Regardless of how one feels about the war in Iraq, it seems, everyone agrees that the men and women of our armed forces deserve our praise and gratitude for selflessly placing themselves in harm's way in a dangerous land. Yet there is another group of Americans who have been crucial to our success in the war, who deserve our thanks as well. You may know some of their names: Glenn Reynolds. Michelle Malkin. Jeff Goldstein. Robert Novak. Ann Coulter. But there are countless others, some known only to God. Theirs is a story of courage, determination, and above all, typing. They are the conservative bloggers, pundits, and commentators whose loud and prolific support of Republican foreign policy goals helped change the course of American history in ways that will be felt for many years to come.
They are the men and women--mostly men--who have come to be known as the 101st Fighting Keyboarders. And now, at last, their story can be told.
On Thursday, October 5, The War of the Words: The Story of the 101st Fighting Keyboarders, a historic five-part Flash documentary about the contributions and sacrifices of these brave conservatives, will make its worldwide debut. My first directorial effort, this picture has been a labor of love for me for the past several months, and I am thrilled to be able to bring Daily Kos readers this exclusive sneak preview of what's to come.
Click here to watch the trailer (1:21)
The film will be released at the rate of one part per week for the next five weeks. Each part is about 5-6 minutes in length and covers an important phase in the 101st Fighting Keyboarders' rhetorical offensive:
- I. The Drums of War: Summer 2002-March 19, 2003 (debuting October 5). Fresh from the success of the war in Afghanistan, the 101st Fighting Keyboarders lay the groundwork for an invasion of Iraq.
- II. Mission Accomplished: March 20-May 1, 2003 (debuting October 12). With the 101st Fighting Keyboarders on their side, if not actually at their side, the troops of the Coalition of the Willing mount a lightning invasion of Baghdad.
- III. Well, Maybe Not Accomplished Exactly, So Much As--Look, Just Shut Up, Okay?: May 2, 2003-January 18, 2004 (debuting October 19). Putting Iraq back together turns out to be a bit harder than invading it, as the 101st Fighting Keyboarders move to the next phase of their offensive offensive: downplaying the importance of WMDs.
- IV. Democracy Threatens: January 19-November 2, 2004 (debuting October 26). President George W. Bush faces the greatest threat of his administration: democratic elections.
- V. Clear Skies Ahead: November 3, 2004-Present (debuting November 2). Their President's reelection secure, the 101st Fighting Keyboarders reflect on their accomplishments and look forward at what will surely be a bright future for the people of Iraq.
As each part premieres, you'll hear about it right here. Have a look, and tell everyone you know.