Stand Up and Applaud "Amazing Grace" and "300"
By J. James Estrada (03/20/07)
It's not often that one finds a movie to applaud. This weekend, I found two. Amazing Grace and 300 are two movies that ended in applause from the audiences that I joined in filled movie houses in Scottsdale , and again in Mesa , Arizona . While many from Blue State America have turned their noses up and their thumbs down on these films, the Red States can finally enjoy a night out at the Cineplex.
Grace is a moving account of a man inspired by God to end the slave trade in 18 th Century England through his seat in Parliament. 300 is a violent tale of a nation, at least those hearty warriors who recognize the danger, defending itself against an invading foe. Two excellent pieces have been written on these stories. Mark Steyn writes on Grace in a piece at The Washington Times ( A conscience that moved the world) and Megan Beshan on 300 is at Townhall.com (300 is More than a Bloody Tale of Good versus Evil).
For all the grief George W. Bush takes for taking his "war president" decision-making, it is comforting to know that history has a way of making things right for those who take an unpopular, against-the-grain position. The world is a big place, but it usually takes one steady voice among many quivering ones, to steer humanity toward its better end.
J. James Estrada
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