There's a popular book out in Vichy France right now called L'Effroyable Imposture (The Frightening Fraud), which says essentially that the Sept. 11 attack on the Pentagon was staged.
If you've read a "Hunt the Boeing" spam over the last couple of weeks, you've read part of Thierry's Meyssan's despicable work.
Even the X-files would find this to be a bit much. So do the French media, not normally a critical audience for this kind of anti-American rant. To call the "proofs" unconvincing is to assume that there are some - basic engineering can answer all of the questions raised on those "Hunt the Boeing" web pages, for instance. With a bit of help, you can "Hunt the Stupidity" instead. Excuse me while I fetch your bazooka....
Paul Boutin and Patrick di Justo take up that challenge from an engineering point of view, and do a great job. The Urban Legends Reference site also offers a fairly thorough debunking, which satisfies the head if not the heart.
For something that satisfies the heart while offering its own kind of evidence, try the work of James S. Robbins, or the outraged lady who writes The Last Page blog. "I was there. I saw it." is a pretty powerful retort. As you may recall, there was also an ex-pilot staying in a nearby hotel who saw the whole thing, and described it to CNN that day.
Finally, I offer the writings of liberal-turned-asskicker Matt Welch. Hell hath no fury, and all that. But when you read his article on the subject, you might understand why. Matt makes an important point for all of us: that every time Thierry's lies spread, it spits upon the memory of the people - like my friend David - who were murdered that dark day.
Well, what can you do about that? How can you honour the memory of the friends and acquaintances you knew, and the heroes you saw?
It's simple. Fight back with the one weapon Meyssan and his despicable ilk are powerless against: the truth. Here's the URL for this piece. Every time some idiot sends you a "Hunt the Boeing" spam, send this link via "reply all" and bring truth to the discussion. It will help many spam recipients feel less upset, and as they spread the link themselves Meyssan will soon run out of gullible dupes:
http://windsofchange.net/archives/002914.html
We can't all be New York firefighters, but there are many ways to serve. Won't you join in?
UPDATE: See this excellent, methodical discourse, including numerous photos. Comprehensive, devastating... and educational.
I don't know who to believe in this entire fiasco. But there is one thing that I do know. It is not un-American nor unpatriotic to question the events of these tragic events. Indeed, there are those out there who make up lies about those days for personal attention. But I believe that many of these "conspiracy theorists" are wholeheartedly just seeking what they believe to be as the truth. To call everyone who comes up with a theory "stupid" simply because you're so stubborn and convinced that you know the whole truth of that day is downright unreasonable. Especially when your arguing evidence for your side consists of an angry lady who says "I saw it." and a ex-pilot in a nearby hotel. I've heard some crazy conspiracy theorists with more evidence than that.
I must have missed the part where Joe used the phrases "un-American" and/or "unpatriotic".
[Looks again]
Still don't see it.
You are an idiot. Investigating the murder of your friend does not spit on his memory.
I think it's hilarious that there are some people who still think that Osama Bin Laden was responsible for 911. It's sad really.
Tell me something. How can plane with a wingspan of 112 feet make a hole 14 feet in diameter?
Do yourselves a favor and take a look at some of the photos of the Pentagon post impact but before the roof collapsed.
For more EVIDENCE watch "911:In Plane Site" or "Loose Change 911".
Um, Jes - you have to be this tall to play on this site. But I'll give you one free answer - how can an airplane with a 114' wingspan make a hole 14' in diameter? By having the wings shear off, as they did at the Pentagon.
But hey, facts are so inconvenient, aren't they?
A.L.
AL, things that go through brick walls always make a cookie-cutter hole. Always. Watch any relevant Warner Brothers cartoon for confirmation. There's your proof.
I have it on good evidence that there were no hijackers. The pilots simply made the cardinal mistake of looking down, which invariably reactivates gravity.