Jarhead

I went to see Jarhead today.

I will try to restrain myself. I don't want to give out to much information since today is opening day.
However, I can say that it was not as gory or violent as I thought it might be.

It answered many questions that I had, but since it did come from Hollywood- I know I'll have to read the book if I really want an accurate account of the military.

There is one line from the movie that settled deep into my soul.

"Each war is different, but all war is the same."

At least I think that was the line. I know that was the meaning anyhow. Different circumstances, different tactics, different terrain, different enemy.
But war and the effects it has on a person remain the same. Killing is necessary and the desire to kill lives just below the surface of human beings. You don't have to dig very far to find the evil, the hatred, the ugly side of violence. To a soldier, seeing the evil that lives within his own being is more frightening than the enemy.

You learn to see that evil and understand the face of anger. Either you go crazy or you open your eyes and take in a new level...a new meaning of yourself. The demons you didn't know existed will cause you to crave a killing, as if you deserve one. You have, after all, worked so much, trained so hard...

Now don't go thinking that this is my position on war. It is my thoughts on war and the effects it has. It is my unbias observation. Well, as unbias as one can be sitting in a movie theater.

I leaned forward in my seat for over half the movie.

I did not eat popcorn or drink soda.

I watched a young man sitting a few rows ahead. He had the type of hair that screamed military. He laughed and nodded his head in complete relation with specific scenes.
Scenes that only someone who has "been there done that" could relate to.

I wanted so bad to ask him a few questions after the flick...but decided against it. I was alone and taught not to talk to strangers. Good advice...I suppose.

One more thing...I have heard people talk about living on a military base. My dad worked on one for years. Some think that because it is so different that it has been dubbed "not the real world".
I disagree.
Who lives in the real world? I live in one where three hundred thousand dollars is not enough to buy a home and four dollars is considered to much money for the perfect cup of coffee.

ahhrrrgg

Here's the only thought that matters...

Hate is strong...but love is stronger and always will be. Period.