Sometimes it is easy to think that the problems we face, the divisions in the United States, and the current political issues are unique to our times. Reading Andrew Sullivan led me to this UTube, Freedom River. In a simple way, it speaks poignantly of today's questions of immigration and also of the people, like Newt Gingrich, who would limit freedom of speech because it's safer. It reminds us of those who wish to lock in ideologies of the past whether they still work or not, of the need to guard our environment (not just the physical one but the internal soul of the country), and illustrates the kind of greed that only sees value in dollars and immediate gain. It is most of all a stirring reminder of the dream upon which this nation was founded.
Freedom River was made by Orson Welles in 1971.
7 comments:
What a wonderful video Rain....even 35 years later its message is clear...and more relevant than ever. Thank you for sharing this.
Fantastic find, rain. I love hearing Orson Welles tell this story of freedom. That last image of the people with shovels in their hands, ready to do the work, is beautiful and compelling.
I believe in freedom of speech even if I detest what is being said at the time,but I also believe that as individuals we have a duty to use reponsibility in exercizing our right.
but what does freedom of speech mean? Does it mean in a time of constant war, such as the Bush administration is saying we are facing for 10 years and probably a lot more given the way it's going (5 years into that supposed time), so in such a time, you can't criticize the administration who is waging that war? Does it mean that's unpatriotic or even treasonous as some would say today? If the powers to be can define what is war as well as who is threatening the country, than anything except kudos will be off limits and freedom of speech only has meaning when it's about issues that matter.
When the Bush administration said there were WMDs in Iraq, they spoke that loudly everywhere and with 'authority.' When others said it was wrong, was that irresponsible talk? But then who ended up right?
There are already laws that you can't yell fire in a crowded theater, laws against slander, but which added ones did Newt Gingrich want when he made his speech saying the speech of others should be limited for security? Whose security was he referring to?
And here we are---thirty-five years later, still struggling with the same dilemma...Only it seems worse than ever now with the likes of "Newt"...and this on going castigation of anyone who criticizes the government...OY! Is this Nazi Germany??? I pray not.
I love that Orson Welles narrated this wonderful and timeless video...!
Since the events of 9-11 seems to me while guarding against more attacks we have given up a lot of our own freedoms. Shouldn't it be the enemy who is required to do that? Others seem willing to easily turn over their own freedoms here in our country in the name of fear. I'm not that afraid and I don't want them to hand over mine.
Wow...this was great, Rain. Thanks for sharing it.
To think he did this in 1971...and all it took was 6 years with Bush and our Freedom River has become more toxic since any previous Administration.
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