Political theory and practice

“Edge of Darkness” 1985.
As Karl Marx said, the first time is tragedy and the second time is farce. This review concerns the first time “Edge of Darkness” was produced.

Changing policy is easy, changing people is impossible. This is the link to my IMDB review.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090424/reviews-43
One of the central political points of the story is that policies come and go, but people stay. When one policy is set in motion, it rolls on, even if back at headquarters the policy has changed. Darius Jedburgh explains the changes of policies in Washington to Ron Craven, with a shrug. The policy changed but the people who worked for the previous policy went on. Policies can be turned on and off, in this case, by executive orders, but people cannot. When Jedburgh set up GAIA he recruited believers who would do some serious work, and when Washington policy changed, they just kept going as best they could. There is an important message here that few people in the policy business ever get. Once something is started, it may take on a life of it own. The lesson to draw then is to be careful about what is started, a lesson few learn.

What is the difference between the voice of the mob and the voice of the people?

The core of the film is a compelling dialog about democracy. The general just might be right. The beleaguered president still has one thing the general does not have, an electoral mandate. When he explains what that means, it is worth listening.
My IMDB review
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058576/reviews-61
Recommended for adults.

Il generale della Rovere (1959) has been released, at last, on DVD.

A measured story of spiritual growth, self-realization, and redemption in the worst of times. For adults.
MY IMDB review.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053856/reviews-7
Recommended to all students of the human condition.