The Prologue to Star Wars, the book, by George Lucas.

[Ladyhawk]

...

"So it was with the Republic at its height. Like the greatest of trees, able to withstand any external attack, the Republic rotted from within though the danger was not visible from outside.

"Aided and abetted by restless, power-hungry individuals within the government, and the massive organs of commerce, the ambitious Senator Palpatine caused himself to be elected President of the Republic. He promised to reunite the disaffected among the people and to restore the remembered glory of the Republic.

"Once secure in office he declared himself Emperor, shutting himself away from the populace. Soon he was controlled by the very assistants and boot-lickers he had appointed to high office, and the cries of the people for justice did not reach his ears.

"Having exterminated through treachery and deception the Jedi Knights, guardians of justice in the galaxy, the Imperial governors and bureaucrats prepared to institute a reign of terror among the disheartened worlds of the galaxy. Many used the imperal forces and the name of the increasingly isolated Emperor to further their own personal ambitions."

Star Wars by George Lucas, page 1, prologue

Interesting how Palpatine comes across more like * than a Sith Lord in the original book. This was written over twenty years ago.

[Mythsaje]

1. Ah

But if only we had Jedi Knights to defend the Republic in the first place. Instead, we have...corporate media whores!

Uh...forget I said that.

And where's the Rebel Alliance when you need it?

It IS amazing how much this passage resonates, isn't it? Almost prophetic.

[Lilith Velkor]

3. ,,,where's the Rebel Alliance when you need it?

Look in the mirror.

It's up to you and me. (Yes, I'm scared too.)

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[Ladyhawk]

5. Yes, we are the Alliance and the Jedi.

But we MUST organize. Right now, we are a herd of cats, grabbing a mouse here, a rat there, but not enough to stem the plague of vermin infesting our country. I have some ideas...I wish someone well-respected on this board would give organization on DU a try.

[Lilith Velkor]

6. Could you elaborate on that?

Or PM me? Thanx.

[Swamp Rat]

7. HEY! I resemble that remark!

Don't you mean "grabbing alien lizards here and there?" :( Mice are my cute, little furry cousins, and we rats poop in republican pantries every night!

:D

[Aristus]

2. I always loved the prologue to the novel of 'Star Wars'.

It opened the way to a huge, barely imagined saga. Tunrs out my imagination was better than the reality.

Anyway, it was Alan Dean Foster ghosting for George Lucas. You can tell because it was well written.

[Ladyhawk]

4. Yes, but it was Lucas's idea. n/t