Quote:
Originally Posted by bomelia
... I was stunned watching this story. I hope some of you will take some time and go rent this and watch it. And then watch it again.
Mike
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I second that
I saw The Fog of War a few years back but over a year after it was first released.
It is an excellent piece of film making.
McNamara has a unique perspective on many events particularly the bombing of Japan and the Vietnam War.
As usual, a more balanced perspective comes with a bit of distance from the subject at hand.
The Fog of War has been used as a club to beat McNamara since its release however I have to say that I'm grateful the film was made and for McNamara's involvement in the film and his willingness to discuss the shortcoming of what He - in conjuction with (and the approval of) others - did.
McNamara's lessons were very, very expensive - considering the cost I think its worthwhile making a relatively small investment of time to start to get a grip on them.
There is a social compact inherent in democracies that requires polical leaders to avoid wars unless they are absolutely necessary, not least because they (the political operators) lead from a long way behind the front.
Personally, I think the chest-thumping of our politicians over involvement in Iraq was sickening and a wicked betray of that compact.
Bob Herbert wrote a good column on that theme..
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/op...bert.html?_r=1
Anyway - it is a very good and sobering film
LoBelly