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The Undefeated is not a Documentary, it's a Declaration of War
Local O4P Event ^ | 9/8/2011 | Steel Wolf

Posted on 09/08/2011 9:38:59 AM PDT by Steel Wolf

So, I inadvertently crashed an O4P event last night. Long story short, I wanted to see Undefeated, and I wound up with a little more than I bargained for. I thought I'd share some insights, while the scene is still fresh in my head.

The local theater was hosting a private screening of the Undefeated, followed by a Q&A session with the director, Stephen Bannon. Mr. Bannon, was apparently pulled away at the last minute 'For a project that I think you'll all like', we were told, at which point none other than Andrew Brietbart was called to substitute in. Brietbart watched the debate then drove down, arriving at our location as the movie was ending.

So, let me quickly give you 10 Points About A Cynic At The Undefeated

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The Viewer: Let me fess up, up front. I like being well informed, which is why I wanted to see this documentary, but I did not have a terribly open mind going in. I'm a practical, bordering on cynical person who was expecting either a soft hour-and-a-half informercial, or overt preaching-to-the-choir propaganda. I basically made myself go see this out of intellectual pride in keeping abreast of important political reference points. I’ve always liked Palin, but that support was waning lately. I had concerns with how some Palin fans act. I wasn't thrilled that Palin is playing games with the media. The whole deal was just wearing thin with me. In short, I was that guy.

The Scene: The opening sequence of the movie is actively disturbing. I'm not terribly religious, but the when the words, 'by their fruits ye shall know them' appear on the screen, the reaction was gut-wrenching. I literally wanted to go take a shower at the very thought of what our culture has become. It was clever, effective film-making. It's also drawing a distinction, a moral distinction, between the right and the left in America. It also makes you revisit the idea that liberals are just misguided, well-meaning idiots, and shows they have progressed into something much worse. It lays out the battle lines clearly, and lets you decide what side you want to be on.

The Story: For a documentary, this film relies heavily on visual metaphors that are intuitive and visceral. This is generally hard to do well, but it's done with an expert touch here. What's really interesting, though, is that these are just simple flourishes on a very basic story. That Palin was a good governor who was attacked beyond any sense of proportion by a sick, corrupt media culture, politically left to the vultures, but who refused to roll over and die. It's such a basic story that claims nothing out of the ordinary, that you can't help but wonder, "With all the wall-to-wall media coverage of Palin over the last few years, why I have I never heard this?" It's not like she's claiming she invented the internet or healed the oceans. It's really a very moral, modest, and upbeat tale of a challenger who unseated comfortable, corrupt officials, and put a house in order. It was unnerving to recognize how alien her side sounds without the media filter.

The End: As the movie drew to a close, the sharpest thing I realized was how simple this all was. Palin is for clean, honest, responsible government, against entrenched, corrupt political establishments, and ready to fight to her last breath for America. If you’re for that, you’re for Palin. Click.

The bare simplicity of it was really the most shocking thing of this whole documentary. It makes you wonder, just how sick is our entire society, when spending an hour and a half of watching some woman do her job as an honest elected official feel like a revolutionary act?

Strength and Strategy: After the ending, Andrew Breitbart came in for a rather interesting post-movie chat. Breitbart's quite entertaining in person. He's fast on his feet, funny, cocky and open in calling out the MSM as evil. He was much harder on the GOP. He tentatively admitted the candidates’ performance in the debate was moderately sufficient, but his issues with them are far more strategic in nature. "Why give MSNBC, owned by GE, owned by the Obama Administration, the time of day? This isn't the 1970s. Go on a better network. ABC. Fox. You can get your message out without having to rely on paid ideologues who couldn't make an honest cent on AM radio, and are now subsidies to spread the White House message directly." He's basically against the whole game, not just the players.

Moving on to the topic of Sarah Palin, the idea that "She refuses to accept the premise of her own demise." was central. Breitbart said this several times. Her goal is to fight back. To not lie down. To not be defeated. Not for herself but for America. There's something fundamentally appealing about that.

Invariably, the "Should Sarah Palin run?" question came up. (And I'm quoting from memory, so the wording isn't exact.) After the standard disclaimer of it not being his call and her looking at factors he’s not privy to, he certainly felt the option was still open. He also pointed out there's lots of considerations beyond 2012 and that the big picture is one of them. "I want her to be leading this movement for the next 50 years. If she can win in 2012, great. But I don't want her jumping in if she's going to be obliterated. What if the time's not right yet? What if 2016 or 2020 is? If the time is right, in her estimation, then she'll go now, but if not, she won't."

When the "Should someone else without the high negatives run?" question came up, he went back to the point about Palin refusing to admit the premise of her own demise. Then he asked, "What if people who think they don't like Palin because the MSM said not to saw the Undefeated? What would they think then? The poll numbers aren't good now, but they're not written in stone. Don’t accept anything as unchangeable."

In his own way, Breitbart was very humble about his role as a media insurgent. “I started Big Government because everyone talks about fighting back, but nobody does.” He reminded everyone to film everything, including any union/leftist thuggery we could find. “I don’t care if it’s a protest at Bank of America; film it, get it to me. We’ll fight back. They won’t get away with it.” This was the basis of his support for the Tea Party / Palin movement. Stop being silent. Fight them back at every turn.

As the event let out, I thought about these next four points.

The Way Ahead: Palin doesn’t see herself as indispensable. This is a movement, not a fan club. She clearly takes great pride in the 2010 elections because it was a blow to Obama and a blow to the Establishment GOP. It was a rising tide that originated from the grassroots, sweeping away a corrupt layer of political hacks. That's the real way ahead. Fighting house-to-house, block by block, holding and clearing out the entrenched interests on both sides at every level. While it would be great if she runs in 2012, the clear gist from the ground was that the war is much bigger than an election or two. It really is a nationwide movement centered around Getting Organized, Getting Aggressive and Getting Results.

Getting Organized4Palin: O4P is far more O than I realized. (They'll be more so, now that I'm signing up.;-) ) They're passionate and principled, like many of her online fans. In stark contrast to a lot of folks online, they're also very calm, polite and reasonable. The kind of people that can persuade with a few strong words and a smile.

I’m not here to plug them or any other group, but whether for political reasons or for when SHTF, it’s long past the point of getting organized. If you’re just reading, FReeping and voting, it’s not enough. America is moving into turbulent times, and organization is what will turn a multitude of flakes into an avalanche.

Getting Aggressive:I still believe that Palin deserves better than a lot of her frankly impolite fans. But I get it now, much more than before, just why a lot of her fans are that angry. I think that anger would be better channeled into spreading the word and winning people over, but I see a little clearer what's all at stake, and the angle she’s playing at. Palin, and for that matter, Reagan, has a better template, though. You can be funny, charming and disarming as well as being assertive and direct. Palin sets a good example on how to be steadfast on your ideals, but she also makes it clear what she thinks about creepy public attack dogs. Think about how the movie starts, and wonder if that the image she’d approve for a movement to put out?

On the flip side of that, Breitbart was openly derisive of how cowardly the men in our society are. He challenged us to stop being silent and averting our eyes in the face of ugly liberal lies, slander and smears. This can be done without turning ugly yourself, but staying silent is its own ugliness. It needs to be done from a position of passionate belief in the values you’re defending, though, but it needs to be done resolutely.

Getting Results The O4P folks are in it for the long haul. It's war. War on the left. War on the establishment right. War to regain and restore America as a free, prosperous and functional nation. The first step is to disable the Establishment GOP and raise an army of insurgent Congressmen. No doubt some of them will fall prey to corruption, but they too can be replaced. The bottom line is that Palin isn’t trying to do this by herself; she’s trying to cultivate a movement and cultivate allies. We don’t need to treat potentially useful allies as threats until they show themselves irreconcilable.

So, my Perry flag is still up for now. It'll drop it the minute Palin jumps in. If she doesn't, then I'll work to get behind whoever she recommends. They are a lot of fights looming, big and small, but it's time to get organized.

Bottom line I've always been a fan, but I'm now more comfortable than ever with the idea of Sarah Palin as President. I also understand that her plan is much deeper than just being President. She’s raising a different banner. Not just as a politician, but as the leader of an insurgency. A revolutionary figure. It might not come in 2012, but the war is coming. This is the resistance movement you've been waiting for.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Education; Local News; Military/Veterans; Miscellaneous; Reference
KEYWORDS: california; donttreadonme; drillbabydrill; elections; exceptionalism; givemeliberty; infomercial; livefreeordie; o4p; obama; palin; palin2012; palin4president; perry; runsarahrun; sarahrocks; takebackamerica; tanstaafl; theundefeated; time2partyagain; treeofliberty; truthmatters0; undefeated; unions; wethepeople; whypayforcommercial; works4me
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Anyway, I'm not signing up as a mindless Palin-bot. I don't do orthodoxy, but I did find her documentary persuasive, and her flesh-and-blood fans to be to my liking. She's earned my interest as a supporter and a foot soldier.
1 posted on 09/08/2011 9:39:02 AM PDT by Steel Wolf
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To: Steel Wolf

oh, so hoffa’s decree is a declaration of self-defense?


2 posted on 09/08/2011 9:40:27 AM PDT by the invisib1e hand (...then they came for the guitars, and we kicked their sorry faggot asses into the dust)
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To: Steel Wolf

You do not have to be a supporter and you would have a lot of company like folks that our supposed to be on the conservative side. Ingraham and Coulter are not supporters either, supposed conservative choosing to eat their own. Strange behavior. Am glad you enjoyed the movie and our interested though.


3 posted on 09/08/2011 9:43:51 AM PDT by vicar7 ("Polls are for strippers and cross-country skiers" Sarah Palin)
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To: the invisib1e hand
It's pretty clear that Hoffa and his ilk are willing to fight to preserve wealth redistrubution, socialism and their right to loot a once free and prosperous nation.

The left is already organized, militant and at war with America. Hoffa's just rattling his saber.

Where are we? My point is that Palin recognizes the existential threat that people like Hoffa pose to our way of life, that she's willing to decare war on them, and that she's willing to fight back.

4 posted on 09/08/2011 9:46:23 AM PDT by Steel Wolf ("Few men desire liberty; most men wish only for a just master." - Gaius Sallustius Crispus)
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To: Steel Wolf
"....The poll numbers aren't good now, but they're not written in stone. Don’t accept anything as unchangeable."

It's not like her initial poll numbers would be any better in 2016 or 2020 - if not now, when?
EVERYONE I saw on stage last night was beatable - and I was glad Sarah Palin was not in the middle of that mess.

5 posted on 09/08/2011 10:03:40 AM PDT by Psalm 73 ("Gentlemen, you can't fight in here - this is the War Room".)
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To: kara2008; Immerito; Students4Palin; Ladysmith; EnglishCon; thouworm; American in Israel; Bikkuri; ..

(((((PING)))))


6 posted on 09/08/2011 10:06:04 AM PDT by Virginia Ridgerunner (Sarah Palin has crossed the Rubicon!)
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To: Virginia Ridgerunner

Amen to that!


7 posted on 09/08/2011 10:09:58 AM PDT by TheConservativeParty (PALIN 45 -The cure for "meet the new boss, same as the old boss." Sarah Palin 2012 "Not For Sale!")
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To: Steel Wolf

I have not yet seen the movie. That said, everything you said regarding your own view of this is the view I have. You articulated it very well. I read a lot regarding why Palin resigned and applauded her for it. I also believe that she is looking beyond merely running for president - now or ever. I do not want to become as the followers of Hitler, however. I believe ALL people are fallible, all are corrupted by power, and one can applaud another persons ideas and go forward as a “movement”, but always be wary of being too influenced by a “leader personality”. I think you have touched on that as well.

I’m even with you (after last night’s debate) that you are for perry, unless she steps in.

I’ve been fighting the war by going to message boards dominated by liberals who have it easy or can bully everyone. I do exactly what you said. Stay polite, but firm. And NEVER give up. I actually joined a board a couple of weeks ago that was being bullied by just such a long time member. After a few days of sparring with me, they simply vanished. Gone.

We cannot let people get away with making the comments on the world’s new town square - internet media, blogs, social sites - unhindered. There are far more of us than them and, on the whole, we are much more adult and articulate. If we would just DO IT, this country would change almost overnight.

It really IS a war, and one that can be fought without ever lifting a weapon or leaving the comfort of your home. And you CAN make a HUGE difference.


8 posted on 09/08/2011 10:11:31 AM PDT by cuban leaf
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To: TheConservativeParty

It is a declaration of war.


9 posted on 09/08/2011 10:12:01 AM PDT by TheConservativeParty (PALIN 45 -The cure for "meet the new boss, same as the old boss." Sarah Palin 2012 "Not For Sale!")
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To: Steel Wolf

Perhaps you can see now that those of us who have had contact with Palin or her family understand this is not a “just about te mney” thing. These are real, normal people.


10 posted on 09/08/2011 10:16:00 AM PDT by DaxtonBrown (http://www.futurnamics.com/reid.php)
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To: TheConservativeParty

—It is a declaration of war.—

Yes it is. But this war is being fought on the internet and in the hearts and minds of Americans. That last part is important. It is what was going on in the middle of the last century. One of the reasons Ayn Rand wrote “Atlas Shrugged” was there was a real concern that the US at that time could fall into full Socialism.

Desperate times are times of change. Big change. We have not yet dodged the bullet. It is getting closer. We must act before it is too late. And all we need do is discuss. Politely and often. Shut ‘em down. Show them how small they really are.


11 posted on 09/08/2011 10:16:59 AM PDT by cuban leaf
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To: Steel Wolf
This is the resistance movement you've been waiting for...
12 posted on 09/08/2011 10:18:49 AM PDT by gogeo
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To: Steel Wolf
This is the resistance movement you've been waiting for.

We've been saying that for three years now, and have been howled at, attacked, ridiculed, and even threatened in return.

Yes, we're mad, and you've expressed exactly why.

Attention GOP-E: No Palin, no peace! Period.

13 posted on 09/08/2011 10:20:50 AM PDT by Virginia Ridgerunner (Sarah Palin has crossed the Rubicon!)
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To: Steel Wolf; cuban leaf

Good post. Both of you.


14 posted on 09/08/2011 10:24:22 AM PDT by listenhillary (Look your representatives in the eye and ask if they intend to pay off the debt. They will look away)
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To: Steel Wolf; All
LOL! Not at him with him...

The gent Phil Liberatore hosting the event on the link?

Well his last name literally translated from Italian means: Freerer of Men !!!

15 posted on 09/08/2011 10:24:32 AM PDT by taildragger (( Palin / Mulally 2012 ))
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To: Big Giant Head

Ping.


16 posted on 09/08/2011 10:26:07 AM PDT by listenhillary (Look your representatives in the eye and ask if they intend to pay off the debt. They will look away)
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To: Steel Wolf
The Undefeated is not a Documentary, it's a Declaration of War

It's neither.

I saw it. I even gave it a relatively good review (here's a better review from a die-hard Palin fan).

It's mainly a movie for true believers.

17 posted on 09/08/2011 10:26:26 AM PDT by EveningStar
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To: cuban leaf

Yes, big change is needed.
I was glad Palin didn’t subject herself to the whipping giving by the liberal inquisition on the debate last night.

Palin isn’t playing the game by the old rules.
Just like she did in Alaska, she finds the way with new ideas and new ways to defeat crony business as usual.

She’s saving me money already. By not announcing early, she’s not wasting my campaign contribution (that will be made the second I hear her announce.).

I’m of modest income. A farmer.

I have already told my husband I’m sending Sarah 500 dollars when she announces. He’s fine with it.

He knows she’s the only one who will finally make America truly free again. And he took the oath to be in the military 30 years ago.

She’s the only one I am enthused about. She has the plan, the guts and the fearless nature we need.

Cheers!


18 posted on 09/08/2011 10:29:28 AM PDT by TheConservativeParty (PALIN 45 -The cure for "meet the new boss, same as the old boss." Sarah Palin 2012 "Not For Sale!")
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To: Virginia Ridgerunner

19 posted on 09/08/2011 10:29:52 AM PDT by RedMDer (May we always be happy and may our enemies always know it. - Sarah Palin, 10-18-2010)
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To: Steel Wolf; All
Not just as a politician, but as the leader of an insurgency.

It's funny.. Rush used that word today describing the Tea Parties I believe.

For the longest time I have been trying to put into words what the Tea Party types could be called. I had played with Deconstructionist Consitutionalist and so many others...

Insurgent Constitutionalists might be the Tagline / Catch Phrase we have been looking for...

20 posted on 09/08/2011 10:29:54 AM PDT by taildragger (( Palin / Mulally 2012 ))
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