The match is uncanny. In the Python bit, in which a (possibly bureaucratic) service exists that offers an engrossing argument for pay, the seeker wants an argument that entails discussing alternate, well considered positions on subjects. The paid argument giver just wants to negate everything and call it an argument. British-style hilarity ensues. In Congress, the dems seem willing, if not exactly eager, to discuss opposing viewpoints if they offer a way forward. The repubs, like their Python character, just want to say 'No it isn't', or 'No it doesn't', or just plain 'No'. American-style partisanship ensues. But nobody is laughing.
Who knew that way back during President Nixon's first term, some young British (and one American) comic entertainers would get American politics circa 2010 bang on the money? I think it is high time that Monty Python sketches are carefully studied for their prognostic qualities, a bit like Nostradamus. For instance, does the Lumberjack Sketch have anything to say about 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'?
Professor of Pythonistication, anyone?
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3 comments:
They're like the Shakespeare of our time.
No. Really.
You're right - The Lumberjack Sketch is all about DA-DT. One moment you're good enough to chop down trees or pilot a Predator drone, and the next you're an outcast.
The teabaggers remind me of The Philosophy Dept. of the University of Wallamallu.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f_p0CgPeyA
And our whole approach to healthcare in the USA reminds me of the D.P. Gumby Surgeon.
(It starts loudly)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M68GeL8PafE
Thanks for those links, Oldiron - both are excellent (and hilarious) examples.
The college that matriculated Terry Gilliam (and Barack Obama) is near to where I live, and I've been thinking that its already excellent and eclectic academic catalog could use another unique program: 'The Terry Gilliam Chair for Pythonistication and Philosophy'.
Perhaps I can convince my friend at the University who is a Hume scholar to take up the cause, although he might miss the frequent trips to Reykjavik (international Hume Society HQ) ...
Almost forgot the Pythons' take on birth (and health care costs), from the movie 'Meaning of Life':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcHdF1eHhgc
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