- Joined
- Jul 21, 2005
- Messages
- 51,710
- Reaction score
- 35,488
- Location
- Washington, DC
- Gender
- Male
- Political Leaning
- Conservative
We've heard a lot of stuff in the past months about "torture" and various things that are viewed as necessary or unnecessary during a time of war. These lead me to remember a rather famous quote from a well known movie that seemed to be addressing philosophically just this kind of situation. Now, it came from the general "bad guy" of the film yet, like many powerful films, even the bad guys have a tinge of truth or realism inherent in it.
So, I am curious what the people on the forum think of this quote and the general philosophy surrounding it.
(Context; a high ranking military officer is on the stand answering questions in regards to the death of a soldier who had undergone an unofficial means of punishment for failing to meet the requirements that his superiors had for him in the service)
So, I am curious what the people on the forum think of this quote and the general philosophy surrounding it.
(Context; a high ranking military officer is on the stand answering questions in regards to the death of a soldier who had undergone an unofficial means of punishment for failing to meet the requirements that his superiors had for him in the service)
A Few Good Men said:Son, we live in a world that has walls and those walls need to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lieutenant Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago and curse the Marines; you have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: that Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives and that my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use then as the backbone of a life trying to defend something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you," and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest that you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to.
Last edited: