Comment of the Week

Is the new “Star Trek” movie conservative?

That post sparked a flurry of comments earlier this week, including this sharp recollection from poster W. Wilson:

The original series had liberal and conservative elements, depending on the writer, but one very conservative episode was the one where Kirk and Spock are tested by aliens trying to understand “good and evil.” Kirk and Spock are on a good team with Abraham Lincoln and the pacifist founder of Vulcan civilization. The other team has history’s meanest conquerors and criminals. The pacifist Vulcan is killed. Good ends up winning by thrashing the bad guys. The aliens naturally ask what is the difference, since the same methods were used…violence. Kirk says, “What did you offer them if they won?” The answer: “What they wanted most…power.” Kirk says, “You offered me the lives of my crew.” The alien says, “I perceive.” If only we could perceive.