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By Christopher Chambers

As you fanboys and girls know, Nat and Mrs. Nat were going to the opening event and Nat was going to interview the Cohens, mine the thoughts of the VIP guests. Speak to the young actors portraying these young heroes, themselves murdered by enablers, just as Steven Johns, a young black man, was murdered (n.b., I wonder what those young Israeli pub-hoopers who ridiculed Barack Obama on video would say about a black man dying to protect the Holocaust Museum?). Note I didnt say murdered by cartoon/Hollywood Nazis & Klansmen. Or today by James Van Bruun–a member of our so-called “Greatest Generation” (n.b. the same ones who returned home from WWII to fight integration in the 50s, murder Freedom Riders and little girls in churches in the 60s). Since Obama’s election, we’ve seen the rage, the lunacy. From churches shot up by people distraught over gays/blacks and gun control, to Dr. Tiller. Cops and innocents shot and maimed by rightwing cretins in Alabama, in Pittsburgh. And all the while, the Michelle Bachmans, the Palins, the Hannitys, the Newts…the Limbaughs…the moronic Glenn Becks…the rightwing preachers, the Focus on the Families…the Janet Parshalls and dozens of bloggers, fellow travelers have railed, cursed, egged, sneered, whispered, gossiped… …enablers. And that’s who these two teenagers think of, when they share their pain. The people who looked the other way, or gave tacit approval. The people who said it wasn’t their business, or served “those people” right. Or said the fearful were overreacting or swayed by outside agitators, etc. The people who benefitted from the oppression, for two years or two centuries, or who were cowards and knew better. And the ones who stirred the pot, bring what was simmering to a boil. That’s the evil Janet going to bring to life tonight, through two youngsters who are allegory for what’s right and wrong about us as humans. Here’s the press release: For Immediate Release:Washington, D.C. – June 10, 2009Contact: Terrie M. Williams, 212.316.0305/tmwms@terriewilliams.com orDanette Wills, 917.474.4348/danettewills@yahoo.comwww.anneandemmett.net. Mrs. Janet Langhart Cohen and Mr. William S. Cohen are available for limited interviews.

STATEMENT REGARDING SHOOTING TODAY AT U.S. HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Former Defense Secretary William S. Cohen and Janet Langhart Cohen

Former Defense Secretary William S. Cohen and Janet Langhart Cohen are deeply saddened by the horrific shootings that occurred this afternoon at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, a sacred memorial to the millions of victims of the Holocaust. They offer their sincerest condolences to the victims and families of today’s tragedy.
Secretary Cohen was 30 feet away from where the shots were fired. Mrs. Cohen was in transit to the final rehearsal of her play, Anne and Emmett, at the time of the shooting, but was unable to enter the building upon her arrival. Staff, actors, and crew in the building at the time of the shootings were moved to a secure area and are safe.
For security reasons, tonight’s debut performance of Anne and Emmett at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has been cancelled. Every attempt will be made to reschedule a performance of at the Museum at a later date.
Anne and Emmett will be performed at George Washington University’s Jack Morton Auditorium as scheduled on Friday, June 12 at 7 p.m. The play is sold out. By presenting the play to the public on Anne Frank’s birthday, June 12th, we offer both a time of reflection and remembrance for all in attendance.
In one accord, the Cohen’s and all of tonight’s invited guests offer their prayers to the victims, their concern for all staff and visitors at the museum during this tragedy, and their hopes for a safe and compassionate world.
Anne & Emmett is centered around an imaginary conversation between 14-year-old Anne Frank and 15-year-old Emmett Till. One was murdered because she was Jewish, the other because he was Black. These two teenagers were fatal victims of anti-Semitism and racism. The play explores the commonalities and parallels between their lives. This play will give all who view it an inside look at why it is so vital that the world learn more about genocide and how we can act to prevent it before it is too late. For more information about the play, please visit

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