Thursday, August 03, 2006
Why We Fight (2005)
I thought I should mention this brilliant piece of documentary I saw yesterday (on the internet no less). There is a good cast of people interviewed, from a struggling kid who recently lost his mother believing that joining the army will solve his financial problems, to a vengeful ex-police sergeant who lost his son on 9/11, and politicians such as Senator John McCain. The documentary seeks a cross section of public opinion as to why Americans fight. It maticulously explores her history of violence since the 60's when America developed the Military-Industial Complex, a term coined by then-president Eisenhower. Eisenhower oversaw the development of this vast military power during the Cold War, but at the end of his second term as president, and when the threats of the Cold War had passed, he had warned of the perils of such power:
The documentary also brings to light important questions about how public opinion is manipulated, lies have been dispensed in every war involving America since the 60's and the question of censorship, as evident already from one of my favourite reads. It reveals a much deeper betrayal of the people in power and legalised corruption that has allowed the exploitation of 9/11.
I thought I should mention this brilliant piece of documentary I saw yesterday (on the internet no less). There is a good cast of people interviewed, from a struggling kid who recently lost his mother believing that joining the army will solve his financial problems, to a vengeful ex-police sergeant who lost his son on 9/11, and politicians such as Senator John McCain. The documentary seeks a cross section of public opinion as to why Americans fight. It maticulously explores her history of violence since the 60's when America developed the Military-Industial Complex, a term coined by then-president Eisenhower. Eisenhower oversaw the development of this vast military power during the Cold War, but at the end of his second term as president, and when the threats of the Cold War had passed, he had warned of the perils of such power:A vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction...
This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence — economic, political, even spiritual — is felt in every city, every statehouse, every office of the federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society.
In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals so that security and liberty may prosper together.
The documentary also brings to light important questions about how public opinion is manipulated, lies have been dispensed in every war involving America since the 60's and the question of censorship, as evident already from one of my favourite reads. It reveals a much deeper betrayal of the people in power and legalised corruption that has allowed the exploitation of 9/11.
.jpg)
