From Robert Florescu, Director:

I noticed there was one comment in particular, that could cause confusion, because one of my friends (Frank) did not explain it very well. I expected whoever that person was who made that particular comment to be much more supportive, considering they were among the first to hear my song. Regardless, it's much more important that everyone is on the same page, that may not be the only person who thought I copied an entire song from somewhere.

The song (melody) you hear playing was entirely composed by me , it is not copied from anywhere, I did not "find" any of the music. I used a notation/production program called "Finale 2008" to compose and the data is not "MIDI," it is actual instrumentation. Audio and Video quality was lost in compression but come on, this is not a full screen cinema, and we could not pay for an expensive camcorder. We couldn't even pay for a studio service, I recorded the whole audio in my bedroom, in our apartment.

The only part from Ave Maria, is the two 10 second fragments near the end of the song where my sister is singing the notes to the words "Ave Maria," this is the only part that obviously comes from Ave Maria. Notice that even the guitar melody playing while my sister is singing "Ave Maria" is composed by me. This is not another "version" of Ave Maria, this is an original song.

The lyrics were entirely created by me, inspired by Obama's speeches and my concern of the New generation's role in U.S. Politics. The lyrics are obviously familiar, intentionally. The "repetition" is intentional, the small insert from Schubert is intentional (and fits quite well, maybe that's why they might think the whole thing was copied), the way I made the song and video is intentional, not "random" or "unimpressive." The negative comments are in the minority, and the number of people / average rating turned out higher than I expected, so I am only posting this comment to clear everything up for anyone who thought I didn't compose my own song.

Peace,
Robert

Looks like voting is closed now, don't freak out if you don't see any stars.

Thanks for all the votes and comments, I definitely learned a lot about democracy from this contest.

Peace to all,
Robert

umm..... I can't vote. It said 1609 votes and then I clicked 5 stars and it still stayed at 1609. What the hell???

Ok, his music is far better than Flobots, Obama Girl, Jonas Brothers, or any other of that kind of mainstream crap. It's better than all of those, combined! The only reason people are ranting about Flobots here is because he decided to promote the video through one of those Flobots fanclub facebook groups that had a lot of members. It's his group, so he could do whatever he wants with it, okay?

One of these folks are "worried" that he put the film up here. Why? Would you even have bothered to comment, if this film had only 5 votes right now? He told me he performed it in front of the Flobots - good for him!

Once this becomes a part of Obama's campaign (and I don't see any reason why it shouldn't), maybe your Flobots might be knocking on his door, and he won't be answering.

Awesomeness right there
I go to DU too, and I hope you win!

Awesome Job! I'm proud of you!

Good job.

What I'm even more impressed about, though, is your character. I actually found your video through a comment you posted at the Anchor Center's video a while back. While everyone else was rampantly accusing "A Vision of Democracy" of cheating, you were the only competitor who chose to identify yourself, and show your strength.

At 19 years of age you have more maturity than most adults. If more people like you led this nation, we'd be hundreds of years ahead of where we are now.

You may not win this competition, but you are definitely a winner. Thank you.

Don't turn that shit around. I thought they were great performing that day, an deserve to have this shown during the Convention. I think he should talk to the organizers about performing this live at Red Rocks.

How is this a rip off? I looked at the comments and found one by a Flobots band member, praising the film.

Choosing between the opinions of some immature half-witted fans and someone in a band that is known all over the U.S. I think I'll take the latter.

I think I smell some rotten apples. Jealous much?

The only thing horrible here are the four comments below. This is definitely not constructive criticism.

Good job Robert, but you're letting this thing take over your life. Why are you still trying to get votes for your film? I checked the gallery, and have yet to see a contest entry ranked higher than yours. You're supposed to have the most votes to win, right?

Weak.

This is horrible. Absolutely horrible.

hey, I'm a nice guy so i thought I'd give you some constructive criticism.

1. Use a better camera. The quality of your shots are awful.
2. Use some thought and a tripod instead of having your mother walk around filming random, unimpressive things.
3. Produce some decent music. What's playing sounds like MIDI and is almost unbearably terrible quality.
4. Put a little bit of zest into your voice. It sounds like you're reading a script.
5. Write a better and more original song.
6. Delete the sound tracks from the videos.
7. Get a half decent microphone.
8. Consider going to a real film school.

The music is an obvious ripoff of the Flobots, but what amazes me more about this production (for lack of a better word) is that it is merely a rehashing of everything Obama has ever said. I think the "sheep" comment was a little extreme, but you might consider formulating some opinions, or even phrases, of your own. This is completely unoriginal, including the nature shots. Try editing so it has a little symbolism, or, I don't know, meaning. I'm not a Republican, sure as hell am not voting for McCain, but I really can't see how anyone can support half the ideas presented in this video, which happen to be identical to Obama's. Socialized health care? Really? My mother would be dead. It seems people who believe that individuals should WORK for what they deserve are few and far between.

Sorry for the mini-political rant, but this is not an original work, containing little to no artistic value.

Is this a joke? do you people really think that this is good material, good video footage, good lyrics, or even good acting? My five year old sister could produce, film, and edit a higher quality piece of work. Not to mention the blatant rip-off of the Flowbots that is evident here. if you are going to produce garbage, at least make it original.

This video is gayer than men having sex in a pile. Holy fucking shit, its awful. WOW. Now i hate democrats more than i hate bees, republicans, or old age. GET A LIFE, this music is dreadful and makes me want to cut out my ears

Mr. Florescu,

I see that your video is doing pretty well here. I’d like to forward this to my associates at Epic Records and Sony BMG Music Entertainment. I just need your contact information.

Good luck!

Kat

This is a brilliant film and I hope you go very far with it. You know it wouldn't hurt for Obama's campaign to check this stuff out, but it looks like you will have to do all the legwork to get to them.

It's a long shot, even if you get to Red Rocks, but good luck!

I really liked the video, thanks for sending it to me! I gave it five stars.

I think the comment below is very inappropriate - isn't there any way you can get it removed, Robert?

Jake, VA

what does this have to do with democacy anyway? its just some lame video and some lame song put together. i think he got high rating by going to boulder and fort collins and meeting with all his high weed smoking friends or whatever. i heard they lit his computer on fire by accident so he has to go get a new one, damn that sucks.

Great video, my friends liked it too. Hope for the best!

Pierre

Once upon a time I considered voting for Obama, then one of my friends e-mailed me this video and that settled it, I'm voting McCain.

The person who e-mailed me the video, is no longer my friend.

And finally, I would rather freeze in Antarctica, than watch this again.

POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOR!

average production - needs more lighting

isaac

yes very good video indeed! The song was quite nice, I must say. Did you use Native Instruments to make the song?

Gunther - From Germany

Great! Loved the Mother Cabrini Shrine footage!

Jim
Mascali, Italy

I've been to Denver a few times, it's quite nice! I loved how you captured it, and wish you the best of luck

Joey
Perth, AU

Good Job!

Great job! More people need to follow your example, they need to step out and tell the truth about our country. The truth is that corrupt people have taken over our government and are not letting anyone through. Young people like yourself don't have a voice in our government? You bet they don't!

I am proud to live in America, because even in these dark times when America has been so compromised by our authorities, there can still be a contest like this where people can be judged by other people, not just some folks who already chose the winners in advance, like our country does business today.

Good luck! I definitely voted 5 stars for this video!

Pat

so-so I guess. What did you mean when you said this might be shown "at the Convention?"

Nice music, very original. Do you have a CD?

Ausgezeichnet!

As a military man from Fort Smith, AR I'm pretty disapointed at the one who said "grow a pair." This is something I am PROUD of as a military man. Keep up the good work!

I think I've watched this 10 times now. Too bad I can vote only once... this is GREAT!

Very good job!

Not really interesting. I don't see how beautiful landscapes have anything to do with democracy. Democracy is not about change either, it is just a specific argument of one of the candidates. I don't understand how this video got such a big rate... Sorry