I just returned from seeing the movie about Edward R. Murrow, CBS News, and the Joseph McCarthy hearings of the 1950s: Good Night And Good Luck.

I read books, articles, write a few, and go to the movies, to get my regular dose of inspiration.

If you tell me a story about someone who sticks to his beliefs, handles unpopularity to do so and perhaps battles persecution, youll get my attention, and usually my respect.

Good Night And Good Luck does it for me.

Here we see the backstage drama associated with countering one of the scariest and most destructive influences of the 20th century. But more significant, this is a parable for the ages.

Government, wherever situated, on our soil and off, is always defending its policies and furthering its aims by demanding the total allegiance of its citizenry. When debate is most needed, as it was during the 1950s, and at other times, especially on the brink of or smack in the middle of wars, it is most likely to be throttled.

People, naturally, want to keep their privileges, especially their jobs and lifestyles. Speaking out against the powerful is dangerous to ones wealth, health, and career.

But without the heroes who resist, who question authority, who force us to think twice about national decisions, who challenge us to to repudiate dangerous if not disastrous policies, all would be lost, including that which many of us only appreciate in its absence: the right to speak, write, assemble, worship and think, freely.

When I walked into the theater showing Good Night And Good Luck I did something I normally dont do. I sat, shoulder to shoulder, with the rest of the folks who were there.

We were the huddled masses to whom that the inscription on the Statue of Liberty is dedicated.

Lets not forget that every now and then, one of us has to stand up to tyranny.

In his day, Edward R. Murrow & Company did this very thing for us, and this film quite justifiably celebrates him.