lowlylollypoppy99

OK, I've read - re-read this thread a dozen times this morning. I don't doubt for a minute that the opening post is factual. I'm here to tell you that the implications leave me speechless, almost numb. When he left our area (we helped them pack), he was a shining example of what all of us were about. I feel betrayed. LLP

I knew him - and his last wife. Remember that they moved away - seemed like a quick, unexpected move at the time. Remember that she left him - a move that totally baffled me at the time. Perhaps there is a connection. I viewed both of them as TWI Mainstays at the time. All of this leaves me totally surprised. LLP

Not to argue with you, NK, but, whenever I'm in attendance at HQ, the place is pretty full. Where all those bodies come from is beyond my ability to ascertain. The place is full. What else should I be looking for. LLP

<<How do you know this? Are you Mel Gibson's spokesperson? Do you have direct contact to his mind? Or do you just believe the worst about everyone? It might be a good idea not to speak for others, but only speak for yourself.>> Actually, you accurately point out that I have no direct knowledge of MG's motivations - OTOH, do you expect me to believe that he funded this picture to spread the "Word"? No, I tend to think that he believed, contrary to his studio/corporate naysayers, that this venture would be a commercial success, that the venture promised profits. I am a businessman, so, I don't sneer at profits or M Gibson. I am an innie, too, and, ascribe to his success nothing more than a business instinct that bears fruit for which, in our capitalistic society, he is due just rewards. I am unimpressed with his focus on the torture to which Christ was exposed (no one can verify the accuracy of degree in this area) at the expense of the message concerning what Christ's sacrifice delivered to our world. I admit my prejudice that, whenever money is involved, the motive (if ever there was one, other than money) is compromised. So, I submit to those posters anxious to see how profits derived from this venture are distrubuted, let us wisely monitor and evaluate said distribution. As a businessperson and a US citizen, I support Gibson's use of the proceeds as he sees fit. He concieved the project, fronted the operational capital, and is entitled to the proceeds, to be used as he sees fit. His motives, however, will be most accurately assessed when we see what he chooses to do with his profits. From a worldly perspective, he is quite justified in using those proceeds to fund his [theoritical] purchase of some ski resort, or whatever. In my view, for him to bank on profit from the notion that he is promoting greater knowledge of Christ's life is without merit in absence of some utilization of boxoffice proceeds to promote that knowledge. To date, I have seen no evidence of described utilization. Mel is no better, and certainly no worse than any capipitalist in maximizing his ROI, but I share no enthusiasm in elevating his motives until I see evidence that supports his enthusiasm for promoting that larger view of Christ and his sacrifice. To date, I find that evidence lacking, so, I'll just chalk his efforts up to one more mortal successfully manipulating the system for personal gain. He deserves our congratulations for his business acumen, his producing skills, etc. I'm not ready (as are so many of my innie acquaintances) to deify his efforts. This film is the work of mortals. I could be wrong, and stand open to criticsm and comment. LLP

Please spare me any elevation of M Gibson's motivation in the sacrifice of "his own money" to make this film (and thereby expose XXX number of otherwise ignorant souls to Christ). His top priority is to reap profits (which priority he is executing in handsome fashion). LLP