Sir! No Sir! Must-see Vietnam documentary

[klook]

If you have an opportunity to see Sir! No Sir!, run, don't walk, to the theater as soon as possible. This excellent documentary by David Zeiger describes the anti-Vietnam war movement that was started by the soldiers and veterans themselves. Many of these guys were not drafted but joined as gung-ho volunteers and then became anti-war activists when they found out what was really going on over there.

The movie portrays the coffee houses that sprang up around bases, the underground papers published by soldiers at great personal risk, the "FTA" tours, and many creative acts of protest, insubordination, and morally justified mutiny undertaken by military men and women during the Vietnam War. It's a real eye-opener and very well done. There is not only archival footage but also present-day interviews with several key participants, including Jane Fonda as well as vets who were jailed or court-martialed for their acts of conscience. These people were so brave in a scary time and place, it's truly inspiring.

One of the many highlights is the beautiful and moving performance of the song "Soldier, We Love You" by Rita Martinson at an F.T.A. show. Wow.

The soldiers started the peace movement. The draft had very little to do with it. The powers-that-be do not want you to know this! See this movie now, in the theater. Buy the DVD when it comes out in a few months. It's a must-see.

[proReality]

1. Thanks for the info. n/t

[babylonsister]

2. Sounds excellent-thanks. nt

[EVDebs]

3. Also see 'Winter Soldier' (1972)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0204058/

And Stanley Karnow's 'Vietnam: A History' book is excellent, along with Alfred McCoy's 'The Politics of Heroin: CIA Complicity in the global drug trade'-- the book is outstanding.

[klook]

4. Thanks for the tips (n/t)

[neoblues]

5. One Day, Our Freedoms May Depend Upon Such Acts

by our military people; when they stand up and refuse to act against Americans! When George W. Bush and his crew or their progeny finally stop bothering to pretend they respect Democracy, the Constitution, our Civil Rights and the Rule of Law... no doubt there will be a citizen response, an attempt (probably completely peaceful) to organize a protest, and those in power will decide they've had enough and order it quashed.

So long as our military still considers themselves citizens first, military second; we have hope. If we face a total collapse of the economy--and the only way to provide for themselves and their families (as well as enjoying preferential treatment such as a modicum of rights) is depends on preserving their membership in the military... that would be one of the first steps to emphasizing the "us" versus "them" psychology required to gain totalitarian control over the military (to the exclusion of respect for the civilian component of society). Further convince them that they are serving a critical role and that their actions, while seeming to be un-American, are really the only way to save America... and it gets worse.

Of course, as it stands they are the protectors of our freedoms from external threats in the world, and they do serve a critical role. It's also true that there already is an automatic "us" versus "them" inherent in becoming "government issue", sworn members of the U.S. Military (sworn to obey orders among other things). Yet, we're safe enough unless things go terribly awry involving much more than just an out of control, renegade, dictator wannabe Commander in Chief; but that part is already evolving (and others appear to have increasing potential for occurring).

Even so, our military--probably moreso than any other is made up of real American citizens, and can think for themselves (while there are limits on what they can do or say; so long as they choose to avoid trouble). Such disobedience as described in the post about Sir! No Sir!, is a prime example of American soldier's choosing what's right rather than blind obedience. It takes courage, but then again, that's something most members of our military have in fair abundance.

It would be best if we never come to the point of our civilian leadership misusing our military to control Americans. However, we are already seeing our civil liberties being dismantled and witnessing our military being savagely abused. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, like everything else.

[Buxtehude]

6. Thanks

Will do. I can relate.

[klook]

7. Now playing at these fine theaters nationwide!

Sir! No Sir!
NOW PLAYING

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