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September 11, 2006
It Is Surely Fiction But That Doesn't Seem to Matter.
As I was driving to the library this morning, I happened to catch Ross Cristal's "Showbiz Express" on KFWB. I don't know a thing about Ross Cristal, in fact I don't know much about showbiz, but I can't help thinking there was something quite wrong with the logic in his presentation this morning. Here is my transcription of his remarks on "The Path to 9/11"(I'm not sure how long the link will work),
After all those threats and protests, part I of the ABC miniseries "The Path to 9/11" aired as scheduled last night but the network did make some changes after a few former Clinton Administration complained the film contained fabricated scenes about their actions prior to the terrorist attacks. Obviously it did! ABC included a disclaimer before the broadcast began and repeated it following the first 90 minutes, also noted that the production was not a documentary. Well, now that the fact verses fiction controversy seems to be settled. My reaction to the film remains the same. It's a riveting film and you definitely should catch part two tonight: a bold, fast paced look at how we got to those devastating moments five years ago today.
There is actually quite a bit wrong with this. For example, a lot more people than former Clinton Administration officials complained that this miniseries contained a heap of errors and down right lies; American Airlines, for one, has complained. But I want to focus on the two clauses I highlighted in bold. Using just what Mr. Cristal tells us, ("ABC included a disclaimer" and "noted that the production was not a documentary") the fact verses fiction controversy is indeed settled. One should assume that the film is fiction. So how does Mr. Cristal get from this to the claim that The Path to 9/11 is any kind of "look" at "how we got to those devastating moments five years ago today?"
On a somewhat related subject, take a look at Tim Bulkeley's response to my post "Are We Safer?" His reaction is something every American should consider. I know I do. Language is important, often more important than intentions.
Posted by Duane Smith at September 11, 2006 7:22 PM | Read more on Current Events |
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