United 93

I had the pleasure of attending a PGA screening last night (my PGA membership was finally approved this week, YAY!), of "United 93."

The best thing I can say about the film?

Go See It.

Think About It.

Then ask yourself what in the hell we're doing in this world? Not only, "Why are we in Iraq?" but the deeper question is:

What is right and wrong?

I ask that, because this movie clearly depicts wrong. The taking of innocent lives.

It also depicts those people who did the wrong, as people. Most likely, as they clearly are.

And when I see that, I look at our country, and see a country that preaches tolerance to a fault. There IS an objective right, and an objective wrong. We've spent too long saying "it's all grey," and it's had consequences that go far beyond 9/11.

The Constitution of the United States provides for the Freedom of Religion, but it also, and notably FIRST, provides that all men are equal, and have a right to LIFE, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

I would argue that the right to Life and Liberty, is a paramount importance, and indeed MORE important than the right to free religion. Especially if that religion encourages and honors taking the lives of other people for believing something else.

That is not a judgement against Islam. Extremism (that is, religion or a sect of religion that actively encourages the murder of others), should be condemned in all flavors, whether it is Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, or otherwise.

Flight 93, in it's own right, is an important, and excellently told story. It is not a story of manipulation. The events are not played out melodramatically nor in any way disrespectful, and I applaud the filmmakers for the clear sense of purpose, and love they put into this film.