It’s been 2 weeks since the Libyans started to rebel against their eccentric but all-too-present leader of 41 years. In this time, as well as throughout his 41 year-career, Gaddafi has become a by-word for bizarre, loopy, eccentric, raving mad, delusional and dangerous.
As his country’s situation looks more and more troubled and bloody, his words become further divorced from reality. His utterings as he insists he hasn’t yet applied force, become ludicrous when compared to the reality and images coming out of his fragmenting bleeding country.
The crux of his arguments rest on 4 main points:
He tries to whip up the crowds into a binary of 'them and us', an anti-foreign agent and imperialism movement. Libya faces a campaign waged by outsiders, namely Al Qaeda agents, using local young minors under the influence of pills and hallucinogenics, prone to brainwashing, as agents of this rebellion. They want to colonize Libya even.
People love him (in case they didn’t – which they don’t – not love him that is - anyone who takes on Libya would be put to death). He uses the Green Book to legally reinforce his words. Lest he speak out of anger or petulance.
He is synonymous with Libya, the Glory of Libya; not the Monarch or President to be removed or expelled from post, or country, since he is Libya and Libya is its people.
He is the head of the Revolution. (So what is all the fuss about – he’s on the Protestors' side- ed)
Some of his finest moments of ridiculous posturing and spectacle, not least when gracing otherwise drab state rituals and events, have been distilled into this intense 2 weeks of rather serious violence and tragedy for his people; but in the way of black humor- fodder for some riveting entertainment and drama for a rather bemused though concerned world audience. Crescendos of hysteria, rhythmic arm waving and podium stomping it seems invite the young to comment and poke fun through the sharp tools of You-Tube and Facebook. A slew of U-tube musical spoofs and dubbed speeches have emerged, many going viral. Here are some of his best bits:-
We are all aware any spoof material is making social commentary over a very real very dangerous situation still unfolding before us.