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"Where is the TAPE?"

The question of the year.

Interesting, isn't it, that the "media" would sue for access to Jack Ryan's (R) sealed divorce records...

Interesting, isn't it, that the "media" would illegally (try to) access Rush Limbaugh's (R) medical records...

Interesting, isn't it, that the "media" would interfere with military investigations by showing the "abuse" pictures from Abu Ghraib, inviting heaping scorn and insult on the entire Bush (R) Administration...

Interesting, isn't it, that the National Security Advisor, Dr. (ahem...yes, that's right, liberals, she got skilz) Condoleezza Rice (R), was treated like a criminal defendant when she appeared before the Democratic National (9-11) Commission...

Interesting, isn't it, how the Democratic Party (and its all too compliant sycophants in the media, by extension) continue to call for our ELECTED President (ahem, yes liberals, that is true too) George W. Bush's (R)TXNG records...as if they didn't try to make that dog hunt in the last election...

"It's interesting that the Democratic Party's loud voices clamor and scream about accountability, for which they fail to account, concerning themselves.

"We don't need that kind of attitude in the White House...AGAIN."

Speaking of tapes...

As much as we often can't stand Hollywood, sometimes their movies say something meaningful (in spite of themselves). By way of example: "Rules of Engagement"...I'm sure some of you saw it. If not, rent it, get it, I think there are some good messages, more in fact, than I have time to share.

Quick synopsis: a lifelong Marine, a REAL war hero who did serve in Vietnam (and no, Samuel L. Jackson's character is NOT based on John Kerry...the movie was from the late 90's). He served with one of his best friends, played by Tommy Lee Jones. Later, SLJ is asked to take a team to Yemen, to support the American ambassador there (snivelingly played by Ben Kingsley), and to evac him if necessary.

Well, an evac was necessary, the so-called "peaceful crowd" in front of the U.S. Embassy was firing at the soldiers, snipers were firing at the soldiers, and SLJ made a decision, in the interest of ensuring that no more of his men were killed, and ordered to open fire on the crowd (who was shooting at him and his men).

Well, of course, the media pointed out that the Marines opened fire (unjustly, "of course"), and killed 83 Yemeni citizens, wounding another 100 or so. Of course, the weapons that the crowd had, were removed from the picture.

The tape from the security camera, which was fixed in perfect position to record the crowd, was suppressed, then disavowed, then--after it was viewed and proved SLJ's decision to be correct--was destroyed...by the corrupt National Security Adviser, whose sole purpose was to disgrace SLJ's sterling record as an honorable U.S. Marine.

Fast forward: the Ambassador to Yemen (Kingsley) lied about the tape, the NSA (Bruce Greenwood) lies about the tape, even though SLJ's lawyer (Tommy Lee Jones) showed him that the camera was new, it was pointed down at the scene in question, and that the State Department had specifically received a videotape from the U.S. Embassy in Yemen. An exchange:

TLJ: "Did you even bother to look at that tape, or did you just not care?"
Maj. Biggs: "Objection, Your Honor, he'd badgering the NSA."
TLJ: "Where are those tapes?"
Maj. Biggs: "Objection! Asked and answered!"
TLJ: "Oh right...right....don't you think it's FUNNY...that a tape that could exonerate my client is MISSING?"
NSA: "I don't think it's FUNNY at all, Colonel."
TLJ: "Mr. Sokal (NSA), withholding evidence is a very serious crime."
Maj. Biggs: "Objection!"
Judge: "Sustained. Counsel, rephrase."
TLJ: "Withholding evidence to frame a United States Marine is no les criminal than charging my client with murder! WHERE are those TAPES?"
NSA: "Colonel, I gave all materials in my possession to Major Biggs! (I think he lied again.)
TLJ. "If those tapes showed a nice, peaceful, happy crowd of demonstrators (ed. where have I heard THAT before), WE'D BE WATCHING IT RIGHT NOW, WOULDN'T WE?"
Maj. Biggs: "Objection! Your Honor, this is contempt."
Judge: "Colonel...this is your last warning."
TLJ: "It was a NEW security system. The camera was pointed DOWN at the crowd...tapes were made, and those tapes were sent to the STATE Department. WHY ARE THOSE TAPES NOT HERE?"
Maj. Biggs: "Objection, Your Honor, I've seen no such tapes." (Now, THAT was true...because the NSA had burned it.)

Last exchange was the day before the verdict (which acquitted SLJ's character, Colonel Terry Childers, of 2/3 charges), TLJ visited the NSA.

NSA: "What is it, Colonel?"
TLLJ: "No matter what happens...to Colonel Terry Childers tomorrow...I'm not gonna leave this job until I find out what happened to that tape."
NSA: "Good."
TLJ: "Think it'll ever show up?"
NSA: (pausing and smirking)"...No."
TLJ: "Me neither."
TSA: "Well, I guess there's nothing more to talk about, is there?"
TLJ: "You ever had a p---ed off Marine on your ass?"
NSA: "...Is that a threat?"
TLJ: "Oh, yes sir." (he leaves).

End of the story: Childers is acquitted, the Ambassador is fired for lying under oath, and a subsequent investigation found the NSA of obstructing justice, and he ended up resigning. Colonel Childers retired honorably from the Marines.

Sorry for the long post, but this, and some other scenes from the movie, seem to be REALLY pertinent at this time.
Hollywood can be meaningful...in spite of itself.