HUMANITY IN TWILIGHT
Rules of engagement, laws of war and similar accords protect us while they also betray our failures.
It has become cliche' William Tecumseh Sherman's statement to army cadets years after the Civil War, "...war is hell." History, personal stories and journalism continue to validate the Union General's warning. Theologically wise and scholarly Dr. William Enright offered another view. He said "war is a crucifixion event." Innocence, love and peace suffer.
Drone warfare is an insidious ratchet in our capacity to make war and destroy life. It also raises the complexity and table stakes of killing schemes.
Eye in the Sky written by Guy Hibbert and directed by Gavin Hood is an excellent portrayal of the intricacies and fall out of drone war fare in the fight against terrorists. When tasked with action that includes the likely killing or injury of non combatants there is no good alternative.
Helen Mirren and the late Alan Rickman, lead an excellent cast through the emotional drain and hell of a decision played out involving US drone control, English Military command, British and US foreign policy heads, Kenyan ground support and intelligence. The film is a fascinating study of real life. Cutting corners, the pressure of critical decisions under duress, scoping the likely aftermath in human loss and political calculation are vividly portrayed. It is a powerful examination of a terrible human equation and it demonstrates how those who execute decisions also suffer. It underscores the wisdom in Dr. Enright's characterization of war.
SPRING CHEER
residents of the front flower bed
See you down the trail.
I read an anonymous article written by a drone pilot in at Nellis AFB in Nevada. Going to work, watching from tens of thousands of miles away and then pushing a button. Then driving home to play with his kids and have dinner and watch TV with his wife. Get up the next day and do it again and again and again.
ReplyDeleteThe film approaches the emotional havoc done by that kind of work. I spoke with a former Navy flyer who said they've discovered the separation from potential harm (as in flying over enemy territory) affects the emotional calculus of bombing human targets. Those who endure the risk sense they were there, they put themselves at risk and were exposed and thus paid a psychological price which helps their acceptance of their role in taking lives. The kids in the trailers in Nevada get into trouble when they begin to connect their actions with a human lethality, beyond the video game kind of world they inhabit. I thought he had an interesting take on it.
DeleteLovely flowers.
ReplyDeleteMerci! I will pass along your complements to my senior gardener, my dear Lana.
DeleteI've yet to see this movie but I hear it's powerful and compelling.
ReplyDeleteIt is educational and enlightening too. Plus it is Alan Rickman's last performance.
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