Flight 93 - The Movie

Ok, first of all - I have not seen the movie. I do not intend to see the movie. At least not at this time. I also do not intend to see the one done by Oliver Stone. I think it’s supposed to be called World Trade Center, but don't quote me.

I have several reasons for not wanting to see either of these movies. On 9/11/01, I lived in Jersey City. I attended Hudson County Community College. I took the bus to school in Journal Square every day. I was just getting off the bus when the first plane hit. We thought it was just some Cessna that got too close and there would be a fire and some injuries, maybe even a death or two. We never thought for a minute that anything of that scale could have possibly happened. I went in to class. We heard bits and pieces throughout the first bit of class through peoples' cells. Eventually, we were on break and went outside. We had a clear (I wanted to say perfect, but absolutely nothing about that day was perfect) view of everything happening across the river. I watched those towers fall. I have no need or desire to relive that day through a movie.

Next, I think the timing of the release of these movies is suspect. Our president's polls are at an all time low. Between the gas prices and the Iraqi war/action taking so much longer than intended, he's dropped like a rock. These movies are designed to make us relive a period in our lives which horrified us and made us unify in ways that haven't been seen since WWII. We gave away much of our freedoms and personal liberties directly after that act of terrorism. In a way, the terrorists won - that round anyway. They hate us for our freedoms and we allowed them to be taken away. Isn't that exactly what they wanted all along?

Anyway, I think these movies may be timed to boost our president's lagging polls. If everyone relives the horror of that terrorist act, we will again feel that patriotic swelling of breast and believe that anyone who disagrees with our government is wrong - even other American citizens. (Can you hear the sarcasm in my voice yet?)

I am ex-Air Force. I joined because I believe everyone has a right to their opinion and a right to express it. I was (and am) willing to die to defend that right. I am determined to give my children a country that they can be proud to be part of. They will learn that blind obedience is nothing but lambs to the slaughter. I question our leaders. I question our laws. I question - myself. This is our responsibility.

Freedom isn't free. It never has been. Why should it be now?