For fans of the hit television series “24”, Monday night was an astounding event. Personally, I was left speechless for several minutes after the stunning conclusion, and had to watch the second hour again to convince myself that I had actually seen what I had seen (video available here courtesy of our friend at Ms Underestimated).
Yet, upon reflection, I wonder how many people in the media understand how possible what was depicted last evening is. As folks on the nation’s airwaves continue to downplay the seriousness of terrorism, and undermine virtually all of the current Administration’s efforts to thwart conscienceless aggression against Western civilization, have they really pondered the unthinkable? Or, have they all grown complacent as we move continually further and further away from that fateful day in September 2001?
(Update: Keith Olbermann doesn't like "24", or NewsBusters' opinion of the program.)
Regardless, this video should be required viewing for all media members who question what's at risk, and whether there really is a war on terror.
Those who haven’t seen it yet should first be cautioned about it being a “spoiler,” and then be warned about the seriousness of its content. This is not for the faint of heart.
Comments Policy
I wonder how many people in
January 16, 2007 - 12:07 ET by Dave RI wonder how many people in the media understand how possible what was depicted last evening is.
Sadly, it will be when they look up and see what Jack saw in last night's episode. When they see the mushroom cloud expanding over a US city, that will be the point when they actually "get" it.
DR
Nuclear
January 16, 2007 - 12:16 ET by PeterDSadly, I disagree with you Dave. When the mushroom cloud is expanding over a US city, they will say that we brought it upon ourselves and/or President Bush brought this action upon us by his misguided war strring up trouble in the Middle East region (like the whole region was stable before this war started).
Remember the reaction of some after 9/11, it was the same thing. Blame America first.
dave r peterd
January 16, 2007 - 12:30 ET by misterbillSadly, I agree with PeterD--"what have we done?" will be heard throughout Libland." Why did we bring this on ourselves?" Never will the fools say, "we should have expected and stopped this before it happened." "Remember 9/11" should be the rallying call of this generation. I had "Remember Pearl Harbor". We have already had our wakeup call (9/11), and the Libs choose to ignore it. They mock the President's every effort to secure the safety of this country.
They deserve to be nuked (or bio or EMP followed by invasion). Well, don't get in the line of fire when we fight back. I, for one, would trade their cowardly liberal asses for more fire power.
A passionate post..
January 16, 2007 - 13:41 ET by Six String SpiffMisterbil BRAVO!! It scares me to death to think I could lose everything I love and cherrish to a bunch of towel wearing, camel turd eating extremists. Nuke Iran. Nuke Syria, Nuke North Korea. Nuke em ALL. I am FED UP with the MSM and the liberals in this country living in their f*cking kumbya land. What we need to do is duct tape the libs to our tanks and airplanes. Put their ungrateul a$$es to some use. This always strikes a nerve with me... can ya tell? I refuse to be bossed around and sneared at when all we want to do is secure our country.
Not all Muslims are Terrorists. However, all the Terrorists have been Muslim.
spiffy
January 16, 2007 - 14:14 ET by misterbillMy son and daughter-in-law live with us. She is a great kid, but head in the clouds. All kinds of S*** about why it's happening but it's always the Catholics and Christians who are at fault. How can you like someone so much and want to kick her ass at the same time??? I told her if she pulled the Crusades argument out of her bag of tricks , I wouldn't discuss anything with her again.
My son is no better, he gets his news from John Stewart. When I challenge he comes back with--it's comedy!
F*** 'em all--I am here to try to save' em. But I think we are going to have to destroy those who poison their minds before we lose this wonderful country.
Don't know if you read Wells , but the Eloi are here and well (our kids) and the Morlocks(libs and MSM) are feeding them and feeding off them
God bless America, and screw anyone who resents my saying that.
Didn't mean to post.
January 16, 2007 - 18:14 ET by msh1973"the Eloi are here and w
January 16, 2007 - 23:32 ET by Eric Turner"the Eloi are here and well (our kids) and the Morlocks(libs and MSM) are feeding them and feeding off them"
That's an excellent analogy. I agree with you Bill. It's something I hope I don't have to encounter as my children grow up. I hear your frustration. I too do all I can to ensure my kids know the truth of the matter.
I agree with everything you said.
"Perpetual itching without benefit of scratching to the enemies of America." - July 4th toast during the Revolution
Young liberal fools
January 17, 2007 - 02:00 ET by The PresbyterI don't find it a coincidence that most young people tend to identify themselves as liberal. Or at the very least just KNOW that they don't like Prez Bush. It makes me come to the conclusion that liberalism is an immature view of the world. I'm not one to exactly tout, I'm only 21. But I see it in my life, my surroundings... my school.
I know a 25 year old woman that said she is actually going to vote next election. I sarcastically asked "Why, so you can vote against Bush in the next election?" She responded, "Yes."
Presbyter, that is funny
January 17, 2007 - 02:10 ET by terrigWhen I was in college a hundred years ago there were a number of Conservative students because Ronald Reagan was President. Our profs thought we were terrible people. However, these same crazy fools are teaching the kids of today. I have a former student who told me she was a liberal and then she started working at her professional job and grew up. I do have hope that a lot of these 20 year olds will one day turn 30 and realize that they were mistaken in their youth.
I wonder what the percentag
January 17, 2007 - 10:59 ET by The PresbyterI wonder what the percentage is of liberals over 30. If the voting age was 30, nay 35, i don't think the republicans would ever lose control of congress. Although they could still manage to do so by pulling the crap they have been over the last 6 years (i.e.: spending like drunken sailors, not having the balls to stand up to any liberals even though they have the majority in congress). Also granted there aren't are large percentage of people under 30 that vote anyway.
Maybe there should be a test to vote, to show at least some base knowledge to filter out those nitwits who get political knowledge from the biased MSM. Most young people would probably say F-it cuz it's extra work.
Brilliant! Did you tell h
January 17, 2007 - 02:14 ET by JerryBrilliant! Did you tell her you weren't going to vote for Bush in the next election either? It reminds me of that video where they went to a liberal campus and asked women to sign the petition to "End Women's Suffrage", and they were signing up by the dozens (they had no idea what women's suffrage was).
Young people tend to identify themselves as liberal because the public school system is a liberal indoctrination center, and the brainwashing is only re-inforced by the MSM and MTV and Jon Stewart, etc.
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment
vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any
President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
To coin a phrase misterbill "I feel your pain"
January 17, 2007 - 02:34 ET by terrigMisterbill, while I don't have the "luxury" to having my brother & sister-in-law living with us, I do talk to them at least twice a week from the frigid midwest. Your daughter in law could be my sister in law. Seriously--I kid you not. She was raised Catholic, shacked with my brother for 18 months, got married in the Church (something denied me because my husband married a chick from Panama who brought in the whole familia then said "hasta la vista, baby") yet yaps weekly about how "terrible" the Catholic church is and how it's caused the ruination of the world. I could go on but at least she's left the Crusades off so far. She laughs at me for going to Mass weekly and praying to "the statues" and even said one time I should pray to the Statue of Liberty for the same affect. My brother, I don't know what happened to him. He's a big shot attorney at this law firm in the midwest. He used to give me the business in college about not going to Mass, breaking my mother's heart, 12 years of Catholic school, yadda, yadda, yadda. Proud to call himself a Chreaster and is a big fan of Mr. Stewart himself. Still breaks my heart though to listen to the Aged P's lament the fact that he doesn't go to church anymore, mock me and his brother in law for voting for President Bush, twice. This will make you laugh though. At our big wedding at Fort Monroe we cut our cake with my husband's sword. My sister in law was upset that 1) we went under an arch of "weapons" and 2) we cut our cake with a "weapon". She actually removed my two year old nephew from the cake cutting. She was unaware that we would actually be walking under such weapons and was unable to remove him from the area.
PD,I guess I was holding out
January 16, 2007 - 12:32 ET by Dave RPD,
I guess I was holding out a faint, flickering hope that perhaps common sense has not been totally eradicated from the ranks of the liberal MSM. Upon further reflection, your take may actually be the more likely result.
Incredible how far we have descended as a nation over the last 60 years.
You know Dave, I one time I w
January 16, 2007 - 12:29 ET by Chris NormanYou know Dave, I one time I would have agreed. However, after seeing what's happened in the years following 9/11, I'm not certain that any atrocity, no matter how abominable, will get some of these people to face reality. I hate to be so cynical, but I've seen no evidence to be otherwise inclined...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Usually a glass a little more
January 16, 2007 - 12:40 ET by FastEdUsually a glass a little more than half full kinda person - but having seen the smoke of the towers from near my house, and the feeling of helplessness and then being angry, and hearing from my daughter in San Diego (Marines patrolling her neighborhood with weapons drawn - Navy wife) I wanted to know, like everyone else - WHY? Next thought was "I'll bet algore is glad he doesn't have to deal with this" - Then, OBL said we didn't have the will to strike back, that we ran and he had examples.
So, to the demolibs and the msm (Lsm), WHY? Why is it OUR fault? What did we do to deserve this? and most importantly, WHAT is YOUR solution? We know what Chamberland did, do we followhis lead?
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
Ed,Whatever will and unity is
January 16, 2007 - 12:54 ET by Chris NormanEd,
Whatever will and unity is exhibited in the twenty-four hours following a potential atrocity will quickly dissolve into doubt, political posturing, blame, ridicule, apeasement, misdirected guilt, and so on. We all know how it goes down. Notice how I use the term "atrocity". The MSM insisted on consistently terming 9/11 a "tragedy". That told me something from the get-go...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
'Ya got me thinking - had the
January 16, 2007 - 13:12 ET by FastEd'Ya got me thinking - had the planes crashed into the White House or the Capital, would the msm (Lsm) be more upset with loss of life OR the loss of historical buildings? Could you then think of what the shrill would have been had the nyt building been hit, or CNN hq? How's about Black Rock or nbc/abc? "oh the horror". These loons in the media, not all, but in general scare me. Their lack of historical context and stupidity are beyond the pall.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
I think that the media has
January 16, 2007 - 13:38 ET by Chris NormanI think that the media has covered these thing from their template for so long, that they no longer have the ability to cover it any other way. The cliches and modus operandi are set in granite. It's all just knee jerk now...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Fast Ed
January 16, 2007 - 13:51 ET by Six String SpiffYou bet your a$$ the liberals would be screaming more had their precious propaganda extrusion factories been targeted. I pray for the day when that happens. (Nobody inside though. Just the demolition of their buildings would be EXCELLENT) I will frame that front page (if there IS one). I will rejoice. They may be IN this great country of ours, but they are no AMERICAN. Call that extreme. Fine. I am. I am SICK and TIRED of the liberal MSM acting as the "moderate" news source. All of these pinko commie wuss's first reaction to everything is "BLAME AMERICA!" I believe in protecting myself and my fellow AMERICANS. The MSM is as much an enemy of our culture as the MUSLIM extremists.
Not all Muslims are Terrorists. However, all the Terrorists have been Muslim.
Can't people remember how the
January 16, 2007 - 17:45 ET by UnsaneCan't people remember how the media was freaking out over the anthrax laden envelopes mailed to THEM in October 2001? Hell yes they will freak out if any terrorists go knocking on their doors!
"HAV3 TH3 BRIDG3S OF INSANITY B33N CROSS3D AND FOR3V3R R3TRACT3D???." - Meshuggah, "3ntrapm3nt", from Catch Thirty Thr33 (2005)
Yes Unsane I remember
January 17, 2007 - 01:15 ET by SportPoliticsYes Unsane I remember. It was some right wing wacko's fault, a secret US government plot, and the anthrax came from a US military facility, and Saddam could never have done it, and terrorists certainly did not. Nevermind about the terrorists around that water area in Florida and the one who showed up at the hospital infected by anthrax.
It basically was BUSH's fault, and he was probably behind it. Maybe right wing military Christains. Then the evil Homeland Security, the FBI, and the assorted black bag jack booters harrassed innocent Muslims living in the USA trying to find somone to blame it on.
As far as the nuke in a city goes, they were using nuclear detectors in downtown DC and in "Muslim Alley" there years ago after 911. The news avoids that on a daily basis, and the story, if it ever hit the MSM was a one day or one hour wonder.
Instead, they prefer to lead every newscast with their insanely boring troops death number count, their whine about Iraq, and their attack on Bush over the whole schmear. I literally don't even watch news anymore. If I turn one on and they lead off with the USA death count, off it goes before they can even finish. I am astounded that it is their template with 24/7 coverage.
That's why we need to HIT HAR
January 16, 2007 - 12:13 ET by Senior ChiefThat's why we need to HIT HARD our enemies first, before they hit us. Negotiation in this time and age has no value, when you're dead- your family and your friends are all dead. My appeal to "24" writers/producers is not to let the terrorists access to nukes, or it will be too late and too cowardly on our part...
Chief -Dead on
January 16, 2007 - 12:34 ET by misterbillChief -Dead on--First blood is more and more decisive in modern warfare. Negotiation is good--right after we whip their asses- they can negotiate for a firing squad or to rebuild their countries in peace. Until then we need to be in charge of the garage.
Didn't the terrorists already
January 16, 2007 - 12:37 ET by balboaDidn't the terrorists already get access to nukes on 24? That's what happened last night.
Yes sir they did. I would ima
January 16, 2007 - 13:00 ET by Senior ChiefYes sir they did. I would imagine there's more second/third generations of terrorists and more nukes in the plot. I would suggest Bauer get hold of them first and detonate those bombs in their own land rather that get smuggled into our cities. Balboa, just imagining- and I hope I'm on the right tract!
Very serious stuff. I have,
January 16, 2007 - 12:14 ET by walkVery serious stuff. I have, as of late, become much less occupied with how my wife and I are going to fund our retirement rather than how we are going to survive the impending nightmare.
Noel
January 16, 2007 - 12:15 ET by balboaDo you think 24 having this occur on their show helps inform people about the real dangers or hurts?
I was thinking that having it occur on 24 could lead people to say, "Well it's just a TV show." On the other hand, it could freak people out to be more vigilant. But then the media isn't going to be swayed by a TV show.
Balboa
January 16, 2007 - 12:19 ET by Noel SheppardB,
I don't know. Let's get there by first gauging our own responses to what we saw. Even though you likely knew what was going to happen, were you as stunned as I? ns
I was stunned because, you
January 16, 2007 - 12:22 ET by balboaI was stunned because, you know, CTU always gets the job done. Plus, the detonation happened so quickly, in the middle of that fight, that you couldn't prepare yourself. It was just CLICK. BOOM.
I was also very shocked when Jack shot his buddy. That was stunning.
B
January 16, 2007 - 12:27 ET by Noel SheppardB,
Ditto and ditto. I still can't believe he shot him. Of course, why didn't he shoot him in the leg? Why the upper chest/throat?
You know, there was a television movie in the early to mid '80s called "The Day After." It was designed to foment nuclear nonproliferation sentiments during the Reagan era. It was followed by another more powerful film called "Testament."
Anyway, I think both films did impact the debate at the time. Could a hit series like this that has for five years prevented such a nuclear attack change this debate? ns
Somehow I don't think so, o
January 16, 2007 - 12:36 ET by balboaSomehow I don't think so, only because The Day After (I remember it well), as a one-off TV movie, carried more "punch" than a TV series that's known for constantly trying to top itself.
That being said, this move by 24's creators will spark some debate for finally having taken the nuclear plunge, but I don't know if it will viewed as seriously.
I figured Jack didn't shoot him in the leg because the guy still could've killed Hassad (Assad?). I was glad they showed how violently it affected Jack, instead of him walking away in a David Caruso-esque way.
B
January 16, 2007 - 12:44 ET by Noel SheppardB,
Well, I think they're doing a decent job of showing how out of practice Jack is having been in a Chinese prison for 20 months. However, he did fight pretty well for a guy that likely has been totally idle for that period of time. And, he's running pretty well without getting winded. As a fitness nut, I can tell you that at Jack's age, he'd be in horrible shape right now, and wouldn't be "performing" anywhere near as well as he is!!! ns
I would imagine that seeing n
January 16, 2007 - 17:50 ET by UnsaneI would imagine that seeing nuclear terrorism depicted in 24 would be much more shocking than the nuclear attack in The Day After, for everyone who was watching the latter that evening in 1983 knew EXACTLY what was going to happen. I would dare say it was the draw. Was anyone expecting The Bomb to go off in 24?
"HAV3 TH3 BRIDG3S OF INSANITY B33N CROSS3D AND FOR3V3R R3TRACT3D???." - Meshuggah, "3ntrapm3nt", from Catch Thirty Thr33 (2005)
"Of course, why didn't
January 16, 2007 - 12:49 ET by Jseitler"Of course, why didn't he shoot him in the leg? Why the upper chest/throat?"
I had that same question at first, but I think it boils down to how far Curtis was willing to go. Jack gave him an order directly from the president of the United States, and Curtis still told Jack that he had to kill Assad. If Bauer shot him anywhere other than a near-instant fatal spot, Curtis would probably still have had enough where-with-all and willpower to take Assad out.
Plus there wouldn't have been the shock-value of having jack kill a close friend and co-worker.
Noel,Don't forget The Sum of
January 16, 2007 - 12:53 ET by Dave RNoel,
Don't forget The Sum of all Fears. That caused a great deal of consternation among the lefties, and among some others as well. I remember hearing some going so far as to blame Tom Clancy for fostering terrorism.
Dave
January 16, 2007 - 12:57 ET by Noel SheppardDave,
Interesting point. After the fact, it is amazing how close to the mark some of the Clancy novels came, yes? ns
Noel,A little too close at ti
January 16, 2007 - 13:07 ET by Dave RNoel,
A little too close at times.
Did you read Rainbow Six?
Indeed, Rainbow Six was an ex
January 16, 2007 - 14:08 ET by UnsaneIndeed, Rainbow Six was an excellent read, and all too believable. As was Sum.
"HAV3 TH3 BRIDG3S OF INSANITY B33N CROSS3D AND FOR3V3R R3TRACT3D???." - Meshuggah, "3ntrapm3nt", from Catch Thirty Thr33 (2005)
Unsane,At the time that book
January 16, 2007 - 17:52 ET by Dave RUnsane,
At the time that book came out, which I devoured in three days, I felt the story, while believable, was a tad on the hokey side (The ending, however, was the best part of the book).
Then, awhile back, one of those eco-nutjobs came out and said something to the effect that humans were contaminating the planet and the world would be a better place if they were to go extinct, or some such psycho-babble.
The first thing I thought of was that book.
Clancy has a knack for doing
January 16, 2007 - 18:29 ET by UnsaneClancy has a knack for doing that, though the quality of his writing has declined over time. I remember very well that in the early afternoon of 11 September 2001, I sat in an office at my university with some others, and we had an impromptu discussion comparing the events of that day with Debt of Honor.
And yes, the ending of Rainbox Six was delicious. Something the eco-nuts need to be shown as a solution for all their whining.
What you are referencing is a professor from UT Moscow-on-the-Colorado who proposed genetically engineering a virus to wipe out all but 1 billion of the earth's population. I am embarrassed to say that he lives in TX. And indeed, when I heard that, I thought of that book as well.
"HAV3 TH3 BRIDG3S OF INSANITY B33N CROSS3D AND FOR3V3R R3TRACT3D???." - Meshuggah, "3ntrapm3nt", from Catch Thirty Thr33 (2005)
Weren't the terrorists' natio
January 16, 2007 - 13:11 ET by Chris NormanWeren't the terrorists' nationality changed in the movie version of Sum, so as not to offend the Arabs? I thought that this was an interesting denial of likelihood, for the sake of political correctness.
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
They were. The producers di
January 16, 2007 - 13:16 ET by Dave RThey were. The producers didn't want to offend the people who wish to kill us, so they changed the nationalities of the bad guys. I hated that they did that, too, as I thought it cheapened the movie to a degree.
I mean, this was a Clancy story, after all.
I think the reaction to this
January 16, 2007 - 14:06 ET by UnsaneI think the reaction to this episode will be quite fascinating. If I recall correctly, the Left loved The Day After - after all, it was essentially an anti-Reagan, anti-nuke film, thus the violence and gore that began at roughly its halfway point did not bother them at all. Having a depiction of nuclear terrorism - something the Right has been warning people of for years now - must surely leave the Left beside themselves, conveniently forgetting their little media event of 24 years before.
"HAV3 TH3 BRIDG3S OF INSANITY B33N CROSS3D AND FOR3V3R R3TRACT3D???." - Meshuggah, "3ntrapm3nt", from Catch Thirty Thr33 (2005)
bal,I agree. You didn't even
January 16, 2007 - 12:42 ET by Dave Rbal,
I agree. You didn't even have time to prepare for the detonation emotionally. I mean, how many times have we seen similar scenarios over the years (007, etc.) when the hero shows up with moments to spare, accidentally kills the bad guy-the only one who knows the code-and has to disarm the thing himself and does so with mere seconds to spare.
I guess I have seen 24 enough to know to expect the unexpected, but I must admit I was a little rattled there for a second.
Shades of The Peacekeeper. Ju
January 16, 2007 - 15:17 ET by FastEdShades of The Peacekeeper. Just in time disarmament. Just like the Carter admin.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
Balboa...having shows like 24
January 16, 2007 - 12:41 ET by JayTeeBalboa...having shows like 24 showing mushroom clouds over US cities, is of course fiction, however close to the truth. If S. Penn had been the hero, he would have caught the perpertrators, and empeached the President for violating personal liberties.
Following this fictional story, lets move the mushroom cloud to San. Fran. and Pelosi's constituents....if San Fran population goes to Zero...does Pelosi get removed, because her basis for election is zero, or a +500 on the geiger counter scale ? There are lots of "fictional" entertaining options, lets hope this one stays in the realm of fiction.
the civil liberties angle of 24
January 16, 2007 - 12:26 ET by Gary HallThe civil liberties angle of "24." I've been debating (with myself) the rather constantly woven theme of civil liberties within the series. Generally, I believe that they have portrayed it quite well - as it is - and/or rather, like it is view by various groups, left and right of center. It's there, it exists, there are those who must do what is necessary, when it is necessary, and there are those who, no matter what the cost, believe that certain lines should not be crossed.
However, I fear that the media will generally take the examples in the movie as yet another mere example of how they view the "current administration." Tom must be, as they will see it, some radical jerk like Carl Rove, always trying to steer the President in the wrong way. Jack will be a hero, not so much for the fact that he is one, but rather for the fact that he appears to be questioning the methods he must employ to save the world.
And of course, one man's terrorist is another's peace maker.
PS - script weakness - There was nothing that suggested that the President could have loaded that plane with the detainees at Palmdale, put the plane in the air -- and buy several hours of time in which to turn it around, if something had not gone correctly.
Gary
January 16, 2007 - 12:32 ET by Noel SheppardGary,
There are always script weaknesses in this show. Have been from the beginning. Have to ignore them, or turn it off. :-)
In reality, it was absurd that Palmer even considered dealing with Fayed once it became clear he was a lying SOB. I was screaming at the TV set at that moment.
However, in the first hour, it was absurd that they didn't try to capture Assad. He's on American soil, for goodness sake. Even before they knew Jack was right, he had MUCH more value alive than dead. This was silly. ns
NS
January 16, 2007 - 12:45 ET by Gary HallOf course, I agree. My more serious point was on the media's take of the politics and civil liberites issues.
PS - Agree with you on the early-on capture of Assad - but in the end of the segment - they should have hit the warehouse in Valencia - and hit it hard. The show does keep you on the edge of your seat - without a doubt. (;-
Gary
January 16, 2007 - 13:09 ET by Noel SheppardGary,
I like the addition of the civil liberties angle. It's real life. It exists and should be part of the debate on the show. In fact, without it, the show would be much less believable, and could be perceived as overly hawkish. ns
Noel
January 16, 2007 - 13:22 ET by Gary HallNoel. Never a doubt that we agreed on that. The exposure seemed quite realistic. Some folks, hopefully, can take the information presented and weigh the options. Others will take the information as presented and run to their corner, evidence in hand. (;~>
Noel,That's the part of the s
January 16, 2007 - 13:33 ET by Dave RNoel,
That's the part of the story that is going to end up sending me to my local electronics retailer to pop for a replacement TV. Every time that chicken-necked barrister goes off on one of her "civil rights" rants, I have to make sure there are no throwable objects around, like drinking glasses, bottles, bricks or small animals, etc. I want to reach into the TV and just strangle her.
It does add an interesting story angle, but I just hope to get through the entire season without having a stroke.
Dave
January 16, 2007 - 13:37 ET by Noel SheppardDave,
However, don't you think there's much more to this that is going to be developed? Someone at that company -- maybe even her boyfriend -- is somehow connected to Fayed. Why else would they be developing those characters unless they add to the conflict somehow?
Won't it be interesting when we find out that the terrorists are connected to a company the president's sister works for? ns
Noel,Oh, most definitely. Muc
January 16, 2007 - 14:00 ET by Dave RNoel,
Oh, most definitely. Much more will be made of this sub-plot. I really like the fact that they are pursuing this topic, as I think it is more than timely given that we are having a raging debate on the subject in this country at the moment-a debate in which I wish our side was performing a lot better. I feel the momentum has shifted the other way somewhat, and that is causing me concern.
There a several places they could take this, but if the story goes in the direction you suggest, and I think it might, I will be unable to keep from thinking of WJC. I mean, that would be a seriously Clintonesqe twist to the thing. Or maybe I'm thinking of Billy and Jimmy?
Besides, if I can keep my blood pressure in check, I might actually live to see it!
:-)
Let us not forget the last pr
January 16, 2007 - 14:21 ET by FastEdLet us not forget the last president and the mob he was working with - the previews showed we're going to hear from that crowd soon.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
Script weaknesses abound on
January 16, 2007 - 12:40 ET by balboaScript weaknesses abound on this show. When does anyone eat? Do they ever eat anything in the 24 hours we see them? Tremendous stamina I guess. Plus, they make it across metropolitan areas in about 10 minutes. Amazing driving skills.
B
January 16, 2007 - 12:49 ET by Noel SheppardB and Gary,
Well, the continual continuity flaw in this show deals with time, and, in particular, how quickly they're always getting around the LA area.
For instance, last night, Ahmed tells the nextdoor neighbor that it's going to take him 30 minutes to get to Valencia. Well, that would be without traffic, which is rare on the sections of 405 and 5 that would be traversed.
However, the guy got there in about 15 minutes. This kind of stuff happens all the time. LA area freeways are a parking lot 24 hours a day. Yet, these folks get from LA into the valley and into the High Desert in ten minutes. Absurd. ns
Bal,Showing people eating o
January 16, 2007 - 16:44 ET by AJBal,
Showing people eating on a show can quickly cut a storyline down. Writers, producers and the director have to focus on the emotion of the scene/story and rarely does eating help. Unless someone jumps on the table and gaggs someone to death with a muffin. Now that'd make great watching
As for getting across a huge city in mere minutes... yeah, occassionally I find it a bit cheesy, but then again, the writers have to compress time because you only have a certain amount of time to tell a story. About 45 to 50 minutes (that plus commercials makes one full hour). Wasting 30 minutes to show the main character screaming at traffic because it's so thick is not pushing the story along. And that is the key... keep the story moving.
some times, my ear plugs aren't enough to block out liberal manure.
Oh I know. Just pointing it o
January 16, 2007 - 16:49 ET by balboaOh I know. Just pointing it out. Ken Levine had a great string of things you should see but don't.
Such as shouldn't you at least see some Chinese food takeout cartons around CTU, empty cans, etc.
Just once "Jack, could y
January 16, 2007 - 17:26 ET by FastEdJust once "Jack, could yo " "Not now, I've gotta go pee".
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
I've always wanted to see (no
January 16, 2007 - 17:51 ET by Chris NormanI've always wanted to see (not watch) a show where the character sits by himself for - say - twenty minutes - without someone coming in the room to make a wisecrack...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Can't resist - (combination o
January 16, 2007 - 19:56 ET by FastEdCan't resist - (combination of 24, Married and Simpsons and maybe Archie)
"There's a call for Jack, it's the president"
"Jack, you in the 'library'?"
{muffled sounds from behind door}
"Jack, Jack, the president needs to talk to you!"
{from behind door, shouting, "Tell him I'll call him back!"}
"No Jack, it's the president, you can't tell him . . er, you're, ah. indisposed!"
Door slams open. Jack walks out, paper stuck to his shoe, buckling his belt. Dropping latest version of Spy's-R-Us.
Shouts, "Geez, can't a body have a minute?"
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
another weakness was the lack
January 16, 2007 - 12:45 ET by FastEdanother weakness was the lack of EMP - Jack was able to receive calls immediately - BUT anyway, least we forget, the real start to all of this.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
Fast Ed, Thanks for the pictu
January 16, 2007 - 13:21 ET by Senior ChiefFast Ed,
Thanks for the pictures and it did reminds me back to that fatal day...My family and I were on our way back to our next duty station in the States after our tour in Japan. As we were waiting for our flight, came these same pictures. All airports were shutdown for almost a week. My wife and my twin girls were traumatized, afraid to fly again and have some hatred in their hearts to those who did it to us. Our lives- mine and the rest of the world are not the same again. Our way of life has been dictated by islamo-fasist terrorists. Let our enemies know, that we won't surrender and we won't succomb to third world thugs. Our resolve should be to kill our enemies, foreign or domestic...
Despite everyone's gloomy ass
January 16, 2007 - 13:11 ET by dscottDespite everyone's gloomy assessment of the liberals response to 911, the fact is the vast majority of the nation, after the initial shock wore off, got real angry and was ready to whup butt. Hence thousands volunteered to the military during the run up to the Afghan invasion. I don't doubt the libs will take the whining blame America response, but I don't give a crap about their foolishness. What I care about is the response of the majority who's opinion counts. I believe if this scenerio were played out with a nuke or dirty bomb, the American people would respond as they did with 911, demand the perps and anyone who directly supported them be dealt with by military means!
“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.” – Marcus Aurelius
I think it's significant to s
January 16, 2007 - 13:15 ET by Chris NormanI think it's significant to show that in this age of terrorism, there will be no buildup of tension leading up to the event of a nuclear strike - unlike during the Cold War. If it happens, it will be from out of the blue, with absolutely no clue that it is about to happen. There will be no chance for diplomacy to work if there are those here who still hold out hope for that...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
A good point which brings us
January 16, 2007 - 13:31 ET by dscottA good point which brings us to an intelligence failure as the reason why it couldn't be prevented. This underlines why we need the NSA running wiretaps, it's called being pro-active instead of re-active. If the Dems are successful in stopping the wiretaps then it will be them who will be directly responsible for the attack. There is no way to harden our defenses to take a nuke hit, therefore the only reasonable choice is to foil any plan that is being implimented. It is impossible to prevent every terrorist attack 100% of the time, so in effect there is a 100% chance of another attack at some level of destruction.
So in the event of a nuke attack we must respond, the question becomes against whom? The likely targets will be the state supporters of terrorism since if we had a bead on the terrorists themselves we would have already dealt with them. So that leaves us with Iran and the DPRK as the two likely targets of retaliation. Will our response be nuclear? Hard to tell, but one thing for certain, we aren't going to wait for the UN, it will most likely be a Naval Blockade of one or both of these countries. If Iran or DPRK responds militarily in any way, then all out conventional war will occur. I believe our nukes will only come out if either of these two were so foolish as use one themselves in the conflict.
“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.” – Marcus Aurelius
- and will the sponsoring cou
January 16, 2007 - 13:45 ET by Chris Norman- and will the sponsoring countries of terrorism have the ability to hold these terrorists back? Like an owner of a rabid pit bull, they won't be able to pull back the leash - no matter the threat to them from us.
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
The only way for the sponsori
January 16, 2007 - 14:18 ET by dscottThe only way for the sponsoring country to hold back an attack is not to give the perps the bomb in the first place. In this case the wheelman is as guilty as the bank robber who sticks up the bank. We all know it is highly unlikely that the terrorists can piece together a functioning A-bomb without help of teams of scientists. AQ Kahn being the level of scientist needed. Only governments have this kind of technical expertise and we see that Iran is spending billions trying to get there. The terrorists don't have the expertise or the capital to pull that off on their own. So to answer your question, yes, they have the ability to hold them back by not giving it to them. The only reason to give it to them is for them to use it.
But I do agree with your characterization of the terrorists, and that at some point in the future they will turn on their masters as they are doing with Saudi Arabia, the very country who funded the madrases in Pakistan. Hezbollah I believe played out your scenerio on the Israelis and thus threw off Iran's game plan.
“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.” – Marcus Aurelius
Actually, it turns out more p
January 16, 2007 - 13:22 ET by tracheostomyActually, it turns out more people were watching the Golden Globes that were watching TV at all. Ratings just came in on Drudge.
We still have our collective heads in the sand. I believe it will take a mushroom cloud to truly wake everyone up. I'm even starting to wonder if that would even do the trick. Many people simply use denial as a coping mechanism.
-PJ
Draft Condi for '08!
Have to admit I was flipping
January 16, 2007 - 13:25 ET by balboaHave to admit I was flipping back and forth between the two. Globes are pretty fun, as there's alcohol involved, loosening people up.
Hugh Laurie gave a great acceptance speech. Very funny.
I like Alec Baldwin on-screen
January 16, 2007 - 13:45 ET by Roger the ShrubberI like Alec Baldwin on-screen, but nothing from "30 Rock" deserves an award. What a train wreck.
I would have placed him dead last on a list with Monk, Jason Lee, Zach Braff, and Steve Carrell
.
I still surprised you don't l
January 16, 2007 - 14:28 ET by balboaI still surprised you don't like 30 Rock. It's really getting good.
But Shaloub, Braff, etc. are great, too.
I tried. Multiple times. If I
January 16, 2007 - 15:39 ET by Roger the ShrubberI tried. Multiple times. If I have not even chuckled after 20 minutes, it's not funny.
It's like the CBS Monday night "comedy" lineup. I used "comedy" in quotes because it's alleged comedy. They are so un-funny, thay are also unwatchable.
Sorry, Bal, I know you are big on Tina Fey, etc.
I found ratings from Thursday 1/11/07. At 9, Grey's Anatomy and CSI just kick NBC's ass. "30 Rock" dropped 16% viewership from "Scrubs".
NBC fights an uphill battle
January 16, 2007 - 15:46 ET by balboaNBC fights an uphill battle on Thursdays at 9, no doubt.
And I completely agree with you about CBS' monday nights. "How I Met Your Mother" is mildly amusing because of Doogie, and "Two and a Half Men" is...not...good.
"24" Goes Nuclear
January 16, 2007 - 13:58 ET by CaliosIran is working on (maybe already has) getting nuclear weapons, thanks to North Korea and Pakistan. Due to the West ignorance and stupidity, the terrorist will one day have one of themselves blow themself up with one of those nukes and it could be in your metro area. God help us all, because after the first one goes off the Iranians will make demands and if we don't obey there will be more nukes go off. The only sure way to deal with this is too hard and tough for most Americans to deal with.
Maybe there is a Jack working in the government, we don't know about him, just yet.
At the urging of NB and FR
January 16, 2007 - 13:45 ET by Mark FinkelsteinAt the urging of NB and FR readers responding to my admission that I've never watched a '24' episode, I tuned in last night for the very first time.
Leaving aside the geo-political implications, I have to give the producers credit for the simple fact of actually letting the bomb go off.
We have all of course watched countless similar shows and movies. Inevitably the hero gets there to save the day just as the timer is counting down to zero. It was refreshing, in an odd way, just for once to see the darn bomb go off!
I also thought that the producers sized the mushroom cloud appropriately. It had been mentioned that these suitcase bombs are only about 1 kiloton, roughly 1/10th the size of Hiroshima. So a huge mushroom cloud wouldn't have been realistic. This seemed just right.
Sort of a porcini mushroom cl
January 16, 2007 - 14:05 ET by Chris NormanSort of a porcini mushroom cloud as opposed to a portobello mushroom one? :)
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Another FoodTV addict? Think
January 16, 2007 - 14:17 ET by FastEdAnother FoodTV addict? Think of what the stoyline would have become had it been a 'dried oyster'? But, the whole episode could have been different.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
eD,Can't beat The Far Side fo
January 16, 2007 - 15:08 ET by Chris NormanEd,
Can't beat The Far Side for dependable laughs.
So far, FoodTV is of the few refuges I have from liberalism's insidious penetration of all media. I'm waiting, though, for a show like "Politics and Cajun Cookin' with James Carville" to pop up.
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Course Mary would do all the
January 16, 2007 - 15:13 ET by FastEdCourse Mary would do all the cooking, the skull would be asking for polls and focus groups on what to have or not. But then we'd get Lentiles for Libs, Radishes for Radicals, Limpy Lettuce, Re-hashed Hash, Warmed over Cabbage.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
Lentiles?Is that the Jewish
January 16, 2007 - 15:15 ET by Jack BauerLentiles?
Is that the Jewish name for vegan Gentiles?
Proud member of the all-powerful and vast militarist/industrialist/capitalist/zionist-bagelist complex
Jack, Actually, Gentile mean
January 16, 2007 - 15:32 ET by Chris Normansure is, jack
January 16, 2007 - 15:35 ET by tumbler_2007And know what? FastEd means he keeps the fast in Lent. Catholic faithful.
I'm gonna blame it on the han
January 16, 2007 - 16:21 ET by FastEdI'm gonna blame it on the hand cramp and athritis, though I like your definition and tumbler's too. Vegan Gentiles Fasting - sounds like a Python song.
"We can celebrate the holy day,
Having veggies with hollandaise,
Getting our directions from the Holy Seat,
Tis the time of year, we can't eat meat"
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
Ed,You're a Broadway lyricist
January 16, 2007 - 17:01 ET by Chris NormanEd,
You're a Broadway lyricist too! Truly a Rennaissance Man.. :)
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Chris,I bet that Bobby Flay g
January 16, 2007 - 17:57 ET by Dave RChris,
I bet that Bobby Flay guy would whoop Carville's ass!
FastEd
January 16, 2007 - 16:29 ET by misterbillYou are appropriately named. How you come up with cartoons that are so connected to subject matter so quickly is quite impressive. KUTGW!
Mark
January 16, 2007 - 14:16 ET by misterbillHaven't you watched Jericho?????
Interactive Nuke calculator
January 16, 2007 - 14:29 ET by Gary HallMark, interesting analysis. My daughter lost friends in Valencia from that blast. Does make you think. Here's an interesting link.
Nuclear Weapon Effects Calculator - Federation of American Scientists
I still hold to the idea th
January 16, 2007 - 16:50 ET by AJI still hold to the idea that this country will see some of it's worse terrorist attacks under libs. I'm not holding out hope that this will happen but when the libs take over everything in 2008, it will be the beginning of the end. I felt this way since before I even watched 24. If and, God forbid, when another terrorist attack happens, I know the liberal propoganda will just pile up. They'll blame conservatives for... everything.
some times, my ear plugs aren't enough to block out liberal manure.
Well all I can say is that if
January 16, 2007 - 20:02 ET by liberal_bug_zapperWell all I can say is that if they Nuke the US... I hope they Nuke San Francisco! Kill two birds with one stone so to speak.... hit right at the heart of the Liberal Mecca and also wake the American public up... because that's what it is going to take to get us to take this seriously.
____________________________________________________
"These are the times that try men's souls." ~ Thomas Paine
why there? are you leaving?
January 16, 2007 - 20:29 ET by tumbler_2007What if I say, Nuke directly under the Barca-Lounger where this bug-zapper sits watching his NASCAR races? Or maybe a Leave It To Beaver re-run?
I just don't point the finger at American cities that bug me. Many good folks live in the Bay Area and all over Northern Cal. Nuke your own back yard.
Both BIG institutions, so bac
January 16, 2007 - 21:04 ET by FastEdBoth BIG institutions, so back off. Many good folks live all over the US, alot of them watch NASCAR and 'the beav', so if sombody wants to rid us of SF, no big deal, he could have said southern San Diego, at least there's a naval base there, a sure target for the wako terror mongers, as opposed to SF where a naval museum COULD NOT be opened, due to wako libs of the Bay area.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad
tumbler, are these the same g
January 16, 2007 - 21:39 ET by Unsanetumbler, are these the same good people who hate what I do part-time (and once full time), removed military recruiters from the schools, and have a councilman that thinks the police are sufficient to defend the United States?
For once, O'Reilly was right. We should make SF a free-fire zone for terrorists. ESPECIALLY if that is the way they feel about national defense, if they think freedom is somehow free.
Besides, we MUST lose an entire city for America to get it, and even then, as alluded to elsewhere, it will just make some Americans whine more.
"HAV3 TH3 BRIDG3S OF INSANITY B33N CROSS3D AND FOR3V3R R3TRACT3D???." - Meshuggah, "3ntrapm3nt", from Catch Thirty Thr33 (2005)
That's nice...
January 16, 2007 - 23:08 ET by balboaThat's nice...
appeasement
January 16, 2007 - 23:03 ET by pocomocoQuestion to the appeasers in America:
How do you like your radiation served?
Usually, it’s with a mushroom cloud and muy caliente.
Can you stomach it, 'cause Rolaids won’t help?
THEY DIDN'T SHOW THE TREES!!!! BOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 17, 2007 - 01:47 ET by UnsaneAfter having seen the footage, I have to say this was one of the worst depictions of a nuclear bomb blast ever seen. Everyone knows that if you are going to show a nuke going off on TV or film, you MUST, at ALL COSTS, show the footage of the trees. (For those uninitiated: the forest that blows down and then blows the opposite direction from the 1950s bomb footage.) It doesn't matter if you set off your fictional nuke in the middle of the Sahara or the middle of the Pacific Ocean; you MUST show the footage of the trees!!!
NO TREES, NO NUKE SCENE. SIMPLE AS THAT.
:-)
"HAV3 TH3 BRIDG3S OF INSANITY B33N CROSS3D AND FOR3V3R R3TRACT3D???." - Meshuggah, "3ntrapm3nt", from Catch Thirty Thr33 (2005)
Hey look, Noel. The Xbox st
January 17, 2007 - 10:53 ET by Chicago RepublicanHey look, Noel. The Xbox still comes on when I get home. That's the only thing that matters. The Useful Idiots by their reporting assure me of this.