fahrenheit 9/11

Yesterday afternoon, a bunch of us biked to Newport on the Levee to catch a matinee of Michael Moore's new film Fahrenheit 9/11. The ride there was much easier, as it's mostly downhill, but what else were we to do on such a gorgeous Sunday? Driving seemed criminal.

Anyway, we got there, picked up our tickets and made it to the theatre just as the previews were rolling. Finding seats was something completely different. We split up and Steve found me one in the front row. I was edging my way down there when it went totally dark -- feature presentation time. Minutes later I arrived at my seat, just in time for everything to go dark again. Uh oh, is there a problem in the camera room?

No, I hear voices, then BOOM ... this is Michael's masterful retelling of the horror that gripped a nation that morning.

Maybe others got it sooner, but I was in full suspense, having only read about the events. In fact, Bowling for Columbine was the first time I actually saw the planes hit the towers.

Though not really saying anything new, I'm very glad Mike documented the hubris that followed and even predated 9/11. I wept a lot. It was like Schindler's List in that you'd feel ashamed not to walk out with wet eyes.

Anyone who thinks that son of a Bush belongs in the White House instead of the dock should definitely see this movie; it'll change your mind.

Those who think conversely should see it as well; it'll fuel your rage. See The Declaration of Interdependence for example.

On the way out, Steve unloaded about 35 hard copies of the latest Xray (cover shot -- a Dover coffins photo) left and right before being stopped by a security guard. Not really used to security guards at movies, Steve decided to engage him in conversation. First, he asked about his presence.

"Well, you never know."

"So, you're a police officer?"

"Yes I am."

"You've seen this film a number of times now. What do you think?"

"I don't like that man or his war. I think it's wrong."

Wow. That pretty much says it all.