United 93 Opens Today

The much anticipated film United 93 officially opens today. Everything I've heard from those who have been fortunate enough to see the film already has been very positive. I will have more to say after I've seen the film.

David Beamer, father of United 93 passenger and hero Todd Beamer, wrote a wonderfully moving article over at OpinionJournal.com in which he praises the filmmakers for "getting it right." He also addresses the objection that it is "too soon" to tell this story:

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.

Americans are blessed with a short national memory. We don't tend to dwell on the past, but continue to look to the future. However, we can't afford to just forget what happened 5 1/2 years ago on a beautiful September morning -- no matter how politically inconvenient that may be. Is it too soon to be showing this film? No, it's not. I think it's 3 years late, but I'll settle for now.


Related Post:
United 93 Film In Theatres April 28th


United 93 Links:

Official Movie Website

Heroes of United Flight 93

Guide to September 11th Memorials

Flight 93 Memorial Chapel

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Coverage of Flight 93

Popular Mechanics: Debunking the Myths of September 11th

Snow Storm's a-Brewin'

The Left has already started their attempt to smear Tony Snow, President Bush's new White House Press Secretary. The Radio Equalizer covers their initial salvos. What is the point of this, really? Is there such a vacuum of ideas on the political Left that all they can do is try and take down a Presidential spokesperson? That's really pathetic.

On a lighter note, Tony Snow apparently shares a talent with former President Clinton. No, not that. Tony plays saxophone. In fact, he is a member of the cover band, Beats Workin'. If you have tried to find his band using Google, you probably got this band's website. Although I'm sure they appreciate the traffic, that's the wrong band. The website for Tony's band is here.

Fearful Chemistry

Kevin of Eckernet reports on a the discovery of a new element:

A major research institution has recently announced the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element has been named "Governmentium". Governmentium has 1 neutron, 12 deputy neutrons, 75 assistant neutrons, and 224 deputy assistant neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312...

Read the rest of his humorous post here.

Lincoln on Slander

"Truth is generally the best vindication against slander."

The Quotation Page

Snow In the White House

It appears that Fox News commentator Tony Snow will be named the next White House press secretary later today.

For what it's worth, I approve.

Pass the Fava Beans and Chianti

Hollywood hunk and all-around "fruit loop" Tom Cruse has apparently decided on a unique way of bonding with his new child. The Mirror has the story. However, if you are easily nauseated I recommend you not indulge your curiosity.

Lincoln On Happiness

"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."

The Quotation Page

LOTR Films on TBS this Weekend

The first two of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films, Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers, will be on TBS this weekend. If you're like me and can't get enough LOTR stuff (no matter how stupid), you can watch TBS's promo ads here.

Don't Tell the Director I Said So . . .

. . . but are you safe Ms. Tymoshenko. *

Mr. Cognito uses Occam's Razor to carefully trim away the less important news surrounding the Ukraine elections and reveals to us what really matters.

For the record, I favor this brunette version of Yulia Tymoshenko.

It's a Major Award!!

** Horns playing triumphantly **

I just found out that I am the proud winner of EckerNet Super-Cool Exciting Contest!! Part 12 over at EckerNet.com. Of course just winning is an honor, but my victory comes with a bonus: A copy of Hugh Hewitt's new book, Painting the Map Red: The Fight to Create a Permanent Republican Majority. (Apparently Kevin didn't have any of those classy "Italian" lamps.)

This is actually my second win. I also won EckerNet Super-Cool Exciting Contest!! Part 6 back in February.

Breaking News Over 1,800 Years in the Making

National Geographic's story on the so-called Gospel of Judas document is fascinating if one is interested in ancient gnostic documents. However, the content of this document was refuted over 1,800 years ago by Irenaeus in his work, Against the Heresies.

The publishing of this article was, no doubt, intended to coincide with the build up to the film The Da Vinci Code. The book on which this film is based deals very sloppily with Christian history and with the archaeological evidence surrounding the Gnostic documents found at Nag Hammadi as well as the canonical documents.


UPDATE: TK of the blog Katie's Beer has graciously linked to this post. There is also a link to the blog Be Strong in the Grace which includes a post on the three main Christian creeds: The Apostles' Creed, The Nicene Creed and The Athanasian Creed. Well done, TK. I wish I had done that.

McKinney's Non-apology Apology

Standing on the floor of the House of Representatives, Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) elected to offer an apology that failed to apologize for anything she did. Instead, she offered a vague, self-serving statement which only expressed sorrow and regret that there was a misunderstanding and an escalation.

"There should not have been any physical contact in this incident," McKinney said in brief remarks on the House floor. "I am sorry that this misunderstanding happened at all and I regret its escalation and I apologize."

Of course, she will later claim she was referring to the actions of the police officer she assaulted and that she did nothing wrong.

Delay Calls It Quits

Time.com reports that Tom Delay will not run for re-election.

This Doesn't Happen Every Day

I received the following in an email today:

On this coming Wednesday, at two minutes and three seconds after 1:00 in the morning, the time and date will be 01:02:03 04/05/06.

It just might be worth staying up for.

[HT: Mondo]

UPDATE: For the record, I was awake at the appointed time, but got distracted and missed it. Dang! Now I have to wait another 100 years.

You First, Mr. Pianka

According to an article in The Citizen Scientist, which appears to be a publication of the Society for Amature Scientists, a University of Texas professor want 90% of the humans on the planet wiped out. It true, the only thing more disturbing is the lack of objection in the scientific community. Of course, the lack of response to Dr. Eric R. Pianka's outrageous proposal could be attributed to the lack of major media coverage. However, that wouldn't quite explain the standing ovation he received from the scientists present when he made his presentation.

[HT: WND]

United 93 Film In Theatres April 28th

Universal Studios is releasing a film based on United Airlines Flight 93 which crashed near Shanksville, PA on September 11, 2001. The official website is here.

[Hat Tip: Hugh Hewitt]