"Rescue Me" character believes 9/11 was an inside job ... and so does the actor playing him

From LA: Boy, did I open a can of worms today at the press conference for "Rescue Me," the great Denis Leary comedy. It's back (soon) for a fifth season, and in watching the second episode I noticed the show drifting back to the 9/11 memories theme it explored at length in the first season. So I grabbed a microphone and pursued that questioning with the producers, and I asked a couple of the actors to chime in as well.

One person I asked was Daniel Sunjata, who plays Franco on "Rescue Me." I asked him because there is this fascinating, where-did-THIS-come-from scene in the second episode. A French journalist is interviewing firemen who were at Ground Zero on 9/11 for a new 10th-anniversary commemorative coffee table book. First, watch what Sunjata's character says. I would call this high-end conspiracy theory-mongering, the type that many people might say, "Hm. Well, I don't agree, but you raise some very interesting points there."

In part Franco says:

"9/11? Inside job. Plain and simple. And all you gotta do is connect the dots. ... I am talking about a massive neoconservative government effort, been in the works 20 years. Ever heard of PNAC? Project for a New American Century? According to them, the end goal of their effort is American global domination. Full spectrum dominance, they call it. Now, first question that pops into my mind is: How do you pull that off in this day and age?"

Answer: You blow up the Towers -- though in the scene Sunjata states it much more elegantly and forcefully.

So I asked about 9/11, and Sunjata gave a thoughtful reply, but at the very end he set off this little cherry bomb. From the transcript:

DANIEL SUNJATA: I'm really gratified that they allowed that to be focused through my character, because I happen to subscribe to a lot of those theories and beliefs that 9/11 was an inside job.

TVB: You're serious?

DANIEL SUNJATA: Oh, absolutely, 100 percent, yeah.

PETER TOLAN (show co-creator): That's part of the reason why we wrote it, is because Danny actually has -- is actually well-read on -- he's done a lot of research on this and has told us about it. And, you know, look, obviously not all of us buy in. But we went, wow, that's interesting, and he's passionate about it. Let's use that.

DANIEL SUNJATA: I mean, if it weren't for the structural constraint of consicion and speaking in a sound-bite format, you know, there are some very, very well-thought-out ideas and theories that seem to me to make a lot more sense than the ones that are popularly espoused. And anyway, the fact that they've allowed that conversation to be had within the world of RESCUE ME, I think, is admirable and should be applauded.

I wasn't trying to challenge Sunjata. I just was a little gobsmacked and I didn't want to let the moment pass without confirming what I thought my ears had just heard: An actor on a popular cable show had just admitted to belief in one of the most notorious conspiracy myths in our culture.

The story is already popping on the wires.

So, a little googling later and I discover Sunjata has expressed these views before ... and a whole lot more. He is a Lefty with a capital "L." Here is a video I found of him giving a campaign speech this fall in favor of former congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. She was the Green Party candidate for president this year. How many people of color this fall did you hear attacking Barack Obama from the left?

Let me be clear to those who are googling me -- I'm not a fan of "9/11 was an inside job" theories, as I went into in some detail explaining a couple of years ago. But I don't believe that people who believe them are all idiots. I'm actually kinda looking forward to seeing these ideas bandied about on "Rescue Me" because you just don't see that kind of stuff presented so passionately on TV. But you know what? I saw "J.F.K." more than once and, while I found it hugely entertaining, I never bought whatever Jim Garrison was selling about that terrible day in history.

I think if "Rescue Me" does its job, "9/11 was an inside job" will gain just a smidgen more respectability in its campaign to succeed JFK as America's favorite conspiracy theory. I guess I can live with that. My problem with such theories is that they unwittingly reflect the navel-gazing, insular, America-first viewpoint that I thought 9/11 was supposed to move us beyond. It's all about us. Al-Qaeda? Our pawns, somehow. Such a viewpoint can only be defended by turning a deaf ear to the origins of modern terror, which weren't the creation of Paul Wolfowitz's and Richard Perle's vivid imaginations.

As the unparalleled account of Lawrence Wright in The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 makes clear, the story of 9/11 stretches back 50 years to the persecution of radical Muslims by secular governments friendly to Western nations.

Comments

[Kevin]

Thanks for this story, Aaron. I don't buy the idea of a grand conspiracy, either, but I agree that no harm can come from a well-reasoned debate.

Also, thanks for the preview clip of the new season of "Rescue Me." Looking forward to the return of one of the few shows on TV that are actually worth watching.

[LawHawkSanFrancisco]

I stopped watching Rescue Me towards the end of the last season. It had gone from edgy to nutsy. And now, a troofer? Too bad. I found him to be about the most level-headed character in the show. I can separate liberals from their roles, but I am unable to separate anti-American nutcases from their roles. I won't be watching the show in the future.

[wadosy]

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/7950/chokepointsandblockadesmn8.jpg

[Hans]

Thanks for a balanced open-minded article on 9/11. It's pretty obvious from the way the towers (all 3) fell that they had help from explosives - at free fall speeds, all the way to the basements, the steel columns cut into nice little pieces. It'd be nice to have a full independent investigation, but I'm not holding my breath.

[CapitalCat]

I subscribe to Gore Vidal's theory: a 9/11 inside job would have required the Bush administration to act with a deftness that it has not shown in any other situation.

[Jack X]

TY for publishing this story. I know Daniel personally and I believe he originally supported Ron Paul. Many of us ended up endorsing McKinney because of her boldness, and sense of justice. This does NOT make us "lefties" (I am a paleo con)

Daniel is just an amazing guy, who walks the talk, and helps people in need. Such as the first responders from 911. I think if you REALLY looked into what Sunjata is saying (in real life) you would'nt have to "buy in" you would know that our govt lied to us about 911!
Motive + opportunity + Cover-up? Cui Bonno?

[David London]

Sunjata is not anti american, rather the opposite. He is for truth and justice. Anyone who criticizes those who seek the truth without presenting a fact-based argument, or resorts to ad hominem attacks has less than zero credibility.

If you assume elements in the US government would not do this, just look up Operation Northwoods - original documents on the web, Gulf of Tonkin lies, Prescott Bush, the USS Liberty, Mossadeq overthrow, PNAC, NORAD lied to 911 Commission, Commission set up to fail, FBI Called off Terror Investigations according to ABC, or Able Danger. The list is endless. Do your research.

[DB]

Here's the link to the actual PNAC document that calls for a "new Pearl Harbor" as cited in the show:

http://www.newamericancentury.org/RebuildingAmericasDefenses.pdf

[Orangutan.]

Daniel Sunjata knows exactly what he is talking about. He isn't afraid.

[Devil's Advocate]

Anybody who buys into the "Official" Conspiracy Theory either hasn't been paying very much attention, or probably knows very little about both basic physics and the people in their government.

Americans absolutely need to WAKE UP AND SMELL THE THERMATE!

[Mike Murray]

Great post. However, the 9/11 truth movement does not claim that radical islamic fundamentalism was somehow "created by...Wolfowitz...and...Perle". Thats not to say anyone with any knowledge of history can't understand that leaders throughout history have welcomed, used, and exploited people and ideologies to carry out false-flag attacks to blame on enemies. (ie. Reichstag fire, burning of Rome, Gulf on Tonkin, and on and on) The fact that Al-Qeada is a creation of the CIA, Pakistani ISI, and Saudi Arabian intelligence is well-documented and admitted by countless government officials. Research and learn that the very name, "AL-QAEDA", which is translated "the Base", refers to the intelligence agencies database of Muslim assets they had on their payroll. Now do you think while I can go online and look at my own car in my driveway on Google earth, the largest and most well-funded military apparatus on the planet can not find one of its assets for well over a decade. Give me a break. And the line about needing "a new pearl harbor", thats PNAC's own wording, not some "conspiracy theorist's". You have much to research and learn my friend regarding the factual information of the events and people surrounding the tragic attacks of 911. Conspiracy, yes. Theory, think again.

[Chris]

Wow, the person who wrote this article is blissfully ignorant. I'll never read this trash again. Sunjata is right. Oh, and plenty of "righties" "buy into" 9/11 being an inside job, including former Reagan Assisitant Secretary of the Treasury Paul Craig Roberts, among others. Will the "author" approve this comment please?

[mike murray]

And I have to add. Did you even watch the post that you linked of Daniel giving a speech at a campaign event?? He clearly is not a supporter of Obama, and states it. How is this man a lefty?? Hes a libertarian, a constitutionalist. Get out of the false left/right paradigm and start thinking like Daniel, in accordance with the consititution.

[mike murray]

Just saw that your comments are moderated so I don't expect you to allow my comments, which expose your bias and ignorance of the facts of 911, to actually make your blog post comments page. Too bad for that pesky 1st amendment.

[Charlotte]

This is awesome! Diversity of view does not equate with "anti-American". It is refreshing to see the variety and passion! Bravo RESCUE ME!

[Elwood]

It doesn't matter if you are not a "fan of "9/11 was an inside job" theories" or not. The facts and the First Responders, that were there, speak for themselves. Watch what kind of hell they have prepared for the next course, it will make 9-11 look weak in comparison. Get ready to bleet for the government to "PROTECT ME, PLEASE" as they gleefully take more of your rights and freedoms away.
WAKE UP

[Elwood]

It doesn't matter if you are not a "fan of "9/11 was an inside job" theories" or not. The facts and the First Responders, that were there, speak for themselves. Watch what kind of hell they have prepared for the next course, it will make 9-11 look weak in comparison. Get ready to bleet for the government to "PROTECT ME, PLEASE" as they gleefully take more of your rights and freedoms away.
WAKE UP

[AJ]

I'm impressed. If I hadn't given up my TV habits years ago (mostly since they don't report REAL news), I would be watching.

I applaud the show's decision makers to take such a bold and necessary step, and of course Daniel's passion for promoting the idea and doing such a great job. I only hope that you continue to explore this issue more deeply for the benefit of the viewers and this country.

[trout]

Buildings don't implode unless they are specially primed to.
This is a very difficult effect to achieve, and it has to be gone about in a very particular way.
It doesn't ever ever ever happen by accident.
Anyone who says otherwise is a fool or a liar.

[obvious]

"Let me be clear to those who are googling me -- I'm not a fan of "9/11 was an inside job" theories"

yup, keep on fearing what people think of you.. that's the best way to make sure your mind stays tightly shut!

[Aaron Haley]

It's not about not finding something convincing -- if you haven't read a thoroughly into Steven Jones, and used the accompanying videos that the media took as physical evidence of the demolitions themselves, you're not being intellectually honest and fairly weighing the evidence. You can't just toss away laws of physics because you don't find them convincing, and the 9/11 3 tower demolitions is ALL about physics. I think those still in denial about this obvious reality should be honest with themselves and admit the reason they still believe in the fire destroyed these buildings is that the media hasn't told them it's "okay" yet... Then again, this blogger still thinks 6th floor Oswald killed Kennedy alone? JFK the movie? Try the House Select Committee on Assassinations in 1978 -- they found a probably conspiracy to kill Kennedy (ie: evidence of 2nd gunmen, more shots) of over 90%. That other 10% is the belief that two lone nuts just happened to be aiming rifles at JFK that day...seriously. Millions of us realized 9/11 was an inside job YEARS after the event. For myself it wasn't until 2005... it is like the thread of a sweater, pull it and whole thing falls apart. The reason you may not believe the towers and building 7 were demolished is because you haven't studied the evidence. Google Steven Jones and read his paper. Freefall, Thermate, and Molten Iron..... explosives were used folks...don't be such a child, wake up.

[wildbill_]

Daniel is exactly right! And there was no real investigation of the 9/11 attacks.
Anyone that does the research knows he's right.
I hope everyone reads "Rebuilding America's Defenses" published at www.newamericancentury.org Page 62 or there abouts.

[Jim Treacher]

Can't wait to hear the probie's fascinating theories on the moon landing.

[Ken]

There are now over 560 registered Architects and Engineers that support the science proving controlled demolitions of all 3 buildings.
In addition, there is now a HUGE perponderance of data supporting government involement. The was on terror is a lie.
http://www.ae911truth.org/

[ewing2001]

the complete 'story', ignored by planehuggers : "9/11 "EuroSpace Outside Job" http://tinyurl.com/eurospaceoutsidejob