Willie Rodriguez, Hero and Traitor

[Brainster]

We should all honor Willie Rodriguez for his efforts on 9-11, which resulted in the saving of many lives. But the Willie Rodriguez of today deserves disapprobation. Get this announcement:

William Rodriguez, the last survivor of the North Tower has been formally invited by the Iranian Government to give a series of presentations about 9/11 in Iran. The reason he was invited, was because they saw his presentation in front of 22,000 Muslims during his recent U.K. tour. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs thought it would be a good idea as a "Peace Mission" to bring Rodriquez to Iran.

Yes, that's right; Willie's going to be following in the footsteps of David Duke in bringing the "truth" to Iran. There is some unintentional humor in the post by the odious Jon Gold:

Rodriquez says that he "feels very honored that he has been tapped to do these series of presentations as a peace initiative, and he feels he will be more protected in these countries than in his own."

Given that the Venezuelan Government thought enough of Willie to provide him 5 bodyguards during his stay there, I can see why.

It's not hard to see why Ahmedinejad and his lackeys over at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs want Willie to talk about how the United States is responsible for the crime of the century. But suppose back in 1942 that an American had traveled to Berlin to give a speech about how Roosevelt had secretly allowed the Japanese to attack Pearl Harbor. Would there be any doubt that he would be accused of treason?

And in fairness, it must be noted that some of the 9-11 Deniers over at 9-11 Blogger are appalled. Unfortunately, they're not appalled at Willie for going, but for how the media will spin this against their little movement.

Be careful here William.... they are going to try and link you with Iran... afraid this may be another attempt to discredit this movement.

I completely agree. If William goes to Iran, he will be inextricably linked with Iran and viewed as disruptive and anti-American. Recommend he doesn't go.

Rodriguez himself responds:

I am invited from all over the world to speak. Some countries are more crucial than others. This is an effort to bridge the communication with victims of 9/11 with the Iranian community so they understand how 5 years after we are still suffering. Also to help set up a blueprint to avoid future emergencies. I help, and for free, all the goverments that want to setup a family assistance center for victims of disasters.

It's easy to say that he's going as part of a peace effort, but is there any doubt that the Iranians are going to use his 9-11 statements as a propaganda coup?

ETA: Yes, traitor is too strong a word. I am using it in the pundit sense, not in the technical sense.

 

[CurtC]

I think the word "traitor" is way too strong here. Willie is misguided.

In 1942, we were at war with Germany. That's a different thing.

ETA: Iran may try to use his words as propaganda, but a "coup"? Hardly.

 

[sackett]

How much is Ineedadayjob paying our Willie? Inquiring minds are just askin' questions.

 

[JimBenArm]

We should all honor Willie Rodriguez for his efforts on 9-11, which resulted in the saving of many lives. But the Willie Rodriguez of today deserves disapprobation. Get this announcement:



Yes, that's right; Willie's going to be following in the footsteps of David Duke in bringing the "truth" to Iran. There is some unintentional humor in the post by the odious Jon Gold:



It's not hard to see why Ahmedinejad and his lackeys over at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs want Willie to talk about how the United States is responsible for the crime of the century. But suppose back in 1942 that an American had traveled to Berlin to give a speech about how Roosevelt had secretly allowed the Japanese to attack Pearl Harbor. Would there be any doubt that he would be accused of treason?

And in fairness, it must be noted that some of the 9-11 Deniers over at 9-11 Blogger are appalled. Unfortunately, they're not appalled at Willie for going, but for how the media will spin this against their little movement.





Rodriguez himself responds:



It's easy to say that he's going as part of a peace effort, but is there any doubt that the Iranians are going to use his 9-11 statements as a propaganda coup?

Whoa, dude! I think "traitor" is over the top here. He's not actively trying to assist the enemy, he's trying (however mis-guidedely) to act as a peace-maker.

Cut him a bit of slack, okay?

 

[Brainster]

I think the word "traitor" is way too strong here. Willie is misguided.

In 1942, we were at war with Germany. That's a different thing.

ETA: Iran may try to use his words as propaganda, but a "coup"? Hardly.

I am certainly not using the word "traitor" in its technical meaning, and of course, it's the one thing I can't edit after posting. But the propaganda coup I stand by 100%. It will not be a propaganda coup in the US, certainly, but can you imagine the effect in the Muslim/Arab world?

In fairness, looking later, Willie appears to be saying that he hasn't made a final decision, and that his intent is to talk about the tragedy of 9-11 and not the conspiracy theories. But is there any doubt that's not what Ahmedinijad has in mind? Even if while in Tehran Willie doesn't say word one about "explosions in the basement", all the jihad media has to do is point to his past statements and his associations to get the message across.

This is bad for America and is effectively giving aid and comfort to our enemies. I sincerely hope that Willie comes to his senses.

 

[apathoid]

Whoa, dude! I think "traitor" is over the top here. He's not actively trying to assist the enemy, he's trying (however mis-guidedely) to act as a peace-maker.

Cut him a bit of slack, okay?

I agree. Willie was obviously one of the many heroes of the day and was extremely lucky to escape with his life. I, for one, am truly grateful for his selflessness and courage on that day. I may disagree with his view on what happened, but he has earned my respect and in this free world, he can say whatever he chooses. The USA is not at war with Iran...so is certainly not a traitor..

 

[Kage]

Somehow I think 9/11 denial is not going to go over well in the muslim world.

 

[uk_dave]

.... but can you imagine the effect in the Muslim/Arab world?

I'm not sure I can with any degree of certainty.

Consider: The US accuses arab terrorists of an audacious and seemingly successful attack. Not many arabs seem to disagree with that conclusion and many (the wannabe jihadists) appear to revel in it and express respect and admiration for 'sheikh' Osama Bin Laden.

So for someone to then visit an arab country and propose a theory whereby the US government was the culprit (If indeed that is what mr rodriguez thinks) kinda goes against the accepted view that some muslim extremists managed to strike a blow against the great satan.

And let's not forget that to the rest of the world, mr rodriguez is visiting iran as the guest of a government which is currently holding a seminar on holocaust denial.

Methinks this trip does mr rodriguez more harm in the eyes of the public and any message of 911 conspiracy he takes to the mid-east will not be believed by those who want to think that they did indeed manage to attack the mighty USA.

 

[Brainster]

Excellent point, UKDave and Kage. Anybody who says you guys can't think outside the box is clearly wrong.

Apathoid and JimBenArm, I admit I am torn on your arguments. I myself have often cut people slack on current sins because of past admirable actions. Of course, the question becomes where does it end? Do the heroes of 9-11 get a free pass on 9-11 Denial?

 

[apathoid]

I myself have often cut people slack on current sins because of past admirable actions. Of course, the question becomes where does it end? Do the heroes of 9-11 get a free pass on 9-11 Denial?

To some extent I believe they should. I'm not a psychologist, but I think that many of the heroes and people who lost loved ones who've gone Troofer are simply coping in a different way than the others. It's like all the Vietnam vets turned war protestors; who am I to question them? I have no idea what they've seen and been through, so I respect their opinions even though I disagree with their views.

As long as Willie refrains from outright slander of officials and doesnt bullhorn GZ, I'm okay with him..

 

[Oliver]

To some extent I believe they should. I'm not a psychologist, but I think that many of the heroes and people who lost loved ones who've gone Troofer are simply coping in a different way than the others. It's like all the Vietnam vets turned war protestors; who am I to question them? I have no idea what they've seen and been through, so I respect their opinions even though I disagree with their views.

As long as Willie refrains from outright slander of officials and doesnt bullhorn GZ, I'm okay with him..

I believe he has a golden heart. That´s all i have to
know to believe that he tries to do his best from his
point of view.

 

[Brainster]

To some extent I believe they should. I'm not a psychologist, but I think that many of the heroes and people who lost loved ones who've gone Troofer are simply coping in a different way than the others. It's like all the Vietnam vets turned war protestors; who am I to question them? I have no idea what they've seen and been through, so I respect their opinions even though I disagree with their views.

Okay, I think that is a fair balance. Dispute any falsehoods they bring to the table, of course, but accept that their opinions deserve a little more respect than average.

 

[Pardalis]

He's destroying all the good he did on 911 by promoting this conspiracy garbage today. He's doing alot more harm than he thinks. He's insulting the very people he saved, and indirectly helping the people who commited these murders.

Besides, what is he going to talk about? He's a janitor for crying out loud, he's going to talk about structural engeneering? NORAD? FBI intelligence?

 

[CurtC]

This is bad for America and is effectively giving aid and comfort to our enemies.

Careful, there - I don't think Iran is considered our enemy. The people who are terrorists are our enemy. How many of the 19 hijackers were from Iran? And does Iran shelter Al Qaeda? And did I spell that right?

 

[Pardalis]

Careful, there - I don't think Iran is considered our enemy.

From the way things are progressing, it's going to be.

 

[gumboot]

I think the whole PR thing is a very bad one on this.

There is a percentage in the Muslim world (let's not say "Arab" because Iranians aren't Arabs) who don't believe Muslims carried out 9/11.

-Gumboot

 

[ComsatAngel2017]

Whoah! uk dave! The Iranians are not Arabs! That's like walking into a pub in Dublin and saying "Do any of you loyal Englishmen want to join the Oliver Cromwell Fan Club?" Also, don't confuse the bottomholes in the Iranian government with their citizens, who are quite aware of what is real and what is Ahmadinejad. As for Mr Rodriguez, associating with the Iranian regime is not a move towards rationality and the truth.

 

[apathoid]

Apparently, Mr. Rodriguez has shown up at SLC and posted the following comments. I've thrown in the responses for context...

You definetely are trying to cast doubt on my mission. For your info, it is donations from the 9/11 families and donations at my website www.911keymaster.com and the sales of my bad quality DVD but with great content. It is also a well known fact that you can research on the internet, that I was homeless last year for doing my activism. Also, that before I was supported by Jimmy Walter and his organization. I parted ways with Jimmy and efectively eliminated his funding and support because of his stance on the cgi-blue screen technology issue. Hope this answers your question Nico, Chris or whoever you are.

I get invited to speak in forums, conferences and symposiums from all over the world and those counties will pay for the hotel, airtravel and food. It is up to me to raise the other needed funds to continue this fight.

I believe that if it was Jesse JAckson or Jimmy Carter doing a peace trip, everybody will be clapping. I will not, stop doing a peace outreach anywhere in the world - let it be Israel, Iran , North Korea or Iraq, even if this means breaking up with the whole 9/11 truth movement. I am very clear who I represent and what I am trying to avoid.

I am also a supporter of the James Randi Foundation and was there when it was "created".

You're doing "peace outreach" by going to a country that's responsible for the fighting in Lebanon, has publicaly declared that they don't believe the holocaust happened and that they want to wipe out Israel, and many of whom think that jews were responsible for 9/11.....and you're going to tell these people that there are in fact no muslim terrorists? Buddy. You've got a strange idea of "peace outreach". Although I suppose that peace through Mutual Assured Destruction is a viable idea. If we're all dead, there won't be any war.

While you're at it, you might want to talk to David Duke, I'm sure he'd love to sponsor your trips.

Mr. Rodriquez, let me first thank you for risking your life on 9/11.

Do you really think that being a guest of Iran right after the country sponsored a Holocaust Denial conference is a good idea?

Do you understand at least how people see this as bad, bad publicity?

Mr. Rodriguez, the first shots in the war in which the World Trade Center victims were killed were fired in Iran. Before you go there as a guest of Mr. Ahmadinejad, I implore you to seek out and talk to some of the hostages taken there in 1979. You can find a list of them here.

Whether you believe it or not, the theocrats running Iran are part of a triad of extreme Islamist groups at war with the United States. Please do not treat with the enemy.

I have the support of the families of 9/11 including, Jewish Families. It is a peace mission and I will be accompanied by jewish representants as well. If you are not part of the solution, do not be part of the problem. I am not judging the whole country for their stance on the holocaust or anything else, that will be the stance of the others invited. It is very idiotic to put me on the same level as David Duke racist positions. Obviously you do not know my fights for the community for the last 5 years and the respect I gained all over the world for the peace outreach. Go to Peaceful Tomorrows website and you will find that more than 400 families of 9/11 has already visited, Iran, Irak, Afghanistan etc. If I go , it is an extension of this effort to avoid a future event.

http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=27396589&postID=116654041635108474


Perhaps one day Willie will sign up here and present his case to the skeptics he claims to embrace. I would be very interested in hearing the specifics of his account, and I'd be even more interested to see how he feels about the less exotic explanations to what he witnessed - given that he is a self described skeptic, and not a conspiracy guy.

 

[Pardalis]

I didn't know he had a website.

For a hero he sure is bragging alot about it. And asking for money.

 

[Wizard]

Stop disrespecting this man. He's a national hero who actually made a difference, not someone on a forum spouting venom