Popcorn and Presidents

Several years ago I found out to my detriment that I have a deep passion for popcorn. Whether it’s Salted, Buttery, Theater Butter, Sweet and Salty, Old Bay enhanced or of course Caramel Popcorn I am all too eager to dig my hand in that big round bowl of white fluffiness (and the occasional burnt kernels!) and satisfy my craving for this wonder called popped corn.

In my book, grabbing the remote for an On Demand Movie is synonymous with “Hey, someone please nuke the popcorn!”

And then I chow down. And if I am not in the mood for a buttery finger aftermath as weird as it sounds I eat this addictive snack with a spoon. Hey I don’t want to be blamed for leaving a greasy mess behind on the remote!

But lately when I eat popcorn I have been thinking about Presidents. Of the USA. Is it because the white house is graced with a red on red Home Theater? No, it's more than that. From the moment a Presidential candidate announces he is going to run for that special spot on 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW they become center stage for all and any spots on TV. Whether it’s their campaign ads-which quite frankly is at times like watching their resume dramatized-or if they become the ridicule of the Nation and all political strategists, they dominate the TV screen.

And how could we forget Former President Ronald Reagan- he was an actor first so there is even more reason for these Head of States to be on the screen with every flip of the channel.

Speaking of Head of State, have you seen the movie starring actors Chris Rock and Bernie Mac which is entitled- what else- "Head of State?" After watching it twice I have to say it is a great comedy, full of laughs and wonderful segments that I love to quote, but in reality I think it was inspired by the hope of one day seeing a black President as Commander and Chief at the Oval Office.

And naturally I think, “Popcorn and Presidents...”

Then there is “Swing Vote” portraying the delicacy of one man’s mission (Kevin Costner) and his daughter, Molly (Madeline Carroll) to choose the right and better man of the two Presidential candidates and the extreme lengths those said two went to win Costner's vote; who up until that moment was a no-body. Yet this comedy-drama is full of the drama and occasional comedy surrounding a political battle we see happen every four years.

Just another occasion for me to think…”Popcorn and Presidents…”

And now America has made the vote, and has made it possible for me and the entire world to see the first African-American president. President Barack Obama. So what if He hasn’t measured up to my standards, so what if he didn’t bring that “Change I Can Believe In” within only 365 days time and so what if he borrowed an abundance of money out of nowhere.

He, just as every President before him and God willing after him, was courageous enough to apply for what is seemingly the highest position on God’s green earth. They have the weight of the world on their shoulders and even though I think I would make a great president so long as my only jobs were to pass bills such as, “Free chocolate for everyone!!!" or "Popcorn's on the House!!!"

It is our current President who has inspired and made possible lines in movies such as the not yet released "Cop Out." (Which will be released on Friday, February 26, 2010)

You have Tracy Morgan on one side of the restaurant's small red booths, sunshine streaming through their window and lighting up the entire set. Bruce Willis sits directly across from him. Willis- who will be known as Jimmy Monroe in the film- underestimates Morgan's position as a Police Officer; patronizing him, mocking him, doing everything to try to dissuade him from the "mission"- which as of right now I know nothing about. And what does Tracy Morgan -who goes by the name of Paul Hodges in this action packed cop-buddy comedy- say in rebuttal?

"....Helloooo! The President is black, man! We make decisions!....."

No matter how good an actor Willis is, whatever script he was given, what can he say in defense to that?

Yes, another beautiful popcorn and presidents moment.

And these are just a few of the Presidential moments conveyed throughout acting and portrayed on screen that I have seen. There are hundreds more, showing both the dark and light side of Presidents. Showing the hurdles they cross, the burdens they bear, the troubles and animosity they face on a regular basis. And as always depicting that mass of USA Secret Service agents that guard and protect and watch every move of his…...or hers.

Whoa...by now my popcorn bowl is only half filled!

So what is my point? It depends. Perhaps you see it as a compilation of a few movies to add to your 'must watch list,' or just some easy reading to pass your time.

But what I want it to say is that I have no desire to be the President. I have no desire to see my face plastered on pins, sweatshirts, and the side of a bus. Why? Because I couldn’t stand the fame? Well, maybe. But in all truthfulness, it is because the Presidents of this country have so much to deal with and not having the support of me, their own countrymen has to be one of the hardest obstacles. Yes, they makes mistakes, fumble and even make it in the tabloids, but they are our Presidents and the last thing they need is sour popcorn spitting-aka SCORN-back out of my mouth when the rest of the nations and countries do a pretty good job of that themselves.

I’m not saying I need to nod my head in agreement with every word that emits out of our President's mouth. But what if I started praying for him? Make an effort to see the good in him? Thank him for being so willing to give up his life for mine and yours in the pursuit of a better country?

So what if he continually borrows money. We all are living on borrowed time and borrowed money.

If I have nothing good to say about the President, whether on screen or off, if I can’t condone him, must I then so publically and blatantly condemn him? Past, present and future presidents included.

So to the assumed future scenes of presidents in movies, commercials, newspaper clippings. To the past Presidents who have made their mark in history and are continuing to do so. To those who have gone on to eternity. To those who will run in 2012 and the years to come. To the current President of the United States of America, President Barack Obama and all other Presidents that have served this blessed and wonderful country; I salute my bowl of popcorn to you, to your efforts and for doing what I never could. God bless you and may God bless your endeavors and commitment to this country.

From the bottom of my heart I thank you! And thank you so much for giving me another reason to indulge and enjoy in popcorn…