There two videos make me proud to be an artist. For only the arts can make points like this. Watch both, they are short. I love them both. And these days, I'm so proud to be an American. And no, I'm not always -- dissent is the most patriotic value of all. Check them out:

Number One about Obama


Number Two on McCain


- Jason Bennett

Wow, I'm surprised that no one has had anything to say about these videos.

The original video that inspired the two above:

Yes, We Can:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY

I agree that artists can make a difference, but so can the makers of these videos. Anything can be edited to make us see and/or believe what they want us to see or believe. It reminds me of the e-mail of another video that has been going around about Obama not putting his hand over his heart during our National Anthem. The original sender of the e-mail was trying to make everyone believe it was during the Pledge of Allegiance, although it didn't look good for him to be the only one without his hand over his heart.

This election just scares me, either way. I don't feel comfortable with either of the candidates. I just pray that whoever takes office will truly help the USA move forward in a positive direction.

Dear Mom,

First, of ALL...YAY...someone had something to say about the biggest issue facing us in this country -- maybe in the world this year -- our election. Whew-hoo!

I agree with everything you said...yes, the persuasive power of the arts is profound, and there are liars on this planet. That's why ethics training belongs in acting classes. It's why we talk about right and wrong in our school -- we debate it. And I never impose my opinion on any of our actors. The debates are alive and exciting...and we see the acting go deeper and deeper the more our actors are deeply engaged in what is going on on this planet.

I disagree with your feelings about both the candidates. I think Obama is amazing. And he doesn't scare me at all. He is surrounded by experts with long careers in diplomacy, government and in the military. He has as much experience as Abraham Lincoln did when he was elected, perhaps more.

- Jason

Thank you, Jason, for all your comments. I truly appreciate all you have to say and as far as Obama goes, I agree he's amazing, but I think that is what scares me. He's extremely charismatic, almost too perfect, but he's young and inexperienced. I know Kennedy was young also, but he was groomed to be President. I do like hearing others opinions, though. I take everything into consideration so when it's time to vote I can make the best decision I can.

Now, please don't take this wrong, and it's nothing against Obama, but wasn't Bush surrounded by experts as well? I know they were different experts, but just the same, the final decisions come down to Mr. Pres. I pray our new President will be able to make smart decisions and truly listen to their educated experts.

Now give me a President that taps into our own oil reserves. The US needs to be more self-sufficient instead of depending so much on outside resources.

Hey, how about President David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert) from "24?" Now HE would be a great President!

Hi, Again, thanks for your thoughts.

Well, I think the difference...and it's super huge...is that G W Bush has an IQ about 40 points lower than Obama's -- literally.

It wouldn't matter who Bush was surrounded by. He believes, for real, that Jesus is returning soon. And his policies are in large part about preparing the planet for Jesus and Christians. He admitted publicly that "God" chose him to be President at this time. I'm tempted to call this mental illness -- but I think we all believe certain voices in our heads -- that is actually what defines our personality (which voices we listen to in our heads) -- and he chose the Messianic one.

So I think Obama is the real deal. "Experience" is corrupting and world-view narrowing. Obama has lived in many places in the world. The majority of this planet thinks we're liars and hypocrites. One reason to elect Senator Obama is that it is the best possible message to send to this entire planet. That literally makes me safer living in NYC.

My uncle was Republican governor of Indiana in the 70s. He was a prisoner in WWII in Japan. He believes Bush should be impeached. Consider that.

John McCain is a liar. He voted with Bush 95% last year!!!!! Lobbyists who have worked for EVIL people are his advisers. He has adopted a huge % of the policies he used to oppose to secure this nomination. It is sad. John McCain isn't the same person he was 4 years ago...at all. He has sold out, fully, and he is simply a liar. I'm sick of electing liars as blatant as him. It's time for a change.

And what about Health Care? Most of my students don't have it. Literally, people die in Emergency waiting rooms who don't have insurance. It is immoral. It is a sin. It is evil. And Republicans constantly justify this evil by calling it "freedom." They've got us believing EVIL is freedom! That is how sick these people are. I've awakened. And it's time for a change. Allowing poor Americans to die is not freedom. Health care is freedom. Think about it. Allowing Americans who can't afford Health insurance to die is just evil. And even those WITH insurance die because the capitalist companies do everything they can to deny care. John McCain simply doesn't care. He has no plan and never speaks about the people who die because they can't afford corporate health care.

It is evil, period.

It's time for a change...We need REAL freedom, not just for the rich...for all of us.

Obama is by far the better choice, in my opinion.

- Jason B.

I'm right there with you on the health care issue. And I agree that McCain is not the same as he was 4 years ago.

Oh, and only 40 points lower?!!!!!!

Thanks again, Jason!