Many years ago, Frank Zappa, perhaps our most astute observer

[CoffeeAnnan]

of political and cultural mores, said ( and I am paraphrasing),"so long as those in power find it useful to put up a smiling face, they will do so;it is when that ploy does not work any more, the curtains will be parted to reveal the snarling dog visage of our rulers".I have not seen a better description of the Bush Administration.

[m_welby]

1. always loved frank. an unappreciated genius in my view

here's another one I dearly love (to tell fundies): "Remember, there's a big difference between kneeling down and bending over"

[CoffeeAnnan]

2. In my humble opinion someone who should rank up there with Edith Wharton.

His observations have a timeless quality to them.

[MassLiberal]

9. another Wharton admirer

She was astute in her observations and condemnations of the ruling class while being one of them. Very cool that you brought her up here.

[CoffeeAnnan]

10. Although they lived in two separate eras, they were kindred spirits

whose statements took on power because they were true.One never doubted for a momemnt that either Frank or Edith would say something to create an effect.That is the ultimate compliment one can pay a writer.

[lateo]

3. I believe he said that on "Crossfire".

That interview he did on that show was precient.

[CoffeeAnnan]

4. That appearance by Frank was probably the only time Crossfire was worth

watching.

[lateo]

11. I agree...

[Squeech]

5. Here's the exact quote

"The illusion of freedom will continue as long as it's profitable to continue the illusion. At the point where the illusion becomes too expensive to maintain, they will just take down the scenery, they will pull back the curtains, they will move the tables and chairs out of the way, and you will see the brick wall at the back of the theatre."

Note that the attitude of the rulers doesn't matter, it's all about the cost-benefit analysis.

Is this a stagehand that I see before me?

[90-percent]

6. Zappa

Frank was my hero and helped shape my values since 1971, when I went to an October 1971 show at Stony Brook, Long Island.

He was studying a run for President in the early 90's, when he developed the prostate cancer that took his life.

There are some that contemplate his death was the result of a BFEE death ray after he smoked the Washington Wives during the PMRC hearings and Vaclev Havel appointed him US Trade Minister to Checkoslovakia.

-85%

facts above are from memory and should be considered approximate.

[CoffeeAnnan]

7. Great quote.Thanks.Frank was the greatest.

[H2O Man]

8. Great quote.

He was a wise man.

[tommcintyre]

12. Another timely quote from Zappa:

http://wiki.killuglyradio.com/index.php/Who_Are_The_Brain_Police%3F
"What will you do if the people you knew
Were the plastic that melted and the chromium, too?
Who are the brain police?"

Could this apply to how the DNC (DLC instigated?) just sold us out by coming out with a report that says "there was no widespread fraud" in the 2004 presidential election in Ohio?
---------------------------------------------
Links:
Articles by Fitrakis about the DNC Ohio election report:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=203x380494
Thread title: The DNC 2004 Election Report: An indictment of incompetence - Bob Fitrakis?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=203x381320
Thread title: "Limp election theft report, Dems prove why they're unworthy" – Fitrakis
------------------------------
How this could happen:
Political Ideas: DINOs Outshining RINOs
http://www.davidswanson.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=263

How the DLC Does It
http://www.prospect.org/print-friendly/print/V12/7/dreyfuss-r.html
------------------------------
What to do:
Go here and vote to save the 2004 ERD!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4017670

[CoffeeAnnan]

13. Great Links.Thanks.