I don't think that the primary power rests with the "nation states" anymore so in that sense the USA is dysfunctional already. I believe the facade that is the USA will remain in place as long as it serves the "masters of mankind" which may be quite a long time - at least a century or more. But rest assured that the real power lies with the multinational bankers and the "energy" companies like EXXON and BP and the "owners of life" like Monsanto. They prefer the facade of a "functional" democracy to cover the truth of their power. And they are in fact VERY powerful. Far more than most here are aware of or willing to believe.

As the next centuries past historians will look back at the "nation-state" as a failed experiment in democracy. Perhaps they will be lucky and we will actually achieve real democracy but we will have to find a way to wrestle power from the masters who would prefer that we remain ignorant and distracted.

Look, I know it is obvious that Bush and his clowns serve these interests but realize that Obama has just proved that he does too. It isn't rocket science and yes, we've deluded ourselves into believing this is a clique fantasy but that is our psychology and not the objective reality which is rather cruel and unforgiving. Particularly if we ignore it.

Sure the Obama/centrist democrat version of the social contract is a "kinder, gentler" version but make no mistake about who that social contract serves and why.

the problem. The article doesn't make this distinction but it is quite real. I'm very middle class but I know very well what it is like to be poor.

I've traveled, I've been to a good school (though on financial aid) but I also know what it is like to be homeless and to be unemployed and perhaps most relevant to today I know what it is like to go without health insurance.

So I went with my family to see the Detroit Lions play on Christmas Eve and we walked several blocks through the city. I was very upset by a sight I saw not once but twice.

Twice we passed a homeless person either passed out or drunk or asleep (but it doesn't really matter) lying face down on the sidewalk trying to get warm by the heat vents which run all around downtown. The temperature out was in the 30's with no sun. Night was falling. These people looked beyond desperate. I knew that the cops would be around soon enough as thousands of fans were walking past. But still I was somewhat shocked. What a horrible sight for nations cities! God what have we come to!

Homeless stray animals are treated far better than people in our poor inner cities. I felt awful and while my life went on - I continued my "middle class" lifestyle (which is hard enough that I don't have "spare change" to help the desperate) - I left feeling our societies basic inhumanity. And the right wing claims we are a "Christian Society". Not in any understanding of "Christian" that I've ever understood.

I was entranced by this movie! Wow!

I have never seen a movie that was this sublime and powerful. It is a fascinating interwoven psychological drama about the end of the world.

I would say "Great." It was mesmerizing. I left the film feeling lonely sad and also terrified. It was like an exceptionally vivid nightmare brought to life. That someone had the guts and the artistic ability to put it on screen was inspiring. My hats off to Lars von Trier.

Probably won't get wide play as I doubt that many will "get it". I went with my ex and she feel asleep and was totally bored. It was like taking a deaf person to see Beethoven's 9th. She totally missed the feeling part of it.

I realized that your view of this movie will probably be related to your view of another weird and "deep" movie from earlier in the year "Tree of Life". If you liked one you will likely like the other. Many will hate both and wonder why anyone would pay their respective directors to make them. Others (like me) will praise the directors. Particularly this one as one of the greatest ever to put artistic talent to film.

Too bad it won't get wider play - but I'm guessing the economics of a "deep" movie like this are pretty sour to say the least. Anyway - if you like weird deep movies that explore human emotions and our connection to the universe in a complex way you will enjoy Melancholia.

http://www.melancholiathemovie.com/#_welcome