American Sniper... Who's seen it?

[BeyGon]

I haven't seen what Moore and Rogen have had to say about obaama's drones killing so many people. Collateral damage and such. From a thousand miles away behind a desk. I am sure it was something worthwhile.

[Rick Lee]

I have nothing but respect for Kyle's work in the field and after he got out. Protecting our troops in the field is work everyone can feel good about. But it's a bit of a stretch to say any of the bad guys in Iraq were a threat to our way of life. As Kyle said in the movie, evil was definitely there. But I just don't see how killing jihadis in the sandbox, as richly as they deserved their fate, was protecting our Constitutional rights. The greatest threat to our rights and way of life is (by far) our own gov't. and dumbed-down electorate. But that's another thread.

[javadog]

I'd rather kill a jihadist in his little sandbox, before he gets on a plane, comes to America, kills Americans, then gets captured, tried, convicted and 3 free squares a day at my expense.

You don't want the war to be fought here. The conflict will go on, it's just a matter of where and when. Since those worthless ****ers started it, I say take it to them.

JR

[TGTIW]

To Rick's point above, I believe evidence has it that those worthless ****ers in Iraq didn't actually start it..

[speeder]

I posted this before the film was released but my good friend wrote this and another friend produced it. Both are riding a wave right now that is pretty freaking unbelievable, Jason may very well win the Oscar for adapted screenplay. Whatever you think of the movie, it's a great adapted script.

Five years ago, I was doing some work on his house and every time I walked past the room he used as an office, he was sitting there with his head in his hands, staring at his laptop. Not typing, just staring. Sometimes an hour or two would pass and he hadn't moved. Writing is just grueling, tortuous work, IMO. I lose my mind when I try it, I need to be moving and using hand tools.

He has a wife, 3 small children and a Los Angeles mortgage plus a leased Chevy Tahoe. The most he'd ever done before this was some crap movie with Ashton Kutcher. He optioned the film rights for Chris's book and was working on it with him when Chris was murdered. They were texting each other up to almost the minute it happened. When that occurred, he was left to work with Taya, (Chris's widow), and decided to shift the focus of the story somewhat to their relationship and the cost soldiers and sailors pay in personal terms when deployed to far away locales in harm's way. The result was a pretty amazing script.

There are a bunch of other interesting stories about Jason hanging out with Chris and his SEAL team buddies, who of course did not trust or accept an outsider, much less a Hollywood writer. At one point, he challenged one of them to wrestle on a cement pool deck and won, that went a long ways towards warming things. How were they to know that he was an all-state wrestler in HS? And CA is a big state.

Anyhow, I respect that people have divergent opinions about Chris Kyle and the film. He was a complicated person with some questionable qualities but he believed in what he was doing all the way. I think that he was someone whose views may have evolved on certain things had he lived, but we'll never know now. The film is doing big business, that's for sure.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by TGTIW

To Rick's point above, I believe evidence has it that those worthless ****ers in Iraq didn't actually start it..

It depends on what era you are talking about. I'm thinking of recent times, where the players are different than Bush vs. Saddam, part 1. But, by all means, go ahead and ignore them now. See how that works for you in the next 20 years.

Let's try and keep this to a discussion about Clint's film, or the book.

JR

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by nostatic

For those who went to the movie, have you done anything to improve the plight of returning Warfighters? Do you volunteer at your local VA? Support research into treating and preventing PTS? Donate to any of the charities that support Vets?

I am thankful that the movie raises awareness of the struggles that returning Warfighters face.

According to AIP, these are legit charities that support Vets:

Army Emergency Relief Fund (A+)
Air Force Aid Society (A+)
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (A+)
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (A+)
Fisher House Foundaton (A+)
Armed Services YMCA of the USA (A-)
National Military Family Association (A)
Homes For Our Troops A
Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America A–
Operation Homefront – N.O. A
Semper Fi Fund / Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund

One of my colleague's is very involved in the Semper Fi Fund. Highly recommended.

Another to add is Project Healing Waters: Project Healing Waters > Home
It may not seem like much, but when dealing with stress and loss, a day on the water really lifts these guys spirits. It's a lot of fun.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by TGTIW

To Rick's point above, I believe evidence has it that those worthless ****ers in Iraq didn't actually start it..

I read the book and saw the movie and can't recall Kyle shooting any regular Iraqi military personnel. All his targets wore civilian clothes and most were foreign fighters. As far as who started it, sure, we invaded, but there was plenty of history before that which led up to the invasion. (Iraq invaded Kuwait and was never in compliance with the cease fire agreement.) The Iraqi military was totally defeated in a matter of days. What came thereafter I wouldn't blame on the US. We didn't invite foreign fighters to Iraq in search of jihad. But it's not really a bad thing that AQ decided to continue the fight in Iraq, where we could kill more of them in one place. I just don't think Zarqawi and his ilk were ever going to really carry out a terrorist attack on US soil. Sure, it's good we took him out and as many of his followers as we could. But none of that was defending our rights or way of life all the way over here.

[javadog]

The problem comes when the fight is centered here and all of our freedoms that we take for granted give the advantage to the bad guys, since they don't give a flying **** about rules, laws, rights or human life. We'll be trying to fight them with one hand behind our back, since we can't operate on the same level they do. And, we'll be fighting with our police, not out military, and that is not in our favor either. If you don't think at some point we will be forced to re-consider some of our rights, in order to protect the populace, then maybe you should look at recent developments in other Western countries. That's what I'm talking about.

Clint's movie isn't really a traditional war movie. It's a study in human nature; about individuals and their relationships. It's intended to make you think, not to pick a side about the conflict in the background. Had Spielberg directed it, i think it would have been a more traditional war movie.

And, by the way, I think the wrestling match was with a Texas Ranger, not a SEAL. FWIW...

JR

[Crowbob]

Me thinks those who say the battle is not here misunderestimates the enemy.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by speeder

I posted this before the film was released but my good friend wrote this and another friend produced it. Both are riding a wave right now that is pretty freaking unbelievable, Jason may very well win the Oscar for adapted screenplay. Whatever you think of the movie, it's a great adapted script.

Five years ago, I was doing some work on his house and every time I walked past the room he used as an office, he was sitting there with his head in his hands, staring at his laptop. Not typing, just staring. Sometimes an hour or two would pass and he hadn't moved. Writing is just grueling, tortuous work, IMO. I lose my mind when I try it, I need to be moving and using hand tools.

He has a wife, 3 small children and a Los Angeles mortgage plus a leased Chevy Tahoe. The most he'd ever done before this was some crap movie with Ashton Kutcher. He optioned the film rights for Chris's book and was working on it with him when Chris was murdered. They were texting each other up to almost the minute it happened. When that occurred, he was left to work with Taya, (Chris's widow), and decided to shift the focus of the story somewhat to their relationship and the cost soldiers and sailors pay in personal terms when deployed to far away locales in harm's way. The result was a pretty amazing script.

There are a bunch of other interesting stories about Jason hanging out with Chris and his SEAL team buddies, who of course did not trust or accept an outsider, much less a Hollywood writer. At one point, he challenged one of them to wrestle on a cement pool deck and won, that went a long ways towards warming things. How were they to know that he was an all-state wrestler in HS? And CA is a big state.

Anyhow, I respect that people have divergent opinions about Chris Kyle and the film. He was a complicated person with some questionable qualities but he believed in what he was doing all the way. I think that he was someone whose views may have evolved on certain things had he lived, but we'll never know now. The film is doing big business, that's for sure.

Thanks for posting this Denis. It's always interesting and ads value when we get more of the back ground story.

And I'm glad this movie is very successful and getting the recognition it deserves because our service people benefit from it.

[speeder]

Just heard on NPR that it has passed the $200 million mark already and is on pace to be the highest-grossing war movie of all time. Wow.

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by DavidI

I read the book, watched interviews, and saw the movie. I thought all were outstanding. I am fascinated by the warriors who are able and willing to do what most of us cannot. It pisses me off that the scumbag who killed Chris still walks the earth.

Godspeed Chris!

.
Ditto!

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

The final scene where he playfully points the revolver at his wife is pretty hard to believe.

.
My woman, who watched it for the second time with me (my first), thought it was believable, humorous, and sexy. But then she's unafraid of firearms and likes to shoot.
~~~~~`

Originally Posted by nvr2mny

Not a word was spoken by the audience after credits rolled. All walked out in silence. Eastwood did another great job IMHO.

.
Same in my theater. It was funereal. Dead silence...not a murmur!
Big wide screen theater...several hundred viewers.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by Don Ro

My woman, who watched it for the second time with me (my first), thought it was believable, humorous, and sexy. But then she's unafraid of firearms and likes to shoot.

I'm unafraid of firearms too and can't imagine coming close to muzzle-sweeping my wife with even a toy gun. Could not even think of doing it. I can't believe that scene ever happened. With a toy, maybe. With a real wheel gun, never ever.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by nostatic

For those who went to the movie, have you done anything to improve the plight of returning Warfighters? Do you volunteer at your local VA? Support research into treating and preventing PTS? Donate to any of the charities that support Vets?

I am thankful that the movie raises awareness of the struggles that returning Warfighters face.

According to AIP, these are legit charities that support Vets:

Army Emergency Relief Fund (A+)
Air Force Aid Society (A+)
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (A+)
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (A+)
Fisher House Foundaton (A+)
Armed Services YMCA of the USA (A-)
National Military Family Association (A)
Homes For Our Troops A
Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America A–
Operation Homefront – N.O. A
Semper Fi Fund / Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund

One of my colleague's is very involved in the Semper Fi Fund. Highly recommended.

Actually yes, and have for years, time & money.
Just spending time listening to these brave service people (the ones who want to talk) goes a long way as well.

[Rusty914s]

Great story but poor execution. They should have gotten the people that made zero dark 30 or hurt locker to make the movie. Disjointed as hell.

I know that the character that was portrayed in the movie was a bleached version of the real sniper and I care little, it's just a movie.

[Craig]

I received this email and thought it appropriate to post it here. Must have been from someone close to the family, do not know who. I am posting it exactly as I got it, no edits.
Craig


Chris Kyle died February 2, 2013 at the age of 39.

This is well worth the time to read...will make everyone proud of TEXAS and its people!

As you know the movie has just been released about CHRIS KYLE .
Many of you may not be familiar with our TEXAS HERO !

Please read this about his funeral.

You may want to see the movie.

TEXAS GOODBYE

This is why America will remain strong . We take care of our own as well as others who may not deserve taking care of. I just wanted to share with you all that out of a horrible tragedy we were blessed by so many people.

Chris Kyle was Derek's teammate through 10 years of training and battle. They both suffer/suffered from PTSD to some extent and took great care of each other because of it.

2006 in Ramadi was horrible for young men that never had any more aggressive physical contact with another human than on a Texas football field.

They lost many friends. Chris became the armed services number #1 sniper of all time. Not something he was happy about, other than the fact that in so doing, he saved a lot of American lives.

Three years ago, his wife Taya asked him to leave the SEAL teams as he had a huge bounty on his head by Al Qaeda. He did and wrote the book "The American Sniper." 100% of the proceeds from the book went to two of the SEAL families who had lost their sons in Iraq .

That was the kind of guy Chris was. He formed a company in Dallas to train military, police and I think firemen as far as protecting themselves in difficult situations. He also formed a foundation to work with military people suffering from PTSD. Chris was a giver not a taker.

He, along with a friend and neighbor, Chad Littlefield, were murdered trying to help a young man that had served six months in Iraq and claimed to have PTSD.

Now I need to tell you about all of the blessings.

Southwest Airlines flew in any SEAL and their family from any airport they flew into
... free of charge.

The employees donated buddy passes and one lady worked for four days without much of a break to see that it happened.

Volunteers were at both airports in Dallas to drive them to the hotel.

The Marriott Hotel reduced their rates to $45 a night and cleared the hotel for only SEALs and family.

The Midlothian, TX Police Department paid the $45 a night for each room. I would guess there were about 200 people staying at the hotel, 100 of them were SEALs. Two large buses were chartered (an unknown donor paid the bill) to transport people to the different events and they also had a few rental cars (donated). The police and secret service were on duty 24 hours during the stay at our hotel.

At the Kyle house, the Texas DPS parked a large motor home in front to block the view from reporters. It remained there the entire five days for the SEALs to congregate in and all to use the restroom so as not to have to go in the house. Taya, their two small children and both sets of parents were staying in the home.

Only a hand full of SEALs went into the home as they had different duties and meetings were held sometimes on a hourly basis. It was a huge coordination of many different events and security. Derek was assigned to be a Pall Bearer, to escort Chris' body when it was transferred from the Midlothian Funeral Home to the Arlington Funeral Home, and to be with Taya. A tough job.

Taya seldom came out of her bedroom. The house was full with people from the church and other family members that would come each day to help. I spent one morning in a bedroom with Chris’ mom and the next morning with Chad Littlefield's parents (the other man murdered with Chris). A tough job.

George W Bush and his wife Laura met and talked to everyone on the Seal Team one on one. They went behind closed doors with Taya for quite a while. They had prayer with us all. You can tell when people were sincere and caring

Nolan Ryan sent his cooking team, a huge grill and lots of steaks, chicken and hamburgers. They set up in the front yard and fed people all day long including the 200 SEALs and their families. The next day a local BBQ restaurant set up a buffet in front of the house and fed all once again. Food was plentiful and all were taken care of. The family's church kept those inside the house well fed.

Jerry Jones, the man everyone loves to hate, was a rock star. He made sure that we all were taken care of. His wife and he were just making sure everyone was taken care of….Class... He donated the use of Cowboy Stadium for the services as it was determined that so many wanted to attend.

The charter buses transported us to the stadium on Monday at 10:30 am. Every car, bus, motorcycle was searched with bomb dogs and police. I am not sure if kooks were making threats trying to make a name for themselves or if so many SEALs in one place was a security risk, I don't know. We willingly obliged. No purses went into the stadium!

We were taken to The Legends room high up and a large buffet was available. That was for about 300 people. We were growing.

A Medal of Honor recipient was there, lots of secret service and police and Sarah Palin and her husband. She looked nice, this was a very formal military service.

The service started at 1:00 pm and when we were escorted onto the field I was shocked. We heard that about 10,000 people had come to attend also. They were seated in the stadium seats behind us. It was a beautiful and emotional service.

The Bagpipe and drum corps were wonderful and the Texas A&M men's choir stood through the entire service and sang right at the end. We were all in tears.

The next day was the 200-mile procession from Midlothian, TX to Austin for burial. It was a cold, drizzly, windy day, but the people were out. We had dozens of police motorcycles riders, freedom riders, five chartered buses and lots of cars. You had to have a pass to be in the procession and still it was huge. Two helicopters circled the procession with snipers sitting out the side door for protection. It was the longest funeral procession ever in the state of Texas. People were everywhere. The entire route was shut down ahead of us, the people were lined up on the side of the road the entire way. Firemen were down on one knee, police officers were holding their hats over their hearts, children waving flags, veterans saluting as we went by. Every bridge had fire trucks with large flags displayed from their tall ladders, people all along the entire 200 miles were standing in the cold weather. It was so heartwarming. Taya rode in the hearse with Chris' body so Derek rode the route with us. I was so grateful to have that time with him.

The service was at Texas National Cemetery. Very few are buried there and you have to apply to get in. It is like people from the Civil War, Medal of Honor winners, a few from the Alamo and all the historical people of Texas. It was a nice service and the Freedom Riders surrounded the outside of the entire cemetery to keep the crazy church people from Kansas that protest at military funerals away from us.

Each SEAL put his Trident (metal SEAL badge) on the top of Chris' casket, one at a time. A lot hit it in with one blow. Derek was the only one to take four taps to put his in and it was almost like he was caressing it as he did it. Another tearful moment.

After the service Governor Rick Perry and his wife, Anita, invited us to the governor's mansion. She stood at the door, greeted each of us individually, and gave each of the SEALs a coin of Texas. She was a sincere, compassionate, and gracious hostess.

We were able to tour the ground floor and then went into the garden for beverages and BBQ. So many of the Seal team guys said that after they get out they are moving to Texas. They remarked that they had never felt so much love and hospitality. The charter buses then took the guys to the airport to catch their returning flights. Derek just now called and after a 20 hours flight he is back in his spot, in a dangerous land on the other side of the world, protecting America.

We just wanted to share with you, the events of a quite emotional, but blessed week.


To this day, no one in the White House has ever acknowledged Chris Kyle.

However, the President can call some sport person and congratulate him on announcing to the world that he is gay? What the hell is happening to our society, our honor and our pride??

[Rusty914s]

^^^ They forgot, "If you don’t forward this entry to ten of your closest friends in the next ten minutes, the Obamas will come to your next birthday party."

[vash]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

I'm unafraid of firearms too and can't imagine coming close to muzzle-sweeping my wife with even a toy gun. Could not even think of doing it. I can't believe that scene ever happened. With a toy, maybe. With a real wheel gun, never ever.

agreed. i'm not afraid of firearms either. but i'm well versed in those gun rules you find in every handbook. i cringed when he aimed that thing at his hot wife...it's a normal reaction in me. i remember a neighbors kid showing me his dad's gun..first move? aimed it at me..i was maybe 9 years old..i motored out of there, hopped on my bigwheel and pedaled for safety

real firearms are not toys. ever.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by Rusty914s

^^^ They forgot, "If you don’t forward this entry to ten of your closest friends in the next ten minutes, the Obamas will come to your next birthday party."

Wow. Do you have to practice being a dick or does it just come naturally?