Posted by Elisa o n March 24th, 2010
This classic hilarious remix was made with two VCRs by Cliff Roth in 1988 and later went on to be his best known work. The footage is from a Presidential address that same year by Ronald and Nancy Reagan re-edited to suggest the inauguration of a pro-drug campaign in the United States. The mash-up serves as a poignant critique of the disastrous Reagan initiated “war on drugs” which Obama has recently promised to end. In true remix culture fashion, the video’s audio track was sampled by Black Grape in the 1997 song “Get Higher.”
Also here’s a short version re-cut by the Media Lounge.
Category: political speech
Topic Tags: drugs, government, presidency, war
Posted by Jonathan o n February 12th, 2009
This remix is somewhat unique because it comes to us from a non-profit organization rather than from an individual artist. The speeches, press conferences, news clips and ads of US political figures, both left and right, are edited to make an official event trailer for Power Shift 09 and their lobby day on March 2nd. The video also represents an example of how political remix video is being used to harness real, on-the-ground grassroots action for policy change. It’s exciting to see organizations using appropriated footage in their campaign videos. It wasn’t too long ago when the fear of using such copyrighted material kept most non-profits from making interesting remixed media. Hopefully the fair-use trend will continue and encourage others to transform corporate media into tools of social change.
The Power Shift 09 website says they “will bring 10,000 young people to Washington to hold our elected officials accountable for rebuilding our economy and reclaiming our future through bold climate and clean energy policy”. The organization advocates for green jobs and investments in solar and wind energy rather than the polluting and dangerous options of oil, coal or nuclear. The event is happening from FEB 27th to MAR 2nd. You can also see their other event promos on the Power Shift youtube channel and regester for the event here. I might just have to find my way to DC myself for this one!
Category: political speech
Topic Tags: activism, al gore, energy, environment, government, mccain, obama, ralph nader, schwarzenegger
Posted by Jonathan o n November 1st, 2008
Another election debate remix critical of the current system – this one from 236.com. The video uses carefully synced-up CNN footage from all three presidential debates to highlight the repeated use of well rehearsed talking points by both candidates. If watching the debates gave you a funny feeling of déjà vu each time, this remix is definitely for you.
Category: political speech
Topic Tags: elections, mccain, obama, presidency
A stunning video remix illustration of Jeremiah Wright talking about the “chickens coming home to roost” critique of US foreign policy. Creator Diran Lyons use footage from both documentary films and hollywood blockbusters to add visuals to Wright’s words from the pulpit.
Category: political speech
Topic Tags: jeremiah wright, News, terrorism, war
