Where There Is Smoke, There Is Fire: Michael Flynn

There is an old saying: Where there is smoke, there is fire.

Today, former Trump official Michael Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his interactions with the Russian government. The sources report that a senior official within the administration gave the green light to start secret talks with the Russians. While the name of the senior official has not been formally made public, some believe that it was Jared Kushner.

This directive did not come out of thin air. Somebody, whether it was Kushner, Trump himself or someone else who has yet to be named made the decision to have this communication with the Russians. I find it completely ironic that during the election, the chants of “lock her up” were heard throughout the country.

I have not read the emails, so I cannot comment on the contents of said emails. While I believe that using a private email server for business purposes was a lapse in judgement on Clinton’s part, as far as I know, it’s not illegal. What is illegal (again within my very limited legal knowledge) is secretly colluding with Russia to swing the election toward Trump and not just that, but openly lying about those interactions.

Only time will tell if Trump (G-d forbid) lasts until 2020 or someone finds the smoking gun that leads to impeachment before then.  But where there is smoke, there is fire (and Trump).

 

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Add Another One To The List Part VI: Garrison Keillor And Geraldo Rivera

The not so honorable list of prominent men accused of sexual assaulting and/or sexually harassing their female colleagues has grown to include two more: Garrison Keillor and Geraldo Rivera.

Garrison Keillor is the founder of A Prairie Home Companion. Broadcasting since 1974, the show has become a staple of public radio. After it was discovered that Keillor crossed the line with a colleague, he was fired and A Prairie Home Companion was removed from the channel’s lineup.

Geraldo Rivera has been a journalist and talk show host for many years. Recently Bette Midler accused him of sexual misconduct in the 1970’s.

I get it that firing these men, especially at this point in time is necessary. A message needs to be sent that such actions are not ok and there will be consequences for those who do act in such a manner. But at some point, the firing is going to be counterproductive. I just feel like for now, there is no choice but to fire these men. If they are not fired, the problem will continue and it simply can’t.

 

Flashback Friday-Legend (1985)

One of the great things about movies is that they can take us to places that we could never go to in our daily lives.

In the 1985 movie Legend, Darkness (Tim Curry) wants to destroy daylight and create a world where only darkness reigns. To do so he must kill the last of the unicorns and marry the fairy princess Lili (Mia Sara). Lili happens to be the significant other of forest boy Jack (Tom Cruise).  Jack must both save Lili and prevent Darkness from taking over the world.

I have mixed feelings about this film. While the magical elements add to the supernatural reality of the world in the film, the narrative is completely predictable. My issue with the film is also that Mia Sara’s character is the typical damsel in distress/hero’s love interest.  There is nothing more to her other than to the girl in the film.

Do I recommend it? Maybe.

Late Throwback Thursday-A Goofy Movie (1995)

When you’re a teenager, the last thing many of us want is to be hauled halfway across the country by our parents.

In 1995’s A Goofy Movie, Max Goof (voiced by Jason Marsden) hates nothing more than to be embarrassed by his father, Goofy (voice by Bill Farmer). He also has a crush on Roxanne (voiced by Kellie Martin). To impress Roxanne, Max makes a promise that seems impossible to keep. In addition to the promise that will probably never become reality, Max is also dragged by his father on a cross-country road trip.

Goofy has always been on of those Disney characters that has always seemed to be on the periphery. It’s nice to see that he was given the spotlight without having to share it. I commend the creative team for trying to reach an older audience by creating a new character that they can relate to. My view of the film is this: if you’re a pre-teen or a early teenager, the movie is fine.  It’s not exactly intellectually stimulating, but not every movie has to be. But if your adult, this film feels too simple and too predictable.

Do I recommend it? Maybe.