Air Force One

I had an unusual reaction to this cheesy action film; I felt a moment of pride. For those that haven't seen the film, Air Force One (the president's plane) is hijacked. As the pilots try to land the plane, the captain tells his co-pilot, "No matter what, we land this plane." And they do their damnedest; continuing to land when the terrorists break in and point a gun at the pilot. Even with a gun pressed to his head, his life severely threatened, he continues landing the plane. He is shot dead. The co-pilot now has visible, visceral proof that the hi-jackers are willing to kill if he doesn't do what they say, but he keeps landing the plane. Of course, for this movie to work, he gets shot in the head as well, and a terrorist takes over the plane.

Now, back in my living room, I had just recently listened to some songs commemorating the 9/11 tragedy. I couldn't help comparing what these movie pilots with the passengers and crew of the flight that crashed in Pennsylvania. (I observe a news boycott, so I periodically feel the need to review the huge events of the world. I don't want the daily trauma of news, but that doesn't mean I feel free to forget what has happened.)

What I felt wasn't patriotism. I couldn't care less that the movie pilots were trying to save the president, and the pilot's own nationality was of no concern. Rather, I was touched by the idea of people doing what was right, even when it costs them their lives.

I'm a big fan of people (of all political and national origins) doing the right thing.