New Film Generates Dialogue On U.S. Foreign Policy l blogged by sharcie j.

Have you realized that it has been six years since the start of the war in Iraq?This week marks the sobering anniversary of the day that George Bush launched the attack citing “clued - in” sources, many of whom have since recanted their opinions naming Iraq as a threat to the U.S. and world peace. I knew it, but had not fully realized that it has been that long. And on the other hand it seems like this war has been going on forever.
To date, more than 4,000 Americans have been confirmed dead as a result of this war and unconfirmed casualty reports place the number of dead Iraqis at a much, much higher toll.
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This week a new documentary titled “Finding Our Voices” will be released selectively in a few cities across the U.S. It dissects the beliefs and sacrifices of diverse patriotic Americans affected by U.S. foreign policy in Iraq. This is good, but perhaps what is even better is the dialogue that will follow. The producers and special guests at the end of each viewing will host discussions about how this nation can work together to responsibly end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and see that veterans receive fair treatment. Have you met a veteran lately? If you have, you have probably witnessed one of the great American contradictions; an extremely patriotic being who can recall faces and the smell of foreign scents and the exact manner in which they fought with pride in some way or another on behalf of the U.S. And yet, within this same being, dwells a fiery internal resentment toward this country which consistently refuses to properly care for its troops.

Just this past November, “The Commercial Appeal” featured a story about hundreds of thousands of veterans having to wait up to four years for the government to process their disability claims. The delays were contributed to “economic devastation, the breakup of families and even suicide for returning warriors.” A lawsuit was filed last year against the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, which is a government arm, on behalf of some 60,000 vets. Imagine that, soldiers having to sue the country that are charged with protecting.

This film also raises two intelligent questions: "Are peaceful dissent, and debate essential ingredients of a Democracy?" and "How do concerned citizens get involved?" Let us contribute to this dialogue. It has been long enough.

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Sharcie J.