I took a late afternoon swing today and headed over to Cinemark to see "Restrepo". This is the documentary that follows an army company through a 15-month deployment in probably the worst area for fighting in Afghanistan. This was co-directed by Sebastian Junger, the "Perfect Storm" author, who has carved out a really fine career as a war correspondent, in places such as Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The directors are apolitical here, but I can't see how you could be pro-war after viewing this one. The thing that is so striking is how young these guys are and, in the end (we find the US withdrew from here in April), they fight for what? But no one can question the resolve and professionalism these guys exhibit. Regardless of being at death's door on an almost daily basis, they have a job to do and perform it well.

The story revolves around the unit that has to go to the Korengal Valley to fight the Taliban. The guys hear the stories before they get there (CNN called it "the most dangerous place in the world"), but nothing prepares them for what they are about to experience. Restrepo was an outpost named for one of their fallen medics early in the fighting. A tribute to him and the bond these guys have with each other.

We also get to witness the problems they have with the locals, the rare times of boredom, the childlike hijinks and the effects of losing more of their brothers. Basically your heart gets ripped out when you hear how they try and deal with what they witnessed over there.

Anti-war? Probably. Pro-soldier? Most definitely.

Meal of Links

I happened to see Glenn Beck cry earlier this week on his show. I forget the context, but I think it's his 8/28 Fest or some other nonsense. So, to top most of his other idiocy, he says President Obama reminds him of Lucifer.

Wyclef Jean is running for President of Haiti. Sean Penn isn't a hater, but asks where he's been since the earthquake.

Eight inventors who changed the world. Tesla, Edison and Ford top the modern list.

Exercise Yard

Shades of Eric Plunk. Pitcher cannot intentionally walk a guy.

Visitor

13 Down: One of the original Politburo members (7 letters) Answer: Trotsky