Reviews for counting bodies/neocon

[hemlock-martini]

Very good, with some drawbacks

I enjoyed this animation, and as a progressive who is firmly opposed to the Bush administration, I appreciate the passion behind the message; although I feel the message itself is a little flawed.

I don't feel that the ultimate goal of the "Neocons" (a misnomer, but as good a label as any) is an oil-centric dystopic totalitarian regime; though I'm sure there are many of their rank who would love to round us all up and have us incarcerated or shot for not believing exactly as they do. And I'm certain that Karl Rove is already drawing up plans for the giant robotic elephants (excellent imagery there, by the way!).

What they want, ultimately, is a cultural "sameness"--a unified Western groupthink that can be easily led and lied to. They desire an American brand of "Freedom" which can be applied worldwide that has nothing to do with real freedom at all--they want the "freedom" to be able to come into any country at all, spread their idea of "democracy" which may not apply culturally to the people they are forcing it on, and create ways for their corporate funders to spread throughout the world and make more money. Imagine aliens invading Earth--but they don't want to kill us all or eat us, they just want to set up Wal-Marts everywhere and funnel the money of the poor lower classes directly into their pockets. And they have no problems using religion, fear or military might to carry out their schemes. That is the Neoconservative platform, without the bells and whistles.

They claim they are guided by morality, but ultimately the only morality they follow is their own greed. And there's nothing democratic about forcing "democracy" at gunpoint. Yes, the world is certainly better off with Saddam Hussein in custody, and I highly disagree with the way that women are treated in many Muslim countries--but forcing democracy down the throats of the people whose country you invade is just going to make them want to reject it. The rise of Democracy is a painful process, but it must be organic in nature.

So while I don't feel that the Bush administration has the desire (or the ability) to set themselves up as a Big Brother-style fascist government in order to grind us all under their heel, I know in my heart they would be happier with more control and more power to do as they wished. We the people won't let them, and your animation serves as a powerful reminder that too much power in the hands of government can be a dangerous thing indeed.

I'd also like to address the other reviewers--particularly the ones who identified themselves as conservatives--who agreed with the central theme of this animation, that totalitarianism of any kind is the worst kind of government. It's good to know we have that much in common, and I thank you for your wisdom.

[J-cub]

Hmm..

Show's how rupert murdock and other people that control media manipulate it to there one sided ideas love the EVIL ROBO REPUPBLICAN ELIPHANT

[greeneggsandham]

Brilliant work of art portraying modern society

This is a brilliant work of art. The flash is excellent and the political paradigm spot on. Modern day society is being transformed into an Orwellian police state where the population is controlled through fear. We are constantly told terrorists could nuke us at any minute, just rally behind your leaders to be safe. That by definition is terrorism. Terrorism, before it was "redefined" was defined in the 1914 Encylopedia Britannica as "A mode of government by terror or intimidation".

With the passage of the patriot act immediately after september 11th, section 802 defines domestic terrorism as "activities that-- involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State" By this definition any criminal act could be defined as terrorism if it was shown to be dangerous to human life. Something as menial as jay walking could be defined as terrorism because its a criminal act and is dangerous to human life.

Here is the exact definition from Section 802, H.R. 3162 (USA Patriot Act)

SEC. 802. DEFINITION OF DOMESTIC TERRORISM.

(5) the term `domestic terrorism' means activities that--

(A) involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State;

(B) appear to be intended--

(i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;

(ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion;

[LostRhyn]

hmmm...I think I know where you are coming from...

Normally artists aren't as blatent as that when putting forth their views. politically. I think that this film is more propaganda than it is art.

Therefore I dislike your film because art and politics should NEVER be mixed. And in the rare case that they are done so in a good way, the symbolism is just that: symbolism. it should not be outright and obvious.

Ever heard of allegory?

[GrimReaper3]

good

kinda makes you think since that's where our country is spinning down the drain towards. thank god bush can't be president again. it may have been exaggerated but it gets the message through even though those who don't understand turn a blind eye to it and say it's crap or anti-american. they're nazis or commies I say. what is more american than the right to blam politicians who aren't doing their job right. next time not so much marching though there were some parts that needed it like all the soldiers marching, reminds me of pink floyd's the wall and the marching hammers. the characters you have i see were inspired by the kill zone game. keep up the good work and political cartoons that i enjoy to read, watch, or draw.