. . . as free as the wind blows, as free as the grass grows . . .

by Dick Mac

M.I.A.'s latest video release "Born Free" is a mind-rattling tale of racism, police-state tactics, and terror.

Who are the enemies of civilization, and what do they look like?

What is the common-denominator of people who are considered a menace, a danger, and worthy of capture? Is it their politics, their religion, skin color, clothes, or hair style?

This video challenges our perception about who looks like what and notions of what constitutes people who all look alike, and how we treat people who look like that.

It's nine minutes long and much of the song "Born Free" has been transformed into a soundtrack.

It's graphic and disturbing; and it certainly challenges my innermost notions of race, sex, and terror.

Note: This isn't Andy Williams' "Born Free."