G.I. Joe critics: four Army infantrymen from Fort Benning, Ga review F 911

[DaveSZ]

I don't believe Moore's movie showed US soldiers in a bad light, but these guys should probably know better than me.


http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2004/07/14/gis_on_fahrenheit/index.html


G.I. Joe critics
How I talked four Army infantrymen from Fort Benning, Ga., into seeing "Fahrenheit 9/11." And telling me what they really think of Michael Moore.

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By Bill Warhop



July 14, 2004 | In a Fourth of July message on his Web site, Michael Moore recapped "Fahrenheit 9/11's" phenomenal debut. He cited record-breaking ticket sales, claiming the film "beat the opening weekend of Return of the Jedi." (True, if you're talking about Jedi's 1997 rerelease and not its 1983 premiere.) Moore ended his holiday message with a note of thanks to the men and women of the U.S. armed forces. "Theaters in military towns across the country reported packed houses," he wrote. "Our troops know the truth. They have seen it first-hand."

As those who have seen the film know, "Fahrenheit 9/11" subjects audiences to graphic, stomach-churning images of screaming, maimed soldiers who really do know the truth about the war in Iraq. By Moore's account, service members and military families wholeheartedly support his film. But numbers tell one story; soldiers another.


The Army and Air Force Exchange Service operates 159 movie theaters on U.S. military bases throughout the United States and the world. So far, AAFES hasn't booked "Fahrenheit 9/11" for any of its theaters -- but that doesn't mean it's shunning the film. "All of our bookings are based on popularity and availability," said Judd Anstey, a public affairs specialist for AAFES. "So far, no firm decision has been made on 'Fahrenheit 9/11.'"



Fort Benning, home of the Army's infantry since World War I, is spitting distance from Columbus, Ga., a city of 186,000 located just across the Chattahoochee River from Alabama. The state highway that cuts through Columbus is called Victory Drive, with American flags dotting its grassy median. There's even a Veteran's Square on Veteran's Parkway. The city's prosperity follows that of Fort Benning; this is a military town if ever there was one.

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[tabasco]

1. I was infantry for ten years, now in IRR.

The movie didn't hurt my feelings. The troops in 9-11 were tankers if I recall correctly. I always thought tankers were dumbasses anyway.
Ahhhh-many fine fine days spent at lovely Fort Benning.

[DaveSZ]

2. Massive respect

:)

[tabasco]

8. Likewise I'm sure.

:toast:

[CRK7376]

6. If I don't have to visit Benning

again I'll be very happy camper...Thank goodness I've only been there for short trips...IOAC, John Wayne School For Boys, ABN....I spent 4 years IN before going SOF...

Unfortunately I'm stationed in Asia and have yet to see F911, but the good news is I PCS in 9 days and will be able to see the flick with my family....My wife and 15yo son want to see it, as do I...

[tabasco]

7. Green Beret!! Allriigghht!

(doing best imitation of drunk in bar in Deer Hunter).

:toast:

[DemBones DemBones]

3. So what did the soldiers say?

I'm not subscribing to salon just to find out. ;-)

[Political_Junkie]

4. I guess we'll never know...

eom

[DaveSZ]

5. They didn't like it

You can read the article by watching the ad for a day pass.

[Laughing Mirror]

9. A gruff woman's voice yells: "Is Bush running the projector?"

The soliders joined in the laughter.

Good article, thanks.