It's taken me a few days to wrap my head around The War Tapes. Here's what I can say about it: Every American needs to go see it. I will admit, like many other people, I don't like to think about the war. I think, back in 2003, when I saw so many people of different stripes shut down the streets of New York City to protest the war, I thought that it really wasn't going to happen. When the bombs started "shocking and aweing" I was in San Francisco. There was a huge protest there but I didn't attend because I couldn't see the point anymore. I felt like I shouldn't be on vacation anymore — that I should to get back to New York as fast as I could — and I arranged a flight home for the next day. In the beginning, I watched the news reports. Then I just started to feel so helpless that I forced myself to think of other things. On the way to the movie, I thought about how I was probably going to see dead bodies and I would rather watch something fun. Then I thought, I don't have to fight the war, the least I can do is watch a freaking film about it.

I don't think I've ever really thought of what it must be like to be a soldier. I don't understand why people join the military: I don't like fighting, I don't like weapons, and I'm so unathletic that I am cringing now at the memory of gym class. However, if anyone asked me if I support the troops, I would say yes, of course I support the troops. But what have I done to support them? Absolutely nothing. Everyone says they support the troops. Some people even stick little yellow stickers on their cars — BFD. One of the ways to actually support the troops is to join Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America to keep informed. This page lists several charities that help American troops, their families and Iraqi civilians. Regardless of how you feel about the war, or about the military in general, there are thousands and thousands of people coming back to the States now with real problems, and they are not getting the help they need and deserve.

Sergeant Zach Bazzi said the other night, "Soldiers don't pick their wars." I think this is the most important thing for those of us who are lucky to be somewhat removed from the war to remember.