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Inside the 9/11 Commission

Monday, February 11, 2008

Philip Shenon, investigative reporter at the New York Times, discusses his new book which details the shortcomings of the 9/11 commission.

The Commission: The Uncensored History of the 9/11 Investigation is available for purchase at Amazon.com

If you can't see the video click here


Comments

  • [1] eCAHNomics February 11, 2008 - 10:24AM

    Was Mr. Shenon surprised by anything he learned?


  • [2] andy from westchester February 11, 2008 - 10:30AM

    Just would like Mr. Shenon's reaction to the claims of the so-called 9-11 truth movement. Specifically that al-Qaeda was not the main actor in 9-11, and the Bush administration, at minimum, had advance knowledge of the attacks and intentionally allowed them to happen.


  • [3] eCAHNomics February 11, 2008 - 10:36AM

    There was a UK Guardian article on 1/24/04 that an German intelligence operatives have testified in a court that the U.S. had been given a warning of the 9/11 attacks from an Iranian spy but choose to ignore the warning. What does Mr. Shenon say about that?


  • [4] megan from Park Slope February 11, 2008 - 10:41AM

    here we go again, the nutty conspiracy theories...


  • [5] Ben Beaudoin from WNYC February 11, 2008 - 10:43AM

    The 911 report sounds more like the

    "Definitive Smokescreen". How can Shenon suggest that there is such a large conflict of interest with Mr. Z and Rove, and then say the conclusions of the report haven't been compromised?


  • [6] hjs from 11211 February 11, 2008 - 10:48AM

    oh yes, megan, i agree don't question the words of mommy and daddy. DO AS YOUR TOLD. be a good girl.


  • [7] eCAHNomics February 11, 2008 - 10:50AM

    Ah yes, KSM was the mastermind, at least in his own mind. He took every opportunity offered to him under torture to confess to everything they wanted him to say. Yes sireee. That's the point of torture to get the torturee to say what you want him to say. Move along. Nothing odd here.


  • [8] hjs from 11211 February 11, 2008 - 10:51AM

    only in America presenting the facts reads as "nutty conspiracy theories"

    is it any wonder the American empire is in decline? people fear thinking in any form. FOR SHAME


  • [9] C from Brooklyn February 11, 2008 - 11:01AM

    Debunking 9/11 Debunking: An Answer to Popular Mechanics and Other Defenders of the Official Conspiracy Theory

    by David Ray Griffin

    http://www.amazon.com

    From Publishers Weekly

    An emeritus professor of theology with no previous interest in conspiracy theories, Griffin has dedicated himself since 2003 to the "9/11 truth" movement, a group committed to "exposing the falsity of the official theory about 9/11," and this book is a thorough, highly detailed attempt to do just that. As Griffin aptly notes, "the assumption that conspiracy theories are inherently irrational" has recently taken root in American culture, making any attack on the official government record instantly dismissible, but Griffin takes to the difficult task with solid reasoning and true zeal. All but the most dogmatic readers will find Griffin's evidence-from the inconsistencies between NORAD tapes and the 9/11 Commission Report to rigorous exploration into the physics of the collapse-detailed and deeply unnerving. For instance, Griffin considers the fact that firefighters were told, five hours before the fact, that building WTC 7 was going to collapse, despite "the fact that WTC 7 was not hit by a plane, that the available photographs show no large fires, and that fire had never caused a steel-frame high-rise to collapse." For anyone who doubts the government's truthfulness regarding the WTC terrorist attack, this well-researched volume will give you a trough full of ideas to chew on.


  • [10] megan from Park Slope February 11, 2008 - 11:05AM

    hjs -- if "thinking" competing over who can spin the nuttiest anti-Bush conspiracy theory -- then, yes, America is in "decline"

    from your perspective, we should emulate the Arab world - they do a lot of "thinking" -


  • [11] hjs from 11211 February 11, 2008 - 11:12AM

    I was not aware fundamentalists, Arab or American, did much thinking


  • [12] Edward Rynearson from Chicago, IL February 11, 2008 - 11:17AM

    The official 9/11 conspiracy theory has zero evidence backing it up. The Japanese Parliment debated this two weeks ago on national TV. If you're interested you can find it at my blog.

    alexjonesfan58.com


  • [13] Mike February 11, 2008 - 11:18AM

    We are told that al-Hazmi and al-Mihdhar attended a 'terrorist summit' in Malaysia (January 5-8, 2000). The CIA was tracking the summit by way of Malaysian authorities. Some accounts state that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed attended the summit. At the time he was wanted for involvement in the Bojinka plot. Keep in mind the reason the CIA knew about the summit was because of FBI investigations into the 1998 African embassy bombings. Through the investigation a hub used by al Qaeda in Yemen was discovered.

    The question for Mr. Shenon is why the public should believe Tenet's account. It doesn't make sense for Tenet to give NSA Rice an urgent briefing (July 10, 2001) yet not share the names of known al Qaeda operatives with the FBI at this time.


  • [14] megan from Park Slope February 11, 2008 - 11:19AM

    conspiracy fundamentalists should be happy now that the hollywood writers strike is over -- now they can paid for the x-files fantasies


  • [15] Nicholas P. Vessio from Sea Cliff N.Y. February 11, 2008 - 11:29AM

    Brian, I have spoken to you on the air many times and I tried today to speak to your guest Mr. Sheehan of the N.Y. Times re: His book on the 911 Commission. I am a retired police supervisor (sgt) formerly with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.I was at 9/11 and I do not believe the "official government's "version of the events that occurred. I am not a conspiracy theorist...but I believe that the truth must be told about this unspeakable chapter in our history. Brian you must read the political analysis of Joel Skousen ,a former U.S. Marine pilot (Vietnam era). He a briliant political analyst and his website is:

    www.joelskousen.com. When you have some time read his analysis of the 911 Commission. It is facinating. I think your show is excellent and I listen to you every day. Sincerely, Nicholas P. Vessio


  • [16] Edward Rynearson from Chicago, IL February 11, 2008 - 11:29AM

    Carl Sagan's first wife, Lynn Margulis, who was presented the National Science Award by Bill Clinton and is currently a professor of Geo Science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, also believes that that members of the pentagon/military industrial complex carried out the attacks to grease the wheels for a long term occupation of Iraq. Permanent military bases in the center of an underground ocean of oil. Money and Power?

    You can listen and she will tell you.

    alexjonesfan58.com


  • [17] A from Brooklyn February 11, 2008 - 11:30AM

    From the above:

    "...As Griffin aptly notes, "the assumption that conspiracy theories are inherently irrational" has recently taken root in American culture, making any attack on the official government record instantly dismissible..."

    This issue has nothing to do with being anti-bush --though the conflicts-of-interest between the so-called independent investigation and the administration should make any competent listener wonder about what, exactly, constitutes a "conspiracy theory".

    The most important thing that the involved American public can do is look at this issue as closely as possible and evaluate it on their own terms. If, based on your own investigations and research, you find the official story sufficient then fine; but if, on the other hand, you find that the physical evidence and witness-testimony doesn't support the commissions findings then it is your duty to speak out, inform and involve.


  • [18] Edward Rynearson from Chicago, IL February 11, 2008 - 11:34AM

    This is one of my favorites:

    Friday September 28, 2007 (31)

    Retired CIA Analyst Ray McGovern Attacks 9/11 Commission Report Calling It A "Sick Joke" on KPFA.org public radio.

    alexjonesfan58.com

    (I'm not trying to spam - I lose money everytime someone visits my site - Yes, I'm trying to save the GD country)


  • [19] tom from pa February 11, 2008 - 11:37AM

    Megan, I recommend you at least educate yourself before you go off half-cocked and shrill. Take the time to read the book that Mike posted. It is incredibly intelligent, cogent, and (I think) irrefutable. People who suspect that Bush & Co. are telling the truth about 9/11 have no grasp of science or the steep profits from that disaster for neoliberal insiders.


  • [20] tom from pa February 11, 2008 - 11:38AM

    correction: book I recommended was cited by "C", not Mike. "Debunking 9/11 Debunking:..." by David Ray Griffin


  • [21] RC February 11, 2008 - 11:50AM

    To c:

    >>>>>For instance, Griffin considers the fact that firefighters were told, five hours before the fact, that building WTC 7 was going to collapse, despite "the fact that WTC 7 was not hit by a plane, that the available photographs show no large fires, and that fire had never caused a steel-frame high-rise to collapse." For anyone who doubts the government's truthfulness regarding the WTC terrorist attack, this well-researched volume will give you a trough full of ideas to chew on.<<<<

    From what I understand, that all that was required was for the steel to weaken at the WTC. And, remember that the WTC was not built to NYC firecode.

    And, regards to building 7, may I suggest that you read the Wayne Barret (no friend of bush or republicans) book "Grand Illusion the untold story of Rudy Guillani and 911" where he spends a chapter on WTC 7 as it related to the command center. When you read that chapter where you had fuel tanks on a bunch of floors that violated NYC and even Port Authority codes, you come to the conclusion that building 7 was a match stick. Meaning it did not take a lot to cause a fire there, much less making it collapse.


  • [22] Edward Rynearson from Chicago, IL February 11, 2008 - 12:01PM

    There fuel tank theory was retracted by NIST who recently added that controlled demolition was a possibility.

    The owner of the building, Larry Silverstein, who used his insurance proceeds to purchase the Sears Tower, stated on a PBS TV documentary that he made the decision to "pull" the building (WTC7/Solomon Building).

    www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WYdAJQV100

    BBC reported 23 minutes early that it had collapsed as did Aaron Brown of CNN. Oops, read the press release too early.

    www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7SwOT29gbc


  • [23] Trevor from Manhattan February 11, 2008 - 12:03PM

    Why Indeed Did the WTC Buildings Completely Collapse? (1.2mb PDF)

    by Dr. Steven E. Jones

    published: October 8, 2006

    http://www.wtc7.net/articles/WhyIndeed09.pdf

    In the article Jones enumerates thirteen reasons to challenge government reports and investigate the controlled-demolition hypothesis:

    1. Molten Metal: Flowing and in Pools

    2. Observed Temperatures around 1000ºC and Sulfidation in WTC 7 Steel

    3. Near-Symmetrical Collapse of WTC 7

    4. No Previous Skyscraper Collapse Due to Fires

    5. Squib-timing during the Collapse of WTC 7

    6. Early Drop of North Tower Antenna

    7. Eyewitness Accounts of Flashes and Loud Explosions

    8. Ejection of Steel Beams and Debris – plumes from the Towers

    9. Rapid Collapses and Conservation of Momentum and Energy

    10. Controlled Demolition "Implosions" Require Skill

    11. Steel Column Temperatures of 800ºC Needed: A Problem in the Argument of Bazant and Zhou

    12. Problems in the NIST Report: Inadequate Steel Temperatures and Tweaked Models

    13. NIST's Failure to Show Visualizations


  • [24] megan from Park Slope February 11, 2008 - 12:13PM

    As forecast by Nostrodamus and in an obsucre Da Vinci manuscript, the shrouded Turin-like image of the numbers 9/11 was found in a crop circle in Roswell, probably placed by the Nefillim in conjunction with the Neo-con branch of the Illuminati, first planned at the Bindenburg Groups meetings earlier this century. the military-industry complex, according to a backwards playing of "Let it Be" as mixed by underground Elvis during his 2001 stay at the Howard Hughs mansion, is planning another machine greasing event of Atalntis proportions -- but only Scientologists can be privy to the coming 2009 disaster.

    Gotta go now and put on my aluminum foil cap.

    *Speak gibberish to justice / fright the power - now!*


  • [25] hjs from 11211 February 11, 2008 - 12:38PM

    so just because there are some outlandish ideas out there, any other presention of facts of than the official version will be forbidden.

    fundamentalism!

    please don't confuse me with facts.


  • [26] RC February 11, 2008 - 12:47PM

    Thanks, for mentioning the NIST I went ot their website and looked at their FAQ

    http://wtc.nist.gov/pubs/factsheets/faqs_8_2006.htm

    I also saw this press release:

    http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/wtc_062907.html

    >>>>The current NIST working collapse hypothesis for WTC 7 is described in the June 2004 Progress Report on the Federal Building and Fire Safety Investigation of the World Trade Center Disaster (Volume 1, page 17, as well as Appendix L), as follows:

    (I don't have enough room to include the hypothesis but you can check it out on the site.) but they go on to state:

    >>>>This hypothesis may be supported or modified, or new hypotheses may be developed, through the course of the continuing investigation. NIST also is considering whether hypothetical blast events could have played a role in initiating the collapse. While NIST has found no evidence of a blast or controlled demolition event, NIST would like to determine the magnitude of hypothetical blast scenarios that could have led to the structural failure of one or more critical elements. <<<<

    The key thing here is that have found no evidence of a blast, but they are checking this out.

    So we have to wait for the final report.


  • [27] tom from pa February 11, 2008 - 12:52PM

    Megan - got a good laugh over your command of the "truth"! But seriously -- the official story of 9/11 is a sorry sham. Do some research. It falls apart faster than the towers came down. But a warning: No aluminum-foil hats may be worn in this study hall. You'll have to go without for this one.


  • [28] Pat February 11, 2008 - 01:13PM

    Megan-

    Taking a variety of facts and rational ideas and mixing them all together with stupid stuff like Roswell, Nostradamus (you spelled it incorrectly) and crop circles? That's your argument? Doesn't look good.

    Also- It's spelled Bilderberg. Sloppy or bad spelling skills are a red flag that indicates a lack of intelligence or education. (and abundance of ignorance)

    What in the world is a "conspiracy fundamentalist"?

    You don't seem to know much about what you're trying to make fun of.


  • [29] megan from Park Slope February 11, 2008 - 01:16PM

    hjs- there are facts, and then there are "facts"

    fundamentalist conspiracy theorists are really good at weaving a web of wicked wool over the eyes of people with too much time on their hands....

    but Top, you are correct, every "official" story should be questioned...with real facts...


  • [30] hjs from 11211 February 11, 2008 - 01:31PM

    NO there are only FACTS everything else is fantasy.

    7 days, adam & eve, history will show bush is a great president.


  • [31] barry from Manhattan February 11, 2008 - 02:49PM

    Actually, I think Bush will go down in History as a great President.

    Says something about History doesn't it>


  • [32] Pete from Brooklyn, NY February 11, 2008 - 05:12PM

    Bill will go down on anything as the Great Fornicator and Carpet Stainer. Go ahead vote you sheep!


  • [33] Mary Smith February 11, 2008 - 09:48PM

    Brian,

    Such soft ball questions for Shenon. Has the CIA got your tongue?

    Shenon is an uncritical critic. He is not really criticizing the 911 commission. He is pretending to criticize. He's wasting our time, and so are you. This is one of your least provocative shows.


This thread is closed.


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