I think they both explore the strange American fascination and delight in all things violent and warlike, and how this abberant behavior is continually fueled by the military industrial complex, whose corporations now own most of the media.
I think Why We Fight explores the corporate angle more. While The Ground Truth explores how our society shapes our future warriors. And, what that reality becomes on the ground, in Iraq.
The Ground Truth shows how the military takes the already amped up hormones of young men and uses that natural phenomenon to crank out killing machines who they can ship out to whatever country is becoming a bit of a bother. Usually, it has nothing to do with national security. It's unfortunate that our young people are misused in this fashion. There is so much that is wrong in the world that could be improved. If only the United States could create a service for young people that would funnel their energies into projects that helped to feed the starving, to build technologies that would solve global warming problems, etc. But, sadly, that's not what's happening. We haven't evolved to that higher form of interaction with the world.
Both of these movies tell the unflattering truth of war. So, lots of people probably won't be seeing them. There is another movie or it might just be a book (I can't recall) that tells the story of how the military funds alot of these flattering war movies and/or they make deals with Hollywood to let them use the cool military equipment in exchange for having the rights to edit the films. The military edited that old movie with Bill Murray, "Stripes," until it became something completely different than the original script, for example. If you think about it. The movie was funny AND very flattering to the military.
The military uses internet combat games that children play to track and discover likely candidates for enlistment. Kids who are especially adept at these games will likely be hearing from the military. Think of the huge numbers of war games that are available for children to play on the computers. Whether it's war in the middle ages, street fighting, or simulated combat missions, they are games that serve to groom our youth into future killing machines. No one loves war as much as corporations and chickenhawks. The rest of us remain unwilling or unconscious co-conspirators in this dance of death. The only thing we need to fear is fear itself. Yet, Americans seem to embrace it these days and feed it powerbars.

Hey Tanya I am not sure if you are the right tanya schwenk, but its worth a shot.. Remember me? Nicks x girlfriend/babies m/davens mom?? last talked 2 you at little l funeral?>?>? Anyhow Nick and I wanted to talk to you about something... kinda sorta very important.. If this is the right person, please email me at antiorangewood@yahoo.com or nick at davensdad@yahoo.com as soon as you get a chance. cool and don't worry its not anything bad, thanks kim

Ms. Kenyon's arrestingly-written comment on the two films deserves wider discussion! Thanks to her for broaching the difficult topic of how soldiers are psyched up to think it's right to kill people & devestate their countries.
Thank goodness our wonderful Constitution gives us the right to say what we think.

tell tanya to get a job!!

My money says Ms. Kenyon has never served, met or had a meaningful discussion with an active duty service member yet, she enjoys the right to criticize them.

Her ability to freely speak is a gift for which she seems unable to determine the identity of the giver.

This country, and its Constitution were forged from the fire of war...much to her dismay, but the truth is sometimes problematic.

Feel free to attack war but stop short of attacking the soldier for if you do, who will guarantee your right to criticize.

As for military movies......I suggest renting The Longest Day.

God bless the greatest nation on earth and the men and women of the United States military for their past, present and future sacrifice for people like Ms. Kenyon.

Frank - Disappointed in your comment. You've had much more substance to share in the past. If this is not your cup of tea, then you should get the job and leave this thread alone.

Tanya, though I've not read the books, you've peaked my interest. I'm immediately curious by Paulette's ideas on the war machine and government being the only force behind stuffing this all down our cultural throats. The first thought that came to my mind was our beloved Hollywood. They are the number one driving force behind most things and war and the violent mentality is highly personified throughout Hollywood.

Any perspectives on their influence in this regard?