Collection: kubrick`s darkroom

kubrick`s darkroom - series from 2002-2004
christian blau
The loss of individual freedoms after the attacks of
9.11. 2001, related to Stanley Kubrick films

On September 9, 2001, I flew to New York City to set up an exhibition for my pregnant
wife in a gallery there and to visit my contacts.
On September 11, I drove from my hotel in China Town with the subway
up Madison Ave to the gallery. When I got off the train and went to the
gallery, the world was a different one.
Nobody was there and I didn't understand what was going on.
When the gallery owners came in we went in and saw in real time on TV
how the second plane struck and the collapse of both towers.
On the street you could see the clouds of smoke on the horizon.
In the evening I went to walk 5 hours back to my hotel as there was no more traffic;
through 3 cordons, guarded by the military. At E Houston
Street I was "triggered" by a helper from the hotel on the last belt and escorted to the hotel.
"The City that never sleeps" slept for 4 days.
No newspapers - everything closed - frozen. Fighter jets flew in the sky.
My return flight for the 15th was canceled and after 14 days I finally got on a plane
and was able to see the new, shocking skyline of Manhattan through the cabin window ...

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But how would America take revenge for this attack?
A military reaction was to be expected.
I was no friend of George W. Bush and his political followers,
who at times led him.
"Your with us or against us" - Iraq War - Afghanistan - Guantanamo.

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President Bush's State of the Union Letter to Children
January 29, 2002

Dear Young Americans:

Since September 11, 2001, many of you have sent cards, letters, and drawings to
express your love for our great Nation and for the families of the victims.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with me .

I asked you to send a dollar to help the children of Afghanistan in October.
I was moved by the response of our children, and I was particularly touched by an
eight-year-old's desire to "help heal their hearts" by baking and selling heart-shaped
cookies to raise money for the Afghan children. More than $ 2 million has been
raised so far, and the first shipment of tents, clothing, and school supplies arrived
in Afghanistan in December. Thank you for your efforts to help those in need.
I am proud of you.

The events of last September have reminded us of the value of the things that
matter most in life:
our faith , our love for family and friends , and our Nation's freedoms .

I particularly want you to understand that the war we are fighting against terrorism
is about your future, and the future of our country. We fight to protect America,
so that you and other young Americans can pursue your dreams and grow up in
peace and freedom. We fight for all freedom-loving people throughout the world.

I recently gave my State of the Union message to Congress, and this is my message
to you: Work hard . Read . Make the right choices , and follow your dreams .
Mrs. Bush joins me in sending our warmest wishes to you, your family, and friends.
God bless you, and God bless America.

Sincerely,
George W. Bush


--------------- -------------------------------------------------- ---------------
President George W. Bush gave his State of the Union Address
to Congress on January 29, 2002.
The speech was broadcast on television and radio.
A replay of the speech is available on whitehouse.gov/stateoftheunion.