The "Jobs" bill he has been touting since he he got done with his rest time after his Martha Vineyards "working man" vacation has really got to be throwing some very conflicting feelings towards the fans of Obama. Let me tell you why. Obama is pressing for a tax CUT in the form of social security tax. Everything I say here can be confirmed at the DNC's http://www.americanjobsact.com/ website.
"Tax Cuts to Help America's Small Businesses Hire and Grow" and "Cutting Payroll Taxes in Half...put more money in the pockets of every American".
This sounds a lot like tax cuts for businesses and the workers actually help the economy grow.
Now I thought democrats and liberals in general were opposed to less taxes, as it does nothing to help and economy when tax cuts are implemented. So why is Obama touting this? I don't know, but any reason one examines is a strike against him.
Reason 1: If you are one of the Obama supporters that think that Obama is the smartest, most intelligent and eloquent person to ever walk this Earth, then he is using his intelligence and is admitting that tax cuts stimulate job growth in an economy. And if the smartest guy in the room is saying this, it must be true so you can't argue against it.
Reason 2: Or Obama has just given in to the right wing wackos that want to line rich people's pockets and allow them to buy corporate jets*. If this is the case, then Obama is a spineless coward that was all talk and no action.
Reason 3: He is touting tax cuts because Wall Street is pressuring him to. If this is the case then Obama has brought no change to the way Washington does things (special interest groups). So instead of changing the way Washington does things, he has merely given in and in now another puppet president of the fat cats in Wall Street.
No matter how an Obama supporter looks at how Obama has handled things this summer, you all come out with the short end of the stick. There is no spin on this that makes Obama look good for his supporters.
*Every time a billionaire buys a corporate jet and runs around the country in it he is creating jobs- the jet did not spontaneously appear out of the air, and it certainly does not fly or maintain itself. A list of jobs the billionaire just created by buying a jet: Engineers who designed the plane, engineers who design electronics and avionics gear, engineers who designed the engines. Workers (probably union) who build all the things that have been designed. Pilots, stewards, mechanics both engine and electrical to maintain the aircraft, air traffic controllers, rent to airports for hangar space, fuel delivery personnel. I haven't even mentioned the web of jobs created as secondary to the need for all of this, like people who train pilots, construction workers who build the facilities, plumbers for toilets, administrative personnel for file paperwork, workers who build small components, gas companies that make aviation fuel, etc, etc. Maybe it is not a good idea to attack the one thing the uber rich actually do that creates jobs.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
My Gun Wish List...
While reading another blog, I got the idea to list what guns I hope to acquire some day. I won't put anything on that is unrealistic like a Bushmaster 20mm cannon, but guns that I might actually end up owning one day.
1. An Ar-15 or variant thereof. Nothing fancy with all sorts of doo dads attached, but a plain, functional AR. Why? Because I can.
2. An AK variant. Cause you can't have chocolate with out vanilla, yin without the yang. If you have an AR, you need an AK. Once again why? Because I live in the US and I can.
3. A Stoeger Coach gun. I have always wanted one of these, a double barrel shotgun. There is just something about them that makes me want one.
4. An M1 Garand. Don't think I need to explain why, but it would be cool to own a gun as uniquely American as apple pie or baseball.
Enough for now, stay tuned for my next installment of guns I will own one day...
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
My impression of beating dead horse redux...
To finish up this rousing exercise in futility, I would like the last word (since it is my blog after all).
A few points-
HOW we get rid of the insurance companies is a moot point because this is more of a philosophical debate than an actual policy debate. But if you must know, neither Spencer or I believe in a pure capitalist system. Look up Adam Smith, the father of modern economics and you will see the kind of system we are talking about- one where the government does regulate business to certain extent to prevent monopolies, cabals, and collusion. When companies or businesses worry about their own business, they will innovate and find ways to keep costs down to attract customers. When a group of businesses get together and decide how much they are going to charge (i.e. insurance companies and doctors) then you have collusion and cabals. This does in fact hurt the consumer by eliminating competition in the market place.
So you would break up insurance companies with anti-trust suits and regulation. In some areas you would deregulate such as eliminating State License boards and Clinical License who protect only those doctors and insurance companies in their own state, or those they have a relationship with eliminating competition from Nurse Practitioners or other health care professionals who would like to offer a low cost alternative to the doctor.
As far as a safety net is concerned- yes, expand medicare and medicaid for those that need it, those that cannot afford to pay for their own health care, poor people. If you have a chronic illness, then I think that would fall under the auspices of a catastrophic (maybe we should call it a long term insurance plan) insurance plan, as the costs to constantly get medication and medical care would be higher than someone who has the sniffles every once in a while.
And if you tell me that Medicare/Medicaid (and yes, I know that medicare is a program for seniors over 65, and medicaid is a federally funded, state administered program for low income or needy people) are not good programs, then you would need to convince me how a single payer system would be administered any differently from these two government run health systems.
The problem with this whole discussion is there is a lot of assuming going on- just because we don't like Obamacare or a single payer system does not mean that we are fine with the current state of events, or that we are raging libertarians that want something to the right of anarchy in this country.
We just happen to think that our ideas are feasible ideas that would accomplish the same goals that anyone else wants- to improve the healthcare system and allow EVERYONE to take a part of the same quality as anyone else. My believing in a free market solution does not mean that I hate poor people, or somehow lack compassion for those that are needy and unfortunate with afflictions that they have no control over. I also don't believe that anyone who advocates a single payer or government run option loves Marxism and is lazy.
Does our free market plan have flaws? Sure. Does a government run, single payer system have flaws? It sure does. They both have their fair share of flaws, and I guess it comes down to which flaws you are willing to live with.
I entitled the post "beating a dead horse" because I have had many discussions with numerous people on this very same issue over the past few years, and yet I have not been convinced to change my mind on the issue, nor have I changed anyone else's mind. I suppose discussions like this are good for getting the blood flowing a little bit, or perhaps revisiting your beliefs- but beyond that they are of little value.
That being said, I do enjoy a good discussion every now and again, and rarely do I get frustrated with people to the point where I am mad at them. Spencer is still my brother and my homeboy, and Jon is still a great friend who makes sitting through Elder's Quorum bearable.
P.S. If I had to pick the current Obamacare system (which I believe wholeheartedly has benefited insurance companies more than people) and a single-payer system, I would choose the single payer system. I suppose if I was really honest with myself I would rather have crappy, horrible, cheap, Dr. Nick style healthcare in a single payer system than have this Obamacare travesty which has just managed to put more money in the insurance companies pocket.
PEACE- I'M OUT!
A few points-
HOW we get rid of the insurance companies is a moot point because this is more of a philosophical debate than an actual policy debate. But if you must know, neither Spencer or I believe in a pure capitalist system. Look up Adam Smith, the father of modern economics and you will see the kind of system we are talking about- one where the government does regulate business to certain extent to prevent monopolies, cabals, and collusion. When companies or businesses worry about their own business, they will innovate and find ways to keep costs down to attract customers. When a group of businesses get together and decide how much they are going to charge (i.e. insurance companies and doctors) then you have collusion and cabals. This does in fact hurt the consumer by eliminating competition in the market place.
So you would break up insurance companies with anti-trust suits and regulation. In some areas you would deregulate such as eliminating State License boards and Clinical License who protect only those doctors and insurance companies in their own state, or those they have a relationship with eliminating competition from Nurse Practitioners or other health care professionals who would like to offer a low cost alternative to the doctor.
As far as a safety net is concerned- yes, expand medicare and medicaid for those that need it, those that cannot afford to pay for their own health care, poor people. If you have a chronic illness, then I think that would fall under the auspices of a catastrophic (maybe we should call it a long term insurance plan) insurance plan, as the costs to constantly get medication and medical care would be higher than someone who has the sniffles every once in a while.
And if you tell me that Medicare/Medicaid (and yes, I know that medicare is a program for seniors over 65, and medicaid is a federally funded, state administered program for low income or needy people) are not good programs, then you would need to convince me how a single payer system would be administered any differently from these two government run health systems.
The problem with this whole discussion is there is a lot of assuming going on- just because we don't like Obamacare or a single payer system does not mean that we are fine with the current state of events, or that we are raging libertarians that want something to the right of anarchy in this country.
We just happen to think that our ideas are feasible ideas that would accomplish the same goals that anyone else wants- to improve the healthcare system and allow EVERYONE to take a part of the same quality as anyone else. My believing in a free market solution does not mean that I hate poor people, or somehow lack compassion for those that are needy and unfortunate with afflictions that they have no control over. I also don't believe that anyone who advocates a single payer or government run option loves Marxism and is lazy.
Does our free market plan have flaws? Sure. Does a government run, single payer system have flaws? It sure does. They both have their fair share of flaws, and I guess it comes down to which flaws you are willing to live with.
I entitled the post "beating a dead horse" because I have had many discussions with numerous people on this very same issue over the past few years, and yet I have not been convinced to change my mind on the issue, nor have I changed anyone else's mind. I suppose discussions like this are good for getting the blood flowing a little bit, or perhaps revisiting your beliefs- but beyond that they are of little value.
That being said, I do enjoy a good discussion every now and again, and rarely do I get frustrated with people to the point where I am mad at them. Spencer is still my brother and my homeboy, and Jon is still a great friend who makes sitting through Elder's Quorum bearable.
P.S. If I had to pick the current Obamacare system (which I believe wholeheartedly has benefited insurance companies more than people) and a single-payer system, I would choose the single payer system. I suppose if I was really honest with myself I would rather have crappy, horrible, cheap, Dr. Nick style healthcare in a single payer system than have this Obamacare travesty which has just managed to put more money in the insurance companies pocket.
PEACE- I'M OUT!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Part 2
Now that these two myths are resolved, what are my problems with obamacare. There are two big reasons that make the whole obamacare stink like a pile of German Shepherd diarrhea in August.
Problem 1: The individual mandate. My very good (but very misguided) friend says he does not mind it because everyone uses healthcare, so everyone should have to pay for it in some way. This is a good point if we lived in Europe, or some other continent or country where we did not have the Constitution. We have certain fundamental rights in this country, and I have not read anywhere in the constitution, nor in relevant case law that says the Federal Government can decree that we the people have to purchase something. The government is overstepping its bounds. If they would like to provide healthcare, fine, but when we allow them to have the power to mandate that we buy something, where will it end? “Oh, but Obama is so benevolent and virtuous that he wouldn’t possibly think of exploiting that power”, lets pretend that is true, what about 5 years from now when another Evil Republican gets into the Whitehouse- what do you think he will do with that power? It is not a right I am willing to give up, it is too easily exploitable by evil men with evil designs.
Problem 2: Who is going to pay for this? Who? Right now there is no way to pay for it. Sure we can raise taxes, but we all know that is an uphill battle even in good times, much less a recession. Basically, congress acted like the guy who decided to buy a Lamborghini in the hopes he would get that big promotion he deserves in order to pay for it. I would be more ok with this Frankenstein mess if they at least had the means to pay for it. But they don’t, they have just managed to borrow more money from the Chinese in order to pay for it. Now we have a debt, and we all know that debt is never good, even if it is for a "noble" cause.
Lets pretend I am in charge, what would I do to fix it? Everyone just expand your mind a little bit, and recognize that there are other ways to fix the healthcare system than just Obamacare.
1. I would expand Medicare to cover the 44 million people who don’t have healthcare. Out of a country of 300 million (less than 15 percent of the population by the way, which means 85% do have health insurance), I think we could expand and reform Medicare, cut the waste, make it more efficient, and make it a good program. It would certainly be cheaper than to try to cover the 85% of people that can pay for it on their own.
2. I would get rid of the insurance companies. They are the real problem here, as they inflate the costs of medical care. And just something to chew on- if Obama really is the champion of the little people to save them from the evils of industry, then why did he just give a huge freebie to the health insurance companies with the individual mandate?
I think if we could get the insurance companies out of it, then healthcare would be more affordable to those who could pay for it on their own, while still providing a safety net for those that cannot pay for it themselves.
One last thing, I have heard from many people that ObamaCare is better than nothing, and so we should just shut up and take it. To that I say I don’t care if you sprinkle skittles on a turd, I still won’t eat it.
There are other things that bother me, but they are too numerous to mention, these are the main sticking points with me. And please, if anyone reading this disagrees with any of my points, feel free to tell me why and try to convince me otherwise.
Peace- I’m Out!
Problem 1: The individual mandate. My very good (but very misguided) friend says he does not mind it because everyone uses healthcare, so everyone should have to pay for it in some way. This is a good point if we lived in Europe, or some other continent or country where we did not have the Constitution. We have certain fundamental rights in this country, and I have not read anywhere in the constitution, nor in relevant case law that says the Federal Government can decree that we the people have to purchase something. The government is overstepping its bounds. If they would like to provide healthcare, fine, but when we allow them to have the power to mandate that we buy something, where will it end? “Oh, but Obama is so benevolent and virtuous that he wouldn’t possibly think of exploiting that power”, lets pretend that is true, what about 5 years from now when another Evil Republican gets into the Whitehouse- what do you think he will do with that power? It is not a right I am willing to give up, it is too easily exploitable by evil men with evil designs.
Problem 2: Who is going to pay for this? Who? Right now there is no way to pay for it. Sure we can raise taxes, but we all know that is an uphill battle even in good times, much less a recession. Basically, congress acted like the guy who decided to buy a Lamborghini in the hopes he would get that big promotion he deserves in order to pay for it. I would be more ok with this Frankenstein mess if they at least had the means to pay for it. But they don’t, they have just managed to borrow more money from the Chinese in order to pay for it. Now we have a debt, and we all know that debt is never good, even if it is for a "noble" cause.
Lets pretend I am in charge, what would I do to fix it? Everyone just expand your mind a little bit, and recognize that there are other ways to fix the healthcare system than just Obamacare.
1. I would expand Medicare to cover the 44 million people who don’t have healthcare. Out of a country of 300 million (less than 15 percent of the population by the way, which means 85% do have health insurance), I think we could expand and reform Medicare, cut the waste, make it more efficient, and make it a good program. It would certainly be cheaper than to try to cover the 85% of people that can pay for it on their own.
2. I would get rid of the insurance companies. They are the real problem here, as they inflate the costs of medical care. And just something to chew on- if Obama really is the champion of the little people to save them from the evils of industry, then why did he just give a huge freebie to the health insurance companies with the individual mandate?
I think if we could get the insurance companies out of it, then healthcare would be more affordable to those who could pay for it on their own, while still providing a safety net for those that cannot pay for it themselves.
One last thing, I have heard from many people that ObamaCare is better than nothing, and so we should just shut up and take it. To that I say I don’t care if you sprinkle skittles on a turd, I still won’t eat it.
There are other things that bother me, but they are too numerous to mention, these are the main sticking points with me. And please, if anyone reading this disagrees with any of my points, feel free to tell me why and try to convince me otherwise.
Peace- I’m Out!
Monday, April 11, 2011
My impression of beating a dead horse...
So a very good, but extremely misguided, friend brought up Obamacare the other day. It was not my choice, I have not wanted to discuss poitics for a little while, but I suppose I just can’t get away from it. So in an effort to clarify my standing on obamacare, I offer the following essay:
Why Danny does not like ObamaCare
By Danny
First, let me clarify some myths surrounding my position.
Myth 1: Danny hates poor people. Although I do find their lack of hygiene and social skills disturbing (just kidding people!), I do not hate them. In fact, I find it appalling that their access to medical care is stymied because they do not have insurance. I think poor people do not get the same quality of healthcare as people who have health insurance. I further believe that everyone should have access to good medical care no matter what your income is. Just because I don’t like ObamaCare does not mean that I don’t think that poor people should not be able to have healthcare.
Myth 2: Danny loves the current healthcare system and does not want it to change. On the contrary, I think the current system stinks. I think the costs are artificially inflated due to having to go through a middle man for healthcare (insurance companies). The current healthcare system needs some serious reforms, but Obamacare is not the only option for reform out there.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of my essay...
Peace- I'm Out!
Why Danny does not like ObamaCare
By Danny
First, let me clarify some myths surrounding my position.
Myth 1: Danny hates poor people. Although I do find their lack of hygiene and social skills disturbing (just kidding people!), I do not hate them. In fact, I find it appalling that their access to medical care is stymied because they do not have insurance. I think poor people do not get the same quality of healthcare as people who have health insurance. I further believe that everyone should have access to good medical care no matter what your income is. Just because I don’t like ObamaCare does not mean that I don’t think that poor people should not be able to have healthcare.
Myth 2: Danny loves the current healthcare system and does not want it to change. On the contrary, I think the current system stinks. I think the costs are artificially inflated due to having to go through a middle man for healthcare (insurance companies). The current healthcare system needs some serious reforms, but Obamacare is not the only option for reform out there.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of my essay...
Peace- I'm Out!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Just so you know, at this point I could really care less about what Obama does. Personally, I think we should have stayed out of Libya only because we are already fighting two other wars that Obama promised to end to get elected. But I have heard people at work spout this same stuff as the video singing Obama's praises for freeing the oppressed people of Libya. A little consistency in your thoughts is all I am asking for.
Peace- I'm out!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
politics bores me right now
the title says it all, but before I sign off for the next 6 months or so, I would like to get a couple of deep thoughts out there on politics.
1. Libya- so all you anti-war protesters that took time out from smoking the reefer and playing tetris to get out and vote for Obama, what is going through your minds now?
He seemed to run on a pretty solid anti war platform, and what has he done so far to make good on his promises- pull the troops out of Iraq - didn't really do that, the 2012 timetable was actually Bush's agreement . He pulled the troops out of Afghanistan...no, wait, he actually sent more troops to Afghanistan. Well, he may not have done that stuff, but he did shut down Guantanamo Bay... he didn't? I'll be, he didn't. Well, surely he got rid of all that icky stuff that fascist Bush put into place like the PATRIOT Act and wiretaps and all that stuff- right? No, I guess he didn't do that either. I am just wondering what everyone who was so passionate about old Obama's antithesis of Bush's warmongering are thinking now?
2. Government spending- it is outrageous and out of control. It makes me literally sick when I see how little congress is concerned about how much they spend and what it is doing to this country. I think everything needs to be cut- EVERYTHING- that includes military spending. Get out of Iraq and Afghanistan now and lets tend to our house first, then we can go over to the neighbors and dig in their yard. I know some say the answer to the deficit is to raise taxes. Especially on businesses. Guess what, tax a business, you are really taxing the customer. If you don't believe me, just look at the gasoline industry. The federal, state and local fuel taxes are passed straight to you. You think the donut shop down the street is any different. The Feds start taxing them an extra .10 for every bagel they sell, I guarantee every bagel you buy will go up .10. And for all you moaning about the tax cut extensions, and how the republicans rammed it down our throats, take a look at the democrats who are staunchly unwilling to cut ANYTHING. I would be willing to pay higher taxes if congress would cut 42% out of the budget. Why 42%, because they borrow .42 on every dollar they spend.
3. Gay marriage- here's something for you guys, gov't should NOT be involved in marriage AT ALL. It is a religious institution and should therefore be left to the religions. I think all the government should be able to do is make two people legal partners that have rights to property. The partners do not need to be in love, it could be two old ladies, a guy and his grandma, a woman and her dog, business partners, I don't care, if you want to enter into a legal contract to be able to make decisions for people and inherit property when they die, then you should be able to no matter who you are or who they are. But leave marriage alone, especially the government, it is a religious matter and so you should separate yourself from it. The government is in no condition to start inflicting moral values on its citizens. Cause quite honestly, their moral values conflict with my moral values.
Anyhoo, there are a couple of my deep political thoughts to tie you over till summer.
Peace- I'm OUT!
1. Libya- so all you anti-war protesters that took time out from smoking the reefer and playing tetris to get out and vote for Obama, what is going through your minds now?
He seemed to run on a pretty solid anti war platform, and what has he done so far to make good on his promises- pull the troops out of Iraq - didn't really do that, the 2012 timetable was actually Bush's agreement . He pulled the troops out of Afghanistan...no, wait, he actually sent more troops to Afghanistan. Well, he may not have done that stuff, but he did shut down Guantanamo Bay... he didn't? I'll be, he didn't. Well, surely he got rid of all that icky stuff that fascist Bush put into place like the PATRIOT Act and wiretaps and all that stuff- right? No, I guess he didn't do that either. I am just wondering what everyone who was so passionate about old Obama's antithesis of Bush's warmongering are thinking now?
2. Government spending- it is outrageous and out of control. It makes me literally sick when I see how little congress is concerned about how much they spend and what it is doing to this country. I think everything needs to be cut- EVERYTHING- that includes military spending. Get out of Iraq and Afghanistan now and lets tend to our house first, then we can go over to the neighbors and dig in their yard. I know some say the answer to the deficit is to raise taxes. Especially on businesses. Guess what, tax a business, you are really taxing the customer. If you don't believe me, just look at the gasoline industry. The federal, state and local fuel taxes are passed straight to you. You think the donut shop down the street is any different. The Feds start taxing them an extra .10 for every bagel they sell, I guarantee every bagel you buy will go up .10. And for all you moaning about the tax cut extensions, and how the republicans rammed it down our throats, take a look at the democrats who are staunchly unwilling to cut ANYTHING. I would be willing to pay higher taxes if congress would cut 42% out of the budget. Why 42%, because they borrow .42 on every dollar they spend.
3. Gay marriage- here's something for you guys, gov't should NOT be involved in marriage AT ALL. It is a religious institution and should therefore be left to the religions. I think all the government should be able to do is make two people legal partners that have rights to property. The partners do not need to be in love, it could be two old ladies, a guy and his grandma, a woman and her dog, business partners, I don't care, if you want to enter into a legal contract to be able to make decisions for people and inherit property when they die, then you should be able to no matter who you are or who they are. But leave marriage alone, especially the government, it is a religious matter and so you should separate yourself from it. The government is in no condition to start inflicting moral values on its citizens. Cause quite honestly, their moral values conflict with my moral values.
Anyhoo, there are a couple of my deep political thoughts to tie you over till summer.
Peace- I'm OUT!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Childhood movies RUINED!
Remember when you were a wee lad of perhaps 10, and you saw that really super awesome Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie? Do you remember wondering why Ninja Turtles was looked over at the Oscars that year? Maybe you don't, but I do. Yes, I thought the TMNT movie was awesome. But then again I was an adolescent so what did I know? I realize now that TMNT is NOT an awesome movie, and is in fact one of the worst movies I have ever seen. We all grow up and realize that our tastes as kids were probably pretty bad.
Occasionally, however, we remember a movie from our childhood, and looking back cannot find anything bad to say about it. It has withstood the test of time and is still awesome. Or so we think. I had one of these moments earlier this week when I saw the 1989 Batman was on Netflix. Remembering fondly how great this movie was, and not thinking of one reason why it would even be in the same league as TMNT, I pressed the play button. I then proceeded to ruin one of my favorite childhood memories.
Where to begin? The dialogue alone made me cringe throughout the whole movie, it sounded like it was written for a High School drama class. I know it is a cartoony movie, but it just felt like it was a movie waiting to be rifftraxed. (Note to self, check RiffTrax and see if Batman is available). Other than a very weak script and plot, perhaps the worst part of the movie is Jack Nicholson. He didn’t play the Joker, he played Jack Nicholson. Anybody ever notice he plays the same character in all his movies? In this one he just wore some makeup and had a crazy laugh. I suppose this could be chalked up to wanting to beat my head in with a hammer whenever Jack Nicholson is on the screen, but I think it is because Nicholson is not a very good actor. NO HE DIDN’T!!!!!!!! Yes I did, he is a terrible actor that just happens to be one of Hollywood’s flavors of the month, much like Snookie is on whatever tv show she is on.
As a side note, there are very few really good actors, most of them become popular because they are easy on the eyes and can speak in complete sentences. Most of the really popular actors only play caricatures of themselves. If you don’t believe me, just watch a few of your favorite actor’s movies back to back- I can almost guarantee that the performances and mannerisms are all the same. Just look at Tom Cruise or Mel Gibson, perhaps you could watch a Harrison Ford movie, and then pop in some Denzel Washington and Glenn Close movies. If any disagree, feel free to point out my error!
In the same vein, Michael Keaton was Michael Keaton, not Bruce Wayne. We got the character from Mr. Mom and Gung Ho! and threw in a little more Tim Burton and we have Bruce Wayne.
This movie was simply awful. The only thing I liked about it was Batman’s costume. I still think it looked waaaayyy cooler than the costume in the new movies.
And before you think that I am comparing Batman to Batman Begins or the Dark Knight, I’m not. They are incomparable. They are apples and oranges. I would not compare these movies just like I would not compare the cheesy 1966 Batman to any of these others. And before anyone mentions the Joel Schumacher Batman movies, I refuse to acknowledge that they even exist, I believe that the rumor that these movies exist is a cruel joke perpetuated on the human race.
Anyhoo, enough about that, it is not a good movie. Maybe that is too harsh, it is a good movie for 10 year olds, and has found a great place next to TMNT in my mind.
Occasionally, however, we remember a movie from our childhood, and looking back cannot find anything bad to say about it. It has withstood the test of time and is still awesome. Or so we think. I had one of these moments earlier this week when I saw the 1989 Batman was on Netflix. Remembering fondly how great this movie was, and not thinking of one reason why it would even be in the same league as TMNT, I pressed the play button. I then proceeded to ruin one of my favorite childhood memories.
Where to begin? The dialogue alone made me cringe throughout the whole movie, it sounded like it was written for a High School drama class. I know it is a cartoony movie, but it just felt like it was a movie waiting to be rifftraxed. (Note to self, check RiffTrax and see if Batman is available). Other than a very weak script and plot, perhaps the worst part of the movie is Jack Nicholson. He didn’t play the Joker, he played Jack Nicholson. Anybody ever notice he plays the same character in all his movies? In this one he just wore some makeup and had a crazy laugh. I suppose this could be chalked up to wanting to beat my head in with a hammer whenever Jack Nicholson is on the screen, but I think it is because Nicholson is not a very good actor. NO HE DIDN’T!!!!!!!! Yes I did, he is a terrible actor that just happens to be one of Hollywood’s flavors of the month, much like Snookie is on whatever tv show she is on.
As a side note, there are very few really good actors, most of them become popular because they are easy on the eyes and can speak in complete sentences. Most of the really popular actors only play caricatures of themselves. If you don’t believe me, just watch a few of your favorite actor’s movies back to back- I can almost guarantee that the performances and mannerisms are all the same. Just look at Tom Cruise or Mel Gibson, perhaps you could watch a Harrison Ford movie, and then pop in some Denzel Washington and Glenn Close movies. If any disagree, feel free to point out my error!
In the same vein, Michael Keaton was Michael Keaton, not Bruce Wayne. We got the character from Mr. Mom and Gung Ho! and threw in a little more Tim Burton and we have Bruce Wayne.
This movie was simply awful. The only thing I liked about it was Batman’s costume. I still think it looked waaaayyy cooler than the costume in the new movies.
And before you think that I am comparing Batman to Batman Begins or the Dark Knight, I’m not. They are incomparable. They are apples and oranges. I would not compare these movies just like I would not compare the cheesy 1966 Batman to any of these others. And before anyone mentions the Joel Schumacher Batman movies, I refuse to acknowledge that they even exist, I believe that the rumor that these movies exist is a cruel joke perpetuated on the human race.
Anyhoo, enough about that, it is not a good movie. Maybe that is too harsh, it is a good movie for 10 year olds, and has found a great place next to TMNT in my mind.
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