Robert McNamara, "Fog of War"

[bomelia]

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

[LoBelly]

Originally Posted by bomelia

... 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

[Cobrabill]

Originally Posted by LoBelly

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?

[bomelia]

Very interesting article lobelly.

Mike

[cobra bill]

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.