"The War" PBS Production

myself | 10-5-07 | SMARTY

[SMARTY]

I am just asking if anyone at this site has watched the Ken Burns/PBS program recently aired, "The War". I have been surprised that no one here has commented about the production.

[oh8eleven]

As you suggested, footage of this nature probably ended up on the floor or they just didn't interview the right people.
My father-in-law fought in the ETO; my father was a Marine who fought in the Pacific; I'm a former Marine who fought in Vietnam.
I've known hundreds of combat vets in my life and I'm here to tell you, there are no atheists in foxholes. It is not by chance that not a single vet interviewed by Burns mentioned God.

[JimRed]

When I saw the name “The War” and the location on public TV I just assumed that it would be anti-Iraq propaganda and never checked it out.

I seldom bother with public television any more.

[SMARTY]

If you read what I said again, I think you will see that I clearly GAVE him that...because I comprehend very well what he attempted.... as he said several times himself. He succeeded in THAT, period... but nothing more. My further assessment compared it to ‘World at War’because though many individual firsthand accounts were given in THAT production as well, it went beyond those accounts and succeeded on several levels. It had much more dimension, was much more dramatic and instructive. A better production all around as was ‘Civil War’ and for the same reason... though no first hand accounts were used, many historians and scholars contributed and were part of the structure of the production.

Also, ‘Civil War’ was not strictly about abolition.... but the issue was included ... see what I mean??? And ‘Civil War’ was a better production for its breadth. I think that is what I stated

[hurly]

You’re Wrong. My father was Navy WWII, Father-in-law a marine on Iwo Jima, I’m a VN vet 68-71. None of us believers in the magic sky fairy. Two good friends in VN full Indians, Not christian. I’m an atheist and have been.
SO while I’m sure you are correct in the majority, there certainly are atheists in foxholes. I was one and know many others.

[oh8eleven]

None of us believers in the magic sky fairy.
The tone of your response tells me all I need to know (and have known) about atheists in general, and you specifically.

[dfwgator]

Too heavy on the “America was a baaad country” because of segregation and the internment camps. If you want a war epoch that focuses on aggrieved minorities, this is the one for you.

"It was a different time, you understand."

[WildWeasel]

I watched the series and wondered, did the United States win the war? Seems like Burns stories were predominantly about battles that were the worst for the United States military.

[New Perspective]

None of us believers in the magic sky fairy

While I salute you and your family for serving I find your description a bit disrespectful. Have your opinion known but your descriptive comment lacks maturity and respect for others beliefs. Fine, do not believe, but please do not denigrate.

[satan]

If Ken Burns had been around during “The War” we would surely have lost.

[hurly]

Thank you and you’re welcome.
oh8elevens’ blanket statement that there are no atheists in foxholes is insulting and degrading to the many atheists, non-Christian people who served. It gets my goat when idiots like that make obviously false blanket statements because of his particular superstition. Believe whatever you want. Just don’t assume everybody else does.

[New Perspective]

It is obvious you did not read my post. It is #28, 2 above this one. Again, you denigrate. Just because you do not believe do not use a blanket statement that we believe in a superstition or the magic sky fairy. You want us to show you respect for you non believers, then show some to us.