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Journeyman

(15,464 posts)

6. More than 30 years ago, Calvin Trilling wrote a piece on how difficult satire had become. . .

Reply to niyad (Original post)

Thu Feb 9, 2012, 11:58 PM

Feb 2012

If I remember the details correctly, the issue that vexed Trilling was that the Soviets were threatening to increase the number of troops and nuclear weapons they had in Eastern Europe. To show the Soviets that we meant business and wouldn't stand for such a blatant provocation, the U.S. -- Reagan's Administration -- countered by staging a mock attack by U.S. forces against the U.S. base at Guantanamo.

As Trilling lamented, how can you satirize such a blatantly ridiculous situation and, in the parody, not make it sound reasonable?

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when did the inmates officially take over the asylum? just looking at the headlines the last couple [View all] niyad Feb 2012 OP

In 2004, when they CHOSE to vote for Bush NAO Feb 2012 #1

probably a good starting point--I just keep thinking about how utterly insane things have been niyad Feb 2012 #2

No, I think it started in 1980 with Ronald Regan csziggy Feb 2012 #4

America was blindsided by Reagan but they choose Bush with eyes wide open NAO Feb 2012 #18

of course, the question still remains about the legitimacy of the 2004 election with the problems niyad Feb 2012 #28

And what was the electorate in 1984, when it chose St Ronnie? The Genealogist Feb 2012 #29

My fundamentalist baptist parents voted for Ray-gun in 1980 NAO Feb 2012 #30

To me, because politics has sadly become a reality show in the US. These RKP5637 Feb 2012 #3

JFK,RFK,MLK,and EMK must be rolling over in their graves to see the way virgogal Feb 2012 #5

maybe they should be rolling over in their graves at the way those people are screwing over the niyad Feb 2012 #10

More than 30 years ago, Calvin Trilling wrote a piece on how difficult satire had become. . . Journeyman Feb 2012 #6

Started before Lee Atwater, maybe with elleng Feb 2012 #7

It basically went into overdrive when a man named Obama won the Presidential election. That's about louslobbs Feb 2012 #8

Since it became possible to buy Congressional seats and the WH. Those paying sabrina 1 Feb 2012 #9

"They clearly look for morons" lol....I'm giving you another heart for that. louslobbs Feb 2012 #12

Lol, but could anyone look at the Republican primaries and NOT think of that word? sabrina 1 Feb 2012 #17

Well said. ronnie624 Feb 2012 #20

Thank you, ronnie24 sabrina 1 Feb 2012 #31

It is appalling treestar Feb 2012 #11

we see everything through the media lens spanone Feb 2012 #13

the media, of course, is part of this insanity. did they create it, or merely make use of it? niyad Feb 2012 #14

2012 is The Year when REASON trumps Fantasy...just watch how Truth dismantles fantasy opihimoimoi Feb 2012 #15

one hopes that you are correct niyad Feb 2012 #16

.... Skittles Feb 2012 #19

1980. Ronald Reagan. We had a decade's advance notice, and hid our heads in various dark places. saras Feb 2012 #21

you are certainly correct about all you listed. niyad Feb 2012 #22

agree eyeofnewt Feb 2012 #23

the only way we have come is backwards. niyad Feb 2012 #24

January 20, 1981 GeorgeGist Feb 2012 #25

January 20, 1981 GeorgeGist Feb 2012 #26

what a dreadful day that was--I wore a mourning band for months after niyad Feb 2012 #27