Quote:
Are you saying that there is no threat?
No, the series did not say this. It was very clear in arguing that although there is a serious threat of terrorism from some radical Islamists, the nightmare vision of a uniquely powerful hidden organisation waiting to strike our societies is an illusion.
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If one were to take the transcript above as the gospel truth, what is one to make of the above confusing and contradictory statement?
"There is a threat, but there isn't a threat"
"We did actually see those towers collapse, but there is nobody responsible for it."
I think I understand the underlying sentiment here: that there is no need for hysterics, paranoia and aggression (iraq) because of 9/11, and I agree to an extent. The "Homeland Security Advisory System" with it's color chart of differing levels of alert is ridiculous and comical. I've read some articles on the mindset of Israeli society, for example. In the face of almost daily terrorism, the general populace has developed an almost blase attitude as a means of keeping their fears in check and carrying on with their lives.
It's also easy to extrapolate that governments will use this fear and paranoia to stay in power, but I don't happen to believe in such conspiracies. I'm not saying I'm right or wrong, just that I don't believe its all an artificial creation. I see too much evidence to the contrary. One only need take a look at world events to see islamic fundamentalism in action. How are all these worldwide acts of violence to be explained? Every time there is a bombing somewhere, world newspapers report that "al-qaeda has taken responsibility" etc...it's unfortuante, and I for one am sick of hearing about 'islamic terrorism' - it just keeps happening over and over again...I really wish it weren't true, but how does one ignore these things?
And what to make of this character, Osama bin Laden? A Hollywood extra in bad makeup, speaking from an indoor sound stage somewhere in Los Angeles?