Momen Thinks

John McCain and Barack Obama are each making a bet on the competency of the American public.  Barack Obama is betting that the American public can see through the utter theatre that is John McCain’s “heroism” and John McCain is hoping that they’re dumb enough to buy it.  There is no doubt that everything that John McCain is doing right now is nothing but theatre.  Nothing…but…theatre.  I’m an actor, so I have a great sense of bullshit.

After eight years of an administration that has been nothing but show and veneer I am hoping that the Americans have learned something…anything.  If they view McCain’s shenanigans as anything but theatre; if they can not see that McCain is erratic and unfit temperamentally to be President; if they do not view Sarah Palin as the most unfit Vice-Presidential candidate in modern times; and if they see McCain as anything more than a sham, than they will be personifying every single stereotype that has been thrown their way. If the majority of the electorate hands John McCain the election, then the majority of the electorate is quite frankly a bunch of “Dumb  Americans.”

Here’s Nicholas Kristof in his latest column posing a great question:

“Just imagine for a moment if it were the black candidate in this election, rather than the white candidate, who was born in Central America, was an indifferent churchgoer, had graduated near the bottom of his university class, had dumped his first wife, had regularly displayed an explosive and profane temper, and had referred to the Pakistani-Iraqi border …”

I would also add, just imagine that Obama had a teenage daughter who got pregnant, or if his education was like Sarah Palin’s – six years in different universities with finally a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Idaho.

One more thing:  Some worry that Obama’s recent aggressiveness towards McCain is damaging his politics of hope, and that he should stop attacking McCain so much.  To them I say don’t you worry.  Barack Obama will once again return to his message of unity and hope…it will be on January 9th, 2009 when he is inaugurated President of the United States.

George and I

Mike, myself, and Jaq

So Shaw is winding down and I’m happy to say that it’s been a great season here.  It’s been a privilege. 

On October 10th I start rehearsals for the Canadian premiere of MASKED by Israeli playwright Ilan Hatsor at Neptune Theatre.  It’s a thrilling piece and I’m excited to be taking part in it.  I’m also excited to hit Hali(fax) for the first time.  Anyways, here are all the details.

And you thought Green Light was sick…

It’s Over feat. Kanye West – LISTEN

‘Nuff said.  Well okay here’s why:

1) Troopergate – she is under investigation for unlawfully attempting firing a state trooper, her ex-brother in law.

2) $26 million dollars in earmarks requested while she was mayor or Wasilla.  She is campaigning as a reformer who is against such a practice.

3) Lobbyist ties – again another practice that she’s campaigning against.

4) Complete lack of foreign policy experience or even interest in such matters.

I want to mention the whole Bristol Palin pregnancy as well, not as a deficiency on Sarah Palin, as I believe families are complicated, and should be dealt privately.  This is by no means a political issue, and speaks nothing of Palin’s politics, unless you want to discuss her views on abstinence and contraceptives.  We will not go there today.  However, the utter lack of vetting by John McCain is once again more evidence that this man is by no means capable of handling the office of President.  It was a gut decision, a “maverick” decision, but ultimately a stupid one.  Stupid.

Here’s the ultimate contrast between McCain and Obama.  The fact is, Obama isn’t promising some kind of radical, idealistic change in Washington.  Obama has consistenly preached a reasoned, rationaled, and pragmatic approach to government.  Perfect evidence is his decision to pick Joe Biden as VP.  He could have  pulled a McCain to spark the electorate, instead he went for the seasoned, experienced, and qualified choice of Joe Biden.  Another example is his opposition to the war in Iraq.  He opposed it not because of ideology, but because of common sense.  I can’t stress enough the difference here.

John McCain on the other hand is someone who feels it necessary, perhaps through some kind of personality deficiency, to approach any issue righteously or from “the gut”.  It’s wonderful, and I’ve grown to love many who are just like him.

However, I believe in what Plato called the “Philosopher King.”  A person like Obama, who thinks in nuance, is aggresive when necessary, and who can inspire and mobilize through ideas and oratory.  Leaders like him come along very rarely.  It would be more than a shame to see John McCain in office…more than a shame.

I was on a Boston Globe forum on Obama’s upcoming speech and after reading the reader comments I got so utterly pissed.  I’m sick and tired of hearing Republican “Talking Points”.  For those unfamilar, a “talking point” is a slogan or catch phrase that is shared with members, and the Democrats do this as well, to paint a caricature of their opponent.  John McCain has been labelling Obama a “celebrity” or a “tax and spend liberal” or someone who is not “ready to lead”.  Such bullshit if you actually look at their records.  But a Talking Point allows someone who claims to “know” politics to speak in nothing but the common denominator.

Here’s an example of a discussion that may take place with me and a Republican:

Me:  So why are you voting for McCain over Obama?

Republican:  Well Obama is not “ready to lead”.

Me: Please elaborate.  Why is he not ready to lead?

Republican: Because he’s just a celebrity.

Me: Shoot me.

I’ve decided from now on the second I hear a talking point from some supporter of McCain I will ask them the following questions:

1) Please describe McCain’s tax proposals and how they affect the middle-class.

2) Please describe McCain’s health care policy.  How will he attempt to insure the uninsured?

If they can’t even generate a coherent and informed sentence then quite frankly they have no right to support their candidate.

John Legend is the official king of the “second chance” love song.  Here’s some proof off his next album “Evolver” which comes out September 28th.

So Blender Magazine got the two candidates to write down their top 10 songs. Here they are courtesy of Blender:

Barack Obama

1. Ready or Not Fugees
2. What’s Going On Marvin Gaye
3. I’m On Fire Bruce Spingsteen
4. Gimme Shelter Rolling Stones
5. Sinnerman Nina Simone
6. Touch the Sky Kanye West
7. You’d Be So Easy to Love Frank Sinatra
8. Think Aretha Franklin
9. City of Blinding Lights U2
10. Yes We Can will.i.am

John McCain

1. Dancing Queen ABBA
2. Blue Bayou Roy Orbison
3. Take a Chance On Me ABBA
4. If We MakeIt Through December Merle Haggard
5. As Time Goes By Dooley Wilson
6. Good Vibrations The Beach Boys
7. What A Wonderful World Louis Armstrong
8. I’ve Got You Under My Skin Frank Sinatra
9. Sweet Caroline Neil Diamond
10. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes The Platters

So first McCain tells us that he doesn’t know how to use a computer.  And now, while I’m not knocking Neil Diamond, Blue Eyes, or even The Beach Boys – what does it say that somebody seeking the office to lead in the 21st century, can not pick a tune that was produced in the last 5 years???

Below is my response to Bobby Del Rio’s “open letter to the Shaw Festival…”

Bobby,

With all due respect, and coming from an actor of visible minority who is currently working at the Festival, the only person who I find to be angry quite frankly is you. The hopes and ambitions of visible minorities in the Canadian theatre are only diminished by your juvenile, harsh, and unfounded comments. To compare the plight of a visible minority in the Canadian theatre to that of a Holocaust victim, or a slave, as you essentially did in your comment to Beatrice Campbell is not hyperbole to prove a point, but lunacy that undermines your argument.

If we as minorities accept that there is a cause, and that we are one, I am by no means helped by you. My spirits are raised when I go to see Andrew’s stunning play “The Real McCoy”, my hopes are raised when I see Nigel Williams speak a word on stage, my hopes are raised when Soheil Parsa directs a show, however my hopes by no means are raised by you.

In regards to the Shaw Festival specifically, Jackie Maxwell is more than aware of the issues raised by Andrew’s articulate letter. She has on more than one occasion, and at length discussed the matter with the company. I assure you that she will take steps to change.

We no longer need to fight racism existentially. We know it exists, and as a brilliant fellow actor of minority just told me, racism appears when we least expect it, and generally by surprise. But what is constant now is the general consensus that it isn’t right. And those who have unknowingly participated in it, I have faith will try to move past those ideas and correct themselves. I have witnessed this already in speaking to people since Andrew so thoughtfully sent his request out.

The world is changed in increments, and ripples sometimes. What was started here by Andrew is thoughtful, pragmatic, rationale and balanced, and is not startlingly, more effective than your approach.

As a minority, I ask you Mr. Del Rio to not continue your bashing as it helps none of us. I personally see the possibility of a prosperous future here at the Shaw Festival. I have yet to personally experience any racism by any of the actors or directors here. In fact you would probably be surprised as to the positive reaction Andrew’s letter has brought about the acting company.

People here are getting together and healthily debating this topic in a manner in which Bernard Shaw would be proud of.

Keep the conversation churning guys,

Ali Momen

Last night a Canadian actor/playwright by the name of Andrew Moodie created a Facebook group and an accompanying blog about racism in the Shaw Festival.  I am working on a detailed response to Andrew and everybody else’s concerns.  I also want to address specifically the post by Bobby Del Rio, which I found to be ignorant, juvenile, and most importantly no help to minority actors.

As a visible minority myself I hope that I can shed light on the racism or lack thereof I see here at Shaw my first year.  Stay tuned!