George Lucas Testifies in Washington D.C. -- Yes, Really!

This isn't exactly film news, but it was too odd not to share with Cinematical. I honestly thought it had originated at The Onion, and not with the AP!

On Tuesday, George Lucas testified before the House subcommittee on telecommunications and the Internet. His intentions were really very admirable, as he was arguing in favor of reforming the universal service fund, which provides Internet and telephone access in rural, low-income, and high cost areas of the country. Lucas is passionate about education reform, and he testified in favor of making Internet access "a digital civil right," that is free to schools and libraries.

While his intentions were good, the saga of Lucas and the subcommittee quickly became downright goofy. Several lawmakers took advantage of Lucas' appearance to crack Star Wars jokes. Rep. Mike Doyle declared "The universal service fund needs to be blown up like the Death Star," while Rep. Lee Terry compared himself and fellow Representative Rick Boucher to Luke Skywalker, and their opponents to Darth Vader. Our tax dollars at work, people.

While Lucas proved to have more dignity than to compare himself to Princess Amidala, his case doesn't sound particularly successful. He called for the creation of "a third Internet" to be available just to schools and libraries -- but when pressed, came up blank as to how such a thing would be funded. How disappointing is that? If there's one thing we know he does well, it's finances and infrastructure, and I can't believe he would be so ill prepared before a subcommittee! Seemingly disappointed, he later told Examiner.com that movie special effects were a piece of cake compared to getting things done in Congress. "Anyone who's seen one of my movies knows that's saying something about Congress."

While he refused to answer Examiner's query as to whether President Bush or Vice President Dick Cheney was more like Darth Vader, he was happy to compare Barack Obama to a Jedi Knight. "I would say that's reasonably obvious." Forget Internet for schools and low-income areas; this was the quote heard around the Internet, and derided for its sincerity. And it is very obvious. Everyone knows Obama is strong in the Force, a Jedi Knight like his father before him.

Even as I snark, I feel bad for George Lucas. Even when he's trying to do something good for America, it comes off as vague, strange, and centered on Star Wars. Not even the photos were flattering, as one pictured above actually makes it appear as if he brought photos of Darth Vader and a Star Wars encyclopedia instead of notes and documentation for his case. He's actually signing autographs, but you have to look pretty closely for the pen to prove it. This is one man in desperate need of an image makeover so that he makes it through public appearances without mockery.

All is not lost for Lucas' testimony, though. While duty called him back to Skywalker Ranch, he left a representative in his place -- a Mr. Jar Jar Binks. The House subcommittee has given him the deciding vote on the universal service fund. I'm sure he'll do the right thing.

[via /film, Examiner.com, and Yahoo!]