Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Sign of the Times

As a nation, over the past 7 years we have been lied to, stripped of our rights, declared un- patriotic if we disagree with the monarchy that was once the Executive Branch and sent into a war we cannot win with our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, fathers and mothers giving their lives - - not for oil, but because they believe in this country and the principles on which it is based.

That Everyone Has the Right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Everyone.

Horrifically, our government does not support our troops, makes them pay for their own body armor and should they be injured in battle, places them in hospitals and recovery facilities with mold- covered walls infested by vermin.

That's why it should come as no shock to any of us that Captain America is dead.





You may think it's silly for me to feel so passionately about a fictional character - - Steve Rogers infused with Super- Soldier serum in the 1940's to battle the Nazi's - - but Captain America in Marvel Comics stands for everything that we as Americans believe to be the core values of our nation.

That we fight the good fight. That we Americans want our Freedoms given to every person on this planet.

We as a nation want to believe that America stands for Good.

Truth, Justice and that other part of the phrase so blatantly left out of last summer's SUPERMAN RETURNS - - The American Way.

After years Bush and Cheney and Haliburton and Scooter Libby and the rest of the Rogues Gallery, we're full of ironic, bitchy, jaded comments about "The American Way," but when Superman can't plainly say that he stands for it - - The American Way - - and when Captain America is struck down so easily by a sniper, something has changed.

As Joe Simon, 93 year old co- creator of Captain America, stated today in the press...


"We really need him now."

I agree, Mr. Simon.

This nation without Captain America is pretty damn scary.





Captain America Comics #1

Timely Comics, March 1941.

The debut of Captain America.

Art by Jack Kirby.

6 comments:

whimsical brainpan said...

I hate to say it sweetie but even with Captian America this country is scary.

And the supposed "reason" that "The American Way" was left out of the Superman movie is beacause the producers/director wanted to appeal to an international audience. Apparently Superman belongs to the world now not just us greedy Americans.

Stephen R. said...

Whim - Of course, you're right - - about both points. This country is scary, with or without Cap and Superman SHOULD belong to the world, but it just says something to have Cap die.

I want to believe we're "Good" again and I'm having a very hard time believing that anymore.

Anonymous said...

Capt. America is exactly who we need right now. With the way the majority of the world sees us (thanks Mr Bush) we need a symbol of what America truly stands for. I hope in true comic book fashion they rethink this horrible end to a great character and bring him back from the dead!
Kristie

Anonymous said...

Come get your comic on...

http://www.atlantacomicsexpo.org/


Dragoncon, one of the greatest sci fi cons ever, Stephen you have to come to Atlanta for this we would have an ultimate blast!

http://www.dragoncon.org/dc_guests_list.php

Stephen R. said...

Kristie - I just checked it out. Middle of April, right? If I can swing the air fare, could I stay with you? Or I could call Jeff and see if I could crash there.

This looks like a blast. I wonder if I can get my Rorschach costume together in time.... :)

Anonymous said...

I am definately doing the one labor day weekend. But if you come in for the April comic expo you can definately stay with me and we will go, you can crash in the Trek room. For Dragoncon I have a double room already booked at the Marriott Marquis. Much more fun staying on site 24-7 partying it's a blast.
Kristie