or so said one individual in the movie that i watched with dan f tonight, why we fight. i should note that the quoted person next said something to the effect of "and americans have not been vigilant," referring to their acquiescence in relation to an unjustified war in iraq. i had been wanting to watch the film for quite some time, and saw it in the movie store yesterday. a fascinating picture. i don't know if i liked it quite as much as errol morris' 'the fog of war', but it was close. it's centered around the exploration of the "military industrial complex" today in America, and what that means for war. it also explores parts of the formation of the iraq war.

it has a definite bias that's quite evident, but, well, how could you not have a bias when making a film about a topic like that. it is frightening to think of the incestuous relationship between the american government and the legion of defense contractors vying for her attention.

one of the most poignant moments in the film is when jarecki (the director) talks about different protests. pointing out the protests that went on all around the world when america began its offensive in iraq, and then showing footage of vigils the day after 9/11. thousands of people went to a vigil for the united states in tehran, iran the day after the world trade center went down. imagine. what an opportunity. what could have been done if instead of embracing more bloodshed the leaders of the greatest military the world has ever seen had instead decided to stay their broad and poorly aimed revenge?

the film ties several stories together - the stealth pilots who dropped the first bombs of the iraq war, a new recruit signing up, eisenhower's presidency and legacy, an immigrant from vietnam who now designs smart bombs for america, think tank head honchos, peace group leaders, and a man who had his son's name written a bomb destined for iraq to remember him (he died on 9/11). that last one, was really telling, especially the moment where he recounted watching the press conference where bush stated that sadam and the iraqi government had nothing to do with 9/11. his consternation was very telling.

that movie made me think very highly of eisenhower as well. has anyone ever read a good biography of him? if so, let me know.

"Modern weapons take food from the hungry and shelter from the homeless"
- President Eisenhower



also, today the pei canadian forces came to charlottetown. we (malcom, derrick and i) went because they were giving free helicopter rides. alas, i did not get a helicopter ride, but i did get to hear the army band. they were playing beatles tunes. hrm. i wonder what peace-loving john would have thought of that.