Paulitics

I will vote… for the addicts unable to find light in their personal darkness. I will vote… for science and a planet being choked from toxic indifference. I will vote for the silent victims lost to gun violence. I will vote… for the children being neglected and abused today and again tomorrow. I will vote… for the millions incarcerated, silenced because of their mistakes, addictions, skin colors. I will vote… for all those who cannot find hope, because I see light in the darkness.

While I am sure there are some that would watch the documentary series, Making a Murder, and it’s second season (“Part 2”) for pure entertainment value, I am not.  I was reminded throughout the current season, of the importance of not just journalism and news reporting, but also of art and filmmakers.

Yes, of course there are lawyers and civil rights organizations among many, many others actually out there, doing the tedious, intensive, hard work… filing motions, securing new evidence, litigating, investigating… thankfully so!  

It is the artists, the filmmakers that through their art reach the masses though.  Educating them, inspiring them, and sometimes even driving them to activism.  THIS is what changes the world, eventually.  

Before positive examples of Gay people (real life and fictional) were on television and in movies, the world felt very differently about love, equality, and marriage.  Before positive examples of African Americans existed more readily in our mainstream art and entertainment, slavery and segregation existed.  

Social consciousness is largely shifted by artists and their work.  Musicians, Writers, Filmmakers, Painters, Dancers, Actors, Singers…all have the power to shift and move what we believe.  What we think is right.  They shine light on unknown injustices or systems that are broken.  They bring attention to things that have gone forgotten or were never known.

Shakespeare wrote about the political and judicial systems of the day educating his audiences.  The Ancient Greeks taught morality on stage and ultimately inspired arguably one of the most influential pieces of literature… the Bible.

It may sound silly to think that a Netflix documentary series could do much more than entertain, but as a filmmaker, and documentary filmmaker I can say confidently that it does.

As I watched this season, especially the legal battles, the appeals within the various state and federal levels of judicial system I was chilled to the bone thinking about the court positions (many life time appointments) the current administration is filing at a rapid pace.  Who are these people?  These deciders of Justice and of Right and Wrong?  Are they pure of corruption, pure of any ulterior motives?  Or are they part of a sect that would continue to limit our social liberties and freedoms.  Do they continue the long tradition of White, Privileged, Christian Males or do they break it?  Are they religious zealots that think anything other than their God is wrong?  What about their morality?  Is it one based on a Christian God that judges victimless crimes, like who you love, or who you have sex with, or what is pornographic, what is art, what is acceptable and what should be censored?  Or is it a God that believes in bombs, money, and power at all costs?

I HIGHLY recommend you watch Season 1 of Making a Murder if you have not yet, and then watch the latest season of this dynamic, engaging, enraging, disturbing, educational, thought provoking, and terrifying series.  

Then, I encourage you to take a more active hand in our Democracy, and Country, but more importantly, in your life and the lives of your loved ones.  If you aren’t registered to vote, get registered.  If you’re registered but don’t vote, vote.  If you’re registered and vote, research, educate, inspire others.  There is ALWAYS more to be done.  Freedom is a right we must never take for granted.  We must remain ever vigilant… but freedom, like our Democracy is worth the effort.

“When life gives you 🍋… raise lots of 💵!!”

9 year old Cambria has certainly inspired us… we hope she inspires you too! Be sure to share this video to help inspire others with Cambria’s actions!!! For more information or on how to donate to The L.A. Kitchen go to: http://lakitchen.org/ For more Ann Asks go here: http://www.AnnAsks.tv Video Edited by Gareth Fient Produced by Get Paul Howard

Need a little peep for your Friday?

Send you into the weekend right?

Well…. here you go, and, you’re welcome!