You might have clicked on this post expecting to find some anti-American, leftist liberal rant on the military and how America is a bully, based on the title I posted. But you’re not going to find that here. Ever.
And it’s pretty rare for me to post a movie review, and this isn’t really that, either.
But I did almost walk out of this movie. Twice, actually.
But before we get to that, let me tell you the reasons why I think you (and everyone else) should see this movie. In the process of doing that, I think I can better explain why I almost walked out.
You need to see this movie because, as everyone who sees it will agree, Chris Kyle (the American Navy SEAL & sniper whom the movie depicts) did some amazing stuff for America.
Hero? Yes. Expert skills? Definitely. And the fact that he survived some incredible horrors of war only to be taken from this earth in such an unexplainable way (no spoiler alert– this was news in 2013), well, it’s one of those great mysteries. He served his country bravely and to honor his memory, you need to know his story. You need to know that he was willing, like so many, to give his life in service to protect you; protect me.
Bradley Cooper as Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle.
You need to see this movie because you need to give a face to all those soldiers you are grateful for and realize the horrors they face.
They fight and die every single day. All over the world. They are willing to give what many are not– their lives. We thank them, we honor them, we post statuses about how grateful we are on Facebook, but do we really realize what they are going/have gone through? This movie gives you a glimpse of the realities of war. Other movies have done it, but for some reason, this movie makes you feel like you’re in it. It puts you there, and I promise, that gratitude you felt for our soldiers and sailors before this movie will only be multiplied after. Perhaps you’ll even decide you want to do more to honor our brave and our fallen. Perhaps you’ll finally understand what war PTSD is and why it is a very, very real thing. Perhaps you’ll honor the memory of not only Chris Kyle, but all of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for these United States.
You need to see this movie because you live in a bubble.
Stated plainly, we complain about dumb things most of the time. We live in comfort and freedom, and for the most part, we’re blessed beyond measure. We complain about bad hair days and people who get on our nerves and when we run out of coffee or get cut off in traffic and the fact that we hate Mondays. And yet we have the opportunity to live in peace. Meanwhile, all over the globe, children are born into war zones and suffer unimaginable torment at the hands of Evil.
This is why I almost left during the movie. As a Social Studies teacher and a student of the world, I’m well aware of the atrocities committed throughout the world historically and in present day. But I’ve only read about them. I’ve only heard about them. I’ve never had to witness them with my own eyes. Sure, American Sniper is a movie and it’s a dramatization of events, but it’s realistic. It’s horrible. And it truly shows how Evil is alive and working in our world.
Not only was I sobbing at various points throughout this movie, I found myself praying, “Come, Jesus. Come.” I almost couldn’t take it– this realistic depiction of evil. I don’t want to believe that people are capable of doing such horrible things to each other, but they are. Oh, they are.
The bubble around me popped. You can’t watch a movie like this, see the horrible things that man is willing to do to another man (or woman or child), not just in the name of a god or of an organization, but in the name of hatred, and go back to your cushy life and pretend the horror doesn’t exist.
Our soldiers face this evil every day on the battlefield and they persevere. They press on. They fight it and try to protect freedom because that’s one of our basic rights as humans. And they make split-second decisions that we pray we never, ever have to make. This is why we are grateful– because they have to make the decisions and carry out the actions we never, ever want to have to face.
Our nation and our world face this evil– those who torture and murder and kill for no good reason at all. It manifests itself in many ways, but people all over the world are suffering.
This world so desperately needs love. It so desperately needs joy. People so desperately need rescuing. They so desperately need the Savior.
American Sniper is not a “Christian” movie. While there are mentions of God, it’s not a theological movie in any sense. But if you can walk away from it and not be moved just by seeing how good we’ve got it and how horrendous daily life is for others across the globe, I fear your heart is too far gone.
Chris Kyle. Photo from http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2014/07/09/chris-kyle-video-deposition-to-be-played-in-american-sniper-trial/
When the movie ended, our theater was silent. People filed out without speaking. The weight was heavy. I cried my way to the car.
This is an emotional film, packed with violence, foul language, and the realization that we have so, so much to be grateful for, and so, so much work to do in the world combating Evil, not just on the other side of the globe, but within our own neighborhoods; within our own hearts.
See this movie. Honor the memory of Chris Kyle. Honor the memory of every fallen soldier who has ever stared Evil in the eye and said, “bring it.” Honor those who have stared Evil in the eye and lived to tell– those still haunted by their memories.
See this movie so that you can get out of your bubble and realize just how good you’ve got it and how much work there is to do.
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Hale and Hearty Words 
Go travel with an open mind and formulate your own views of our country. I am greatful to have been born in the USA because there are many, many places where people don’t have the luxuries and conveniences we do. However, there are dozens of countries offered the same opportunities and freedoms we have, and many of them have much less violent pasts.
Great article just curious about those 2 reasons you almost walked out…in your patriotic rambling you forgot to go back and answer us the title of the article :p
if you really want to help our brothers and sisters at arms, show them that you care. Join a program like AnySoldier.com and support them in field. Movie reviews are nice, thoughts and conversations are nice. They don’t show the people, who quite frankly need it the most, that the US cares.
Let me remind you.. what he does to children and the women haunts him to his death. So let me personally say how dare you say it doesn’t affect anything. If you Actually watched the movie you see he prays that the kid puts it down so he doesn’t have to take his life.and the lives he does take haunts him so much that even though he may be back Stateside he doesn’t want to see his family. Read indepth about ptsd before coming on here claiming he took lives without no regret.
Still not sure why she almost walked out on the movie twice…never addressed.
“You need to know that he was willing, like so many, to give his life in service to protect you; protect me.”
And that was the point at which I walked out on your blog.
I don’t understand. I clicked on the link to the article because of the title telling me there was something in the film that was not worth sticking around for and then I read an article that spent a huge portion telling me over and over to go and see it. That’s just confusing. And now for the more interesting part; all that you have proven in your article is that it is an extremely emotional film that brings a story on reality that only a very select few will ever deal with. I thank you for your respect towards the soldiers. I believe your gratitude and appreciate it. What I do not get is your effort to call everyone out at living a life in darkness or “bubble” as you labeled. The soldiers faught and are fighting to protect that bubble. They choose to fight so we don’t have to. That’s a significant part of the beauty of the film.
I will continue to live how I choose based on my own morals. I will respect who and what I want as well. I will do these things and be grateful that I can do these things every day because I am free and people sacrifice themselves every day so I can cotinue to live in my bubble. The movie deeply effected you and that is awesome! How others are effected is up to them. I encourage you to extend them that freedom because it is a movie and it is built for our entertainment. Fact or fiction, we will respond how we will and not how we are told to. Everyone who watches the film will be effected in some way. Big or small. Fear or sadness. Gratitude or hate towards the military. All of it is fine and encouraged because that is the beauty of art and movie makers or actors are all artists. This movie is driving you to action and if I was the artist behind the film, I would be satisfied and feel that I did my job and connected with someone through my art. No better reward for an artist I would think.
On a side note, I am a veteran from Afghanistan. April 2004-April 2005. Also I watched the film and I too cried. Even after reading the book just before Kyle was wrongfully killed. I dealt with PTSD and I only feel that the film was for our entertainment. Compliment the cast and director for telling a great story, really well.
I thank you for your honest and sincere gratitude and respect towards our service men and women. Please keep it up.
No offense to your review but you should take a closer look around and know evil is everywhere. Even just because this movie show’s one depiction of evil going on in one part of the world. lady open your eye’s and look that evil occurs everywhere. to the kid’s who get bullied everyday of there live’s while your to busy not realizing it. this world has been build on evil act’s. welcome to it. Sorry for being cruel seem’s like you have never seen horrible thing’s and as you put it you lived in a bubble. you know what’s funny about but to play devil’s advocate here for a moment but you realize that the U.S military bomb and killed a Estimate of 500,000 innocent civilians have died in the middle east from the war. tell me who really is evil.
I can’t watch any movie of this sort without crying. My older brother served proudly for 20 years. It wasn’t until the end of his military career that he finally opened up to me and me alone about what it was like. I cried. My heart broke for him. As close as we are, I never knew he struggled with PTSD. He’s always been my best friend, my rock, my hero. And what he shared with me magnified my love and respect for him and all soldiers. I just might go see this movie but I know I’ll end up crying before it’s over. I’ll always think of my brother, the men in his unit (all really good guys), and every soldier ever.
This article is wonderful, thank you!
I’m a Viet Nam Vet.
My father was a SeaBee in WW2.
I have two children who, between them, have 12yrs. TIS and three deployments (so far).
The VA assured me, over 30 years ago, that the neurological problems I have were NOT connected in any way with my service in SEA. Last year, a young friend of mine, a Veteran of the Iraq Conflict, encouraged me to re-apply.
Imagine my surprise when I was told that all the symptoms I’ve been dealing with for almost 40 years are easily attributed to Agent Orange. Well shout “Huzzah!” and spit in my beer. Let’s get the paperwork started.
How comforting to know that my Government is so grateful to me for my service that it was willing to let me go to my grave without even so much as a “head’s up” that maybe they made a mistake when they dumped a known, toxic chemical on me and my buddies. The U.S. Gov’t. knew it was toxic before they started using it (Monsanto told them so). The U.S. Gov’t. knew it was toxic as it was being sprayed on thousands of acres of jungle and unknown numbers of people, including U.S. Personnel. The U.S. Gov’t. knew it was toxic during the 40 years they assured us all that it was not a factor in all the problems we and the children born to us after our return have suffered.
It wasn’t a factor until it became a factor. It was harmless until the crushing weight of evidence, the suffering and disabilities that so many of us live with, and have died from, made it impossible for them to continue to deny it.
Maybe you can understand why I’m a little reluctant join your chorus of, “Aren’t we just the greatest thing since sliced bread?”
Don’t get me wrong. I salute the Flag of the United States of America. I respect and honor the men and women who serve (I’m Dad to two of them). But I won’t join you in your mindless chanting of, “U-S-A! U-S-A!… My Country, right or wrong! Love it or leave it!”.
“The man who in times of popular excitement boldly and unflinchingly resists hot-tempered clamor for an unnecessary war, and thus exposes himself to the opprobrious imputation of a lack of patriotism or of courage, to the end of saving his country from a great calamity, is, as to “loving and faithfully serving his country,” at least as good a patriot as the hero of the most daring feat of arms, and a far better one than those who, with an ostentatious pretense of superior patriotism, cry for war before it is needed, especially if then they let others do the fighting.”
Carl Schurz, Union Army General, US Senator 1869-1875
“Now after more than a decade of war, after many decades of endless lines and endless bean-counters and endless delays and endless waits and endless lost records and the endlessly misplaced paperwork and the endless institutionalized incompetence and the endless excuses and the endless unending VA shuffle, now you’re upset?
After five years of an intransigent, deadlocked, do-nothing Congress who’d rather chase hysterical manufactured conspiracies and beat their fleshy chests in faux-patriotic fever, who’ll enthusiastically fork over hundreds of billions for fancy new jets and ships and tanks so long as that hardware is manufactured in their own districts, who drive past homeless needy vets every single day, and gleefully refuse to pass a veterans jobs bill or to fully fund veterans services in their own districts or any other, after five years of this capering self-serving congressional bull****, now you’re pissed off?”
http://www.stonekettle.com/2014/05/the-va-scandal-more-of-same.html
Jim Wright is a retired US Navy Chief Warrant Officer and freelance writer. He lives in Alaska where he watches American politics in a perpetual state of amused disgust.
“Please don’t thank me for my “service.” I was in the military, not the “Service.” Service is doing something good. Service is what the person does who fixes your car. When the word “service” is applied to the military, it helps to justify violence as a method for conflict resolution. Like “defending our freedom,” or “bringing democracy,” the word “service” is used to lower the barriers of aggression. The military solution to conflict is death and destruction. That’s not “service.” Call it what it is – the military. If you have to hurt someone to solve a problem, you are the Problem.”
– Arnold Stieber, US Army Veteran, 1970
Those three quotes, which cover a span of more than 150 years of our Country’s history, express my thoughts ‘more better’ than I could myself. Jim Wright has a lot to say about a lot of things. I don’t agree with him on everything, but I encourage you to read his stuff. But be careful, he might make you think.
“I have no opinion on the Clint Eastwood directed movie, American Sniper.
I didn’t know Chris Kyle. We served in the Navy at the same time, we were in the same war, but we worked in different fields. There was some overlap between his community and mine and it’s possible we were in the same room once. I have a very vague recollection of somebody fitting his description and job during a pre-mission briefing. Could have been him, could have been somebody else. There were a lot of moving parts over there and it all sort of blurs together after a while.
As to Kyle himself, as previously noted, I have no intention of bad mouthing his military career – not that I would, not that I could. He was, by definition, the very best of the best. His job was not something you talk about in civilized company, but it’s a necessary requirement of war. Don’t like it? Then think twice next time somebody starts waving the flag and urging us to invade another country…
Now, regarding the movie American Sniper. I haven’t seen it. It’s unlikely that I will. I don’t generally watch movies like this. That’s NOT a statement of condemnation, it’s a statement of personal choice. War was my profession for more than two decades. I’m retired now. I have no desire to watch it on the screen, I saw enough of it in real life.”
From Jim Wright’s FaceBook page.
It’s unlikely that I will see American Sniper. I’m in my mid-sixties. My Dad was in WW2. I’ve seen all the World at War, Victory At Sea, etc. documentaries several times during my lifetime. I survived the Viet Nam War, but live with the consequences of exposure to AO, thanks to my own Gov’t.
I’ve seen John Wayne in The Green Berets and I’ve seen Full Metal Jacket. I’ve watched Platoon and Enemy at the Gates. I had a neighbor who was a Marine sniper in Nam. In spite of the odds, he came back alive, but never quite whole.
Black Hawk Down was the movie that closed a gaping hole for me. Without ever admitting it, I’d been suffering from survivor’s guilt for better than twenty years.
I no longer feel guilty that I’m still alive when so many of my contemporaries aren’t. I just thank God for one more day of life. While deployed, my almost daily prayer for my kid in harm’s way that day was actually for four people: him, the guy on his right, the guy on his left, and the guy, whoever it was, that was in front of him.
I’m sorry that this is so long and rambling. But, then again, I’m not…
My husband was in Iraq and experienced “war”. There is subjects that are never spoken about or asked to be discussed. He feels like he can watch this, but I’m not sure that he should. It’s been 10 years since he has returned and I don’t want to open up the past that he has buried.
Jennifer– It’s very graphic. For those who have been there, it might be too much like being back.
Well all I can say is that the majority of the people in this country have been living in a ‘bubble’ according to the article and many comments. I’ve known about the horrors of war and what most servicemen and women had to experience because I knew many Vietnam vets and every one of them had a very interesting ordeal to share. I met quite a few in prison, and believe me when I say that even the most recent vets from Iraq and Afghanistan have been poorly treated by this government when it came to dealing with their mental, PTSD, problems. Sadly, many vets, especially from Vietnam, are gone now, and many are still committing suicide at an alarming rate. I pray that the war vets get the help they need, and they need it now.
Well done. And let’s not forget the families of these soldiers. They too are making a great sacrifice.
You think the movie was good? Listening to the unabridged book tape is great. RIP Chief
I agree with a lot of what you say. We def live in a bubble, our service men and women should be respected regardless of ideology. But this is a movie it’s not fact it’s not a documentary its not proven fact it’s a Hollywood movie and people should always remember that. It’s a movie made for profit. By most accounts including his own he was more a bloodthirsty murderer than a hero. Yes he protected his brothers which is heroic but he killed targets by order and surely some innocent people were in fact killed. But it’s not for my judgement or to say what he did was good or bad. I can only go by his own words. All im saying is its A MOVIE!
#1 – Maybe if we quit bombing, occupying, and policing the world there wouldn’t be so much “evil” as you put it.
“Those who torture, and murder, and kill for no good reason.”
No good reason? Refer to #1
If torturing, murdering, and killing is bad, then logically those who do it the most would be the worst. Correct? Hmmm. I wonder who that would be
“Meanwhile, all over the globe, children are born into war zones and suffer unimaginable torment at the hands of Evil”.
You’re right. Children grow up in war zones where countries such as ours are constantly bombing, occupying, and stealing land and resources from them. No wonder they grow up to be “evil”
It terrifies me that you’re a social studies teacher and are this ignorant to the world. Wake up.
I have heard great things about this movie, I will go see it when the time is right. My husband is active duty and just came back from a deployment. We seen Lone Survivor before he deployed and I cried a lot.This was my 1st deployment and his 3rd. In the beginning I cried every day, several times a day, this is when my bubble broke that I was in, reality finally struck me. Every night our girls would ask when he was coming home, I stayed strong for them and would have a countdown calendar. It is truly a hard thing to go through, not knowing what is happening to your significant other or what they are seeing go on. I would pray everyday, several times a day just so he would return home safe to us. I even had to quit my job and got another one because it reminded me of him deploying. My husband safely returned in December 2014. We do plan on watching this movie, I just need to build up the courage, as crazy as that may sound. I am beyond thankful for all the men and women and their families for choosing this path in life.
Thanks Jennifer, you have helped me understand some of my feelings after the movie. I was struck at the end when the screen went silent and the credits went by without a sound – very striking and clearly unusual. I was the last person out of the theater. Almost felt it was a dishonor to Chris to have the cleaners doing their job before the credits were finished. I’m a 21 year Vietnam Veteran and went to see this movie alone, a choice I would not make again. Blessings!
John
I would love to watch this movie as I believe it tells the story of an unsung hero but since my brother was killed in Iraq 5 1/2 yrs ago..I just can’t…It’s too emotional…It hit me just seeing the trailer…I cried just seeing that because I felt bad for him. Maybe someday I can but not anytime soon
I understand that completely. You know the realities of war far better than most. I am grateful for your brother’s service and bravery.
One fine day you will open your eyes and realize that there is no “Jesus” and you like many have been indoctrinated to believe a stone aged fairy tale.
There is zero proof of a god. Zero. Every “scientist” that Christians claim shows proof has been debunked. Every ounce of science points to evolution and deep down you know it. Let’s stop waiting for a “savior” because it’s not going to happen. We need to wake up and save ourselves. Religion IS the reason we have so much hate in the world.
I’ve traveled to 34 countries and seen many different religions. All who claim theirs is the right one. All like yours with zero proof and none are rational.
Excellent post. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you soo sooo much for popping the “bubble” I live in. I haven’t seen the movie yet but will. God bless those soldiers and their families for all the sacrifices they have made for us.
Thank you for posting this. I am a veteran of 5 years in the United States Army. I have seen lone survivor and I will be seeing this american sniper. Lone survivor is 100% authentic and punched a huge hole into my chest of realism. I felt his pain through every scene. I have only completed one tour in Baghdad Iraq for 15 months. I have also completed a 12 month tour as a civilian in Afghanistan but nothing compares to the facts of troops coming home with sometimes no body to care for them. Most of them have come from giving everything and feel like no body cares. As I have seen through previous you tube flims people do care.
There are still those who think what we are doing over there is killing children and people for our own ambitions. I can tell you that actually saying you served your country and witness this evil you speak of is a huge thing to try to forget. When I come to work and hear people complain about the smallest things it makes me anger to know that people have no idea what it is like over there those people would die for one meal from america yet alone some money.
So thank you for understanding a bit more about what some if not every veteran has gone through in the eyes of film. If you really want to see a documentary that is as real as it gets “RESTRPO” that movie tugged my heart strings.
But thank you and glad to see there is a lot of good out there.
Be safe and I hope to enjoy this movie.
Great movie indeed! Many strong emotions arose while watching that movie…May I also suggest Restrepo and Korengal Valley. Two very awesome documentaries that show combat and casualties in real life and real time that I feel really supplement American Sniper.
Hi!
After seeing this movie I could not put into words how I was feeling….this article did so beautifully. After this movie I felt like crying knowing that here I was in America freely enjoying chipotle and there were such amazing people fighting for my right to do so. And not to mention against the incredible evil, not just in that part of the world but all over. So thank you and God bless you! I’m so happy to have found your blog! I
I want to see this movie because there is a vet who invaded my family, befriending my wife (and not me) and I have developed a grudge against all soldiers. It is not fair that I make a prejudiced decision about all of them. This man is not honorable even though he may have been so in war. I want to compartmentalize his character from his service.
I to saw the movie and was moved, yet angry. Angry that so many people in our country are not grateful for what they do have and how much they complain abt what they do have! Mine and my husband’s children have been to 3rd world countries to do mission work and have seen what others don’t have. One of our daughters has been to Mozambique for 3mths and to Durban South Africia and Haiti. The people in these countries are far more happier and grateful than most people in our country. He husband has served in Afghanistan. The poor people in our country live better than the rich in these country. Please don’t think I (we) don’t feel for the poor in our country, we do. We all need to just do our part and love one another. Just by doing that would make it a better country! There is so much we all could learn to do to make someone’s life a little better, even the simplest thing. Thanks for writing this blog. Have a great day!
Why do you only capitalize God when discussing Christianity and not Islam? You do realize they are both Abrahamic religions, worshiping the exact same God just with different rules? Jesus is a prophet to Muslims just as he is to Christians (as well as their Messiah), similar to how Moses is a prophet for Jews, Christians, and Muslims all alike. If you disrespect their God, you are disrespecting your own as well.
If you want to help veterans volunteer at youre local v.a. V.f.w or leagion. All the clubs can use help with functions and raising money
You have put into words exactly what my thoughts & feelings were. Having been on this earth 66 yrs…wars & conflicts have come & gone and I haven’t given them as much thought & prayer as I should have. Being married to a Vietnam Vet has educated me somewhat especially visiting memorials etc.
I did watch the movie, wanting to walk out a few times because of the language & violence but I’m glad I stayed because I now have a better understanding of the sacrifice of military personal & their families & what they have gone through for many years. In the Word it talks about evil, so I understand the concept. We are blessed by a merciful God who judges all of us evil or righteous man…HE will have the last say! In the meantime.I will do my part by praying & promoting peace where He leads me. Thank you!
This is retarded. How do people in Iraq have anything to do with our “rights” and “freedoms.” Thanks Clint Eastwood for scoring 1 for the military industrial complex.
Amazing blog. I actually had to walk out at one point. Lost my only brother in December 2013 to suicide after serving 26 years in the United States Air Force. What these men and women give for Americans is far more than what we can ever imagine. What we fail to think about is all the other countries they are giving to as well. GOD bless our military!
A lot of great points were made here. Like you, our theatre was silent while leaving. People genuinely showed some reverence. Although I did not shed a tear, I felt it all over again. You see, I am a Navy combat veteran. I served in iraq, the same time and same cities as Chief Kyle. Although I never knew him, I found a lot of similarities between him and I (in the book anyway). Chief Kyle’s outlook on war, his genuine love for his country and his brothers in arms. I remember the first time I realized that people are capable of such evil, it was earth shattering. You ether pretend the evil doesn’t exist, or you rise up and fight it with every fiber of your being. This book actually helped me. Over the last few years my confidence has been shattered. Though people don’t know it. Withe the similarities I found, and Chief Kyle’s outlook articulated the way it was, the more I reflected the more I felt better, more confident.
“Meanwhile, all over the globe, children are born into war zones and suffer unimaginable torment at the hands of Evil.”
That is correct, but what makes it a war zone is that we are currently denying them autonomy and their parents are pissed off about us invading and controlling their homeland.
“You can’t watch a movie like this, see the horrible things that man is willing to do to another man (or woman or child), not just in the name of a god or of an organization, but in the name of hatred, and go back to your cushy life and pretend the horror doesn’t exist.”
You did. You left the movie theater and still continued to call Kyle a hero for his hatred of an entire demographic based on lies, retribution, and blowback. If you left this movie realizing that all war is pointless and based off of MUTUAL hatred, I might think your “bubble” popped.
“This is why we are grateful– because they have to make the decisions and carry out the actions we never, ever want to have to face.”
Justifying their actions through indoctrination, lies, and propaganda is STILL NOT FACING THEM.
“This is an emotional film, packed with violence, foul language, and the realization that we have so, so much to be grateful for, and so, so much work to do in the world combating Evil, not just on the other side of the globe, but within our own neighborhoods; within our own hearts.”
This is the first somewhat sensible thing you’ve said. But this next quote shows that you have yet to realize that the hatred our troops share with us is part of the problem…
“See this movie. Honor the memory of Chris Kyle. Honor the memory of every fallen soldier who has ever stared Evil in the eye and said, “bring it.””
What you call evil, others might call self-defense or retribution. Both sides are evil and commit murder.
Jennifer,
On behalf of myself and the Marines that I have led and currently lead, whether in combat or not, from the depths of my heart, thank you for the genuine thoughts.
Capt DeMayo/USMC
Arguments and name calling aside, it seems to me that we as citizens of a great country are being subjected to unfair and negligent abuse from both domestic and foreign entities. As a veteran I must say that we as Americans have a personal responsibility to educate ourselves and each other of the people and things that are purposefully distracting and dividing us. There is strength in unity but many must first come to the realization that like life itself, everything else seems to evolve as well and we must learn to adapt through education and transparency in order to overcome the issues that may keep us from any form of progress on any level or in any category of circumstance for the sake of our way of life in this country to include the enviroment. For those who have not served and faced the dangers our service persons face to include law enforcement and other first responders please keep an open mind and educate yourselves on the matter before expressing your views and opinions as you have the right to do so please consider and respect the fact that so few are willing to do violence to protect the rights and freedoms you do have.
Not every military dude is a hero, the War in Iraq was a failure that cost thousands of innocent lives, and people who disagree about those two things are brainwashed faux-patriot authority worshipers.
God bless Chris Kyle, and Every Special Operator out there that not only succeeds in their quest to achieve the ultimate greatness in service to thier fellow Americans but too, who’s achievment allows them to expressly endow our Father His just due for His grant of all of us the abilities to achieve such greatness…
The arguments on attempting to include the efforts of DHS and Law Enforcement with the greatness of Chris Kyle comparative to those efforts mandated, as well as completed, with such skill and intelligence, is in any intelligent person’s mind not only an affront to the memory of an American SuperHero, but the same thing as STOLEN VALOR… SO ALL OF YOU LAW ENFORCEMENT JUNKIES OUT THERE WHO WISH TO HAVE YOUR SHOES SHINED BY AN AMERICAN CITIZEN BECAUSE OF YOUR ATTEMPTS TO LATCH ONTO KYLE’S GREATNESS I WOULD JUST LIKE TO LET YOU KNOW AHEAD OF TIME THAT YOU NEED TO SHUT YOUR MOUTHS ON THIS MATTER..
That being said I’ll recant my attitude on the matter as it was my due to give my brother distinction and give law enforcement its just due for the service they do perform, and especially for those that also have cracked open thier shell over seas and have walked that magic line between glory and reality… I say reality because it’s no picnic having to see the kid laying there because he was used as a human shield – it aint no picnic having to be scrutinized by widows of dead men with as much hatred as doing one’s duty but we all know that those that came back did so because they had thier brother’s back, and first and foremost I’m proud to understand that America still stands tall, even if yet for just a little while longer, for the rest of the world to claw at our feet.
I’ve got one last thing to state for the record here about America. There’s a lot of folks being brought to our shores who would rather not be here but had to come because of thier little efforts in attempting to bring down the great shaitan while exercising thier little tiqqya and I’m here to say welcome to hell coacoa puff… you should have stayed on the other side of Styx… we’re gonna have a lot of fun welcoming you when you decide you can get froggy…
SEMPER FORTIS….
Do you feel the same sort of gratitude to local policemen and firemen that you claim to feel about soldiers? Policemen and firemen too sacrifice their lives but don’t get that gratitude.
Also, what about the atrocities soldiers commit. Do you have any opinion about that or do you think all is forgiven in that regard just because they are soldiers?
Great questions. I am certainly just as grateful to the firemen and policemen, and any other person who has chosen a career or spent any amount of time in any sort of service-based job. I am absolutely grateful, and hope that those I know personally who serve in those positions know just how grateful I am, as well as those I don’t know personally. So yes, I’m very thankful for them.
As to your second question– I think soldiers who commit criminal acts (atrocities) deserve to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Whether they are on our soil or international soil, part of their responsibility is to protect innocent people. Atrocities committed against innocent people disgust me, like I pray they disgust everyone else.
EVERYONE DOESN’T LIVE IN A BUBBLE JENNIFER. ONE CAN WITNESS THE HORROR AND TERROR APPARENTLY DEPICTED IN THE MOVIE WHEN ONE SEES AN UNARMED BLACK MAN CHOKED TO DEATH WHILE YELLING HE CAN’T BREATHE. TO SEE A 12 YEAR OLD CHILD MURDERED BY COPS IN LESS THAN TWO SECONDS DEPICTS SUCH HORROR. TO SEE A YOUNG MAN SHOT DOWN WHEN HE IS UNARMED AND HIS HANDS UP DEPICTS THAT KIND OF TERROR. IN SHORT, ONE DOES NOT NEED THE IMAGINATION OF A MOVIE DIRECTOR WHO TALKS TO EMPTY CHAIRS TO APPRECIATE THE HATEFUL HORROR PERPETRATED IN THIS NATION OF THE SUPPOSED LAND OF THE FREE AND HOME OF THE BRAVE.
You christians are funny. No problem recommending that other christians go watch this film despite the fact that the content is contrary to what your god wants you to put in your heads. Hey, it’s just cuss words, profaning your god, and some good ol’ sexual immorality. Because, ‘Murica!
I know a good movie about a woman who came out of her porn life to be a christian. The movie’s got a few XXX porn scenes in it, but hey, it’s o.k. to watch it so long as the movie is realistic, right? Helps you better minister to porn stars, right? Gets your out of your protective little bubble, right?
Just wondering,I’m English so maybe I don’t get it,but to address your opening line..are you saying you cannot be left leaning,or liberal,and at the same time American,and proud to be? Or must a person have only right wing views to be considered a true American citizen?
Not at all! My reference to “Anti-American, leftist liberal” is to clarify that readers would not find an opinion similar to Michael Moore, for example, in my post. I do not generalize all leftist liberals as Anti-American, only state that an Anti-American rant, which 99% of the time come from a leftist liberal, would not be found on my blog. Ever.
Awesome. I want to see this movie since i am a service member. I would like to post this in the http://www.FarrScape.com Journal, but only with your permission. Or better yet you can post it yourself and I will share it.
You have my permission. Thanks!
But why is ‘hated’ thrown in when describing the other side? American troops are on THEIR land. THEIR cities are being bombed. THEIR lives being disrupted. WE (or rather, our policy makers) chose to be there. To be there without an exit plan. To wind up killing more civilians than were killed on our soil in attacks that were never linked to Iraq. Yet still used as the pathway to a war in which the invading country’s leader then claimed he was told to fight by god. Now, in the destabilized state another movement has begun. I just can’t help but to think that from the other side were look equally hateful.
I don’t hate the soldiers. I blame the users. Not the tools. Their fighters are fighting the same battle as our fighters are. Everyone is evil in war. There is no high road.
This movie is an amazing tribute to a classy and handened patriot, and he was taken too soon. Im just saddened that it seems that any blog about Chris Kyle turns into a left wing/right wing bs argument or a “don’t step on my rights” ploy.
Enjoy your freedoms. Thank a veteran because they DO go in harm’s way, as do police in the United States. I know this because I have been and am both. I know the stress of his calling – and it is just that, a calling. The man didn’t deserve the ending that he got, but, as Clint Eastwood said in Unforgiven, “deserving got nothing to do with it”.
Fair Winds, Following Seas, and Godspeed Mr. Kyle.
Love your post… I am very patriotic .. But… I am also a Christian… In this movie is there nudity ?? Thanks in advance for your answers .. Suppose to go see friday
Oh.. By the way I am not trying to down play the horrors of this movie or what Chris did for our country.. I am proud of him and proud of America… I simply want to know all things to expect I give all honor to this movie
I’d just like to point out that “leftist liberals” aren’t “anti-American.” I know this because I myself am an active member of the Armed Forces, an Iraq war veteran, AND *gasp* a so-called leftist liberal. Can we stop being so inflammatory and devisive, please. Fox News cornered the market on that long ago and it’s played out. Thanks.
One of my West Point classmates saw your discussion and posted it on his FB page, which of course, we are all sharing. Thanks for your bubble busting realization. My wife wouldn’t go with me to see it. Not because of the casualties shown (they were actually fairly tame in the movie), but because she did not want to relive the deployed times away, the raising a child pretty much by herself, and the always worrying about the late night knock on the door. Thanks again.
I agree totally with you!