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Title: An Artist Protests Obama’s Abuse of the Constitution (Video)
Source:
National Review
URL Source: http://www.nationalreview.com/artic ... -raises-his-brush-brian-bolduc
Published: Sep 19, 2010
Author: Brian Bolduc
Post Date: 2010-09-19 12:31:01 by Murron
Keywords: None
Views: 147632
Comments: 144
An Artist Protests Obama’s Abuse of the Constitution (Video) Author: Brian Bolduc Artist & Narrator: Jon McNaughton A man, crestfallen, is sitting on a bench in front of the White House, contemplating his country’s future. At his feet lie the causes of his distress: tattered dollars, representing a weak currency, and scraps of paper, symbolizing an abused Constitution. Behind and around him stand the 43 presidents of the United States, most of whom are outraged. One of them, James Madison, reaches pitifully for the ground, trying to collect the shards of American greatness. Unfortunately, he can’t retrieve our founding document from the dust, for it’s beneath the foot of Barack Obama. The title of this portrait is “The Forgotten Man,” and its creator is Jon McNaughton, a 42-year-old artist from Spanish Fork, Utah. McNaughton unveiled the piece last Tuesday with a video describing its origin and a website explaining its meaning. “For a long time, I didn’t know if I wanted to paint this picture, because I worried that it might be too controversial,” McNaughton intones in the video. Now, however, he’s courting controversy. The Forgotten Man A husband and father of six, McNaughton graduated in 1993 from Brigham Young University, where he studied art and design. Today, he runs the McNaughton Fine Art Company, which offers mostly landscapes and Biblical images for retail. McNaughton models his work after the French Barbizon Impressionists, artists in the mid–19th century who painted scenes from the countryside in subtle shades. That said, there’s nothing subtle about his latest creation. McNaughton first conceived of the portrait after Obamacare became law in March. “I was just frustrated with what was happening with Obama and the out-of-control spending,” he tells NRO. “As an artist, I thought this was a way to get my message out.” What is that message? “I wondered, ‘If the presidents of the past could speak to us today, what would they say to us?’” McNaughton explains. Clearly, they would oppose the unprecedented expansion of government. Yet the focus of the painting is the forgotten man — the ordinary American. “If that man doesn’t get off his bench and try to change what’s going on in our country . . . we’re on the verge of bankruptcy. That was the point I wanted to make,” he says. On McNaughton’s website, you can move your cursor over the faces in the painting and read an idiosyncratic summation of each president’s tenure. Yes, each of them. For instance, George Washington, who’s front and center, “instituted the First Bank of the United States in 1791.” But even Rutherford B. Hayes, who’s in the nosebleed section, gets a blurb for increasing “the government’s supply of gold.” Working twelve-hour days, McNaughton spent five months researching the portrait, reading everything from Wikipedia to history books. “I tried to focus on the fiscal spending of these different presidents and how it has to do with the devaluing of the dollar,” he notes. “I didn’t go into civil rights or war.” His educational forays led him to some unconventional conclusions. For example, McNaughton criticizes the Founders for their fiscal profligacy. “Our founding fathers weren’t adept at managing debt either,” he writes on the website. “In 1791, the national debt was a mere $75 million. But that is equivalent to $5.2 trillion in 2008 dollars.” To be fair to the Founders, though, a revolutionary war is kind of expensive. Despite McNaughton’s good faith, the Left will censure him, and he knows it. He did his first overtly political portrait last October. Entitled “One Nation under God,” it shows Jesus Christ holding the Constitution while surrounded by figures from American history. The painting drove liberals bonkers. Comedian Bill Maher dubbed it “‘Where’s Waldo’ for wing nuts.” “I did go to the Huffington Post to see what they said,” McNaughton reports. “They reminded me of a junior-high-school locker room. They all want to outdo each other with the grossest comment they can think of.” Still, McNaughton thinks the opposition to this painting will be different. Whereas for the previous portrait, a viewer can accept Christ’s authority only on faith, in this one, “the facts are the facts. The people who trash the painting say, ‘Oh, it’s just another right-wing Republican.’ But I don’t feel my position is very threatened. I feel that the truth is just behind me.” If people object to the portrayal of Obama stepping on the Constitution, McNaughton reasons, he’ll tell them everything Obama’s done to deserve being characterized that way. McNaughton knows his political background makes him a target. A former state delegate for the Utah Republican party, he now considers himself an independent. He left the GOP because of George W. Bush, who “ruined the Republican party.” Accordingly, in the portrait, Bush eyes the suffering man from afar — distant in location and in feeling. But McNaughton also knows he’s got a hit. He’s already sold several prints, and his video has racked up over 170,000 views on YouTube. His video for “One Nation under God” — after spending almost a year online — has garnered more than 3 million views. At the rate “The Forgotten Man” is going, he expects it to surpass its predecessor in popularity. “They’re quite the conversation pieces. People will have one hanging in their house and people will come in and there’s so much to talk about,” McNaughton says. In “The Forgotten Man,” McNaughton groups the presidents into two categories: those who oppose Obama’s actions, such as Washington and Madison, and those who support them, such as Franklin Roosevelt and Bill Clinton. Viewers routinely object to the placement of their favorites in either category. “It’s fun to have people talk about it,” he says. He hopes to keep them talking. McNaughton just started a third portrait, which he plans to release by the end of the year. This one will be more religious in tone — at least, more religious than “The Forgotten Man” — though he hints that “I’ve got one painting [in mind] that might be affected depending on whether Obama runs for reelection.” Whether or not Obama runs, McNaughton’s art has ensured that his message won’t be ignored. ONE NATION UNDER GOD 
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#28. To: Ferret Mike (#25)
He goes zero to scary crazy in 1.1 seconds. This world is full of religious intolerance, and the Christian contingent certainly has it's share of cultural jihadists. It seems rather obvious he has accepted Hitler, Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot rather than Christ.
These types always need to have someone to beat up on. Always
The state of California will too - after the family has gone through its assets. Health care vs financial ruin - some choice!
In California the state will pay, however, the parents have to legally abandon their child.
It sounded more like "what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander" to me.
Suzanne is one of the nicest persons on the internet. She tries to be friendly to all - even in the face of overwhelming stupidity. And if the internet pisses you off this much, maybe you shouldn't be on it. IN no way, shape or form was #15 a smart ass answer. It's Suzanne giving you an evenly stated yet resounding slap in the manner in which YOU "debate".
Chuckles...if I'm a commie then that must make you a......moron.
Challenge. NATIONS will be judged Stone... There is no doubt in my mind that you know nothing of Jesus.
How is ensuring that sick people are healed Communism?
Jesus is going to send me to hell because I want the sick healed?
Nah, just a bully. I'm putting him on bozo for a while, or permanently. I would never answer his questions anyway he's such an infant about it, so why not?
Better watch yourself. Ruddy and Nebu are making up lists of who should be liquidated once the TP'ers win.
Several of my articles are mysteriously disappearing as of late.
Never swear "allegiance" to anything other than the 'right to change your mind'!
As a percentage of your posts, what would that be?
Stone, it appears the crybaby forum rejects need a hug!
You keep insulting me. Sometimes that seems to be your only purpose here. From now on I will probably delete posts like that.
Circumstance doesn't move christ. Faith does.
Jesus said, ‘Physician, heal yourself.’ I really am sick to death of people wearing Christ on their sleeve while being so unwilling to have a modicum of compassion for the ill that would translate into assuring that they have access to medical care. Oh ARE you now?? I'm sick to death of Atheist-Socialists claiming to be Bible scholars and willing to steal from others to "prove" their own "compassion." You know NOTHING of "Christian Compassion" and charity you flaming phony jackass. Now go open up your purse and donate 60% of your net wealth and back up your own personal "compassion," Santa Marx. No? Not willing to?? No sh*t.
We don't hate you and your sick ilk, war. We pity you and your diseased minds.
And that's...Jesus' fault, huh?
Wait a minute... Suzanne = Liberal/Leftist = LIE. Gee, another SHOCK!!
To fret about it? Not much "fretting" on the part of socialists like you when the "solution" is THEFT. Any "solution" besides theft, Santa Marx? (that is besides blaming Christians who oppose more confiscatory taxation, and of whom ALREADY provide MORE charity to any group in the world by Light Years) Oh that's right...It's to STEAL from others...to pay for those (including Illegal Invaders) who already STEAL from American taxpayers. That's called DOUBLE-THEFT. Hey - heard of these three quaint commandments?: THOU SHALT NOT STEAL THOU SHALT NOT LIE THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBOR'S GOODS All three are A-OK with you and your ilk.
Get a load of this LOAD.
"You are such a lying, deliberately obfuscating asshole. I am really sick of assholes on the left deliberately misrepresenting Christ and communism. Well said. War and his system is why this country and world bite.
WE will decide what's "bullsh*t," Bullsh*tter.
He talks the Christian line, but he does not walk the walk. He's had far more patience and "tolerance" than me. The Leftist provocateurs, commies, and chronic liars have had plenty of opportunity to exchange ideas with honesty and courtesy. But they don't and won't. NOT seeing that, are you? Btw, you are judging Stone and his Christian faith, Mike. Really. Nice touch with the Muslim "stereotype" crack.
Jettison this Azzhole. He's useless. And he would cry when locked-out. THAT moment should be "amusing."
This world is full of religious intolerance, and the Christian contingent certainly has it's share of cultural jihadists. You've just accomplished "scary crazy" in a nanosecond. What crap you people engage in. Look at 'the Order,' a group of behind the scenes fundies that work to pass laws throwing people in prison or kill them if they are not Norman Rockwell portrait grade heterosexuals. Or the Ted Haggard sort of talk trash about gays and then get meth up the rear with the help of his male masseuse. And that indicts Christians OR "Fundies," Michael? Or is it a two-fer for you? Geez, you're inner-whacko is in 6th gear. When they are wrong they need to be called on their B.S no matter who they are organizationally. I'm calling you out, pal. And I don't GAS if you're an "independently organized" lone wolf...(or lone weasel in your case.)
Romans 13:5-7 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Notice MiningGilbey's OCD with Christian posters, "ziofundism" (that a new one you loon?) and taking ANYONE to task while invoking the name of Jesus Christ? Your sense of ethics stand on the watery residue a pile of fresh leftist-laid diarrhea. YOU?? MININGGOLD of ALL people... calling ANYONE out on ethics....Bwaaahaaa!!! If it's possible to rate the three lowest-rated unethical garbage here, YOU are on the very bottom warranting ZERO respect. far below even the reptilian War and dopey Abu.
YOU - as a Marxist - can subvert the context of the Bible to suit your weaselly needs ALL you want. Do NOT dictate "honor", "respect," and "conscience" to ME or anyone else here. Your past and present moral standing and Leftist situational ethics gives you minimal credibility.
Hey Stone - you've been very tolerant with these liars and creepy drunks. But MG's gotta go.
Can't you find a forum that will welcome your Leftist drivel, "ziofundie" paranoia and hate, and Joo-sniping? What's that? 4um won't take your garbage either? Advice: DON'T bring your trash over to LP.
You have nothing to worry about, Asbestos Crotch. You're writing your own ticket - NOT Christ.
"There is no doubt in my mind that you know nothing of Jesus." Can't make this up.
"I really wanna care. I wanna feel somethin'. Let me dig a little deeper:. No, My give-a-damn's busted"~ Messina Jo Dee
Nice post...And the bonus is that it'll make the above pingees - ALL OF THEM - cringe, hurl, or melt like the Wicked Witch of the West.
Good! Then I did what I set out to do....
"I really wanna care. I wanna feel somethin'. Let me dig a little deeper:. No, My give-a-damn's busted"~ Messina Jo Dee
"I really wanna care. I wanna feel somethin'. Let me dig a little deeper:. No, My give-a-damn's busted"~ Messina Jo Dee
I'm on the verge of being banned (yeah, I'm a real danger to this site), but I will say, this: I'm NOT crigning at the verses. Instead, I'm righteous angry at insurance companies who only want to insure healthy people and the hell with anyone else--and to the politicians who support this unsustainable system. I am righteous angry at companies (like Massey and BP) who cut corners on safety and cost people's lives, but who donate heavily to candidates who want regulations lowered or eliminated. I'm righteous angry at my country being controlled by corporate interests that still think "greed is good."
Comments (69 - 144) not displayed.
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#29. To: Ferret Mike (#27)
I was expecting the demonstration of immaturity from him. I'm in no way surprised.
#30. To: Murron (#7)
...she spent two years in a state charitable hospital, the feds had nothing to do with her healthcare...the state took care of their own.
#31. To: A K A Stone (#11)
Say their kid gets sick and it costs a million dollars for coverage.
#32. To: A K A Stone (#19)
But when they are participating and they tell the host to basically fuck off they aren't good enough to get an answer. Then they get the reaction they get.
#33. To: A K A Stone (#16)
(Edited)
#34. To: A K A Stone (#12)
#35. To: A K A Stone (#10)
Yes
#36. To: Rudgear (#8)
#37. To: Rudgear (#8)
Thank God he'll put you and yours where you belong.
#38. To: war (#34)
"Chuckles...if I'm a commie then that must make you a......moron."
#39. To: war (#37)
Jesus is going to send me to hell because I want the sick healed?
#40. To: mininggold, Ferret Mike, War, All (#26)
Stone the good 'Christian' deleted my truthful post...
#41. To: Brian S (#40)
#42. To: Brian S, mininggold, Ferret Mike, War, All (#40)
Several of my articles are mysteriously disappearing as of late.
#43. To: Skip Intro, AKA Stone, Brian S, mininggold, Ferret Mike, War, All (#41)
Stone keeps busy keeping the site "pure". Why not try posting articles with "nigger", "darkie", and "Obama" in the title? Those always pass the Stone test.
#44. To: mininggold (#26)
#45. To: war (#35)
There is no doubt in my mind that you know nothing of Jesus.
#46. To: war, Murron (#1)
Jesus was a healer. Would He say "tough shit" to someone who needed health care? Would He state that people should be healed by any means necessary?
#47. To: war (#1)
Why do Christians hate sick people?
#48. To: Suzanne (#2)
Apparently, it's absolutely wrong, wrong, wrong that kids with pre-existing conditions can now get health coverage. It ain't fittin'...It just ain't fittin'
#49. To: Murron, Suzanne (#3)
You really should educate yourself to the alternatives to BIG BROTHER stepping in and taking over Suzanne, no one, especially me, wants to see any child turned down for for healthcare, yourr argument sucks, and it's a lie.
#50. To: war, Murron (#4)
What is your solution?
#51. To: war, Suzanne, Murron (#6)
They'll never get it.
#52. To: Rudgear, war (#8)
To War:
#53. To: A K A Stone, Abu el Blowhole (#18)
Jeeze, man, ease up. That's bullshit.
#54. To: Ferret Mike, war, A K A Stone (#20)
He's quick to be judgmental and narrow minded. When he speaks, he sounds as intolerant and cruel as his stereotype he believes resembles the average Muslim in the world.
#55. To: Abu el Banat, A K A Stone (#21)
Anyhoo, do whatever you like. It is amusing to me at least.
#56. To: Ferret Mike, A K A Stone (#25)
(Edited)
He goes zero to scary crazy in 1.1 seconds.
#57. To: Liberator (#50)
#58. To: mininggold, A K A Stone, all (#26)
Stone the good 'Christian' deleted my truthful post about his Ziofundism and lack of following Jesus's teachings as shown by his behaviors. It's not like it's not here for everyone to see.
#59. To: lucysmom (#57)
(Edited)
#60. To: mininggold, A K A Stone (#28)
(Edited)
It seems rather obvious he has accepted Hitler, Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot rather than Christ.
#61. To: mininggold (#29)
These types always need to have someone to beat up on. Always
#62. To: war, Rudgear (#37)
Jesus is going to send me to hell because I want the sick healed?
#63. To: war, A K A Stone (#35)
War ( Atheist, Communist, Christian-hater, Conservative-loather, fiscal confiscateur, provocateur, delusionalist, synthetic intellectual, pro-abortionist, liar) to Stone:
#64. To: All, mininggold, Ferret Mike, war, Brian S, Skip Inrto, Suzanne, Abu el Banat (#0)
"One of them, James Madison, reaches pitifully for the ground, trying to collect the shards of American greatness. Unfortunately, he can’t retrieve our founding document from the dust, for it’s beneath the foot of Barack Obama".
#65. To: Murron (#64)
#66. To: Liberator (#65)
ALL OF THEM - cringe, hurl, or melt like the Wicked Witch of the West.
#67. To: All, mininggold, Ferret Mike, war, Brian S, Skip Inrto, Suzanne, Abu el Banat (#64)
(Edited)
#68. To: Murron (#66)
ALL OF THEM - cringe, hurl, or melt like the Wicked Witch of the West. Good! Then I did what I set out to do....
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