WHY WE FIGHT on CBC

[kach22i]

The documentary "Why We Fight" was on CBC last night. I missed the first 20 minutes, but I can say it was great viewing.

Link:
http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/whywefight.html

Inspired by Dwight Eisenhower's legendary farewell speech, filmmaker Jarecki surveys the scorched landscape of a half-century's military adventures, asking how, and revealing why he believes that the nation of, by, and for the people has become the savings-and-loan of a system whose survival depends on a state of constant war. Jarecki explores the gap between perception and reality, and is concerned not only with the viewpoint of Americans, but also with the perspective of those on the receiving end, the Iraqis.

[jluetjen]

And I was nausious after sitting through Michael Moore's silly film!

Now this? "Why we fight" was (if my memory is correct) a series of films made during the WWII describing why the U.S. went to the trouble of helping the rest of the world out of it's funk. It was followed by the Marshall Plan, and ultimately outspending the USSR (a largely bloodless war considering what had gone before it) which brought down the Berlin wall and improved the lives of many people Eastern Europe, Japan, the Asia-Pacific rim and elsewhere.

This new film of the same title sounds like a farce compared to the original. Did they back it up with "An Inconvenient Truth" by Al Gore???

Radical Islamist (funded and supported by many -- but not all -- in the Mid-East) attacked the US directly and killed more people then the Japanese did at Pearl Harbor. So far, the source of the attack (Afghanistan) has had it's government replaced initially by force, and then by popular vote. Then one of the most unstable supporters of violence in the Mid-East (Saddam) was removed from power and is being put on trial in his own country. Unfortunately, there are still real enemies (Syria and Iran) intact and causing trouble. Vast amounts of money are also still flowing from other Mid-East countries to support groups like Hezbolla and the Sunni's insergents in Iraq. Both groups are completely dominated by hate -- Hate for Isreal, Hate for the US, and in the case of the Sunni's in Iraq -- hate for the Shi'as. Has the war against these groups been 100% successful. Of course not, but progress does appear to be happening.

If you prefer their form of government or society, you're only the cost of an airline ticket away.

[Jeff Higgins]

Produced by the CBC. Wouldn't it be more appropriately titled "Why THEY Fight"?

[kach22i]

Originally posted by Jeff Higgins
Produced by the CBC. Wouldn't it be more appropriately titled "Why THEY Fight"?

Dang that's such a snappy and funny statement I'll have to give something to you?

But what?

How about a Bach high five?

[TheMentat]

Personally, I think the movie spent too much time belabouring the Iraq conflict. The movie addressed alot of VERY important issues that both sides of the political spectrum should agree with. Unfortunately, the filmmakers alienated half of the viewership by devoting so much time to such a politically divisive issue.

[Jeff Higgins]

So which one is you and which one is me?

[creaturecat]

Originally posted by Jeff Higgins
Produced by the CBC. Wouldn't it be more appropriately titled "Why THEY Fight"?

Shows how little you know. Ignorance is bliss. You must be very blissful.

Perhaps you should Google "Vimy Ridge" or perhaps "Dieppe".

Maybe you could check up on Afghanistan - where Canadians are giving there lives right now.

I expect that an apology is forthcoming - whenever your "blissful" period ends.

Canada- not in Iraq? - most of your country wished it had done the same.
Unfortunately your so called "leader" was blissfully unaware, as well.

[steve185]

Originally posted by Jeff Higgins
Produced by the CBC. Wouldn't it be more appropriately titled "Why THEY Fight"?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey Jeff

Canadians were in WW1 two years before you, WW11 two years previous to the USA. Our forces are presenty in Afghanastan with casualties returning home weekly ( isn't that where Bin Laden is ?).
One should know what he is talking about before he makes a statment on such an important subject.

[Dennis Kalma]

Just be careful....up to recent months (dare I thank the Conservative government?), all of our military stuff was history.....so there is a point that in recent years Canada had not been living up to its historical strength in war.

I am glad to see that Canada is pulling its international weight now, even though I grieve with every casualty.....it may even cause me to admit I am a Canadian citizen, salute the flag and sing the national anthem. I was too embarrassed to do any of those things after our shameful response to 9/11.....

Dennis

[Jeff Higgins]

From the article:

Just why does America fight? Acclaimed filmmaker Eugene Jarecki, (The Trials of Henry Kissinger) creates a sense of urgency and moves beyond the headlines to uncover the deeper answers behind the American war machine in WHY WE FIGHT - Winner of the Documentary Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2005.

Before you Caunucks get you panties all in twist, try something completely different. READ THE ******* ARTICLE. A couple of quotes, for the third time, in case you missed it the first two times: "Just why does AMERICA fight?" (Emphasis added.) "...the deeper answers behind the AMERICAN war machine..." (Emphasis added again.) I never even implied that Canada has not fought in the past. I never even implied that Canada is not fighting now. I simply pointed out that a Canadian filmaker made a movie about the U.S. called "Why WE Fight" (empasis added again). Since he is talking about a foreign country, it would be more appropriate to have used "they" rather than "we". There was no more to it than that, real or implied.

Canada has every reason to be proud. Well, maybe except for you clowns. They have fought valiantly every time they have been called upon in the past. It's never even your fight, but you go in willingly, without complaint, and yes, at times, first. I would never minimize that. Just what in the hell in my statement ever made you lot think I was? Geez...

Maybe you folks have a raw nerve I inadvertantly touched? I'm sorry if you feel that way, but that was certainly never my intent. Pretty innocent statement to be hammered on by the cheesehead brigade. Of course, creature cat led the charge, so maybe the other two of you just innocently (mindlessly?) followed. If so, don't follow that guy, he'll lead you right over the edge.

So once again, cat, I find myself imploring you to put down the bong, and end your "blissfull" BC bud induced stupor before posting. You flew off the handle for absolutely no reason; I though that stuff was supposed to mellow you out?

[Moneyguy1]

Jeff...

You are being a bit harsh. Lighten up on our northern neighbors. We may someday need their assistance again. (Hint.....look up June 6, 1944)

Geeeez...even allies can't seem to get it together.......

[Jeff Higgins]

You are right Bob, that was a bit harsh. My appologies to our three Canadian friends.

[fintstone]

Originally posted by steve185
... Our forces are presenty in Afghanastan with casualties returning home weekly ( isn't that where Bin Laden is ?).
One should know what he is talking about before he makes a statment on such an important subject.

If you guys know where Bin Laden is...why the heck don't you capture him....or at least tell someone that will?

Afghanistan is like Iraq-lite. Friends help out anywhere they are needed...not just where it not so difficult.

[RoninLB]

if anybody wants a site for a 2min vid of thekidfrombrooklyn discussing his thoughts of the Israeli conflict I'll send it. His demeanor is along Jackie Gleason with a dirty mouth and attitude.

hit profile tab below and send me an e-mail with 911 or something in the header I'll recognize.

[Jim Bremner]

Do you wacky "canuks stil use FAL's ?

I'ld love to have one of 'em for my own

[steve185]

[Quote]
Afghanistan is like Iraq-lite. Friends help out anywhere they are needed...not just where it not so difficult.

Fintstone
After 9/11 it was thought that Bin Laden was in Afghanistan and was being aided by the Taliban. Right now I think it is belived that Bin Laden is somewhere along the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Canadian Government reacted by sending our troops to Afghanistan where they are fighting the taliban. Like your troops in Iraq we have wounded and killed steadily returning to Canada.( I'm sure they don't think it's Iraq lite or easy going) Canada is just as determined to fight terrorism as the United States, we didn't see Iraq as being a large part of the problem at that time.

The United States and Canada have a long history of being friends and helping each other. In the rapidly changing world I am sure the need for this friendship will be stronger. I am sure that if there had been a strong need to be in Iraq we would be there. I recall that the reason for invading Iraq was the belief that they possessed weapons of mass destruction. Our governemnt did not buy into that idea and it turns out there were no weapons. I don't think there has ever been a connection between the Taliban / Bin Laden and Iraq. I wish that the resources the United States put into Iraq were instead used to fight the Taliban and capture Bin Laden.

Canada gets a steady stream of American news and we know the war in Iraq is rough going and our thoughts are with you and hope your troops are home soon.
Steve

[kach22i]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by steve185

Canada is just as determined to fight terrorism as the United States, we didn't see Iraq as being a large part of the problem at that time.

Oh come on, you just didn't have your own version of "Office of Special Plans" admit it.

Link:
http://www.antiwar.com/orig/leopold11.html

A half-dozen former CIA agents investigating prewar intelligence have found that a secret Pentagon committee, set up by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in October 2001, manipulated reams of intelligence information prepared by the spy agency on the so-called Iraqi threat and then delivered it to top White House officials who used it to win support for a war in Iraq.

Much more here, just pick your own if you don't like the link above.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&safe=off&q=rumsfeld+special+plans+pentagon&btnG=Search

[Tobra]

Originally posted by Jeff Higgins
So which one is you and which one is me?

Which one of you is a fiddler?

I missed that show, too bad. Saw the original one though, very interesting.

I have way more than 3 Canadian friends, and that is just me

[fintstone]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by steve185

After 9/11 it was thought that Bin Laden was in Afghanistan and was being aided by the Taliban. Right now I think it is belived that Bin Laden is somewhere along the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Canadian Government reacted by sending our troops to Afghanistan where they are fighting the taliban. ...

First of all, if we had any idea where Bin laden is buried...we would certainly be there in force...however that is not the case...

Athough we certainly appreciate any help, you must realize the difference in commitment. You make it sound like Canada is fighting alone in Afghanistan and we are somehow AWOL. Canada has approximately 2300 troops in Afghanistan and has lost 27. We have lost more than 10 times as many there (328). Heck, we have had more than 140,000 female troops in Afghanistan or Iraq since Sep 11, 2001. We have had more of our troops killed in Iraq (2610) than Canadians serving in Afghanistan (2300).

Although there are clearly some brave Canucks serving alongside our troops (and we appreciate it)...most Canadian posters come here to insult the US. I rarely see a supportive post (two in this thread must be a record...thanks Steve and Dennis). We could just as easily post articles here like the following which puts your military in a bad light...but we do not....war is complicated and difficult:

Canadian troops kill Afghan police officer, injure six others

Donald McArthur
CanWest News Service
Saturday, August 26, 2006

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- Canadian troops shot and killed an Afghan national police officer and injured four others Saturday and then shot and injured two other officers riding a scooter 40 minutes later in an incident reminiscent of the fatal shooting of a young Afghan boy by a Canadian soldier Tuesday.....

[steve185]

Fintstone
I don't think you want to start arguing about military mistakes.
Steve