Three steps forward and two steps back is no longer enough

“The accused is a non-ape and therefore has no rights under ape law.”

This is a line from the original Planet of the Apes movie that has more resonance now than even in the era in which the movie was made.

The themes explored in this movie are remarkably much more relevant now than they were almost 40 years ago.

For those who have limited imagination, think of Guantanamo and our collective reaction to those whom our government has stated, often with no evidence beyond hearsay, are our enemies.

Think.

I find this sad, especially since the non-subtle way in which the themes are presented and explored in this movie (from my viewpoint, although perhaps not from that of others) almost four decades old are still not understood by the majority.

Unfortunately, the lessons have been forgotten, moreso in the last half-decade than in entire the three decades prior.

In these days where, when presented with a true threat of an enemy who uses terrorist tactics, although not of the magnitude presented by those who can profit politically from exaggeration is still indeed a true danger, we instead spend the time of Congress on amendments to our Constitution forbidding gay marriage and flag burning, the old saying of “three steps forward and two steps back” is no longer a sufficient solace.

Watch the movie, think about the true issues confronting us, think about the actions taken by those elected to represent us, and then decide whether our supposed representatives deserve to keep their posts.

It is up to you.

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Actually, another Chucky H sci fi film- Soylent Green- is probably as or more relevant than Apes. The dehumanization of life and the desire to just do away with undesirables- be they Arab or Mexicann

It is up to us to watch this movie. The whole of history depends on seeing this thematically rich and socially relevant piece of… pulp?

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