Recently, a friend of mine saw the movie "American Sniper". She complained after seeing this Clint Eastwood epic that it left her depressed. This observation created a firestorm of comment from her "friends" about the "rightness" or "wrongness" of THIS war.
The thread of the conversation continued in the vein that the movie was not entertaining at all and that the "fault" of the war was that of President George W. Bush. Apparently, he started this war, so it's his fault. There was also blame place at the feet of the current President which caused more firestorm.
This reminds me of those folks during the Second Wold War who referred to the conflict as "Mr. Roosevelt's" war. I will not go into the historical record nor debate the policies of an Administration, long out of power. As I will not debate who's war the conflict in Iraq/Afghanistan is/was.
The responsibility for the conflict, at this point is not the relevant issue. Actually, that is for history to judge. This war and any military conflict was not embarked upon for the entertainment of the people. In this case, by entertainment; I am speaking of the elitist, sudo-intelligent, think tank sort of discussion you would find in the wealthier households in any large city cocktail party. (Pinkies up, please.)
You see, the problem is simple. These intellectual snobs think that by discussing who is responsible for a world problem (as long as it's not the party they belong to) they are somehow aiding in it's solution. In fact, they not only detract from any real solutions, they have no real world answers.
These "Think tank liberals" fail to understand one central issue about war and armed conflict. It is NOT they or the politicians who bear the burden of war. Sure, they will see the casualties returning home in the flag draped caskets. Honor guards salute as flags wave and politicians look somber. They will say "Isn't that a nice tribute?" or "Oh, that's such a shame." But, it's all talk. In real terms they do nothing to help.
Oh, certainly, they will thank a member of the Armed Forces for their service. But, it's done mostly out of political correctness. On September 10, 2001 no one said "Thank you for your service." to military personnel as a matter of routine.
I personally did not see and do not plan on seeing "American Sniper." I've seen friends perish in the service. I've seen the destruction of war. I do understand that the movie is graphic. Good. And if it depresses people, even better. War should be depressing. It should be depicted as terrifying. It is that! I know to many mothers who lived on pins and needles for 6 or 9 or 12 months while their child was deployed to the combat zone.
All during my Naval career, my mother told me that she was worried every day I was deployed. Try living in fear of the telephone ringing. Live in fear of the unexpected knock at the door. I know countless families who have had that experience. Ask them if war is depressing. Trust me, they don't care who started the war. They are well familiar with who had to fight it. Most continue to fight it from their homes today.
War, to the Soldier, Sailor, Airmen or Marine who must fight it is not geopolitical theory. Leave that to the college professors. Talk is cheap. The brave men and women who march, fly or sail into harm's way do not need to discuss the ramifications of war on the social structure of a society. They live it and are transformed by it. Unfortunately, to many never recover.
I'm not only talking about the wounds we can see. If a person is killed, it is easy to see the result. We have all seen the ceremony. If a person is maimed, we can see that too. But, there are THOUSANDS who return with TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) which is a wound you don't see but you can take my word for it, the service member feels every day along with his family.
We've all heard the term PTSD, POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER. This illness has symptoms which can be as mild as slight difficulty sleeping to suicide! Everything in between is what our Veterans must contend with.
So, no. I will not go see this movie because of my own reasons. I would leave the theater in tears. I just wish that those who want to blame anyone for the war and feel they are so helpful to our society because of their indignation would realize who pays the toll for their conversation.
Always remember the words of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. "Above all others, it is the Soldier who prays for PEACE. For he must bear the burden and pay the price for war."
It's not an entertainment. It's real and it has consequences in the real world. I'm glad the movie depressed my friend. It should have.
Hopefully, my next blog will be more upbeat.
As always...
No comments:
Post a Comment