Review of United 93 movie written by Todd Beamer's father.....

[hillbilly]

http://opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110008294


AT WAR

United 93
The filmmakers got it right.

BY DAVID BEAMER
Thursday, April 27, 2006 12:01 a.m. EDT

The calendar says it's April 25, 2006. At noon, my wife, Peggy, and I are walking around Battery Park--near the Tribeca area--in New York. It is our first time. The flowers are blooming; kids are fishing; people boarding the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Kids are laughing and noisy. The sun is shining. The vendors are hawking T-shirts, pretzels and some "designer" wares. And just up the street there is a hole in the skyline and in the ground.

In the park, there is a memorial with walls standing tall. Walls filled with so many names of those who gave their all in the Atlantic in World War II. How fitting that the names are here to honor those who gave their lives to enable this fun, this laughter--on this sunny day. The sights and sounds of freedom continue.

Fast forward--it is 10:30 p.m., April 25. We have just seen a movie premiere at the fifth annual Tribeca Film Festival. A film festival that has done so much to energize and revitalize the city, its people and especially the area that has that hole in the skyline and in the ground. This year the movie that had its worldwide premiere at the festival is titled "United 93." It is about the day when the hole in the skyline of New York was made--the day when a hole was made in the side of the Pentagon near Washington, D.C.--the day when a hole was made in a quiet mountain meadow in Pennsylvania. The day that our nation was attacked; the day when the war came home--Sept. 11, 2001. The day our son Todd boarded United 93.

Paul Greengrass and Universal set out to tell the story of United Flight 93 on that terrible day in our nation's history. They set about the task of telling this story with a genuine intent to get it right--the actions of those on board and honor their memory. Their extensive research included reaching out to all the families who had lost loved ones on United Flight 93 as the first casualties of this war. And Paul and his team got it right.



There are those who question the timing of this project and the painful memories it evokes. Clearly, the film portrays the reality of the attack on our homeland and its terrible consequences. Often we attend movies to escape reality and fantasize a bit. In this case and at this time, it is appropriate to get a dose of reality about this war and the real enemy we face. It is not too soon for this story to be told, seen and heard. But it is too soon for us to become complacent. It is too soon for us to think of this war in only national terms. We need to be mindful that this enemy, who made those holes in our landscape and caused the deaths of some 3,000 of our fellow free people, has a vision to personally kill or convert each and every one of us. This film reminds us that this war is personal. This enemy is on a fanatical mission to take away our lives and liberty--the liberty that has been secured for us by those whose names are on those walls in Battery Park and so many other walls and stones throughout this nation. This enemy seeks to take away the free will that our Creator has endowed in us. Patrick Henry got it right some 231 years ago. Living without liberty is not living at all.
The passengers and crew of United 93 had the blessed opportunity to understand the nature of the attack and to launch a counterattack against the enemy. This was our first successful counterattack in our homeland in this new global war--World War III.

This film further reminds us of the nature of the enemy we face. An enemy who will stop at nothing to achieve world domination and force a life devoid of freedom upon all. Their methods are inhumane and their targets are the innocent and unsuspecting. We call this conflict the "War on Terror." This film is a wake-up call. And although we abhor terrorism as a tactic, we are at war with a real enemy and it is personal.

There are those who would hope to escape the pain of war. Can't we just live and let live and pretend every thing is OK? Let's discuss, negotiate, reason together. The film accurately shows an enemy who will stop at nothing in a quest for control. This enemy does not seek our resources, our land or our materials, but rather to alter our very way of life.

I encourage my fellow Americans and free people everywhere to see "United 93."

Be reminded of our very real enemy. Be inspired by a true story of heroic actions taken by ordinary people with victorious consequences. Be thankful for each precious day of life with a loved one and make the most of it. Resolve to take the right action in the situations of life, whatever they may be. Resolve to give thanks and support to those men, women, leaders and commanders who to this day (1,687 days since Sept. 11, 2001) continue the counterattacks on our enemy and in so doing keep us safe and our freedoms intact.


May the taste of freedom for people of the Middle East hasten victory. The enemy we face does not have the word "surrender" in their dictionary. We must not have the word "retreat" in ours. We surely want our troops home as soon as possible. That said, they cannot come home in retreat. They must come home victoriously. Pray for them.
Mr. Beamer is the father of Todd Beamer, a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93

 

[El Tejon]

The Barbary Pirates do not have the word "surrender"?

Um, yes, they do. Submission.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

That said, they cannot come home in retreat. They must come home victoriously.

Problem is, nobody knows what "victoriously" means. Several years into the war, and there is still no set goal that we can tell when we have acheived.

"A stable, peaceful, free Iraq" might be the theoretical objective, but what does that mean exactly? What are the criteria to determine that Iraq is stable, peaceful, and free?

And even if we are successful in Iraq, I am not sure how that relates to the War on Terror. The mastermind of 9-11 is still free, and not in Iraq. Every time a new video or voice recording of Bin Laden or Zarqawi (?sp) emerge, I am sure al Qaeda recruitment surges.

Perhaps the WOT should have been conducted more as an espionage/law enforcement mission after all.

That said, I am not necessarily opposed to the Iraq War. Its good for us to kill as many militant muslims as possible, and we seem to have gotten very efficient at doing that. I am just not so sure that is really doing us much good in the long run with respect to the WOT.

 

[GTSteve03]

More Americans die in a month from automobile accidents than all the deaths on 9/11 combined.

What's the real threat here?

 

[hillbilly]

GTSteve03, by your math and logic, World War II was also a complete mistake.

Because, after all, fewer Americans were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor than died on 9-11.

I'll bet a lot more Americans died of lung cancer from cigarette smoking every month back in 1941 than were killed by the Imperial Japanese Navy on Dec. 7th.

Where was the greater threat, indeed........

hillbilly

 

[hillbilly]

Of course, it's all just a lie....Bush Lied and People and Died.....etc. etc.

Pay no attention to stuff like the following. It's all just a lie, you know.

From March 28, 2006 YahooNews...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ibd/20060329/bs_ibd_ibd/2006328issues01


Intelligence: Bit by bit, the secret documents captured after the fall of Saddam Hussein are revealing shocking things about the Iraqi dictator's regime. One of the big questions is: Why didn't we know all this before?

We've tried hard not to join the boo-chorus that's used the war in Iraq to trash the Central Intelligence Agency. Many of its officers do extraordinary work under nearly impossible conditions. They are silent heroes whose efforts, sadly, too often go unrewarded and unrecognized.

But the CIA, unfortunately, is a bureaucracy too. And in that respect, it has much to answer for. The 48,000 boxes of documents taken back from Iraq and left to gather dust are a case in point.

The documents that have been retrieved and translated -- largely by private scholars and even bloggers -- ironically show the CIA was pretty much right in its assessment of Saddam, despite being brutally criticized. To wit:

Saddam had WMD before the war, likely shipped them to other countries and planned to build them again. He was a real threat.

Saddam had links to al-Qaida that included: meetings in 1995 between Iraqi officials and the terrorist group; Saddam's knowing acquiescence to the formation of Ansar al-Islam, an al-Qaida offshoot, in northern Iraq; and the entry of key al-Qaida operatives Ayman al-Zawahiri and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi into Iraq in 1999.

Saddam trained terrorists -- possibly even al-Qaida terrorists, though this hasn't been proven -- at a facility at Salman Pak that included a real commercial jet for hijacking practice.

Russia, Germany and France helped bolster Saddam's regime and arm it, despite U.N. sanctions on Iraq on which they signed off.

These are all significant facts -- and should by themselves dispel doubts Americans have about going to war with Iraq. Yet, it took a document dump in recent weeks to learn of them. That dump, moreover, took place only because a handful of journalists and bloggers relentlessly pushed the CIA. The mainstream media have largely ignored it all, focusing instead on spurious claims of "civil war."

This is a big failure of our intelligence agencies. We now spend roughly $44 billion a year to spy on our enemies. Yet in recent years the CIA's main products seem to be: (1) a series of spectacular leaks from agency operatives intended to damage a sitting president during a time of war and (2) a glaring failure to make the case for taking out Saddam -- and convincing the public the case is a strong one.

Errors, of course, are inevitable. But why did our spy agencies sit on so much information -- information that could have been used to cinch the case for war? Perhaps Intelligence Director John Negroponte feared revelations about Russia, France and Germany would kill their cooperation on Iran. Or maybe CIA bureaucrats, in the throes of a badly needed shakeup administered by its new director, Porter Goss, are trying to sabotage the agency. We don't know.

What we do know, however, is that we might not have had so many fruitless debates about Iraq if the CIA hadn't sat on all this intelligence as long as it did.

 

[John G]

At first I didn't think I'd see this movie, but when I found out Paul Greengrass was directing, my plans changed. He directed Bloody Sunday, a great movie in a near-documentary style, about a real-life tragic event. Survivors of te actual event, and thier families, were involved in the production. Greengrass' attention to detail and due respect made Bloody Sunday the best movie it could have been.

If his approach to United 93 is the same, I won't be disappointed.

 

[sgphoto]

To those who think it's too soon for such a movie, look at the movies made and shown during WW2.

While I sympathize with those family members who do not wish to see the film, it is very important that that the rest of us understand who we are fighting and why.

Imagine how different Pearl Harbor would have been had the Japanese been using kamikaze pilots then instead of waiting until 1944.

This is the most dangerous enemy of world civilization today.

Regards,

Steve

 

[seeker_two]

As much as I support this film and the great work of those who made it, I don't think I can see it yet.

If I do, I'll get uncontrollably angry....

...angry with the peaceniks who don't want to fight this evil at all...

...angry with how the War on Terror has been mismanaged in such a way that the terrorists fear us less than they did before...

...angry with the politicians and "civic leaders" who try to convince the public of a "religion of peace" without even reading the original texts themselves...

...angry with how "homeland security" means spending more money and effort supressing the rights of US citizens than securing the borders of this nation from illegal invaders from nations with a history of animosity toward the US....

...and angry with how our government can easily slip into bed with nations compromised by and supportive of anti-US terrorist movements while slighting the foundations of US government itself...

However, FLIGHT 93 must be a success. Even though I may not watch it, I'll be buying as many tickets as I can afford. Success in film is determined by the box office receipts. I want this film to be the most successful EVER!!!

So, I ask fellow THR's ....even if you don't see the film this week... BUY A TICKET!!!

 

[GTSteve03]

GTSteve03, by your math and logic, World War II was also a complete mistake.
Because, after all, fewer Americans were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor than died on 9-11.

Pearl Harbor was an attack by a sovereign nation's military force on our own military. It was a declaration of war by a government.

There is no "nation of Terror," despite how much the Bush Admin wants us to believe it was Iraq. There are a bunch of cowardly, misguided religious rebels that are funded by well-connected businessmen that have no borders to invade, no ground to hold or government to declare war on in retaliation.

We are under a greater threat of death, injury or disruption of our freedom from our own misguided government's actions every day than we ever are from these terrorists. We've already had more of our brave soldiers killed and injured in the war in Iraq than Americans were ever killed by terrorists.

World War II was literally a war for the control of the world, whether it be by murderous fascists or the forces of democracy. To compare that war to the current "war" on Terror is a vile, despicable, and wholly ignorant comparison to ever make.

This movie is nothing more than playing up this sentiment in order to keep the people supporting our "war."

 

[JohnBT]

Let's see, it's ignorant to compare the WOT to WWII, but it's okay to compare it traffic fatalities.



I admit it, you've confused me.

I'm glad you know what you're talking about.

John

 

[GTSteve03]

I admit it, you've confused me.

I had to have my post edited because I need to reread the Rules of Conduct about personal attacks.


Notice that I compared the # of deaths from 9/11 to the # of deaths from traffic fatalities, nothing more.

 

[dfaugh]

"Let's Roll"

I know I said I love you,
I know you know it's true,
I've got to put the phone down,
and do what we got to do.

One's standing in the iselway,
Two more at the door,
We've got to get inside there,
Before they kill somemore.

Time is runnin' out,
Let's roll.
Time is runnin' out,
Let's roll.

No time for indecision,
We've got to make a move,
I hope that were foregiven,
For what we got to

How this all got started,
I'll never understand,
I hope someone can fly this thing,
And get us back to land.

Time is runnin' out,
Let's roll.
Time is runnin' out,
Let's roll.

No one has the answer,
But one thing is true,
You've got to turn on evil,
When it's coming after you,
You've gota face it down,
And when it tries to hide,
You've gota go in after it,
And never be denied,
Time is runnin' out,
Let's roll.

Let's roll for freedome,
Let's roll for love,
We're going after satan,
On the wings of a dove,
Let's roll for justice,
Let's roll for truth,
Let's not let our children,
Grow up fearful in their youth.

Time is runnin' out,
Let's roll.
Time is runnin' out,
Let's roll.
Time is runnin' out,
Let's roll.

-Neil Young
emphasis mine

 

[Correia]

When poster's start questioning each other's literacy, the thead is pretty close to getting closed, and heads getting knocked. Understand? Good.

 

[real_name]

Anyone for more Neil Young?

Impeach the President. (2006)

Let’s impeach the president for lying
And leading our country into war
Abusing all the power that we gave him
And shipping all our money out the door

He’s the man who hired all the criminals
The White House shadows who hide behind closed doors
And bend the facts to fit with their new stories
Of why we have to send our men to war

Let’s impeach the president for spying
On citizens inside their own homes
Breaking every law in the country
By tapping our computers and telephones

What if Al Qaeda blew up the levees
Would New Orleans have been safer that way
Sheltered by our government’s protection
Or was someone just not home that day?

Let’s impeach the president
For hijacking our religion and using it to get elected
Dividing our country into colors
And still leaving black people neglected

Thank god he’s cracking down on steroids
Since he sold his old baseball team
There’s lot of people looking at big trouble
But of course the president is clean

 

[danurve]

Piss on neil young.

 

[Correia]

Southern Man don't need him around any how...

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I don't think our leaders should ever be questioned about their activities, unless they are Democrats.

 

[real_name]

It's funny, to me anyway, that one Neil Young song gets fairly universal support and another gets the opposite (all depending on which side of the political fence you are).
I don't care either way, he hasn't done much to interest me since On the Beach. Now that was an album...
Just another old idealist now.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

The focus on Osama Bin Laden is wrong

Terrorists have been waging war on us for at least thirty years.
Sept 11 2001 was not a "world view changing event" for me.
It was coming down the pike for a long time.

 

[Cosmoline]

Big engines keep on guzlin'
Carry me home to see my Pres
Singin' songs about the beltway
I miss my pork slice once again
And it ain't no sin

Well I heard mister Young sing about him
Well I heard old Neil put him down
Well I hope Neil Young will remember
Republicans don't need him around anyhow

Sweet Pres Georgie Dubya
You know his missiles fly so true
Sweet Pres Georgie Dubya
Lord I'm coming home to you

The Texicans they love their Dubya
Rove did all that he could do
Now hanging chads they don't bother me
Don't those Frenchmen bother you
Tell the truth

Sweet Pres Georgie Dubya
You know his missiles fly so true
Sweet Pres Georgie Dubya
Lord I'm coming home to you

Now he done conquered God's own eden
Saddam's caught and freedom's new
Dubya may not have a way with words
But he picks me up when I'm feelin' blue
Now how bout you?

Sweet Pres Georgie Dubya
You know his missiles fly so true
Sweet Pres Georgie Dubya
Lord I'm coming home to you

 

[Biker]

That one got a chuckle out of me, Cosmo.

Biker

 

[longhorngunman]

GTSteve03, We lost more Americans on 9/11 than have been killed in Iraq which is a part of the global WOT. I know some bloodthirsty liberals can't wait to howl at the moon with delight if that occurs ( I am not applying your own thoughts as these, by any means). At first I was unsure about this movie but the more I hear this should be mandatory viewing for Americans. We've grown complacent and need reminding about the evil we fight.

 

[seeker_two]

The Texicans they love their Dubya
Rove did all that he could do
Now hanging chads they don't bother me
Don't those Frenchmen bother you
Tell the truth

Don't be too sure about that....

Considering the history on the matter (i.e. LBJ, Bush 41, & Dubya), Texas should pass a law making it a death-penalty crime for a Texican to run for President...

 

[Ezekiel]

What's the real threat here?

Becoming the "United States of Haliburton" or a neo-fascist state due to the actions of a ragtag terrorist group.

We are under a greater threat of death, injury or disruption of our freedom from our own misguided government's actions every day than we ever are from these terrorists. We've already had more of our brave soldiers killed and injured in the war in Iraq than Americans were ever killed by terrorists.

Well, it is difficult to to determine specifically how many American deaths have directly occurred due to terrorism: but the point is valid.

World War II was literally a war for the control of the world, whether it be by murderous fascists or the forces of democracy.

Here, however, we differ. I think Osama and his ilk would like to "control" this world, but that -- metaphorically -- is only going to occur if we radically change our manner of life to feel "safe" from them. Right now, the United States is knee-jerking like a vapid homeowners association due to someone's dog crapping in another's lawn. The "solution" (War on Terror) is far, far worse then the problem (bloody nose on 9/11), but that doesn't mean the dog (Osama) shouldn't be corraled: because it could happen again.

This movie is nothing more than playing up this sentiment in order to keep the people supporting our "war."

This I tend to agree with, but it is, at least, an entertaining piece of propoganda. Of course, you left out the part wherein someone is trying to make a buck of off this, as well.

Terrorists have been waging war on us for at least thirty years.

And the United States has been Imperialist since 1803. "These things happen." We're not going to make everybody happy. This poster was right: it's been coming. We should deal with it like professionals and not take it personally. It's the cost of doing Imperial business.

We should just admit that we are the declining Holy Roman empire, that el Presidente Jorge Shrub is Charlemagne, and go kick some barbarian ass. It's our best option.

Pearl Harbor was an attack by a sovereign nation's military force on our own military. It was a declaration of war by a government.

You're right, and we've screwed the pooch on this one (Iraq). But such notions of warfare are somewhat romantic these days, no? "It is a difficult place to be." In any event, Todd Beamer's father is NOT an "impartial observer."

Nor, I presume, are any of us.