CBS Stands Tall Under Fire

September 05, 2006

The religious right wants to sanitize 9/11. The always-busy and extremely conservative American Family Association is up in arms about CBS's plan to air an uncensored 9/11 documentary named "9/11."

The film, which first aired in 2002 and has been screened numerous times since then, is currently on schedule to run this Sunday, September 10, on the eve of the five-year anniversary of the terror attacks. The documentary has won a Peabody Award, has been aired several times in the last five years, and was filmed inside the towers during the collapse.

Frankly, we're a little stunned that anyone would oppose the airing of this film. And we're impressed by CBS's strong position that they will not edit it. A representative from CBS has this to say: ''We don't think it's appropriate to sanitize the reality of the hell of Sept. 11th. It shows the incredible stress that these heroes were under. To sanitize it in some way robs it of the horror they faced.''

Does this country really need to pretend that on the nightmarish hell of 9/11, many in peril did not use the f-word?

The American Family Association responds: ''This isn't an issue of censorship. It's an issue of responsibility to the public.'' The group says it's mission is to promote the biblical ethic of decency.

So, the American Family Association wants us all to pretend that nobody said bad words on arguably the most tragic day in modern American history. They want us to change our change a depiction of history, ignore a first amendment right, and adhere to a an ethical code of conduct based on strict religious doctrine. Sounds a bit like the Taliban, doesn't it?

Stay strong, CBS!