Movie Review: Odd Man Out (1947)

Posted on March 18, 2015 by Brian Wright

Character study in precursor environment of the Northern Ireland ‘Troubles’

Happened upon the film given four stars by the reviewer on Turner Classic Movies, and checked it out.

Glad I did. Informed by the venerable Robert Osborne that this movie is a launch pad for director Carol Reed who later did such classics as The Third Man, The Agony and the Ecstasy, and Oliver. It also served to elevate James Mason into leading actor territory. In this effort he is cast as an Irish revolutionary leader working for ‘the Organisation’ after having served much time in a British/Unionist prison. [Here’s where I’m unclear on the history, but I believe, looking at my Wikipedia ‘hallowed official knowledge’-bot article on Ireland: I see the Irish Republic—meaning the bulk of the island, except for the northeast six counties—came into existence after considerable struggle in 1921 with the Anglo-Irish Treaty, but it wasn’t until 1949 that ‘full’ independence was achieved and that that land became the Republic of Ireland. Continue reading →

Brian’s Column: Panarchy Papers, Pt. 2

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Brian Wright

Elements of a new Declaration of Independence
by Brian Wright

Link to Panarchy Part 1

In my first Panarchy column, thanks to my discovery of the panarchy concept—i.e., freedom of choice of governments—I feel I finally assembled all the pieces to solve the Big Universal Problem (BUP). The BUP is essentially “tyranny”—the political domination of one group of men over another to the point of enslavement and destruction. My solution has a universal component applying to all humankind and a specific component re: my particular relationship to the American state… which is probably quite a common relationship. Continue reading →

Brian’s Column: Sovereignty and Severance

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Brian Wright

Asserting freedom of choice in social services
by Brian Wright

In light of the out-of-control, viciously coercive government in America, with that government at all levels now crossing the threshold into a complete Police-Military State, we need to establish some groundrules going forward. By going forward I mean getting the paperwork straight for abolishing this coercive US government (USG) and starting over. As Jefferson wrote, “Whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of [freedom], it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it…” and, for each individual to hire a better government—a cooperative, voluntary one—of his own choosing. Thus, we have two steps that I recommend for individuals en masse: 1) declare we’re in charge, and 2) send this awful, arrogant USG packing. The following is a work in progress, pls help w/ a comment. Continue reading →