OPINION:
Some of us will remember the iconic rant of TV anchorman Howard Beale as portrayed by Peter Finch in the 1976 movie “Network.” In the film, lead character Beale is an aging and now unttractive newscaster about to get the ’ax.’ Plummeting ratings have demanded his head. On the very night which is to be his last, Beale bares his soul, tormented — but not because this is the end of his career, but because it is the end of the civilized world as he knew it.
After imploring all his viewers who share his belief to open their windows and shout, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore?” Beale walks off the set. As it turns out, most of New York City agrees with him, and one by one windows are thrown open.
Unfortunately, Peter Finch died just months before being awarded an Academy Award for his performance in “Network.” This was a pity not only for him, but for us all.
God knows it is high time for all of America to ’open its windows’ and shout loudly enough for our leaders in Washington to get the message. As for the leaders of France, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Israel, sadly, they need only open their eyes to see the truth each day.
It is time for Washington to stop acting.
TOM MORRIS
Lovingston, Va.
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