I agree with Steve Deace ...

I agree with Steve Deace ... The Hurt Locker was the best movie I saw last year too. Actually I agree with Deace on several issues and disagree with him on several others. On The Hurt Locker we are in agreement.

Now, I am not a veteran, so I cannot speak to how accurately the movie depicted reality. But I found it to be compelling. Like Deace, I just did not see this as an anit-war movie. It is gritty and with a few exceptions feels to this observer like an accurate description of modern war.

By way of full disclosure, I was not a supporter of the Iraq war, I did support our entry into Afghanistan. I know that this may gain me entry into the esteemed society of the Keepers Of Obscure Knowledge (KOOKs) but I thought in both cases that George W. Bush should have asked for a formal declaration of war.

But I do support our troops. I have two sons who volunteered during the dark days before the surge and despite my concerns about the policy — I am proud of those who serve. My eldest son is on active duty in the United States Navy, given the sensitive nature of his job, we may never really know whether he is in the conflict zone. My second son is serving with the storied 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan (Hooah!) As I write this he is at a forward operating base that controls a key road from Kandahar to Pakistan.

If you have not seen The Hurt Locker go see it. When you are done thank someone who has served.

Comments

[Yoda]

My thanks to your sons for their service David. And thanks to you as well for I'm certain it is no easy task to have loved ones in harm's way.

[Dan Kauffman]

A Formal Declarationof War was not required by International Convention, because the US and Iraq had been in a State of War since 1991

Still are no Peace Treaty has ever been signed only a Cease Fire Armistice which is in effect by

Mutual Consent and may be ended by either party at their discretion, the only stipulation being under the Accords is that if the resumption of hostilities is abrupt and sudden, just cause must be shown.

If the resumption is not sudden, no cause is needed.

[HawkeyeGOP]

Dan, I appreciate the input. But the 'state of war' that has existed regardless of international convention should have been preceded by a declaration of war.

Even so, this does not justify our actions in Afghanistan.