Club Cobra - Robert McNamara, "Fog of War"

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Robert McNamara, "Fog of War"

Well, with his passing, I finally got around to watching "The Fog of War". This is a documentary about McNamara and his involvement with Vietnam. Losing my Dad in that war has always made it difficult to watch films like this. I mean, this guy made decisions that probably led to my father's loss! 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

Quote:

Originally Posted by bomelia (Post 964387)

... 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

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoBelly (Post 964450)

I second that

McNamara has a unique perspective on many events particularly the bombing of Japan
LoBelly

Can you give me the readers digest version of this?

Very interesting article lobelly.

Mike

That was an interesting article, and the Fog of War should be seen by all.
Sorry for your loss Mike, it's understandable why you would avoid seeing a movie like that. I was there and it made no sense to me then as Iraq makes no sense today.