Posted on 07/15/2005 10:25:17 PM PDT by Williams
Well the new Harry Potter book has arrived and I can report the first page of the first chapter contains an obvious jab at our president. The book begins with the British Prime Minister awaiting a phone call from the "President" of an unnamed distant country, and wondering when the "wretched man" would call.
As a fan of the books and for that matter of Rowling's personal story and success, I'm saddened that liberal madness had to invade this children's classic. The first chapter was otherwise perfectly enjoyable.
I'm not saying anything else in the chapter was intentionally connected to current events, but I had to draw the comparison with what has ended up in British headlines at the same time as the book release. In the book, the Prime Minister is dealing with unexplained events, at least some of which could be terrorist like. Indeed, they are the work of sinister forces. Whereas I'm sure in this book series, ultimate help will come from the wizarding world, in reality Britain needs the support of the leader J.K. Rowling refers to as that "wretched man." How sadly misguided.
(That was the problem with the Wizard of Oz - Glenda the Good)...
Actually I remember hearing about people getting into witchcraft and the like when I was just a little kid. There are people who even think that members of the SCA (middle ages reenactment) are satanists, just because they dress funny and granted there are wiccans in the group. But people come from all walks of life. Weren't there stories of people becoming involved in the occult back and in the '60s and '70s. I don't think the number have really changed so much just because of Harry Potter.
This is not enough information to go on to suggest that J.K. Rowling is trying to brainwash kids into disliking President Bush. If the President had been more fully described, then there would be case. As he wasn't, I'd say, let it go - Rowling hasn't made it clear what, if anything, she was thinking in this instance.
Regards, Ivan
Didn't say she was trying to brainwash anybody. She was taking a jab very prominently on the first page of the book. The book's good anyway, but I find the reaction by most everyone here to something so obvious to be - interesting.
Of course we could just accept it is a book for children and perhaps instead of looking under every rock for an imagined slant or slur against a world leader parents could just let their children enjoy the book.
Look at the education system in this nation of states, an education system funded by the national government mind you. Do you honestly believe more than 1% of the 10-12 year old rugrats outside of Great Britain reading this tripe even knows what exact position the PM holds in the British government, who he is, or could even find Great Britain on a map? And you're worried about an imagined slur against the President? It is possible and for leaders of other nations to have feelings about your leader that may not fall in line with your fawning
And if you're an older person reading the book, get the hell over it. It was written for kids and I doubt Rowling was intentionally putting anything in her books that would dare threaten this money maker. Of course I imagine she didn't know she would be facing proofreading partisan hacks that have nothing better to do than scrounge every written word, image, movie, etc. for supposed slurs against the current President
You forget that Blair is more likely to find Chirac to be a dreadful man than Bush. Chirac also holds the title of President. Bush and Blair are friends.
For all you know, Chirac could be the one taking the jab. Ergo, "not enough information".
Regards, Ivan
I'm not making this into more than what it is, but I certainly have an opinion as to why she did it.
Prayers are always welcome, and I hope that you feel the same way.
As for the books, people whom the Lord has delivered from the occult state that the books are literal training manuals for diversion thereto. I believe them.
There is nothing I couild do to "ruin" this book for my daughter, but I don't know why you're all so afraid to recognize she did this for a reason. The reference to a call from the president is one thing. Calling him "the wretched man" with ZERO explanation or involvement in the plot is another. Of course she veiled it but please it's obvious. And on the first page. No kid who reads it will care, she did it as a snicker to her liberal friends.
This kind of thinking is precisely why the books are so dangerous. There is no 'classic story of good vs. evil.' The only story of good vs. evil is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Witchcraft is not good. The distinction between 'white magic' and 'black magic' is a deception, for the Lord has declared all magic evil. Every incantation represented in the HP books is an address to a real demon, not just fantasy. The author took all of her material from ancient occult writings.
Best not even to reply to the ueber-Godly who invade the Harry Potter threads...makes them thnk people are paying attention.
The President of France is Jacques Chirac.
Maybe she's talking about Clinton...
She made a point of saying the president of a "far distant country" - IMHO in order to avoid any misinterpretation that she was insulting a European leader.
That's right. The reference seems vague. There are so many other things in the world to be offended about, this one seems like a non-issue.
No, you're right. Harry Potter is nothing compared to Tolkein or Lewis, but that doesn't make the HP books poor reading for people who just enjoy a fun adventure story.
Also, the last few books have been a lot more mature in their style (for those with Peter Pan complexes).
LOL, now that is funny. Are you guys staring school already?
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