I’m not a TV watcher. I don’t even have cable. So I’m only vaguely aware that there’s a program called “Parks and Recreation.”
Based on these clips, though, it seems that Ron Swanson would be my favorite character.
Let’s start with his inside assessment of government efficiency. This is the snarkiest clip I’ve seen about local government, rivaling this brutal video on overpaid firefighters.
Makes my video on overpaid bureaucrats pale in comparison.
But is he right about local government? Well, read this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, and this and decide for yourself.
Oh, and don’t forget what our feckless local school officials are doing to America’s children.
Swanson also has an amusing take on the general topic of bloated government.
I’d apply the same level of skepticism to the defense budget, of course, but Swanson’s character is on to something. Sort of the same theme of government being bloated and overweight that can be found in cartoons here, here, here, and here.
Then there’s this gem.
The piglet comparison, needless to say, made me think of this famous Chuck Asay cartoon.
I’m curious, by the way, whether Swanson’s character on the program is unappealing. In other words, is this an example of Hollywood seeking to mock libertarianism?
Dan, I love and cherish Parks & Rec, not least because of Ron Swanson. And no, I don’t think he’s being portrayed as an unappealing character, rather a good-natured libertarian foil against which the starry-eyed government cheerleader played by Amy Poehler can play. If the character was intended to mock libertarianism, I’d say this backfires because Swanson is a good guy.
Wow, I had no idea there was a character like this out there. I’m frankly amazed and wonder the same things as Dan about that. I hope it’s just a tiny glimmer of the beginnings of a sentiment change in the public. To see it on a mainstream TV show is wonderful. Almost makes me want to watch it; just almost.
Go Ron!
Reblogged this on This Got My Attention and commented:
Wanna hear a great joke? Here, “Government efficiently spends the tax money they take from us.”
You’ll really love the Ron Swanson Pyramid of Greatness: http://ronswanson2012.org/pyramid.png
“Capitalism: God’s way of determining who is smart, and who is poor.”
I’m thoroughly surprised that some liberal/progressive/democratic (can ya pick one, already?) organization hasn’t blasted the show over this character … Makes me want to watch – and cheer!
Here’s a great video (the last bit is the best); even though it is low quality
As a certified bureaucratic drone, I appreciate these clips very much. Many thanks for posting!