Body of War

The film Body of War opens at the Belcourt on May 9. It's a small, independent film about Tobias Young, an Iraqi veteran. Young enlisted on September 13, 2001 out of a spirit of patriotism and desire to defend our country. Many people I know, including Sam, had that desire, and many followed it. Young, like many others who enlisted to battle terrorists, was surprised when he was sent to Iraq, after Bush claimed the mission was accomplished, after it had become clear to everyone (except Chaney) that no WMDs existed. Shortly after he arrived, while traveling in an unarmored vehicle, he was shot and sustained a spinal injury. The film follows Young's recovery, his increasing anger at the Bush administration, and his attempts to cope with being a newly married paraplegic. 

If you can't see the film, buy the album of songs that inspired the film, including tracks by Eddie Vedder, Bruce Springsteen, and Public Enemy. Part of the proceeds goes to the charity Iraq Veterans Against the War. (Also worthwhile is the soundtrack for Into the Wild, which includes Vedder's adaptation of the Phil Ochs song "Here's to the State." In any version you hear, the phrase "go find yourself another country to be part of" responds defiantly to the attitude "love it or leave it." Bush and his abettors should leave, not those who oppose him.) 

A Democrat may win the White House in 2008, but what happened in 2000 can happen again. Don't let hope get in the way of resolve. Educate yourself. Take as much action as you can. And for the sake of us all, vote.