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What Soldiers Ask From Government

I am shocked that many critics have denounced Michael Moore’s ‘Fahrenheit 9/11’ as unpatriotic and antisoldier. For me, the movie served as a powerful (and painful) reminder of the costs of war _ and of my obligation as a citizen to hold our leaders accountable for making wise decisions about when to send our troops into combat.

Toward the end of the movie, Moore provides a voice-over to images of US soldiers in Iraq. He reminds us: ‘They serve so that we don’t have to. They offer to give up their lives so that we can be free. It is, remarkably, their gift to us. And all they ask for in return is that we never send them into harm’s way unless it is absolutely necessary. Will they ever trust us again?’

‘Fahrenheit 9/11’ highlights crucial questions about the ‘necessity’ of the war in Iraq. Engaging these questions and holding our leaders accountable for their decisions to go to war are the best way we can support our troops.

Audrey Coulter, Brookline”