Gordon Clay here. The highly successful First Friday Salon free film series will continue a week from Friday, September 7th when the HBO Films “Recount: The Story of the 2000 Presidential Election” will be shown starting promptly at 6pm at the Chetco Community Public Library. A discussion will follow the film.

Beginning on Election Day 2000 an culminating with the Supreme Court decision in Bush vs. Gore, this film follows the bizarre 36-day struggle to determine which candidate won Florida...and the presidency. While the nation holds its breath, the Republicans, led by charismatic Texan James Baker, battle the Democrats, headed up by Ron Klain, Gore's former chief of staff, in a series of escalating protests, lawsuits, appeals and partisan infighting.

There are details and personality involvements that even the most politically active person was probably not aware of, making it worth your time and attention. No matter how many hours you watched CNN or FOX News when this historical drama unfolded, you will learn things about the Florida recount that you did not know. It tackles a political subject, but that doesn't mean it takes a definite political stance--generally speaking, each side has equal say, and not surprisingly, each side makes valid and not-so-valid points. The result is an illuminating, entertaining look at the stranger-than-fiction story of the closest race in presidential history.

The First Friday Salon free film series is sponsored by TheCitizensWhoCare.org. Join us a week from tomorrow, won't you.