Lilla Day Monroe and Lillian Mitchner, Kansas Good Government Club founders, circa 1890Joe Winston's WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH KANSAS is a documentary, (loosely based on the Thomas Frank book of the same name), on the verge of being released to an audience who may not know what is on the minds of the people who are forming a proto fascist movement in the United States.
We are afforded a closeup view of the people's home lives, their pains, failures and the source of what makes them smile involuntarily.
What drives the masses who stampeded upon the abortion doctor, the great courageous Dr. George Tiller and who is making the life of today's politicians a living nightmare as they go to "the community" to be heard, to discuss the new health care reforms. And are met with the Pacifica Radio WBAI style disruption by mobs of "loose cannons" who question if in fact Obama is an American citizen.
It isn't the American flag on the lapel that bothers the likes of the Kansas City denizens who are being pushed off their land (still) and drowned in a flat, barren environment of the Midwest. It is the pressing issue of abortion, God's will and Obama who is now their enemy, the Devil in our midst.
This is what we learn from the documentary, What's the Matter with Kansas. A lesson that will defy your ability to curb your sympathy but curb it we must, or be consumed by the likes of violent vigilantes in all the wrong places.
Be horrified, be informed, read the book. And if you can see the documentary before it gets destroyed, I recommend the experience, a provocative evening of entertainment.
Linda Z
WBAI Women's Collective
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