Connection, Change, and War.

 Not too long ago, in english class, i watched a movie that changed my perspective on War and anyone who chooses to join the army, marines, or navy. The video that i watched is called "The Marlboro Marine", its about a guy named James Blake Miller who is back home from the war. It shows how much the war changed him, and changed everything around him. Before he went, he was a happy, fun to be around guy. He was madly in love with a girl, and they planned to get married as soon as he got back. They continued with their plans, but he wasnt happy about it. The war had changed him so much that all he wanted to do was be alone. Either that or go back to Iraq. He wasnt happy about being home; all he did was contsantly think about everything that happend in Iraq. He couldnt even stop thinking about it enough to make his new marriage a happy one, it came to the point where him and his wife had to get a divorce. Not because they didnt love eachother, but because he was a completly different person now then he was before he left.

He couldnt find any way to make himself happy, so he decided on a suicide plan that he would attempt. The photographer that was capturing his after war story noticed his suicidal attitude, and got him into a place that would help him. After 6 weeks there, he was no longer suicidal. He joined a biker club, because he loved his motorcycle and the feeling of being in a group agian. It reminded him of his life back in Iraq, and he liked that feeling. Thats what he was used to, and he was much more comfortable living that lifestyle. He wasnt happy though, i dont think he ever will be.

Blake said that he made a connection with every person that he shot, and thats not something you can forget. No one could forget something like that, no one could go back to the way they were before they killed someone. Thats impossible. It changes you, everything about you. Your no longer the same person you were, you have the blood of many people on your hands. You fight for your country, but in return in ruins you, as a person? Im not so sure if this is right. Honestly, i actually think this is a terribly sad thing. That these men go out and risk their lives for our country, and even the ones who live through it, are changed forever.

This video really made me connect with Blake, in a way that ive never really connected with someone before, just by watching a video. It was insane, and it was so depressing. The pictures that Lois Sinco took of Blake had so much meaning behind them. Im not so sure what the exact intent of this video was, but i know what i got out of it. I learned that war is never the option. Its no good for anything, or anyone. It takes away lives, ruins places, and people forever. I have so many friends and loved ones that want to join the navy, army, and marines. Now that i watched this, im going to try my hardest to convince them other wise.