(Be forewarned, I am barely coherent tonight. My appologies. )
The movie, "
World Trade Centre", comes out today. This movie is a hotbed for controversy now, for two reasons. The director’s palpable liberalism in many of his films, and it, like United 93, begs the question, "is it too soon?".
United 93 had controversy, but not as much as this one. United 93 was the first Hollywood movie to come out about the horrendous events of September 11, a day that everyone in this generation will continue to mourn. It also used actors who were not large screen names.
That day was a day that re-marked the innocents and vulnerability of a nation that seemed invincible. The United States had long stood as the untouchable nation, yet, the most powerful. One that had been dealt harsh blows, like the attack on the USS Cole; the 1983 attacks- one on the Marine barracks in Lebanon- where 241 servicemen were killed, and the Embassy attack- where 63 were killed; And the first attack on the World Trade Centre.
Each one of those, the US was able to bounce back, remain in control, and continue to assert its power in the international community.
However, in 2001, the attacks on the World Trade Centres in New York, the Pentagon, and United 93, struck a lot of people very deeply.
The security felt by many American’s was lost, and the way the administration handled the so-called "post 9-11 world" was despicable. Shortly after 9-11, the term ‘able danger’ became another household term. The American people began to learn of the major disconnect between all of the organizations who’s main function seemed to be lost within the limits of their organization.
Namely, in 1999, the CIA didn’t share information with the Able Danger program. LTC Shaffer has come out in public and spoken about the disconnect regarding the Able Danger "nightmare" (Inteldump), and he also spoke on CNN in ‘05, I believe.
Back to the movie, many people seem to be having a harder time with the current movie than they did the previous. I think it is all up to whether you, yourself are ready for such a movie.
The actual image of the planes flying into the World Trade Centres is an image that is fresh in many people’s minds, and one that doesn’t need to be refreshed. That isn’t the story. The story is the heroism behind those that went in and died- and lived as well, trying to help many escape a terrible situation.
Like United 93, I am listening not the reviews by the critics, not for the reviews by the TV personalities who criticise the soundtrack or Nicolas Cage’s acting, but rather, reflection by the American public, and what the family members or those who survived, in this case, have to say.
Thus far, I have heard it endorsed by a few survivors, and that it is time. And like many of the family members who lost someone on United 93, are endorsing it saying that the time is right.
I don’t know, personally, too close after United 93, to handle another film on September 11. I couldn’t even handle United 93, and am waiting for it to come out on video. I do think it is commendable that many of the profits from the film is going to the 9-11 memorial (which is a blog in its own with what a mess that has unfortunately has become with how disrespectful to the families rather simple wishes the Port Authority and LMDC are being), and also, the profits from United 93 went to the Flight 93 National Memorial Fund.
On
MSNBC.msn.com, there was an article about the two men that inspired the WTC film, Will Jimeno and John McLoughlin. They are both, satisfied with the outcome of this film.
The
NYT movie review is well done, but for another view, I suggest this one
NYDaily News.
I think one responder said it best when he said that when will the "best time" be"? They're here now to aid in the accuracy of the films. Make sure the truth is told.
Alright, another thing I wanted to discuss is the despicable actions on part of some of these photographers and such, who now feel it necessary to stage and doctor, photos of war.
The was between Israel and Lebanon is- believe it or not, not only only felt at "the pumps".
The war between Israel and Lebanon is a tradgedy with a continueing death toll, and continueing damage on the enironment on both sides, as well. In Israel, it is estimated to take about
60 yrs for the forests to regrow, according to JNF.
The
photos that have come out in Reuters, and now, in the NYT, as doctored and staged, are absolutely appauling. It just isn't enough, apparently, that so much turmoil and horror is surrounded over this war, that they have to fake that extra death to get that "perfect horrid shot", you know, the one that will really make the reader's gasp in shock, and emphasis the damage in Lebanon. It is truly appauling.
As I write this, I read on Ynet, that 15 reservists were killed today. Nine by a Hizbullah rocket fired into a building that collapsed and trapped many of them, four others by an anti-tank missile, another by friendly fire, and one other by a mortor shell. These all occured throughout Lebanon.
Regarding the 9-11 tower, again, to get the best news on the issues regarding the troubles with the site, go here:
http://takebackthememorial.org/The 9-11 memorial was supposed to be about the power to over come pure evil, be solemn and have no political agenda.
There was one very nice
tribute to the firefighter's of 9-11. It was beautiful, and touching.
There is no debating that on September the 11, many heros went into the smoke, breathed the dirty air, without a thought to the damage it might cause them, so long as they could try and get more people out. A bill that is to be voted on would grant generous "death benifits to families of retired cops and firefighters who die after working at Ground Zero" (
NYP). Bloomberg has, according to the NY Post, said in a letter, that Gov. Pataki should veto the aforementioned bill, as it is too expensive.
Any who, that is all for now. I hope this isn't all over the place.
I have to go, tah
