The Table for July 18, 2012

audreyjm529International

Today is Nelson Mandela’s 94^th birthday and the United Nations declared Nelson Mandela Day. One of the most important freedom voices and icons of the 20^th century, the man who was the catalyst for change in South Africa’s apartheid is a frail, old man. Yet his reputation as a man of humanity continues to grow as told through a visit by Bill Clinton this week. Much like Martin Luther King Jr. in this nation, the Nelson Mandela Day has become one of service and awareness for discrimination and racism. In a 20^th century filled with evil, selfish leaders, I am glad we celebrate a man who was anything but.

Who is the most significant positive social force in the 20^th century?

National

I would say the Mitt Romney is Bain and Obama is Batman, but that is only because Bain was Mitt’s company. Yet Luke Skywalker decided that he is going for Obama, and he says that the empire is alive and well. In a ridiculous interview, the famed light saber wielder is putting up the Democratic rebels against the Republican machine led by Darth Wealthy. Wait a second, isn’t Obama in charge right now? Isn’t he from the political corrupt machine of the windy planet Chicago? Doesn’t he control the media? Luke was always a hothead, and I will decide for myself unless Yoda tells me differently.

Is there any character in movie history you would trust enough for political advice?

Local

I didn’t want to get into the fray of the Paterno statue. I am sick of the cover up, football, and everything blue and white right now. But when you hear from the artist who made the statue, a new perspective is offered. Angelo Di Maria from outside Reading, PA made the statue, yet never met Joe Paterno. He is ambivalent on taking down the statue. Di Maria’s ambivalence is not because of love for Joe Paterno or his enabling of a convicted child molester, but because the statue is part of himself and his work. Right now the sores are so open and painful that the statue needs to be removed and the library renamed. Joe Paterno’s legacy and work is everywhere in State College, but his wrongs are also. Football should never be bigger than the welfare of children, even the artist knows that.

Should the Joe Paterno statue be taken down?  

Comments

[Patrick Edmonds]

1. Mandela is an amazing figure. Political prisoner to President of one of the most racist, divided countries in history warrants all people's respect. I remember when he was released from prison because they interrupted my Saturday morning cartoons. And although I was angered, I still sat and watched the parade of men, women, and children cheering in the streets and being fascinated. Aside from Mandela, I would have to say Dalton from Road House as the other most powerful social force of the 20th century...Oh wait, that's my answer for #2.
2. Dalton from Road House. As a former bouncer, I always found Dalton's words of wisdom, respect, control, and strength to be truly empowering. I think he could offer a great deal of sage advice on our current political landscape, but here's my favorite, "All you have to do is follow three simple rules. One, never underestimate your opponent. Expect the unexpected. Two, take it outside. Never start anything inside the bar unless it's absolutely necessary. And three, be nice." Either that or "Pain don't hurt." Classic!
3. I'm offended by the question at this point, and I wish all the media outlets in the country would stop trying to maintain an objective nature for the few remaining brainwashed Penn State alum who feel it should stay. Take it down! Take it down! Take it down! Also, take his name off of the Library.

[James Dugan]

Didn't mean to offend on the last part, but taking it down and melting it down are two different things. One option was putting it in storage until it blows over. An artist made the statue at a certain time and it stood for the winningest coach in D1 football. That doesn't change. If it was made to honor a saint, well then melt it. It really depends on why the artist created it.
I think the wisest man was Mr. Miagi from Karate Kid. I would take his advice even though I probably wouldn't understand his metaphors. Wax on Wax off.
I think Lech Walesa who stood up for working men in a worn torn nation controlled by communist corruption. His bravery and quest for dignity of the people in Poland changed the course for Europe and released many from hierarchal powers that still dominates government and economy.