Posted on 06/30/2004 8:32:17 AM PDT by nypokerface
'From Here to Eternity." Tora, Tora, Tora." "In Harm's Way." These are three films made about Pearl Harbor. There have been more than 20 films made about Pearl Harbor, and over 200 films made about World War II. These films inspire patriotism, courage, and nationalism. They tell us about the honor and bravery of the soldiers and the nation that supported them. Two and a half years after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the world watched American forces fight on D-Day. Two and a half years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the world is watching Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11."
Moore's film is the first major motion picture about Sept. 11, 2001. This bears repeating. When future generations look back on the Sept. 11 massacre, their first impression, through the medium of film, will be a work in which the president and the government are blamed for the attacks, and the soldiers who are protecting this country are defamed. Instead of a film version of Lisa Beamer's book, "Let's Roll," or Richard Picciotto's "Last Man Down," we are presented with this fallacy. How could this happen?
It would be a colossal insult to insinuate that Franklin D. Roosevelt or the U.S. government were in any way responsible for the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Can you imagine the indignation of the men and women who lived during that period?
"Fahrenheit 9/11" is indicative of a nation that has become too apathetic, ignorant or deceived to face the enemy at the gate. America, where is your fury?
On Sept. 11, 2001, I stood across the Hudson River, watching the Twin Towers burn, knowing that if the plane had struck at 9:46 a.m. instead of 8:46 a.m., I would be dead. As a survivor and witness to the attack on the World Trade Center, I am more than insulted by this film. I am outraged. This film is based on conjecture, hearsay and propaganda. At a time when this country desperately needs to rally in support of our brave soldiers and our strong leaders, Moore is content to spread discord and divisiveness. The base of his argument is that the Bush administration had strong ties with the bin Laden family. However, sound facts are conspicuously absent from this "documentary."
The 9/11 commission did not indict President Bush. According to the report, the president's actions before, during and after the attacks are fully justified, including the military action in Iraq. The commission did not find a direct link between Saddam Hussein's Iraq and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. A similar commission in the 1940s would not have found a direct link between Hitler's Germany and the attack on Pearl Harbor. In both instances, the threat was imminent; the president and the military acted decisively.
Could we have been more prepared for a terrorist attack on Sept. 10, 2001? Certainly. Could we have been more prepared for an attack on Dec. 6, 1941? Most definitely. In the weeks and months following Pearl Harbor, there were reports and criticisms that the government and military should have been more prepared. The difference is that the people of the nation did not waste a lot of time pointing fingers at each other. Rather, they unified and engaged the enemy head-on. I guess that is why we call them "The Greatest Generation." How will future generations refer to us?
So, how do we explain Moore's film to future generations? I wonder. More than that, I wonder how I would explain this film to Nancy D., Jerome N. or Heather H. I am sure you don't know their names, but their faces haunt me day and night. How would I explain to them that a film was made accusing the president and vilifying the soldiers, the same president and soldiers who are attempting to avenge their murders and protect other citizens. Moore has not only insulted the nation, he has insulted the victims of the terrorist attacks.
During his acceptance speech at the Oscars, Moore said, "Shame on you, Mr. Bush." Well, I say, "Shame on you, Michael Moore." Shame on everyone who supports this travesty of a film. Shame on a society that allows this sham of a film. You have weakened the nation.
Michael Niewodowski was a chef at the Windows on the World restaurant at the World Trade Center until Sept. 11, 2001. He lives in Bradenton.
Wonder if this was sent to the NY Times, would they print it???
Moore's film is an insult. Period.
Personally, I hope that the "Spider" crushes the "Octopus" in the BO standings.
Wow, excellent first person testimony.
If I am in a theater which shows preview of 911, I plan to boo and hiss as loud as I can.
Yeah, except for that part claiming that a Japan / Germany connection. I would think that their formal alliance would have been considered a connection by almost anyone.
Pinging FL Freepers.........BUMP
Michael Niewodowski was a chef at the Windows on the World restaurant at the World Trade Center until Sept. 11, 2001. He lives in Bradenton, FL. He survived because he had not yet arrived at work when the first plane hit.
Freepers....let's tank him for his excellent column.
His e-mail address is niewodowski123@yahoo.com.
Bump!
I have seen this movie, and while I don't believe that people should base their entire political views on this movie, I think that what's important about it is that it inspires people to think again. We need to question our government, that's what democracy is about. I don't think that we made our "nation weaker" by this movie, I think America is made stronger because we have the ability, living in a democracy, to make movies like this, and to debate about it. We have that freedom. I agree that Michael Moore is extreme, but the point of the movie was to share his opinion and I think he did a wonderful job of that. I don't support military occupation in Iraq, but I know that we are doing lots of good there as well, so I'm torn on what is best. I am a supporter of America, and I believe in our country, but part of believing in America is being able to question what we are doing and standing up for what each individual believes in. I strongly urge EVERYONE to see this movie, regardless of your political stance. But, you have the right to do whatever you wish.
The war in Iraq and the war in Afganistan will be remember as one of the bravest decisions by a President in history. And our brave men and women will be celebrated for their service to our country and the free world. Moore's film will disappear in the trash heap of crockumentaries because it has that reputation. Thank you for your service to America. You are the true heroes.
I agree with you. It is a total shame that the real victims of September 11, 2001 would have to see a movie about what happened and have the blame being put where it in no way should have been put. I believe our government did everything it could at the time to prevent such an attack and afterwards we are doing everything we can to prevent it from happening again. I can only hope that if someone else makes a movie about the events of September 11, 2001, that they will make it more true to what happened and the truth about what our govenment did to prevent it and did to help afterwards.
The Sarasota Herald Tribune is owned by the NY Times. I'm amazed that they printed it.
Michael N's commentary is compelling, and comparisons to WW2 are striking. I cherish our freedoms in this country, particularly that of speech... but Moore's attacks based on lies and half truths are appalling.
Consider the WW2 comparison. President Roosevelt had a democrat majority in congress -- so the republicans were the 'loyal opposition'. We were united then, dems and repubs, in the face of enemies seeking world domination. It would have been disgraceful for repubs to do otherwise. Now comes perhaps an even greater threat, but it's sad that we don't have a loyal opposition in the dems, aside from a few like Senator Liberman.
If we can't do better than that as a united country, we're in deep trouble -- and Kerry can't fix it.
H
The best and easiest way to thumb your nose at Moore is to put Bush and company back in the Whitehouse at election time. Let's just hope that the American public realizes this,,,,
To these UN loving pukes BURNING our nation's FLAG is PATRIOTIC, as is calling George Bush......... HITLER
There are NO WORDS that can encapsulate my utter loathing of the Socialist/Marxist, Commie LOVING LEFT.
I searched the archives of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, but I did not see this op-ed listed. Can you give me the original link to the story? I love and agree with the sentiments, but I'm afraid it may not be true. If someone can prove me wrong, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Welcome to FR?
The original link is at the top of the page, that thingie in red next to the title:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040630/COLUMNIST13/406300332
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