Chris Pirillo » Political

What Makes Ron Paul Different

Chris — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 06:10:34 +0000

What Makes Ron Paul Different is a post from Chris Pirillo

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I can’t believe that everyone in the chat room right now wanted me to record this video. I know it is likely to tick some people off, but so be it. My purpose is not to sway your vote. My purpose is to GET you to vote… to think… to make your OWN decision.

I believe in a lot of things, yet I don’t label myself as a Democrat, or Republican. I label myself as an American. I label myself as someone who lives in a free society, which has the potential to create positive change in our country. To that end, I want you to vote. I don’t really care who you vote for, believe it or not. I couldn’t care less if you vote for who I choose to give my support to. This isn’t a political ad, some campaign material, nor a plea for any certain candidate. I simply want you to get out there and vote come Election Day. I care that you vote… and that you think very carefully about who you vote for, and WHY you are voting for that particular person.

America isn’t run by politicians. It’s run by people who put the money in the politicians’ pockets. When I was younger, I didn’t follow politics at all really, nor did I vote. I felt as though it didn’t really matter, and that I couldn’t really make a damn bit of difference. I mean look at it this way: when you have companies who fund a particular politician AND his / her competition, something is seriously wrong. Now you don’t have a two-party system. You have one party. Follow the money trail. Special interest groups RUN this country. Cut. Print. Period.

I know you’re sitting there saying to yourself “Well, politicians have to get their money from somewhere”. Yes, they do. But here’s a novel idea. What about getting their money from US. Remember us? You know… the citizens these politicians are supposedly elected to represent. Yeah. Isn’t that just a crazy little idea, to have the American people decide who their money should go to, who they should support, and why? Imagine being that excited by a candidate that you would give them some of your hard-earned money? We all know money isn’t easy to come by. I automatically dismiss any candidate who accepts the majority of their money from corporations and special interest groups.

If they don’t have money, they don’t get elected? By today’s rules, by today’s media rate card. All that is about to change – and you have the power to change it.

I want to see more people apply critical thinking skills… not just to who they vote for, but in every aspect of their life. You are not in control, but… and here’s the kicker… you have the chance to be in control if you want to be. In order to do that, you have to STOP OUTSOURCING YOUR THINKING. Don’t just listen to me, or some newspaper, tv show, or even your own mother. Listen to yourself. Do your research. Open your mind!!! You have to see other perspectives in order to gain perspective. That is how you grow. If you only choose to listen to people you agree with, you’re living in an echo chamber.

Have we not clearly established that groupthink iS BAD?!

If you vote for someone because you think they are (or have a chance to be) a winner, you aren’t doing yourself or this country any favors. You vote for someone because you believe in them. What’s that? Just like you marry someone because you love them and believe in them – you vote for someone because you BELIEVE IN THEM. I’m tired of cookie-cutter politicians who spout the same tired things, changing their story and hiding their real relationships on a whim. The funny thing is you know you’re being lied to! Yet, you vote for them anyway – because you want to back a “winner.” Well, why not take a step back, and figure out exactly what a winner is?

Only you can decide that… for yourself.

This isn’t a “Blue” or “Red” issue. It’s not a “Democrat” or “Republican” issue. It’s an American issue. I hate when people spit out propoganda. It doesn’t matter if it’s slanted liberal or conservative… it’s still propoganda! I’m sure someone will watch this video and claim that I’m spreading propoganda… or that I’m a fool for beliving one thing over another. Yeah, well… at least I’m not telling you who to vote for. That’s totally up to you.

Just do your best to elect a person, not a company. Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

The Politics of Star Wars

Chris — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 22:51:52 +0000

The Politics of Star Wars is a post from Chris Pirillo

In response to Jeff’s Advice for McCain (which, itself, was a response):

Maybe John McCain is going for the nerd vote with this commercial’s (as you put it) “Star Wars” production values? When you have Darth Vader in your video, it’s almost guaranteed to go viral. Upon watching this particular McCain political ad, I felt compelled to hop into my Landspeeder, float down to the local cantina, and down a few rounds of Jawa Juice with friends.

I used to bullseye womprats in my T-16 back home (Iowa), and that couldn’t have taken any longer than McCain’s video. Personally, I think it’s more reminicent of THX 1138. Then again, I also think that Hilary Clinton looks a lot like Figrin D’an (a Bith) and Barack Obama is totally a Lando Calrissian wannabe.

Maybe it’s just me, but I believe that Jabba the Hutt would make an amazing candidate in this election. Too bad the “Gangsta” party hasn’t been formally recognized yet. You might as well vote for Greedo, the “True Green” candidate – and even then, you’re throwing your vote into the trash compactor.

Is it just me, or does Jeff Jarvis look an awful lot like Obi-Wan Kenobi?

Is This Offensive or Funny?

Chris — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:58:10 +0000

Is This Offensive or Funny? is a post from Chris Pirillo

Okay, so… Brad and I released this comic on bLaugh today:

Should be chuckle-worthy, though it wasn’t the original strip. I showed another image to friends, with some of them suggesting that we hold it indefinitely – and others suggesting that we run it immediately. If you’re offended easily, you don’t want to see this: the comic we chose not to run.

Did we make the right decision in not running the original version? It’s culturally offensive (playing on stereotypes), but so are countless political cartoons these days. I personally think we did the right thing by going with the ski-masks. Last thing I’d ever want to do is incite an interracial (or international) incident.

Political Things I Don’t Understand

Chris — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 18:59:32 +0000

Political Things I Don’t Understand is a post from Chris Pirillo

Last week, Pope Benedict XVI quoted a Byzantine emperor who characterized the Prophet Muhammad as “evil and inhuman.” In protest, several Muslims set fire to five churches in Palestine. I’m not sure whether to laugh or to cry.
Who coined the “Islamic fascist” label? It’s manipulating language to further fan the flames of hatred and fear. Why not simply call them “facsists” – or stick with “terrorists?” I don’t remember abortion clinic bombers being called “Christian fascists,” do you?
Why is Clinton so upset over this weekend’s Fox News interview? Was he forced to do it by gunpoint? Did he have the option to screen the questions? Were they fair questions to ask? Is there such a thing as a fair question?
Why won’t Nancy Grace shut up about the Duckett case already?! She needs to wake up and realize that she’s not in a court of law, but a television studio.
Why am I hearing a lot of “they want to kill your family” talk from the American media? I wonder if that’s what we’re being accused of on the other side of the fence. The problem is: I don’t want to kill anybody, anywhere.
Why do I keep hearing the “N” word in popular music?! If they’re going to say it, people (of all races) are going to repeat it – and that’s not something I’m terribly comfortable with, if only because I’m white and nerdy. It’s one piece of pop culture that I wish would just go away.
Why do people still vote along party lines? Isn’t that like buying a certain brand, even though that brand has started to diminish in quality over the years – based on it being “the brand?”

The Great Political Cartoon Experiment

Chris — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:19:04 +0000

The Great Political Cartoon Experiment is a post from Chris Pirillo

I’m going on record by stating that user generated content is often user generated CRAP. Still, that didn’t stop me from forcing Brad to publish today’s bLaugh with an empty caption bubble. We’re asking the audience – all two of you – to fill in the blank. I’m hoping that Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Whigs, and “Islamic Fascists” will be able to drop the debate for just a moment and make the world a funnier place…

My suggestion: “That’s the last time I install a patch issued by Homeland Security developers.”

Gnomedex Keynote: Senator John Edwards

Chris — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 21:06:08 +0000

Gnomedex Keynote: Senator John Edwards is a post from Chris Pirillo

Just when you thought Gnomedex couldn’t get any better, Senator John Edwards signs on as our Keynote. The senator is a long-standing supporter of technology – including podcasting and blogging. Every year, we wonder how we’re going to top ourselves. When conversations started with Senator John Edwards’ office, they were intrigued and enthralled with our approach to content! Sentator Edwards will quickly turn his time over to the Gnomedex audience, fielding questions and fostering discussion over how technology could and should play a role in our world. This is fantastic! I’m sure you’ll agree, no matter your political persuasion. This is a tremendous opportunity to have your voice heard. Does anybody know any political bloggers out there? I don’t know any…

Call Connected Thru The NSA

Chris — Fri, 19 May 2006 07:25:19 +0000

Call Connected Thru The NSA is a post from Chris Pirillo

You heard it here first: “Call connected thru the NSA. Complete transmission thru the NSA. Suspending your rights for the duration of the permanent war.”

How to Handle Remote Tech Support

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:30:00 GMT

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Network Tools for Windows

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VMware and Parallels for Virtual Machines

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

It doesn't matter if you're running on Windows or Mac OS X - every power user needs either Parallels or VMware (or both). There's never been an easier way to test software without destroying your primary operating system's stability. Think of how many times you wish you could press a 'reverse' button on your computer. Plus, there's no easier way to try new Linux distributions - see what all the fuss is about. Run Windows in OS X, run Linux in Windows, but the best way to do either is with VMware and/or Parallels.

Coupons for Online Shopping

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:56:13 GMT

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