Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
A Complicated Life
Frank Wisner, Sr.
The Ian Fleming of The Cold War
by Gary Ginzberg
I n 1993, Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for the
contribution to the peaceful end of the apartheid regime in South Africa.
He saved his country from a bloody civil war by allowing the spirit of
Directed by: Michael Henry WILSON
[CLINT EASTWOOD: A LIFE IN FILM,
A PERSONAL JOURNEY WITH MARTIN SCORSESE,
co-written and co-directed with Scorsese ]
reconciliation to prevail. It is time to evaluate the political, moral and
spiritual legacy of this extraordinary man. With: Clint EASTWOOD,
F.W. DE KLERK,
At the core of this exploration is an in depth behind-the-scenes look Morné DU PLESSIS,
at Clint Eastwood’s current production, THE UNTITLED MANDELA Zindzi MANDELA,
Archbishop Desmond TUTU
PROJECT. [Nobel Peace Prize 1984 ],
The encounter of the Mandela story by Clint Eastwood is itself an un- THE SPRINGBOKS
usual event. It marks the convergence of two men who have reached a
pinnacle in their respective realms. After forty years of struggle against PRODUCTION
Produced by HIGH WIRE PRODUCTIONS
oppression, Mandela has come to embody the values of dialogue and
Co-produced by ARAPROD
reconciliation. As for Eastwood, the last of the Hollywood mavericks, he
Cinematographer Dominique GENTIL
hasn’t ceased, film after classical film, to study the effects of violence [THE CHORUS, WINGED MIGRATIONS ]
and injustice on both its victims and its perpetrators.
Status In production
The documentary will weave together these threads into a unique Language English
tapestry that unites the diverse personalities who have forged South
Africa’s reconciliation against all odds.
INTERNATIONAL SALES
89, avenue Charles-de-Gaulle
92575 Neuilly-sur-Seine CEDEX • FRANCE
Tel: +33 (0)1 41 92 68 66 • Fax: +33 (0)1 41 92 79 07
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The Challenge of Reconciliation
A feature-length documentary
by Michael Henri Wilson
The time has come to evaluate the political, moral nal match when the Springboks beat New Zealand’s
and spiritual legacy of a 20th century hero, Nel- All-Blacks, played a major part in his strategy. That
son Mandela, a leader who saved his country from a triumph marked a stunning moment of national fu-
bloody civil war by allowing the spirit of reconcili- sion as it brought together South Africans of all rac-
ation to prevail. This will be our documentary’s fo- es and creeds. To place these defining events of the
cus as it explores the real life stories of people who new South Africa in their proper context, we will call
brought about the creation of the Rainbow Nation. upon witnesses - from all communities - to provide
insights, anecdotes, memories, and possibly dissent-
At the core of our exploration is an in depth behind- ing viewpoints. (See Appendix A for list of confirmed
the-scenes look at Clint Eastwood’s current produc- interviewees.)
tion, “The Untitled Mandela” project. Inspired by
John Carlin’s book, Playing the Enemy, Eastwood’s The inequities of apartheid will necessarily be dwelt
film centers around the year 1995, when president upon, but our images and sounds also celebrate the
Mandela (interpreted by Morgan Freeman) must pre- extraordinary beauty of the land and its multiple
pare South Africa to welcome the Rugby World Cup. African cultures…as well as the country’s hopes for
the future. If filmmaker Michael Wilson’s previous
The encounter of the Mandela story by Clint Eastwood film portrait of Mr. Eastwood entitled Clint East-
is itself an unusual event. It marks the convergence wood: a Life in Film was a solo one-man-show, The
of two men who have reached a pinnacle in their re- Challenge of Reconciliation is a choral, plural, poly-
spective realms. After forty years of struggle against phonic piece that gives a voice not only to a great
oppression, Mandela has come to embody the values Hollywood filmmaker, but also to a wide spectrum
of dialogue and reconciliation. As for Eastwood, the of historical witnesses in the South African story.
last of the Hollywood mavericks, he hasn’t ceased,
film after classical film, to study the effects of violence
Our ambition is to capture the creative rhythms of
and injustice on both its victims and its perpetrators. Eastwood as he tackles a new, important experience far
Our documentary will weave together these from his familiar turf, while retracing the epic’s colorful
threads into a unique tapestry that unites background and the inspired lives of freedom fighters
the diverse personalities who have forged such as Mandela, Desmond Tutu and their compan-
against all odds South Africa’s reconciliation. ions. Structurally, this calls for an organic counter-
One key lesson that Mandela’s journey illuminates is point between the present of the film being made
that brute force cannot be effective in the long term. and the momentous historical events it is recreating.
Also part of our story, archival footage will allow us
No matter how unjust a government may be, sooner to illustrate the apartheid system, the Rivonia trial,
or later the human spirit rebels. And when it prevails, the massacres of Sharpeville and Soweto, Mandela’s
it astounds the world with its magnanimity. Over- liberation, the first free election (1994) and the presi-
coming the hatred he may have felt for implacable en- dential inauguration, which saw Mandela utter these
emies, Mandela made them his partners in the peace now historical words:
process. He understood that the oppressor must be
liberated, just as much as the oppressed, as both have
been robbed of their humanity.
“Never, never and never again shall it be that this
At the time Mandela was able, miraculously, to defuse beautiful land will experience the oppression of one
the threat of a civil war fomented by hard-core cham- by the other and suffer the indignity of being the
pions of apartheid. The Rugby World Cup, in the fi- skunk of the world.”
Publishers Cut
PUbLISHER E.E. KANTOR
COVER STORY
to shoot and document the production of She explained further that the documenta-
“The Challenge of Reconciliation,” she said. ry also includes a behind-the-scenes look at
Clint Eastwood’s movie, “Invictus,” which
“We started with the apartheid era,” Wil- focuses on how Mandela’s involvement with
son said, “He (Mandela) was in prison in the the 1995 Rugby Cup lends a hand in healing
early 1960s, and we cover that period, up a post-apartheid South Africa. Eastwood’s
through his release from prison twenty-sev- long-time friend, Morgan Freeman, will be
en years later.” The film creator agrees that portraying Mandela in the movie. Wilson
Nelson Mandela has served as a powerful noted that the title for Eastwood’s film is in-
example in world history. She noted that the spired by Mandela’s favorite poem, writ-
freedom fighter “orchestrated the transition ten by poet William Ernest Henley, which
from apartheid to democracy in South Af- high-lights the will to endure while confront-
rica.” She has hit on one of Mandela’s great- ing life’s hardship:
est strengths, the ability to understand and
embrace the “oppressor” in order to move OUT of the night that covers me,
forward to achieve dialogue and consensus. Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
There is a pause between sentences, Wilson For my unconquerable soul.
measuring her words with good reason and
balance. “Mandela is a great inspiration for In the fell clutch of circumstance
all humankind.” She catches her breath and I have not winced nor cried aloud.
then begins speaking with passion about Under the bludgeonings of chance
the Mandela project. Her respect for Man- My head is bloody, but unbowed.
dela was apparent as she told us, “He exer-
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
cised forgiveness as opposed to revenge.”
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
1956 and charged with treason; the trial lasted my life studying meditation and Eastern Phi-
until 1961, when, finally, all defendants were losophy. I’ve been practising meditation for
acquitted. The following year, Mandela was long time. I’ve been on a spiritual quest since
re-arrested, tried, convicted and sentenced the age of 19.”
to five years in prison. In 1964, he was con-
victed and sentenced on other charges, which Wilson said Buddhism has always been part
sentencing eventually culminated in a total of her life. “I work with awareness to maintain
of 27 years imprisonment. “The Challenge of an inner peace,” she said. “Our documentary
Reconciliation” captures that legacy, as well “In Search of Kundun” shows that the Dalai
as the horrific brutality of the apartheid era. Lama as a spiritual leader,” Wilson added.
“He’s a moral figure who embodies passion
While doggedly working to get the story and forgiveness as opposed to revenge and ha-
on this important project down, Wilson tred. ‘In Search of Kundun’ came out in 1999.”
continued to manage her family life as a wife
and mother. The husband-and-wife duo has a After a lengthy conversation on Bud-
long history of producing documentaries. In dhism, she returned to the business at hand.
fact, in 1998, Carole and Michael Henri Wil- Access to Nelson Mandela is rare, Wilson
son worked on the documentary “In Search of posited. “He’s not giving interviews any-
Kundun,” a companion piece to Martin Scors- more,” she said. However, Wilson did land
eses “Kundun,” which portrays the life of the an interview with Nelson Mandela’s daugh-
JUSTICE & DEMOCRACY • THE SUIT • 11
ter, Zindzi Mandela. “She has accompa-
nied her father during diplomatic mis-
sions; she’s an important figure in his
life.” Bringing the project this far, Wilson
proudly told us, has been a labor of love.
From gunslinging spaghetti He eventually was invited a deputy sheriff from Arizona who
westerner to pale rider, he's to audition for the part. The landed in New York to extradite a
considered the ultimate American competition, however, was tough. prisoner (played by Don Stroud).
hero. Clint Eastwood, the Up for the same lead role were In 1971, he formed his own
iconic film director, will soon production company, Malpaso,
release the cinematic epic film giving Eastwood the artistic
depicting the life and times of control he had long desired. His
Nelson Mandela, "Invictus." directorial debut, “Play Misty For
Me,” was a thriller in which he
played a disc jockey who is haunted
It's a natural fit for him to make by a crazed female admirer.
such a controversial film, bringing
his camera lens up close to view His entrenched commercial
the ugly and vile movement of success continued to skyrocket
Apartheid, confronted by the non- via his outrageously violent
violent power and compassion of character, Detective Harry
Mandela, a real hero in a world Callahan, in the Dirty Harry film
which Eastwood brings to life series. Eastwood played that
with his exceptional eye for detail. character as angry and edgy,
Early in his career, there were signs and intolerant of bureaucratic
of Eastwood's incredible attention politics, which he obviously
to film detail. During the shooting enjoyed exposing and mocking in
of his several spaghetti westerns, his own way. Citified politicians
Eastwood played a pivotal role became adequate replacements
in the introduction of black jeans such prominent actors as Charles for the bad and the ugly
into his character's wardrobe. Bronson, Henry Fonda, Richard characters vilified in his westerns.
Harrison, James Coburn, among Eastwood's portrayal of Harry
He’d purchased them on Hollywood others, jockeying for the role. Callahan created a new image of
Boulevard. And he snatched his Finally, Eastwood landed the part. cop for the film industry, getting
now-legendary felt hat from a Santa "Maybe my greatest contribution things done his way, without
Monica wardrobe company. In to cinema was not doing Fistful pretentious civility, unconcerned
fact, the short, black cigars he used of Dollars, and recommending about justifying his use of violence.
in those movies were purchased by Clint for the part," Richard
him at a Beverly Hills shop, even Harrison said, after he Later on, as a director, he put a
though Eastwood was a non-smoker. suggested Eastwood for the role. new wrinkle into the American
It was during the 1960s that western film genre with the self-
Eastwood became a folk hero He became the perennial tough guy, directed 1992 film, Unforgiven. His
in the Spaghetti Western genre. and he capitalized on his success. In character, an aging ex-gunfighter
In 1964, he landed the lead 1968, Eastwood was paid $800,000 way past his prime, presented a
role in “A Fistful Dollars.” That for his role in the war classic, different facet of the hero, a self-
happened in a twist of blind fate. "Where Eagles Dare," playing doubting and self-questioning
At the time, he was starring in the opposite Richard Burton. Certainly, man without the romanticized
Rawhide television series, when 1968 was a good year. Eastwood halo. The film was nominated
suddenly he was discovered by starred in "Hang ‘Em High" and in for nine Academy Awards,
famed film director Sergio Leone. "Coogan's Bluff," where he played including Best Actor for Eastwood.
JUSTICE & DEMOCRACY • THE SUIT • 13
It won four, including Best over $268 million worldwide in irrevocable truth with his camera.
Picture and Best Director. theaters, making it the highest-
In addition to his acting and grossing film of Eastwood's career. Politics is also a game in which
directing action-filled movies, Eastwood has participated, though
Eastwood has also dabbled into Throughout his career, Eastwood no longer as he is too much the
the musical elements of the film always made an indelible impression independent thinker. His political
business, most notably with his on movie-goers everywhere. He career began with his one-term
controversial homage to election as Mayor of
Jazz icon Charlie Parker Carmel-by-the-Sea, a
in the film, “Bird.” He small town in Monterey
then went on to score the County, California.
music for his 2005 film, In 2001, he was appointed
“Million Dollar Baby,” to the California State
which he also produced Park and Recreation
and directed, in addition to Commission by Governor
taking on the starring role. Gray Davis. In 2005,
as vice chairman of the
The movie won awards California State Park and
for Best Picture and Recreation Commission,
Best Director, with Eastwood, a long-time
a nomination for Best Actor. gets us to experience the steely Republican, took a position
The subject of human beings edge of the moment, even while counter to conservative thought
caught up in war was tackled by his characters retain their dignity, – he opposed the construction of
Eastwood in two films that he often bemused by the irrational a six-lane, 16-mile toll road that
directed in 2006. Both told the behavior of their superiors and would have cut through a state
story of the World War II battle their foils while continuously beach and ruined one of Southern
of Iwo Jima. The first one, “Flags pointing a finger at the folly of the California's most cherished surfing
of Our Fathers,” focused on the system. As well, he has stretched beaches. He cared more about the
men who’d raised the American the limits of his canvas with surfers than he did about party
flag on top of Mount Suribachi. films that take off-beat looks at politics and corporate profits.
American culture through humor. In March 2008, Eastwood's
The second one, “Letters From term on the commission expired
Iwo Jima,” explored the tactics of In the 1980 release of “Bronco and he was not reappointed.
the Japanese soldiers on the island Billy,” Eastwood's lead character
and the letters they wrote to family symbolizes both the good and In May of this year, Eastwood
members. Both films were highly bad of hero-worship, as the main was awarded the "Brass Balls
praised by critics and garnered attraction in a traveling wild- Award," for being a daring and
several Oscar nominations, west show. In “Any Which Way pioneering filmmaker, our Richard
including Best Director and You Can,” sequel to “Any Which Attenborough. He has always been
Best Picture for “Letters…” Way But Loose,” he again pokes a risk-taker, even performing his
In 2008, Eastwood directed and fun at our world, and the movie own rock-climbing stunts during
starred in “Gran Turino,” for which became another box-office success the filming of “The Eiger Sanction,”
he co-wrote the film’s theme song. – among the top five highest- a 1975 film in which Eastwood also
grossing films of the year, despite directed and starred. And he is
The movie grossed close to $30 being panned by critics. Yet, both taking his camera out to the edge
million during its wide-release the critics and his star status don't once again, with an eagerly-awaited
opening weekend in January seem to affect Eastwood, someone look at one of the great atrocities
2009, making Eastwood, at who has played larger-than-life of our time, Apartheid, and the
age 78, the oldest leading man roles yet seems unfazed by the man who brought that racist
to reach #1 at the box office. glitzy lure of being a celebrity system down, Nelson Mandela,
To date, this film has grossed as he seeks to ferret out some a real-life hero for any age.
SOUTH AFRICA TODAY
Behind the Rainbow
PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA
The 2009 New York Film Festival slipped out of 2009 election, which he ironically won.
town in May and left an indelible impression, a
journey through Africa, from the past to the future, After nearly 60 years of an officially sanctioned
through the lenses of filmmakers to make the present Apartheid system, and 15 years since the release of
tangible. Nelson Mandela, South Africa had its first demo-
cratic elections. A generation of leaders has taken
One film in particular, "Behind the Rain- over the helm to steer the state towards
bow," was centerpiece to the festival. adopting a series of socio-economic
The documentary, by award-winning programs that would decrease unem-
writer/director and producer Jihan El- ployment and poverty. While holding
Tahri, probes into high and low points to the principles of the ANC, this gen-
of South Africa's Anti-Apartheid African eration seeks to find a system by which
National Congress Party (ANC) and the the wealth of the country can be more
bitter, yet deadly duel between former equitably shared. What drives this
President Thabo Mbeki and current documentary are the different person-
President Jacob Zuma, among other is- alities and leaders, and what they mean
sues and events. to the people of South Africa.
This investigative documentary pulls no Nelson Mandela, the head of one of the
punches; interviewed were former and most inspiring and liberating move-
present members of the ANC, as "Be- ments in history, retired in 1998, and
hind the Rainbow" explores the tran- Thabo Mbeki succeeded him. Mbeki's
sitional journey that the party crossed parents were among South Africa’s
from a liberation organization into teachers and activists. Mbeki, how-
South Africa's ruling party – and the ever, left the country under orders by
evolution and history of two of its most the ANC and moved to Britain where
prominent members, former President Mbeki and he earned a Master's degree in economics at Sussex
current President Zuma. University. The recipient of a number of honorary
Both brothers-in-arms during the anti-Apartheid degrees, former President Mbeki has a long track re-
struggle, Mbeki and Zuma were antagonistic and cord of achievements during his tenure. However, his
combative in their quest for power. El-Tahri bril- opposition to power came from an unlikely source
liantly depicts the internal struggles and challenges and in the person of Jacob Zuma.
of the ANC and the relationship of these two life-long
friends and comrades-in-arms. Zuma was born into poverty in Inklanda, South
A former news correspondent for Reuters, U.S. News Africa. His father worked as a police officer and died
and World Report, the filmmaker utilizes her keen when he was three years old. His mother worked as
skills to shape and form this convoluted saga into a a domestic to support the family, but that was not
clear and concise tale. What makes this film work – enough. Zuma had to work and do whatever he could
even for Western-minded thinkers who do not have to bring money into the household. At the age of 17,
an inkling of South Africa's politics – is the salacious- with no formal education, he joined the ANC.
ness of the events covered. Soon after South Africa cracked down on the anti-
"There is no cloud above my head – there is not even apartheid movement, Zuma was arrested and sen-
a mist," President Zuma said regarding the corrup- tenced to ten years on Robben Island, the same
tion charges waged against him just before the April (CONTINUED ON PAGE 19)
Jacob Zuma Portrait ©Wingnutdes...Dreamtime.com
JUSTICE & DEMOCRACY • THE SUIT • 15
A COMPLICATED LIFE
FRANK G. WISNER, SR
THE IAN FLEMING OF THE COLD WAR?
bY GARY GINZbERG
Frank G. Wisner, Sr. did not dabble in insignificant warfare, preventive direct action as well as sabo-
matters. He built and was the original orchestrator of tage, anti-sabotage, demolition and evacuation pro-
“The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ,” a nickname for the first ceedings, subversion against hostile states, includ-
state-sponsored propaganda network in the United ing assistance to underground resistance groups,
States. Wisner ran a federal agency which piped in- and support of indigenous anti-communist ele-
formation through a vast array of contacts in order to ments in the threatened countries of the free world.”
sway people’s emotions. Later, that agency morphed
into The Central Intelligence Agency. A founding fa- The new covert network was built by an elite cabal
ther in the covert world of espionage, Wisner paid the of men led by Wisner. They tickled the ivories of
ultimate price for his role, eventually succumbing to “The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ” in order to play upon
the weight of the decisions he had made and the re- people’s emotions and paint a picture – the beauty
percussions felt by those drawn into his secret web. of capitalism versus the ugliness of communism.
Wisner had a remarkable history. After en- One of his most effective assaults on American pub-
listing in the Navy shortly before Pearl Harbor, he lic opinion was “Operation Mockingbird.” The mis-
gravitated towards the world of counter-intelligence, sion – to infiltrate and manipulate America’s media
with the final portion of his tour of duty being spent institutions. The operation was so successful that by
as a spy on the Soviet Union. He tried to raise the
alarm regarding Russia’s intention to annex East- 1950 Wisner “owned” numerous respected journalists,
ern Europe, but in vain. His voice, however, was including Joseph Alsop, James Reston, Walter Pin-
heard and respected in the American defense fam- cus and Ben Bradley. He developed a vast network of
ily. In 1947, none other than Dean Acheson invited contacts within front organizations located in Europe,
Wisner to join the State Department’s Office of Spe- the United States and parts of the developing world.
cial Services (OSS), mainly a paramilitary operation
that was mostly ineffectual. Wisner accepted, even Wisner’s layered network of contacts was modeled on
while he lobbied for a brand new intelligence agency. the Communist Front, and, in America, it was powered
In 1948, the Office of Special Services became the Of- by the natural energy of American “Associationalism”
fice of Protective Services, with Wisner appointed to – the tendency of Americans to form groups, espe-
organize and run what was called the Office of Policy cially citizen associations, an American institution.
Coordination. It was his dream come true – to be the
one totally responsible for the espionage and counter- Why not infiltrate key American groups and use that
intelligence activities of our country. And it presented tendency to influence the mind of the average Ameri-
an opportunity for Wisner to shift the emphasis of U.S. can – a question which Wisner answered by forming an
anti-communist strategies from paramilitary action incredibly pervasive network of propaganda channels
towards more intelligence operations, eventually mak- that made full use of the iconic organizations of the day.
ing Wisner’s agency the forerunner of the modern CIA.
In America, Wisner’s network entwined such di-
He sat at the helm of the fledgling agency, recruit- verse elements as labor unions, intellectual groups,
ed a cadre of old colleagues, including many from feminist groups and others, many of which were
Carter Ledyard, and steered the operation’s rudder- considered to be bastions of liberal idealism. And
towards propaganda and espionage. According to most of the leaders of those groups knew the CIA
the organization’s secret charter, the responsibilities was involved. Even Gloria Steinhem said, “I was
of Wisner’s baby included “propaganda, economic happy to find some liberals in government in those
Bar area before renovation 8) Spend ample time on the plans before demolition.
Let all the voices be heard-architect, designer, builder,
landscape designer. Your project will be much stronger for
it and run more smoothly.
JUSTICE & DEMOCRACY • THE SUIT • 19
Scientist Battles Stan Lee’s Marvel Empire
Can one businessman take on Spiderman, Iron Man, Stan Lee, who once worked for Marvel Comics, cre-
The Hulk, and X-men? Obviously, Nelson Thall, Chair- ated all of the cartoon icons upon which Marvel
man of the Board and former director of Torstar, a me- Comics has thrived. Nelson Thall joined Stan Lee
dia conglomerate which owns The Toronto Star, the Media and applied his expertise as a media scien-
largest newspaper in Canada, has the money and clout tist to help generate money through his characters.
to wage a prolonged litigious copyright infringement Then Lee took his beloved characters, his intellectual
battle. Thall's legal wrangling in court with Stan Lee property, and created a company of his own. Marvel
Media has been an endless war in court proceedings. Comics came after him as soon as they got wind of
his success, but they ended up offering Lee a deal,
In fact, when Thall talks about Stan Lee Me- which he took. So Thall, as a minority shareholder
dia and the legendary comic book heroes, in and the marketing mind for Stan Lee Media, felt
the hairs on the back of his neck rise. Why? entitled to some of the lion's share of the profits.
"They cut me out of the fi- In his complaint, Thall’s law-
nancial deal," Thall said, yer, Garbus, accuses Mar-
during a telephone interview vel, Lee's business partner,
from his Canadian office. "I Arthur Lieberman, current
was a minor shareholder in Marvel CEO Isaac Perlmut-
Stan Lee Media, and when ter, and Avi Arad, a major
the owners found out that Marvel shareholder, of col-
Stan put the company into luding "to hide and misap-
bankruptcy, unofficially, propriate financial interests
they took him to court." in Lee's creations assigned
But Thall doesn't seem too to Stan Lee Media in 1998
worried. He has famed tri- and reaffirmed in 1999."
al lawyer Martin Garbus, Accordingly, profits from
whose clients have included Lee's comic creations be-
Lenny Bruce and Don Imus. long to the company,
which had emerged from
Now Garbus is doing bat- bankruptcy in 2006.
tle with Superhero leg-
end Stan Lee Media. The suit also claims that Mar-
In the suit, Garbus maintains vel, et al, had violated Stan
that the respondents had Lee Media's copyright inter-
violated his clients' copy- ests and that the firm is due
rights, ignored their rights profits from all properties,
as shareholders in Stan Lee including blockbuster films
Media, Inc., and improperly that were made after 1998
purloined $750 million in and based on Lee's creations.
profits from Marvel-owned The lawsuit's allega-
franchises like Spider-Man, Iron Man and the X-Men. tions were immediately rebuffed, with Marvel is-
The $750 million dollar lawsuit represents a 50% suing a statement asserting that it was filled with
ownership stake in Marvel and Lee-held properties. "ridiculous claims," and Lee's attorney, Mark W.
Williams, asserting that, "We look forward to a
"We are owed about a billion dollars," he said. "I positive resolution for Stan Lee and his family."
sued for $750 million. A percentage of Marvel's Marvel also argues that the lawsuit features
gross income is paid to Stan Lee. He's the creator," claims that have been pursued in previous cases.
Thall explained, then added, "Stan Lee Media owes
us for X-men, Spiderman and the Incredible Hulk." Garbus countered Marvel’s claims by pointing out
that the suit differs in that, in addition to Lee, it names In addition to serving as Director of Research for the
others, including current Marvel CEO Isaac Perlmut- Centre for Media Sciences, Thall consults with gov-
ter and Avi Arad, who produced several of the block- ernment officials, federal tribunals, commissions
buster films featuring Marvel characters. "It's a very and business organizations in Canada and abroad,
different lawsuit," he said. "It's different money." as well as lecture. His books have been published
in the United States, Canada, Britain and Russia.
In addition, he explained, he suspected that Lee, who His expertise on "virtual reality technology" and
once sued Marvel over profits from his creations, had "multimedia" has allowed him to define legal terms
entered into a bad agreement which deprived Stan for the Federal Court of Canada and to develop a
Lee Media of the windfall from blockbuster movies television series with Dr. Timothy Leary. Thall
such as the."Spider-Man" and "X-Men" trilogies. has been quoted and interviewed in over 100 ma-
Recognized as a leading authority on the science jor magazines and newspapers around the world.
of communication media and process analysis,
Thall’s extensive background and expertise has al- Bill Gates and Peter Lloyd invited him to contrib-
ready contributed scientific proficiency essential to ute an essay to the book, “Web Weaving,” in 1998.
Stan Lee Media's strategic planning and success. While studying at the University of Toronto with
Professor Marshall McLuhan, Thall became a
McLuhan protege and served as President of the
In 1998, Thall was elected to the Board of Direc- Marshall McLuhan Center on Global Commu-
tors at Torstar Corporation, the largest newspa- nications from 1990 to 1995. He currently holds
per publishing group in Canada and owner of both jet aircraft and helicopter commercial pi-
the Harlequin Romance publishing franchise. lot licenses. He is married with two children.
JUSTICE & DEMOCRACY • THE SUIT • 21
Justice Unpoetic
at WBAI RADIO HEAD
Pacifica Radio’s local station, WBAI, located in
the center of the f.m. dial in the New York re-
gion, potentially reaches 20 million listeners.
Recent changes instituted by current manage-
ment, however, has its listener-public up in arms.
sign the General Manager away from the station, and Having failed at that attempt, he explained, she
ban whomever it felt threatened by – every one of these proceeded to carry out her plan to rid the station of
moves was done clearly against due process and in vio- both White and Riddle. Upon doing so, Aaron brings
lation of current by-laws. But who’s going to argue with in her cohorts to take over the reins – all of which
those in charge? You’d have to take them to court, which happens in clear violations of by-laws and due pro-
itself is an expensive process. When you’re the one in cess. “She follows this up,” he says, “by issuing a gag
charge of a network that already has lawyers on staff, you order throughout the network, clearly stating that
simply charge the cost to operating expenses, but an in- anyone speaking on the airwaves against the cur-
dividual or unfunded group of individuals can’t do that. rent politics of the station will be taken off the air.
“Meanwhile,” he adds, “this is not just affecting WBAI. “That’s what they mean by ‘Free Speech Radio’,”
It’s happened in San Francisco and in D.C. – and another producer sardonically added.
guest what? Most of the people fired were Black and
Latino, along with Whites who believe in commu- -- J. Michael Gordon
nity radio and radical politics. It’s across the board.”
To advertise in our entrepranuer’s business
He went on to explain that there are two major sections, contact Eric Daniels at 718.619.8520
camps. "The progressive coalition includes a group w w w . t h e s u i t o n l i n e . o r g
of white, black and hispanic progressives," he said.
“What the new heat has done is first, get rid of key per-
sonnel, then move in on local and independently pro-
duced programs, followed by replacement programs
that are aired only from one source (like San Francisco)
– what we call ‘syndicated’ programs. In the process,
they’re changing the face of stations like WBAI and
helping to eliminate from the airwaves programs that
focus on radical issues affecting local communities.”
In fact, WBAI is the only broadcast medium in the New
JUSTICE & DEMOCRACY • THE SUIT • 23
Brett Whaley, CEO and President of La Chapelle
Insurance, Providing auto, home, health, business
and life insurance, for more than half-a-century.
"Three generations, we’ve been in business," he
stated. "We've been providing insurance since the
1930s, he added.
Harold H. Houck , President of Houck & Associates, for licensure and status,
Inc. provides corporate troubleshooting services and ask for a contract, and fi-
asset assessment on a global basis. His firm counters nally, meet the respon-
or resolves issues concerning embezzlement, fraud sible person if possible.
and corporate espionage. The firm’s success in in- That person should be able
ternational financial research and creative problem to knowledgably answer
solving has earned Mr. Houck his unique reputation. your prepared questions.
Mr. Houck related that the recent high profile Houck & Associates has provided an amalgama-
Ponzi schemes have crystallized the truth of his tion of services to a variety of clients. Cases have
fundamental beliefs: “every matter requires fore- ranged from the exotic such the currency crisis in
knowledge” and “knowledge is never too dear”. Venezuela, or tracking priceless artwork, to more
ordinary such as a short term con or a contentious
The tentacles of fraud have indiscriminately tar- divorce. This is what Mr. Houck expresses he likes
geted individuals, businesses, banks and even state most about his business – ever changing challenges.
governments. This has changed the trusting envi-
ronment wherein only corporations conduct due dil- Mr. Houck came to understand the need for his par-
igence. Clients are now more prudent, wanting their ticular niche while serving in naval intelligence and
own due diligence – a second opinion, if you will. working for the FDIC and the FS-
LIC during the1980’s banking crisis.
Mr. Houck relates the most frequent regret expressed
by his clients is, “I wish I knew about your services He has travelled globally on business, is an avid
earlier.” Often, the client’s dilemma was entirely reader, enjoys athletic fitness, is a gourment
preventable through and believes the key to happiness is discipline.
competent research
prior to investment. HOUCK & ASSOCIATES, INC.
Corporate troubleshooting and international finan-
Mr. Houck suggests in cial investigations
considering financial 10151 University Blvd, Suite 178
research, avoid anony- Orlando, FL 32817-1904
mous entities, check 800-677-3307
Bruce Little, Chairman of the ed in 1958, Little has been ac- rate office, the phones could be
Board of Directors, has a bus- tively working in auto insurance heard in the background. "In
tling insurance company, R.E. since 1940. "I've been working this economy it's difficult drum-
Pratt & Company, touted as the and doing business in this in- ming up new business," Little
premier and independent in- dustry since World War II," he explained with a slight chuckle
surance adjusting company in said. He noted that R.E. Pratt & before hanging up the phone.
the region. The firm has a solid Company operates in three dif-
ferent locations in North Caro- "I could not have done it with-
record, Little said. While the lina. "I oversee the Durham out key people in my life; such as
company was originally found- office," he said. In his corpo- R.E. Pratt and Martin Cutter."
JUSTICE & DEMOCRACY • THE SUIT • 27
E-BIZ NEWS
GLOBAL TAXATION FOR
A GLOBAL ECONOMY
-- J. Michael Gordon
TAX
I t is Adrian Sawyer's firm belief that in the evolution of today's global
economy there is a need for a global tax policy. Revolutionary thinking?
Heresy? Perhaps, but Sawyer is ultimately a realist and a pragmatist. As a
chartered accountant and acting head of the accounting department at the
University of Canterbury, Sawyer is a full-time professor who has pub-
lished more than one hundred articles, chapters and books over the past
thirty years.
With an undergraduate LLB degree under his belt, Sawyer is a fighter, bucking traditionalists in
he earned a post-graduate degree in commerce. the field of economics and emerging in 1998
His book, "Developing a World Tax Organization: The from a personal fight with a terrible illness, ne-
Way Forward," is must-reading for anyone involved crosis of the pancreas. He is "just catching up
with economic policy formation and administration. now," he says, which is good for the rest of us.
The book lays out the debate over global eco- We need visionary thinkers to chart our paths in the
nomic coordination and shows how coordinating emerging world economy, and we’re lucky to have
an across-the-board tax policy fits into that pic- people such as Adrian Sawyer weighing potential so-
ture. He argues that "facilitating greater global co- lutions to our current economic crises. At no time have
ordination of tax polic(ies)" is important for the those services been more needed, as we face the larg-
overall global economy and lays out a detailed est economic challenge since the Great Depression.
policy plan with a blueprint for "a stand-alone orga- In every discussion on trade policies, Adrian Saw-
nization with a specific international jurisdiction." yer’s sagacious advise must, at least, be considered.
JUSTICE & DEMOCRACY • THE SUIT • 29
GO Communications
-- J. Michael Gordon
A trailblazer within
corporate America
Michael De Kretser is known as the “Tiger Woods of Public Relations” in the com-
munications sector. Working with his son, Peter, Michael founded GO Communi-
cations in 2006. The elder De Kretser has been dubbed an “out of the box thinker.”
He is an ex-CEO and founder of MDK Consultants, one of the region’s leading public
relations consultant firms, and is highly regarded in the communications industry.
“We think locally, act globally anf GO all the way for you”
QUESTIONS FOR MICHAEL DE KRETSER
Q1 : What are some of the chal- flair. And later Lee Kuan Yew (the
lenges you have been faced with former Singapore Prime Minister).
in 2009? Client and consumer con- He demonstrated anything’s possible.
fidence. Constant negative public-
ity in all forms of the media makes
the client and consumer pessimistic. Q7 : Are you optimistic about
This is despite the fact that Malaysia the economy Truly optimis-
has not been ‘hit’ hard by the eco- tic. Simply because the economic
nomic problems affecting most of the downturn was caused by people’s
world. Convincing clients that a fun- greed. Today the consumer is King
damental ‘change’ in direction, strat- or Queen. No longer does Asia catch
egy and attitude is needed in today’s the flu if America catches a cold.
communication. Making companies
realize and understand that today the
consumer is ‘King’ or ‘Queen’. There Q8 : What are you doing to
needs to be honesty and transparen- stay ahead of the game? Be-
cy in the communications approach. ing a ‘die hard’ optimist. If Amer-
Michael De Kretser ica can elect a ‘black’ President,
any dream can come true. More
Q2 : What is the company’s people I believe want to do ‘good’
specialty? Total communica- example, placing the Singapore Girl things rather than ‘bad’ things.
tions. Integrated communica- (SIA stewardess) in Madam Tus-
tions encompassing public rela- saud’s, London. The first commer-
tions, advertising, events and digital. cial figure in 200 years to be placed
Q9 : What strategy have you
in the famous waxworks museum. implemented to stay current
Major publicity in the world’s me-
with new business and mar-
Q3 : What drew you to this in- dia of GO Comm’s many cam- ket trends? As an entrepreneur,
dustry? A career that began as a paigns brings new business.
take calculated risks to grow and be-
journalist in Australia with a lead- come profitable. Employ young, dy-
ing daily newspaper (The Age). I namic people with energy and pas-
soon realized that communications sion. Communicate the truth with
was a powerful ‘weapon’ that could transparency and creativity. Ensure
influence people. An opportunity Q5 : What kind of book are the client gets ‘bottom’ line results.
to work in politics in Australia (for you writing? Currently writing a
the Liberal Party) as a Public Rela- book titled “Long Legs & Lemonade”
tions Manager set me on the way. on my experiences and case stud- Q10 : Any major goals or proj-
ies in the communications industry. ects set for next year? To ex-
Regular articles and col- pand GO Comm geographically in the
umns are written for newspa- Asian region. To become one of the
pers and business magazines. most respected communications com-
Q4 : How do you generate panies with memorable campaigns.
your business? The company,
GO Communications, is Head Quar-
tered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Within the next one year plans are Q6 : Has there been some-
underway to open GO Comm’s offices one influential in your life who
in Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka and has impacted your career? At
Indonesia. Asia is GO Comm’s world. a young age, Aristotle Onassis (the Michael de Kretser
Many of GO Comm’s campaigns have Greek shipping tycoon). A true en- Chief Executive Officer
become classic case studies. For trepreneur who did it with style and GO Communications Sdn Bhd
JUSTICE & DEMOCRACY • THE SUIT • 31
Does Oil Price Have Wings?
© Copyright Maraco August 2009
Predicting energy price and usage in OWEM confirmed the premise demonstrated by
this tumultuous era is dicey. Could even the Texas Railroad Commission over 70 years ago.
With military guards standing by, cutting East Tex-
a mystical guru have foretold a 1-year
as Field’s rate in half raised price of its produced oil
oil price cycle -- $50►140►35►70? from 10¢ to 68¢/B. Oil price is estab-lished by con-
trolling rate in the region with significant excess ca-
An impetuous call could leave a legacy akin to pacity. Texas, supported by its neighboring states,
that of Lord Kelvin, who in 1899 declared, “Ra- acted as the moderator of oil price into the late 60s. In
dio has no future. Heavier-than-air flying ma- March, 1971 the TRC set proration to 100% of capac-
chines are impossible. X-rays will prove to be a ity. The produc-ing countries having assumed control
hoax.” So, we look back. If, indeed, histowry re- of their producing operations, the oil price scepter
peats itself, the past will throw light on the future. passed into the hands of OPEC (read Saudi Arabia).
As detailed in my papers1,2,3, 31 years ago I became Let us recall that the price peak at the end of the ‘70s
manager of a USC project funded by OPEC to de- resulted from two plunges in OPEC exports. Fall ’73
velop a world energy model, which we appropriate- the reduction of 5 MMBD during OPEC’s Yom Kippur
ly named OWEM (OPEC World Energy Model). For War embargo jumped price from $3 ►12/B. Then, in
four years, I commuted quarterly to drei und neunzig, ’78 – ‘80 the Ira-
Uber Donau Strasse, nian revolu-tion
Wien. During this pe- followed by Iraq’s
riod the farsighted attack on Iran took
2 – 6 MMBD of oil
Dr Yamani moderated out of the market-
OPEC’s aggressiveness place. This time
by discounting Saudi price jumped up
crude by $2 (~26/B). into the $30 –
Several times OPEC 40/B range. Most
meeting rooms echoed of OPEC reveled
with Arabs berating from this plateau
the Saudi representa- of prosperity.
tive for not support- The oil minister,
ing his brothers. But, Gharazi, of the
time would tell. Early price hawk Iran
’81 -- when OPEC rate was quoted, “Iran
had fallen from 33 to will never agree
18 MMBD -- a shake- to reduce its oil
down test of OWEM predicted that if OPEC rate went price from $34/B.” In contradiction, Saudi Arabia es-
from 18 to 20 MMBD, price would fall precipitously tablished its lower tier oil price, as observed above.
below $20/B. Installed in Vienna in ’82, OPEC used Fast forward now to 1985. OPEC’s rate has fallen below
it to make its annual forecast of oil markets at least 15 MMBD for a 2nd time, bringing OPEC’s declining
through the late 90s. At that time, an email from an share of world oil market down to 42%. A news item in
Iranian OPEC representative called my attention a June issue of O&GJ reported that Saudi Aramco’s oil
to an O&GJ article he had published with the lat- export rate was a bit less than 2 MMBD, the result of
est forecast. (Unfortunately, his name is recorded ratcheting down volume to maintain OPEC’s target oil
in the PC a cunning pair lifted from behind my leg price – $34 ► 26 – 28/B. The two major determining
on the train station in Utrecht, The Netherlands.) factors of this squeeze – captured very nicely by OWEM