December 21, 2012
As I make these Membership Renewal calls to Members of Veterans For Peace, I hear from many of you about the books and films you have seen. One such film is "The Front Line" a 2011 movie out of "South" Korea.
Hear the voice of the Korean grunt at the brunt of the Chinese Army’s overwhelming attack and experience that war from the perspective of a "North Korean" sniper. Merciless film, as is war. It is good to see this war from a perspective other than North American. I have heard nothing but trash talk about the Korean soldiers ... they killed and they by-God suffered.
This is a heart-breaking movie and I apologize for pretending that it has led me to any understanding. I could not sleep after this movie; it prompted me to pick up Halberstam's posthumous "The Coldest War" again and to greet the morning sun with a broken heart, a wondering mind and a restless soul. My Step-Dad Jose Del Real was there. It helps me to understand his silence and his love of life.
That's right - IT WAS A WAR!) "Police action" describes the war of Occupation in Oakland, South Dallas, and South-Central. Thanks to my VFP Elder, a Korean War veteran for this gift.