« Does any Democrat realize how poor taste this is in? | Main | Something Positive »
January 24, 2005
The Movie
I'm sure that many people over the next few days will be talking about the made for TV movie "Dirty War" which aired on HBO this evening. I just finished watching it and the simplicity of the attack described, coupled with the devastating effects such a device could cause are simply beyond comprehension.
Personally, I can't really make an informed comment on the film or the possibility that such an attack could seriously happen. I'll need more time for that. What I can say is going to sound cliche.
THIS FILM, "DIRTY WAR", IS MOST PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT FILM YOU COULD POSSIBLY SEE GIVEN THE CURRENT AGE WE LIVE IN.
I HIGHLY recommend that you visit HBO.com and find the next available showing, and if you don't currently subscribe to HBO, find a neighbor, a friend or a family member that does.
Beyond the horror of the possibilities, the simple viewing of a "whitewashed" account of what the immediate aftermath would be like for those affected by such an attack is important to take note of.
The first reaction of anyone who found themselves in a situation such as presented in the film, namely a nuclear dirty bomb attack, would natrually immediately try to leave the area. Which on the surface seems to be the best option, when in actuality, it's EXACTLY the WRONG thing to do. It should be noted that NO GOVERNMENT would be able to effectively set up decontamination efforts in a timely manner to take care of a large scale attack on a civilian population. However, leaving the area would only bring the contamination home to your family, friends, pets and anyone you would come in contact with along the way. Additionally, the contamination would spread to your home, car and any object you came in contact with. Effectively serving to recontaminate you.
The prospect is mind boggling, and it certainly leaves us with many questions to ask of ourselves and our government. Are we as prepared as we can be as a nation for such an event. Probably not. Are we as prepared as we could be personally? I mean in terms of being able to protect ourselves and our families from contamination and provide for our short term needs in the even of such a crisis. I would suspect, definately not.
Over the next few days, I'll be revisiting this topic as I absorb it. I plan on providing informative links about decontamination, preparedness and threats. I hope that you'll come back.
For now though I think I need a drink and some time to reflect.
Watch this movie. It's important. Trust me, you'll feel the same way.
--Jason
Posted by JasonColeman at January 24, 2005 9:31 PM
Comments
I hadn't even heard about this, but then again all I ever have on TV is the damn news! I'll be sure to watch it now (finally, something worth watching on HBO) thanks to your recommendation.
Have you ever heard of the movie "Voices of Iraq"? I just got it from Netflix, and it's an absolute MUST-SEE--they put video cameras in Iraqis' hands and set them loose. The whole film is just Joe Schmo Iraqis saying whatever about the war, the US, Saddam...and what you'll see is shocking compared to the negative BULLSHIT you see in the media. (Example: a segment where a bunch of Iraqis are laughing about Abu Ghraib saying they'd be happy to go there to be "tortured" by an American woman.)
Your post on the HBO flick reminded me that I NEED to blog my review of "Voices of Iraq"! Anyway, in the meantime, that's your heads-up. Check it out!
Posted by: Beth at January 24, 2005 11:20 PM
Hi Beth, YES, I have seen Voices from Iraq. I was blown away as well. If you had a delay in getting it from netflix, it's probably because I kept it for a week to show to friends.
You might want to check out "Control Room" as well, it's a documentary about al-Jazeera, and while it's of course biased from their perspective, it's still worthwhile to watch.
Seeing the US information officer deal with AJ and give his perspectives is pretty great. Also some good images and behind the scenes stuff. I definately had to re-think my perspective of AJ. I still don't care for them, but I DO believe in seeing both sides to really get a full picture.
Be sure to watch the bonus footage if you get the DVD.
Thanks for stopping by, I do love your site, BTW.
Everyone head over to MY VAST RIGHT WING CONSPIRACY - link is on the Blogroll.
--Jason
Posted by: JasonColeman at January 24, 2005 11:56 PM
