9/11 Propaganda Piece is WORLDWIDE: (Trailer VIDEO)

UPDATE: Please note that this trailer was broadcast on Channel 7 in AUSTRALIA -- not Europe, as has been written in this diary.

Everyone is rightfully outraged about how PT 9/11 will affect American audiences. But one must also remember that this propaganda piece will be shown to a worldwide audience. The European trailer THAT CAN BE FOUND HERE ON YAHOO (I've posted it -- commercial free -- at YouTube), still blames Clinton in no uncertain terms.  In fact, it's the main point conveyed in the trailer.

This particular trailer is also making a mockery out of ABC's recent statement (damage control) over this film.

Check out the statement and transcript of the trailer below the fold...



(That's correct -- Clinton's image is shown amongst fire and destruction in this trailer!)

Statement From ABC Regarding "Path to 9/11" Program

The Path to 9/11 is a dramatization, not a documentary, drawn from a variety of sources, including the 9/11 Commission Report, other published materials and from personal interviews.  The events that lead to 9/11 originally sparked great debate, so it's not surprising that a movie surrounding those events has revived the debate.  The attacks were a pivotal moment in our history that should never be forgotten and it's fitting that the discussion continues.

The following disclaimer will air throughout the movie:

"The following movie is a dramatization that is drawn from a variety of sources including the 9/11 Commission Report and other published materials, and from personal interviews.  The movie is not a documentary. For dramatic and narrative purposes, the movie contains fictionalized scenes, composite and representative characters and dialogue, as well as time compression."

And here is the trailer transcript -- THE VIDEO MAY BE FOUND AT YOUTUBE HERE.

NARRATOR: The simultaneous world-wide broadcast to an audience of hundreds of millions.

VOICE: We predict a black day for America.

NARRATOR: The official true story (with text on the screen as well).

ACTOR (on screen): It is terror beyond comprehension.

NARRATOR: How they could have wiped Bin-Laden out but they didn't -- but why?

ACTOR (on screen): Bin Laden is right there!

NARRATOR: How this decision changed our world.

ACTOR (on screen): Why can't you give the order?

ACTOR (on screen): I don't have that authority.

ACTOR (off screen): ? At least we're on the airlines.

ACTOR (on screen): And start a panic?

NARRATOR: Five years to the day -- watch with the world.

ACTOR (on screen): The war has begun.

NARRATOR: On September 10 and 11 -- The Path to 9/11. 

-------------------------

Webweaver has written a diaryabout his/her(?) complaint to New Zealand broadcasters when a trailer was shown that went along the lines like:

"You know WHAT happened. Now see HOW it happened." and goes on to refer to the mini-series "the shocking truth" about the events leading up to September 11.

Check it out!

•  Why

  are you STILL, to this day, selling this movie as the "official true story", ABC & Disney?

  by STOP George on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 09:23:55 PM PDT

  •  have the european blogs taken this on?

    by Tanya on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 09:29:32 PM PDT

    •  I honestly don't know...

      I found this link and I couldn't believe it.

      I can't seem to find any trailers for the North American audience, however.

      by STOP George on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 09:41:08 PM PDT

      •  yoou know come to think of it i haven't seen 1

        ad for the show. but then they are getting a ton of free publicity

        by Tanya on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 09:45:34 PM PDT

        •  Yeah but

          when even the right-wingers start dissing the movie, you know that this "publicity" is quickly becoming poison.

          by STOP George on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 09:54:08 PM PDT

    •  Re Tanya ...We're on our way

      I thought it was only an american thing since you are on election.

      Boycotting actions will take place

      by New Sweden on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 12:27:44 AM PDT

•  You know...

  ...if I were they, I would be none too eager to sell this load of crap in Europe, especially the UK.  There are some genuinely nasty libel laws to be found there, and it's much easier to prove than it is stateside.

  by Jonathan on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 09:27:57 PM PDT

•  BBC2

  I wrote to the BBC about the edited (3 hour total) version to beshown on BBC2

  I note that the [BBC listings] web site listing on here for this programme still quotes the publicity from ABC claiming authenticity as being "based on the findings of the 9/11 commission".

  You will no doubt be aware of the controversy in the USA surrounding this programme in its longer form, particularly in that there are fictional episodes which are intented to cast a bad light on the Clinton presidency and its counter-terrorism effort. I gather that one shows "Osama bin Laden's house" being surrounded by CIA operatives only for them to be called off.

  My understanding is that far from being based solely on the 9/11 Commission findings, these fictional episodes are drawn from the works of right-wing writers. I also understand that the full version has been shown to Republican supporters in press and other advance showings but ABC have refused to offer the same facilities to those sympathetic to the Democrats, including senior member of Congress.

  For these reasons, the ABC presentation is being regarded as right-wing propaganda designed to assist the Republicans in the November mid-term elections. The showing of an edited version by BBC2 is also causing some consternation as it will add the imprimateur of truth to a programme which is at the best biased.

  You will understand that in similar circumstances a similar programme regarding the actions of the British government would not be suitable for broadcast in an election period. While the UK system has a period of three weeks or so from the date of last nominations to the election day, the traditional start of the campaigning period in the USA is 1 September (Labor Day).

  While I would not wish you to withdraw the programme from showing, I would respectfully suggest that it is necessary for it to be put into context at least by means of announcements at the start and end of each transmission and to correct the misleading advance publicity. Simply leaving it to any discussion programme after the event is not in my opinion sufficient to correct the political bias of the writers. You will remember that just such a solution was employed during the showing of "Jerry Springer - the Opera".

  I got this reply which seems to be a form letter with a bit missed out listing the souces after ":-" and a personalised header paragraph.

  Thank you for your e-mail regarding 'The Path to 9/11'.

  I understand you wish the BBC to make announcements at the start of this programme to correct any misleading advance publicity.

  The Path to 9/11, to be transmitted over September 10 & 11 is a drama based on real events and, as with any drama, the writer's perspective will be brought to bear on those events.   A statement at the beginning of the programme is clear about the sources and methods which have been used:-

  It is not our practice to engage in public debate about the contents of programmes before they've been transmitted, but what we will say is that this subject matter is always going to be politically controversial. Most of the events take place when the Clinton administration was in power so naturally it will feature heavily.

  The programme has been reviewed by the Editorial Policy team and we are confident it lives up to high standards of fairness and accuracy.

  Nevertheless, please be assured that your comments have been registered on our audience log.  This internal document is available to 'The Path to 9/11' programme makers and senior management.

  Feedback of this nature helps us when making decisions about future BBC programmes and services and your comments will play a part in this process.

  May I take this opportunity to thank you again for taking time to contact the BBC.

  Regards

  Patrick Marr

  BBC Information

  I infer that the "statement at the beginning" is likely to refer to the dispute which means they have take my point about a warning at the start (but not end) of the broadcast. On BBC2 there would be no advertisement interumptions but it is split over two nights.

  by londonbear on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 09:45:22 PM PDT

  •  Hmm...

    The programme has been reviewed by the Editorial Policy team and we are confident it lives up to high standards of fairness and accuracy.

    Sounds like the BBC needs to review it's "Editorial Policy Team".

    What a crock!

    by STOP George on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 09:51:34 PM PDT

    •  can BBC be sued directly by Bill Clinton?

      I thought BBC was a government agency. Or is it one of those government corporations?

      by alizard on Sun Sep 10, 2006 at 04:30:54 AM PDT

  •  Not the first time I've posted this link

    but given Disney's commercial-free airing of this in the States, and the +$40 million hit their going to take from its production, I have to wonder whether DoD monies earmarked to "improve foreign public opinion" flowed into this project.  This trailer is a calling card of the Vulcans.

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/...

    Pentagon Funds Diplomacy Effort
    Contracts Aim to Improve Foreign Opinion of United States
    By Renae Merle
    Washington Post Staff Writer
    Saturday, June 11, 2005; D01

    "The Pentagon awarded three contracts this week, potentially worth up to $300 million over five years, to companies it hopes will inject more creativity into its psychological operations efforts to improve foreign public opinion about the United States, particularly the military.

    "We would like to be able to use cutting-edge types of media," said Col. James A. Treadwell, director of the Joint Psychological Operations Support Element, a part of Tampa-based U.S. Special Operations Command. "If you want to influence someone, you have to touch their emotions."

    "He said SYColeman Inc. of Arlington, Lincoln Group of the District, and Science Applications International Corp. will help develop ideas and prototypes for radio and television spots, documentaries, or even text messages, pop-up ads on the Internet, podcasting, billboards or novelty items...."

    by Mogolori on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 10:21:55 PM PDT

    •  Very interesting!!

      by STOP George on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 10:24:35 PM PDT

  •  More information on BBC2

    Their web site preview page for the programm  has now been changed. It is only described thus:

    Harvey Keitel stars in a gripping two-part drama about the events leading to 11 September 2001.

    You can also preview three clips from each episode (unsure whether these can be viewed outside the UK) but the trailler on here is not among them. I have only seen clips of it being used in news reports.

    On the other hand the satellite and terrestrial electronic programme guides (unsure about cable) and the web listings page still describes Sunday's episode:

    The Path to 9/11
    Part One: Two-part dramea based on the findings of the 9/11 commission into the events lea=ding up to the attack on the World Trade Centre. Starring Harvey Keitel [AD,S]

    The Monday episode is described:

    The Path to 9/11
    Part Two: Muhammead Atta and his accomplices fine-tune their plans to hijack civilian aircraft and crash them into buildings in the US [AD,S]

    The two codes mean that it has Audio Description for the visually handicapped and Subtitles for those with hearing difficulties.

    When I am able to get through to the complaints desk, I will see if I can get the listings and EPG descriptions for the Sunday episode changed to omit the reference to the 9/11 commission.

    by londonbear on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 10:31:40 PM PDT

    •  From BBC to OfCom

      After just being told that my complaint about the lists would be logged, I made this complaint to the Office of Telecommunications (OfCom) which has oversight.

      The listing being shown currently on the Electronic Program Guides on both Freeview (DVB-T) and Sky (DVB-S) and the BBC listings web page for BBC2, regarding the episode of "The Path to 9/11" on Sunday 10 September at 8pm describes the programme as "based on the findings of the 9/11 commission into the events leading up to the attack on the World Trade Centre"

      This description is incomplete and therefore inaccurate and misleading as the producers, ABC of the USA have already acknowledged.  The star, Harvey Keitel has distanced himself from the production and senior members of the Clinton administration including the Secretary of State have remarked that the depiction of them contains fictional scenes which the BBC description represents as historically accurate.

      I understand that there is considerable controversy concerning this matter in the USA and indeed this was covered during the ABC Evening News programme rebroadcast on BBC News24 in the early hours of Friday.

      I have previously complained by e-mail to the BBC directly. I have received a reply merely pointing out that an announcement of the sources was to be made before each episode but did not list those sources even though the inclusion of the character ":-" strongly suggested it was on the original form letter.

      The original web page for the programme appears to have been changed to omit the reference to the 9/11 Commission but it remains on the web page and EPGs mentioned above. I have made a further complaint but of course the transmission and publication of the misleading statement will continue until Sunday night.

      You will note that this is not a complaint about the programme itself, merely the contents of the listings published by the BBC. The matter therefore concerns the desription on the advance listings and the failure of the BBC to properly respond to my original complaint.

      Not that I am particularly hopeful of anthing in advance but it should give them a few headaches after the event. I am also going to copy it to the Beeb.

      by londonbear on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 11:40:24 PM PDT

      •  Good on you!

        Let us know if you get any serious replies.

        by STOP George on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 11:43:52 PM PDT

      •  Oh, thank you so much for your action...

        ... I hadn't heard anyone's take on contacting the BBC although the contact info has been provided.

        Keep up the pressure as you have done so well, so far.

        =====
        Helpful info for action:
        Path to 9/11 - Big List of Action Contacts

        by highacidity on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 01:51:33 AM PDT

        •  OfCom

          I forgot to include the link in case anybody else wants to take it further.

          http://www.ofcom.org.uk/...
          (Complaints link on this page)

          Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services.

          The procedure I gather is to take complaint to OfCom if you do not get satisfaction from the BBC complaints procedure. Previously you took it up the BBC structure to the Board of Governors. US readers can look at it as a sort of FCC coverning telephone and cellphone regulation as well. It has a more "hands on" remit as the market has a different structure from the USA For land line/broadband you rent the copper wire to the local exchange but you can but calls from any number of companies or you can pay the line rent and call charges to a large number of "retailers" who get their "wholesale" service from (usually) BT. Cellphone networks similarly wholesale their services to retailers or direct to the customer. Also unlike most providers in the US, cellophone companies are obliged to let you move your number when you change contracts to a different company. All this needs a fairly complex set of rules to avoid the customer being ripped off.

          Incidentally, I would be grateful if people would let me know if the link to the clips works from abroad and if you can view the clips.

          I can very easily record the 3 hour version onto DVD if there is a central montioring group who would like a copy. This should be playable on a computer but you may have difficult if you only have an NTSC player and TV. Our system uses 625 line PAL 50Hz and I record in 16:9 anamorphic mode with no regional coding on DVD-R (if a group is monitoring the diffrent versions of the program, their techie will know if this will work for the. Any more than one and I may have to ask you for P&P by Paypal to cover costs or ask for technical help to get it to you over the net..

          by londonbear on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 06:49:19 AM PDT

•  The promotion for the New Zealand screening...

  ... is just as misleading. It includes words flashed across the screen showing scenes from the mini-series accompanied by voiceover "You know WHAT happened. Now see HOW it happened." and goes on to refer to the mini-series "the shocking truth" about the events leading up to September 11.

  I've made a formal complaint to TVNZ about their misleading promotion, and asking that they indicate both before and after the screening (it's on TV One over two nights - Sunday and Monday) that this is a dramatisation containing fictionalised scenes and composite characters - and that they change their promo to relect this.

  I hold out little or no hope that this will happen, but assuming that it doesn't, I'll be making a formal complaint to the NZ Broadcasting Standards Authority.

  I've diaried my letter of complaint here - My complaint to TV One in New Zealand re: screening of Path to 9/11.

  This so not just happening in the US - it's worldwide. Let's hope that the citizens of the rest of the world (who of course overwhelmingly disapprove of Bush et al) see this for the piece of propaganda it really is. Bleagh.

  by webweaver on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 10:05:16 PM PDT

  •  Thanks very much!

    I've changed the title to reflect this idea that you've presented.

    If you don't mind, I'll also direct readers to your diary.

    by STOP George on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 10:11:21 PM PDT

    •  Sure!

      I'd be more than happy for you to direct people my way. Thanks heaps!

      by webweaver on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 10:32:07 PM PDT

      •  Thanks...

        I've also cross-posted this diary at My Left Wing and the Booman Tribune.

        by STOP George on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 10:38:54 PM PDT

        •  I've put the video on YouTube

          I filmed the TV promo and have put it on YouTube. I don't know how long it's going to stay there before it gets pulled, so I've put a transcript on there too.

          You can go view it on my blog, WebWeaver's World - Video of TV One promo for The Path to 9/11.

          by webweaver on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 05:07:17 AM PDT

•  President Clinton, Please sue. Now.

  Even if you can't get an injunction, the publicity will be priceless.  Unmask these liars, let the whole world see who they are.

  my aim is true

  by Cottagerose on Fri Sep 08, 2006 at 10:57:25 PM PDT

•  Holy smokes!

  It's worse than I imagined it would be.

  "How this decision changed our world" !!!

  The whole movie revolves around blaming everything on the Clinton administration (The war in Iraq too, probably).

  We're not talking about a couple of scenes. It's the entire premise of the movie.

  Holy freakin smokes this is really scary.

  by Rex Manning on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 12:06:10 AM PDT

  •  I've watched a few video

    interviews with Thomas Kean on Media Matters and he is doing the same.

    He was the freakin' leader of the 911 Commission!  And here he is blaming Clinton for not getting Bin Laden when he had the chance.

    This, in my opinion, puts the nail in the coffin for any pretense that the 9/11 Commission was fairly conducted.

    A new 9/11 Commission investigation should begin IMMEDIATELY after the Dems regain congress (after impeachment proceedings, of course).

    by STOP George on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 12:40:17 AM PDT

•  "official true story" ???

  Fuck the What! This is getting more disgusting in a surreal kind of way by the moment.

  It's really as if Disney/ABC are going out of their way to pass off lies as gospel truth throughout the English speaking world.

  I can only hope that this backfires and backfires badly abroad where there's maybe still some critical thinking and independent journalism going on.

  by lunacat on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 01:12:00 AM PDT

  •  And then

    when they are confronted with this lie -- they lie some more by saying that this was never supposed to be "completely accurate".

    Bull-biscuits!!!

    What part of "Official True Story" is supposed to tell the viewer that major scenes in this movie are completely fictional?

    That is why I copied this trailer to YouTube and saved the screen captures.  They will probably pull it down soon.

    by STOP George on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 01:17:08 AM PDT

    •  very glad you copied it n/t

      by lunacat on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 01:23:46 AM PDT

•  That clip gives new meaning

  to the slur of Trailer Trash.  That trailer is pure propaganda.

  by Grannus on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 03:29:20 AM PDT

  •  and it contradicts

    ABC recent damage control comments.

    by STOP George on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 03:33:03 AM PDT

    •  It's damage control

      on the Titanic time.

      by Grannus on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 03:48:13 AM PDT

•  Front page worthy

  Everyone should see that video.

  And someone should send it via email to Clinton's contacts.

  by Steven D on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 07:21:46 AM PDT

•  Are we certain - absolutely certain - that this..

  is the genuine, authentic, my-fucking-gawd-look-at-what-they're-doing trailer and not something someone cooked up and slapped on youtube?  Expat Kossacks weigh in please!!!!

  If this is the genuine article, it is an insight into the soul of those responsible that decries their having a soul in the first place...

  by Gasonfires on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 11:24:18 AM PDT

•  FRONTPAGE THIS DIARY n/t

  by Gasonfires on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 11:26:52 AM PDT

•  Since this didn't make the rec list yesterday,

  I've instead highlighted this diary on the front page as part of a new story, and linked here.

  Good work. That trailer really highlights exactly how this thing was/is being sold.

  by Hunter on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 01:48:40 PM PDT

  •  Thanks Hunter!

    It's also made the news at:

    RAW STory
    Think Progress
    Crooks & Liars
    etc.

    This video should be sent to the Clinton Lawyers -- if anyone here knows their email.

    by STOP George on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 08:45:25 PM PDT

•  Can you get me the clip

  I'd like to satirize it.

  jcchristian[at]charter[dot]net

  by patriotboy on Sat Sep 09, 2006 at 02:05:30 PM PDT

  •  O.k.

    you can download it HERE.

    It's an .asf file.

    by STOP George on Sun Sep 10, 2006 at 07:25:58 AM PDT

•  'Fifteen-thirty!'

  'This is news of the highest importance.'

  'Vast strategic manoeuvre -- perfect co-ordination -- utter rout -- half a million prisoners -- complete demoralization -- control of the whole of Africa -- bring the war within measurable distance of its end victory -- greatest victory in human history -- victory, victory, victory!'

  George Orwell - 1984

  Question - Does this make Clinton Emmanuel Goldstein?

  by Newspeak101 on Mon Sep 11, 2006 at 04:12:06 PM PDT