Normally, I use this space for reviews or other articles about movies. It’s my passion. But over the past couple of days there’s been a lot of talk about the film American Sniper starring Bradley Cooper. I’m not going to talk about the film, as I haven’t seen it yet. No, what I’m going to discuss is filmmaker Michael Moore’s spiel about snipers in general. This what he had to say on Twitter, courtesy of CNN: “My uncle killed by sniper in WW2. We were taught snipers were cowards. Will shoot u in the back. Snipers aren’t heroes. And invaders r worse.” Now he did come out and clarify that it wasn’t directed towards American Sniper. What he did was lump all military snipers into a group that he classified as cowards. Now, he said that his father called them cowards, but it seems he’s parroting that opinion. His father is wrong and so is Mr. Moore. These people have no idea what the role of a sniper really is: Reconnaissance. These guys are highly trained and specialized soldiers that scout routes, observe enemy formations and use stealth tactics. It has absolutely NOTHING to do with pulling the trigger. If the mission calls for it, they can do more damage than your average solider, by taking out important officers and communications. Yes, they do it from a distance, but that helps confuse the target(s). That ends up weakening the enemy to the guys who do charge in. Even if there is no main objective, a sniper will seek out targets of opportunity. These guys have the ability to break the enemy’s will to fight more so than an overwhelming force. They are also used in support roles by covering soldiers infiltrating an enemy compound. They are also not ordered to shoot people, but also destroy important equipment such as radios, vehicles, fuel and water supplies.
Why did I bring this up? It just so happens that I had a grandfather who fought in World War II. More specifically, he was part of the Pacific Theater campaign. Guess what? He was a United States Marine sniper at Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiest battles of the campaign. My grandfather survived, but a lot of his friends and battle buddies didn’t. He never discussed it, and having studied the history of that particular battle, I understand why. The only way to survive an assault like that is to stay down and still, and even then you would probably end up getting torn to shreds. Was I lucky to have my grandfather? Absolutely. He passed away back in 2006, but I think he would be absolutely livid to hear crap like what Mr. Moore has said. For Michael Moore to say what he did about snipers is not only insulting my grandfather, but also soldiers who fought and died for his right to spew such poison. Not just today’s warriors or the soldiers of my grandfather’s generation, but all the American soldiers who willingly gave their lives in service to this country since it was founded. Mr. Moore: If you are going to accuse soldiers of being cowards, why don’t you go after the deserters or the ones who deliberately kill innocent civilians? Leave the rest alone. Actually, I have a better idea: How about you lose some weight, put on a uniform, grab a rifle, and toe the line? “”My dad always said, ‘Snipers are cowards. They don’t believe in a fair fight. Like someone coming up from behind you and coldcocking you. Just isn’t right. It’s cowardly to shoot a person in the back. Only a coward will shoot someone who can’t shoot back.'” There is so much wrong with this statement, I don’t know where to begin. First things first, I guess: There’s no such thing as a fair fight. Never has been, never will be. Anyone caught in a serious situation is going to do whatever it takes to survive. It’s just clear to me, that Mr. Moore’s father had no clue about what snipers are used for. Lastly, you have a better chance of success of taking somebody out without them knowing about it. It’s not cowardly, it’s practical. A stand-up fight isn’t always the best solution. The whole thing about shooting people who can’t shoot back? If they’ve got a weapon, they are a threat. It’s as simple as that. So, Mr. Moore: Anytime you would like to remove that foot from your mouth, now would be a good time.
That’s my soapbox moment, I guess. When people generalize the military in a negative light, I tend to take issue with that. These people have more courage than anyone else to put on that uniform and walk into hell. That’s what my grandfather did, and what my ancestors did. We wouldn’t have the rights we do today if it wasn’t for them. I would appreciate it if Michael Moore would show more respect.