Counting Change

I recently viewed the conspiracy-theorist, extremely thought-provoking independent film "Loose Change." The basic messages of this documentary are that the United States was highly negligent in the events of September 11, 2001, or more accusatorily that the American government was directly involved in the acts themselves. Quite the concept.

The film was surprisingly convincing in its portrayal of the events, but still had numerous holes in the theories. As the film came to a close, I found myself, disturbed, saddened, angered, but most shockingly I found that I wanted to believe these accusations. As I spoke with friends about the movie, I discovered that many of them felt the same way. Although I rarely agree with how the American government handles international relations, why on earth would I want to believe that it's capable of something so heinous?

I believe it stems from a fascination with revolution and revolutionaries. If we uncovered a massive plot in which more than 3,000 American citizens were slaughtered by the very men and women that govern this country, the world as we know it would be turned upside down. Chaos would ensue and a new power would undoubtedly rise to control the lower North American continent. I think this fascination with revolution may arise from my, and this campus', Anabaptist beliefs.

Jesus, Menno Simons, the Anabaptists, and the few peace churches of Christianity (to name a few) were and remain radicals. Jesus' way of life rocked the religious world. Anabaptists were persecuted for decades. Their preachings went against the entire embodiment of the established church. Let's continue this trend. We cannot always accept the many rules and regulations placed upon us as a society. Questioning the government is one of our many responsibilities as followers of Christ and as citizens of any country.

I often consider our responsibility, on a smaller scale, to keep the administration of EMU in check. It is often said that the press and the people are the fourth branch of government, in place as a final system of checks and balances for the judicial, executive, and legislative branches. Although the accusations of "Loose Change" are extreme, it has never been uncommon for governments to clench the fist of power on it's own people, covert or otherwise. Would it be completely outrageous to consider that our government had a hand in September 11, 2001? Or would it be completely irresponsible for us not to investigate?

I highly recommend everyone see "Loose Change" simply for the interest of the numerous theories the film raises; it can be seen on Google Video.

-Jake