down with secularism and up with a personal relationship with God and His Son,Jesus Christ..our Lord and Saviour. Organized religion is in disarray at this time,due in part,to the "stealth forces more powerful than a locomotive", and I find O'Reilly's statement to be apt.

Unlike Bong30,I'll probably watch the movie when it comes out on pay-per-view,just to see how anti-American it is..just like I watch the evening news by the Big 3,to see what their latest hate-America message is for the masses. It is vital,after-all,to keep track of the enemy's latest propaganda,as well as their strategy and tactics. Hollyweirdos,are an important part of America's 5th column..you know-the side that aids and abbetts the enemies of America.

Have a good one ...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bhallg2k

I wonder if Bill O'Reilly jacks off to an American flag.

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I'm sure the flag was somewhere during the phone-sex encounters with his producer. Heterosexual sexual harassment is as American as "American Pie". Settling the case with a multi-million dollar hush money payment ... what's more american than that ??

O'Reilly got caught in the Jim Baker (and Rush Limbaugh) trap .... making millions judging the behavior of others, and not being able to stand up to their own "standards" of behavior.

There's a special place in Dante's Hell for those guys.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Torog

Howdy BA,

I don't see Superman as a god of any sort,and if there are any 'messages' in the film,they were authored by the writers and editors,of the script.
My verdict: Down with secularism and up with a personal relationship with God and His Son,Jesus Christ..our Lord and Saviour. Organized religion is in disarray at this time,due in part,to the "stealth forces more powerful than a locomotive", and I find O'Reilly's statement to be apt.
Unlike Bong30,I'll probably watch the movie when it comes out on pay-per-view,just to see how anti-American it is..just like I watch the evening news by the Big 3,to see what their latest hate-America message is for the masses. It is vital,after-all,to keep track of the enemy's latest propaganda,as well as their strategy and tactics. Hollyweirdos,are an important part of America's 5th column..you know-the side that aids and abbetts the enemies of America. Have a good one ...

---

The Republican and Democratic Parties "aids and abbetts he enemies of America". Why don't we stop buying oil from our enemies? Because Bush in in bed with the oil sheiks. He's selling us right down the river to them.

The majority of the Founding Fathers were not Christians. They were Deists, and hated organized religion - especially Thomas Jefferson. This country was not intended to be run by christers, and if we don't get it away from that we'll face destruction.

The "Son" of god is a gigantic hoax. Washington knew that, and 250 years later people still believe in these lies - which were stolen from the pagans, who didn't do a fraction of the killing and destruction that the (later) monotheistic religions have racked up. It is a disgrace that the Bible is held in high esteem by anybody, much less the president. Even if he doesn't believe in it 100% (nobody does), he's exploiting the brainwashed, lazy, ignorant masses to do his bidding. The terrorists did 9/11 for sure, but Bush has used it to further his agenda. Now we found that Iraqi terrorists were planning to blow up the Holland Tunnel. This is on Bush's head, IMHO. They never learn - we had the Shah of Iran replaced by the Khomeni, in Iran, and that should have taught us that secular is better. But NOOOOOOO! They've got to have their "faith" win the government. It's more than disgusting, it's downright reprehensible.




O'Reilly is another disgusting individual who is not only a hypocrite, but a liar as well. Don't even get me started on that asshole. :dance:

Time to smoke a bowl of New York Diesel (or whatever it is!).

Take it eeeeeez.
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/...reality_islam/

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Breukelen advocaat

The Republican and Democratic Parties "aids and abbetts he enemies of America". Why don't we stop buying oil from our enemies? Because Bush in in bed with the oil sheiks. He's selling us right down the river to them.

The majority of the Founding Fathers were not Christians. They were Deists, and hated organized religion - especially Thomas Jefferson. This country was not intended to be run by christers, and if we don't get it away from that we'll face destruction.

The "Son" of god is a gigantic hoax. Washington knew that, and 250 years later people still believe in these lies - which were stolen from the pagans, who didn't do a fraction of the killing and destruction that the (later) monotheistic religions have racked up. It is a disgrace that the Bible is held in high esteem by anybody, much less the president. Even if he doesn't believe in it 100% (nobody does), he's exploiting the brainwashed, lazy, ignorant masses to do his bidding. The terrorists did 9/11 for sure, but Bush has used it to further his agenda. Now we found that Iraqi terrorists were planning to blow up the Holland Tunnel. This is on Bush's head, IMHO. They never learn - we had the Shah of Iran replaced by the Khomeni, in Iran, and that should have taught us that secular is better. But NOOOOOOO! They've got to have their "faith" win the government. It's more than disgusting, it's downright reprehensible.




O'Reilly is another disgusting individual who is not only a hypocrite, but a liar as well. Don't even get me started on that asshole. :dance:

Time to smoke a bowl of New York Diesel (or whatever it is!).

Take it eeeeeez.
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/...reality_islam/

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Altho I do agree that organized religion is down right malicious, I'd like to specify my reasoning.

Specifically the belief in hell, and consequently the belief in heaven are what truely does most of the damage.

It turns a spiritual path into a fear based system of control, by giveing a punishment/reward only proven by ones death.

Live life this way or go to hell. Which gives a direct contradiction to what many of the organized religions preach when they speak of forgiveness.

As I understand it, the Jewish religion doesnt have a heaven or a hell, and I see it not as a religion but more of a culture, of which I am not a member.

I dont agree with your outright belief that Terroists comitted the attacks on 9/11 in New York/Pentagon. To me there seems to be a growing community of people that are raising real questions as to the validity of the "official" explanation. I for one remain indecided.

As for your instistance of being secular, well I dont exactly agree on this either. The definition states it as being "Worldly rather than spiritual".

As to my reasoning, I'll say that organized religion has nothing to do with spirituality, as I'll define it as being as search into ones self. I think Our country would more than benefit in great ways if we each sought out answers to the questions within ourselves.

I would also like to point out that to have "faith" requires the suspension of logic. And you specifically called out those that have "faith " in their government.

To me, "faith" is exactly what you show when stateing as fact that terrorists comitted 9/11,as the "official" story, when so much evidence is there to question it.

Secularism has two distinct meanings.

a)It asserts the freedom of religion, and freedom from religion, within a state that is neutral on matters of belief, and gives no state privileges or subsidies to religions.

b) It refers to a belief that human activities and decisions should be based on evidence and fact, and not superstitious beliefs, however devoutly held, and that policy should be free from religious domination. For example, a society deciding whether to promote condom use might consider the issues of disease prevention, family planning, and women's rights. A secularist would argue that such issues are relevant to public policy-making, whereas Biblical interpretation or church doctrine should not be considered and are irrelevant.

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secularism

As for who committed the 9/11 airliner bombings, what evidence is there that the 19 Muslim men were something other than organized terrorists carrying out a plan? Conspiracy theories are fun and all, but do any of them have any actual evidence to lend them credence?

Well said Chief......"don't call me Chief"! .. you pretty much nailed it Tex.....damn, you'all... are hardcore.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marlboroman

Altho I do agree that organized religion is down right malicious, I'd like to specify my reasoning.

Specifically the belief in hell, and consequently the belief in heaven are what truely does most of the damage.
I specifically singled out the "monotheistic" religions as the worst culprets. The Tibetan Buddhists are not commiting jihad.

It turns a spiritual path into a fear based system of control, by giveing a punishment/reward only proven by ones death.
Exactly - and it's all for war, power and profits.

Live life this way or go to hell. Which gives a direct contradiction to what many of the organized religions preach when they speak of forgiveness.
Right, "Believe it or burn" is the motto of christinsanity.

As I understand it, the Jewish religion doesnt have a heaven or a hell, and I see it not as a religion but more of a culture, of which I am not a member.
The religion of the Hebrew savages gave birth to it's bastard children, Islam and Christianity. The Old Testament is an example of writings that have done great harm to the human condition. It, along with the New Testament, will one day be relegated to the library shelves along with superstition, myth, legends, voodoo, witch doctors, tarot cards, occult, astrology, etc.

I dont agree with your outright belief that Terroists comitted the attacks on 9/11 in New York/Pentagon. To me there seems to be a growing community of people that are raising real questions as to the validity of the "official" explanation. I for one remain indecided.
Well, I'm sure that there are things about the "official" story that are lies, but I don't believe that the U.S. government planned and executed the attacks of 9/11. What I DO believe, though, is that it never should have happened. Common sense is not common when you have people running thing with twisted minds weakened by religion. We should have seen it coming, and maybe they did, but let it happen. I doubt that the details were known to the U.S. government.

As for your instistance of being secular, well I dont exactly agree on this either. The definition states it as being "Worldly rather than spiritual".
Read the explanation in the posting above, which is correct. I'd call myself a Materialist.

As to my reasoning, I'll say that organized religion has nothing to do with spirituality, as I'll define it as being as search into ones self. I think Our country would more than benefit in great ways if we each sought out answers to the questions within ourselves.
Seeking answers is fine - believing in superstition and other madness is not. To do this, you have to throw logic and reason out the window, and place your future and will in the hands of others.

I would also like to point out that to have "faith" requires the suspension of logic. And you specifically called out those that have "faith " in their government.
I meant that the United States should have taken action against Iran when the hostages were taken, and deposed the Khomeni. If theyâ??d puit back a Shah in power, the religious hatred wouldnâ??t have turned it into what it is today. By â??faithâ?� I was referring to merging religion and government in Iran.

To me, "faith" is exactly what you show when stateing as fact that terrorists comitted 9/11,as the "official" story, when so much evidence is there to question it.

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I don't have "faith" that the terrorist committed 9/11 - it's just my opinion.
- I just have not seen any convincing evidence to the contrary that would suggest that they didnâ??t do it.

9/11 conspiracy debunking site:
http://us.geocities.com/debunking911/index.htm

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jamstigator

Secularism has two distinct meanings.

a)It asserts the freedom of religion, and freedom from religion, within a state that is neutral on matters of belief, and gives no state privileges or subsidies to religions.

b) It refers to a belief that human activities and decisions should be based on evidence and fact, and not superstitious beliefs, however devoutly held, and that policy should be free from religious domination. For example, a society deciding whether to promote condom use might consider the issues of disease prevention, family planning, and women's rights. A secularist would argue that such issues are relevant to public policy-making, whereas Biblical interpretation or church doctrine should not be considered and are irrelevant.

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secularism

As for who committed the 9/11 airliner bombings, what evidence is there that the 19 Muslim men were something other than organized terrorists carrying out a plan? Conspiracy theories are fun and all, but do any of them have any actual evidence to lend them credence?

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Well free from religion yes, but not free from spirituality, which have nothing to do with each other.

As for the 19 terrorists and evidence to the contrary, view this up.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...10169657809939

No fear mongering, just evidence that creates more questions than answers.

What really happened at the last supper? Scripture describes Jesus offering bread and wine to his disciples as a symbolic gesture of unity and life.

However, comic books and film tell us about a different origin of power for Superman. Could the comic book and film versions of Superman's origins be wrong? Could it be that Superman was the missing disciple, the one who ate Jesus in order to attain the high protein required for super human abilities?

And, if Superman did eat Jesus, isn't it likely he could face criminal charges, Messiah tampering, to name but one?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by graymatter

What really happened at the last supper? Scripture describes Jesus offering bread and wine to his disciples as a symbolic gesture of unity and life.

However, comic books and film tell us about a different origin of power for Superman. Could the comic book and film versions of Superman's origins be wrong? Could it be that Superman was the missing disciple, the one who ate Jesus in order to attain the high protein required for super human abilities?

And, if Superman did eat Jesus, isn't it likely he could face criminal charges, Messiah tampering, to name but one?

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HEHE you makey me giggle, me likey you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Breukelen advocaat

The Republican and Democratic Parties "aids and abbetts he enemies of America". Why don't we stop buying oil from our enemies? Because Bush in in bed with the oil sheiks. He's selling us right down the river to them.

The majority of the Founding Fathers were not Christians. They were Deists, and hated organized religion - especially Thomas Jefferson. This country was not intended to be run by christers, and if we don't get it away from that we'll face destruction.

The "Son" of god is a gigantic hoax. Washington knew that, and 250 years later people still believe in these lies - which were stolen from the pagans, who didn't do a fraction of the killing and destruction that the (later) monotheistic religions have racked up. It is a disgrace that the Bible is held in high esteem by anybody, much less the president. Even if he doesn't believe in it 100% (nobody does), he's exploiting the brainwashed, lazy, ignorant masses to do his bidding. The terrorists did 9/11 for sure, but Bush has used it to further his agenda. Now we found that Iraqi terrorists were planning to blow up the Holland Tunnel. This is on Bush's head, IMHO. They never learn - we had the Shah of Iran replaced by the Khomeni, in Iran, and that should have taught us that secular is better. But NOOOOOOO! They've got to have their "faith" win the government. It's more than disgusting, it's downright reprehensible.




O'Reilly is another disgusting individual who is not only a hypocrite, but a liar as well. Don't even get me started on that asshole. :dance:

Time to smoke a bowl of New York Diesel (or whatever it is!).

Take it eeeeeez.
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/...reality_islam/

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Howdy BA,

We're still buying oil from our enemy's,because the enviro-nazis here at home,have and continue to do so,stymie all efforts to be energy independent.

When you say that " The son of god is a gigantic hoax" and that the Bible is a "disgrace",yer telling 85 percent of America,that they are fools and that their lives are a 'hoax'. It's folks that say the things ya did,that make Christians git involved in politics..so go ahead and express yer contempt for 85 % of America..and count yerself amongst the religion of the God-less Left.

O'Reilly must be doin something right--to git you all pissed off...lol.

Have a good one ...

I read some poll that said that more than 50 percent of the U.S. population believes the Book of Revelations to be literally true, which means more than half the country believes that Armageddon is coming soon, and therefore why worry about using up the Earth's resources. Now, perhaps they're right, and we needn't worry about efficient alternatives to oil, because the world won't be around much longer anyway. But what if they're wrong? I guess it's Christian blasphemy to consider that all those people could be mistaken. But what if they are? This is where religion might not just merely cause wars, but could also potentially contribute to the end of human existence.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jamstigator

I read some poll that said that more than 50 percent of the U.S. population believes the Book of Revelations to be literally true, which means more than half the country believes that Armageddon is coming soon, and therefore why worry about using up the Earth's resources. Now, perhaps they're right, and we needn't worry about efficient alternatives to oil, because the world won't be around much longer anyway. But what if they're wrong? I guess it's Christian blasphemy to consider that all those people could be mistaken. But what if they are? This is where religion might not just merely cause wars, but could also potentially contribute to the end of human existence.

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Self fullfilling prophecy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Torog

Howdy BA,

We're still buying oil from our enemy's,because the enviro-nazis here at home,have and continue to do so,stymie all efforts to be energy independent.
You're talking about a large percenatage of the population due to all of the SUV owners, others that won't walk a mile or so to get something, and more. Them Dems and Republicans are also on the payroll of the oil barons.

When you say that " The son of god is a gigantic hoax" and that the Bible is a "disgrace",yer telling 85 percent of America,that they are fools and that their lives are a 'hoax'. It's folks that say the things ya did,that make Christians git involved in politics..so go ahead and express yer contempt for 85 % of America..and count yerself amongst the religion of the God-less Left.
I have contempt for the religion, not necessarily the people. I do not care if I am "God-less", because "god" does not exist in the first place. Your religion is an amalgamation of myths, and must fight to maintain it's place in the world. You admit this. Well, the non-believers, who are rational, are usually silenced. Where is there an Atheist show on TV? You come up with examples things that you think are "god-less" - but the people that are qualified to show why religions are poison are not allowed to explain this in the media, schools, etc.

O'Reilly must be doin something right--to git you all pissed off...lol.
He is a showman, and I don't even care about his agenda - he caters to the ignorant masses who have allowed themselves to be brainwashed. He goes on crusade against the mothers of soldiers killed in Iraq, but is afraid to debate those that could stomp his meager intellect into the ground. He's a coward, as evidenced by his pro-war stance, and lack of military service.
There's more, but he's a pathetic, cowardly little man who does not even deserve the courtesy of a fair analysis.

Have a good one ...

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O'Reilly was put in his place was on Letterman, last year, because David was clearly emotionally upset at him - mostly due to his heartless attacks on Cindy Sheehan, the mother of a soldier slain in Iraq. In keeping with the character of a coward, O'Reilly will probably never voluntarily put himself in a vulnerable position again.

I got an idea. Why don't we give the copy and paste a rest....and use your own fucking words. I can understand you much better....that way.