New Documentary Gives Veterans a Voice.

[reprehensor]

On April 19th, independent filmmaker Patrick Phillips screened his new documentary, 'The Cost of War' in Dallas, Texas. DVD copies were delivered no more than a week ago, and the film has only been seen by a handful of audiences in Texas.

There were around 50 people in attendance at the small theater to see veterans, not only of the recent Iraq conflict but also Vietnam, Korea and Operation Desert Storm, lay out a cautionary tale for those who would rush to war. One of the vets in the film was in attendance, and stayed around for a Q & A after the screening.

So far, the screenings have been well received, and even the screening at College Station, (home of Texas A & M), had the benefit of a debate after the screening with veterans who speak with an authoritative voice to pro-war enthusiasts. Phillips says that supporters of the war seem to be more willing to listen to a veteran who is anti-war than a civilian activist.

The vet who gave the Q & A was a great resource who explained how much resistance was he was (and is) getting for being a Conscientious Objector. He talked about how there is no support system for objectors like himself from the military, and also how there is no support for victims of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder either.

Instead he has had to seek out support as an objector from Iraq Veterans Against the War and the family members who support his decision not to redeploy in Iraq.

The decisions that the veterans give for going to war vary from college tuition to a sense of patriotic duty, but the end result of facing death on a daily basis comes out the same. The cost is too high. Violence must be a last resort, and when politicians manipulate their electorate into supporting a shooting war that didn't need to be fought, you wind up with people dying for nothing.

I found the Vietnam veterans in the film to be the most powerful and wise voices in the documentary. They know exactly what it's like to fight in a war that never had to happen, and now they are seeing it happen all over again in Iraq.

The website for New Spark Media & Arts Collective lists future screenings, and you can also order a DVD there. If you contact the filmmaker through the website, you may be able to arrange a screening, or even DIY with a DVD.

The documentary effectively humanizes those who have served, and now choose to object.

-reprehensor.

[wicket]

1. I just bought the DVD

Thanks for posting this!

:kick:

[reprehensor]

2. You welcome.

BTW, 50% of the proceeds go to IVAW, to help out with veteran health needs.