2002: Mr. Smith Goes to Obscuristan

In Mr. Smith Goes to Obscuristan the President of the United States has a problem: his well-earned reputation of using the War on Terrorism to advance corporate interests is getting in the way of his actual foreign policy - advancing corporate interests! The Administration needs to convince the world that it puts democracy before profits, and it needs an unimportant place to use as an example. So, when the President-For-Life of the tiny country of Obscuristan announces first time ever elections, the US sends 9-11 fireman hero Jeff Smith as its official Election Observer. Smith, a true believer in America as a beacon of freedom in a dark world, vows to help Obscuristan achieve American-style democracy. And when a reformist leader announces his intention to challenge for the Obscuristani presidency, it proves to Smith the enduring strength of democracy. That is, until oil is discovered in Obscuristan.

Reviews of the show:

San Francisco Chronicle review by Robert Hurwitt

East Bay Express article by Lisa Drostova

North Bay Bohemian Review by Sara Bir

Bay Guardian review by Shalson

Examiner review by Leslie Katz

Scott Rosenberg review



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