No. 41 was a contradiction of barbarity and contrition

On this the day, the 41st President of these United States, George Herbert Walker Bush (GHWB) was eulogized at the Washington National Cathedral. Amid all the shining accolades in memory of his life, be sure to remember that what came with the 'everyone's father' veneer was savagery, which unfortunately provided incentive for George W. Bush (Dubya) to also dabble in the art of war crimes.

I'll cut through the spin and provide you with an idiots guide to the dark chapters of his legacy (including his periods outside the oval office). You'll notice a humble man with tendencies of a tyrant (due to being softly spoken he came across less scary), and for this he gets a taxpayer funded pompous send-off. So much for the Boston Tea Party, Americans revere Presidents like Monarchs - sickening.

Deceptive racist and sexist

Unlike the current President, who openly plays race games, Bush promotes racist types to do his dirty work, look up Lee Atwater if you need reminding. The infamous racist ad campaign featuring Willie Horton set a precedent for making racism mainstream again. Lest we forget his veto of the Civil Rights Act of 1990. As for sexism, the well documented defense of misogynist Supreme Court judge Clarence Thomas by discrediting Anita Hill was a disgrace. Just like with racism, GHWB used minions to do his dirty work. Close friend Alan Simpson, Senator from Wyoming (gave eulogy at funeral) was a chief Hill antagonist. Icing on the cake of Bush's sexist ways, in the past year eight woman came forward with groping allegations, music to the ears of the 42nd and 45th Presidents.

Birth of Dick Cheney (the Devil incarnate)

Sadly he saw promise in this psychopath and assigned him Secretary of Defense, and as we know, he used the Gulf War to start his slaughter spree. Luckily for him, Dubya made him VP and so continued his murderous wrath with blessings from another Bush President.

Tienanmen square

Tepid response to the Chinese governments (in other words he supported their actions) repression on students, you know annihilating them with tanks. You hate to wonder if those students were white Americans from privileged upbringings if he would've sided with such draconian action.

Iran-Contra

(In case you forgot, Reagan sold arms to Iran, using proceeds to fund ruthless right wing rebels in Nicaragua, another peaceful exercise from the land of liberty). GHWB pardoned defendants over this dark chapter in America's history to protect himself from being investigated.

Panama

He backed 1300 Panamanian terror groups as CIA Director and as President he put on a show by removing Noriega, typical Bush move, back a ruthless tyrant then when he flips on you go after him - sound familiar? Dubya saw daddy suck up to Saddam Hussein (as VP under Reagan, Saddam received America's blessing in the Iraq-Iran war) and then turned on him via the Gulf war. The rest as they say is history...Newsflash: 43 repaid the favor by wasting taxpayers money on a fake Iraq war to get rid of their old pal once and for all.

Gulf War

Remember 88,500 and 158,000. The first figure refers to how many tons of bombs GHWB ordered to be dropped on Iraq and Kuwait. The latter represents the amount of Iraqi lives lost due to this disgraceful episode in American history. I repeat, GHWB was a "gentle" soul.

There's no doubt we can learn from his family values and his ability to go beyond partisan politics and find the good in people. His charity work and efforts to bring the nation together is something to be admired. Compared with the immoral activities of JFK, Clinton and the current sleazeball in charge, no. 41 brought honor to the Presidency, in way of presenting ones self. However, this is undone by his penchant for war crimes, subtle racism and the obstruction of justice.

As an adopted Texan, I have no qualms giving a fellow adopted Texan an F-Grade for his tenure as Commander-in-chief. I will award an A for his family values, signing the Americans with Disabilities Act, Clear Air Act and for calling the 45th President an ass. Go rest with your great love Barbara on the grounds of your library (pictured below), and be sure to atone for your sins.

Yours truly at the home of no. 41 - College Station, TX

'Tis the time of year to stuff your stocking with film

Foreword

You might be baffled as to some of the names on the list, if so, it means you spend too much time watching films designed for brain numbing (hint: any movie with a big budget, god I hate Star Wars). I'm all about films that give your brain a good work out, even the comedic ones have elements that will leave you bamboozled for days and hopefully years to come. 

Drum roll...Here are 14 must-see indie features from 2018 (according to yours truly, a self-proclaimed film geek).

A Kid Like Jake (Silas Howard)
Gender fluidity and the politics surrounding it, a much needed film to get everyone (not just parents) openly discussing an often taboo subject. You might want to go easy on gender reveal parties after this one, just saying...

BlacKkKlansman (Spike Lee)
One of the bigger grossing indie films (still, it didn't even make the top 50 for 2018 box office taking due to cinema goers being all Marvel obsessed). If you still know any racist folk (my condolences) please watch it with them, if they get all excited over rednecks praising white sheet types, then I suggest you dump them at the nearest recycling bin.

Eighth Grade (Bo Burnham)
Give Elsie Fisher the dam Oscar already. Magnificent portrayal of the perils of being an adolescent in today's plastic world. Excruciating insight into an introvert navigating the social media quagmire, and I mean that in glowing terms,

First Reformed (Paul Schrader)
Ehan Hawke's mesmerizing character study of a deep dive into a spiritual car crash of mammoth proportions (in the best possible way). To church goers who worship money and no longer care for the earth's plight, this ones for you but you probably watch it due to its tree hugging nature, although Jesus would approve.

I Think We're Alone Now (Reed Morano)
Peter Dinklage puts in his best work since 'The Station Agent'. A grumpy introvert living in a library doing some heavy lifting in his spare time, watch it to find out, you won't be disappointed. There is a massive twist that will drive many bonkers, but that's half the fun of the viewing experience.

Izzy Gets the F*ck Across Town (Christian Papierniak)
Not a big fan of movies set in one of the world's most overrated cities, but this classic LA detour includes a cameo from Carrie Coon playing a hipster. If you've seen 'The Leftovers', you'll be aware that no one can match her in acting ability.

Leave No Trace (Debra Granik)
The classic indie treble of battling PTSD, coming-of-age, living off the grid is handled beautifully. No judgments, heartfelt and devastatingly real. PS. Ben Foster, Russell from Six Feet Under (aka Claire's boyfriend) is the lead in this, for those not aware of what I'm referring to, then shame on you.

Nancy (Christina Choe)
Hautingly powerful, never has a delusional and damaged character been given this much respect and warmth on screen. Gut wrenching, you might want to invest in a punching bag. If you lack empathy, you might want to check out a Tom Cruise (feel gross just typing his name) flick instead.

Never Goin' Back (Augustine Frizzell)
We Texans have found our version of Clerks, crude comedy at its best, will offend the living daylights out of prudes, just the way it should be. Added bonus of being shot in the great city of Fort worth. includes a scene that will affect your hot dog eating habits for years to come - horrifyingly hilarious!

Searching (Aneesh Chaganty)
The internet has ruined our lives, well, if you think social media has a positive impact after seeing this, then maybe you need to reconsider the meaning of life. Creative film making through the eyes of big brother. If you're a parent, then you might just regret having kids after this one.

The Long Dumb Road (Hannah Fidell)
What do you get when you cast the out of control Jason Mantzoukas (picture a cult leader doing improv comedy) in an oddball road trip comedy? A massive hernia from all the laughter. PS. Apologies to fellow Texans, the film is shot entirely in New Mexico (blame generous tax credits).

The Miseducation of Cameron Post (Desiree Akhavan)
Gay conversion therapy is sadly not illegal, much to Mike Pence's delight. What this film does is tackle a controversial issue without screaming and shouting, deft humor and empathy is used to shed light on this abhorrent practice.

Three Identical Strangers (Tim Wardle)
Not everyday a documentary makes the cut, but this is the very definition of compelling. This documentary is outstanding, not only for the twists and turns but for uncovering a despicable experiment that will leave you gobsmacked for eternity.

Thoroughbreds (Cory Finley)
Anton Yelchin in one of his final roles (sad to see such a talented young actor die in such a bizarre accident, impaled on a gate by his own car), plays a lost cause like no other. As for the film, let's just say white privilege meets sociopathic tendencies, a female-centric version of American Psycho.