THE POLITICAL LESSONS OF EPISODE II

Even with just the barest of plot points revealed, it is already obvious who the villians are in Episode II.

First, there are the greedy large corporate entities that place profits over the needs of the Republic

The Commerce Guild represents large commercial enterprises throughout the galaxy. During the events leading to the Clone Wars, the Commerce Guild joined the Confederacy of Independent Systems.

The Corporate Alliance represents the huge business corporations within the galaxy. The Corporate Alliance sided with the Trade Federation during the events surrounding the invasion of Naboo; unhappy with the results the tax to outlying star systems would impose on the profits generated by the Alliance. The Corporate Alliance eventually joined the Confederacy of Independent Systems.

The Inter Galactic Bank Clan represented thousands of banks throughout the galaxy and amassed vast amounts of wealth from investments. During the events leading to the Clone Wars, the Inter Galactic Bank Clan funded the production of millions of Battle Droids for the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Funds from the production of the Battle Droids were unknowingly sent to the mining planet of Kamino for the production of millions of clone warriors on behalf of the Republic.

The Techno Union played a huge part in splitting the Republic. The Techno Union was behind the vast array of armies made for the Trade Federation for the invasion of Naboo under the watchful eye of Archduke Poggle the Lesser. They continued to supply droids in the Battle of Geonosis and helped develop the Super Battle Droid and Droidekas. Through the Techno Union, Master Sido-Dyas was aquainted with President Lama Su of Kamino. The Techno Union unknowingly helped secretly create millions of clone troopers for the Republic.

The Mining Guild became embroiled in the events leading to the Clone Wars when disgruntled Bogden Moon spice miners were seen to be behind the attacks on Senator Amidala of the Naboo. During the rule of the Empire, Darth Vader used the Mining Guild’s influence to get Lando Calrissian to hand over members of the Rebel Alliance on Cloud City, Bespin.

Of course, joing these captains of industry is are religious fundamentalists bent on dominating the Galaxy.

An ancient order of Force-practitioners devoted to the dark side and determined to destroy the Jedi, the Sith were a menace long thought extinct. The current incarnation of the Sith is the result of a rogue Jedi dissident from the order. Two thousand years ago, this Jedi had come to the understanding that the true power of the Force lay not through contemplation and passivity. Only by tapping its dark side could its true potential be gained. The Jedi Council at the time balked at this new direction. The Dark Jedi was outcast, but he eventually gained followers to his new order. Awakening beliefs from the dark past, the new Sith cult continued to grow.

Large corporate interestes allied with religious fanatics - it seems pretty clear from the Stars Wars Universe which of our political parties is on the Dark Side. The Dems need not spend any money on coming up with campaign ads for the 2002 campaign - George Lucas has done their work for them. Imagine the following images spliced together, Enron execs with leaders of the Trade Federation, Jerry Fallwell and Pat Robertson with Darth Sidious and Count Dooku, and Republican Congressman with obstructionist Galactic Senators. All with the tones of the Emperor's March rumbling ominously underneath. Then close with shots of Senator Amidala, Obiwan Kenobi, Yoda and the Democratic candidate, set to the opening score. May the Force be with them as they try to regain the House.