Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Star Wars III
I was watching Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith last night and found it quite enlightening. This is the episode where the Republic becomes the Empire, and Anakin becomes Lord Vader.
A couple of quotes stood out for me (yet, I could only find the one):
The Emperor: [to the Senate] In order to ensure our security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure society which I assure you will last for ten thousand years!
[Senate fills with enormous applause]
Padmé: [to Bail Organa] So this is how liberty dies... with thunderous applause.
The other had to deal with Padmé questioning Anakin if they were on the right side of the war. Initially there were Seperatists who were fighting the Senate, then there was the transformation of the "democracy" of the Respublic into the Empire, then there was a new rebellion to fight the empire.
How do we know if we are on the right side? Should we value democracy? Is a republic really any better than an emperor?
Since yesterday was Memorial Day, it seems like a good time to question our memories and the reasons for our monuments and memorials. They all tend to romanticize war, death, and politicians. A hell of a thing to remember.
A couple of quotes stood out for me (yet, I could only find the one):
The Emperor: [to the Senate] In order to ensure our security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure society which I assure you will last for ten thousand years!
[Senate fills with enormous applause]
Padmé: [to Bail Organa] So this is how liberty dies... with thunderous applause.
The other had to deal with Padmé questioning Anakin if they were on the right side of the war. Initially there were Seperatists who were fighting the Senate, then there was the transformation of the "democracy" of the Respublic into the Empire, then there was a new rebellion to fight the empire.
How do we know if we are on the right side? Should we value democracy? Is a republic really any better than an emperor?
Since yesterday was Memorial Day, it seems like a good time to question our memories and the reasons for our monuments and memorials. They all tend to romanticize war, death, and politicians. A hell of a thing to remember.
