I read through about 20 pages of posts in this thread and stopped there.
Chris Kyle was a soldier who dealt with some very difficult situations during his time in the military. I never knew Mr. Kyle, but I would like to share a little perspective so maybe some of you can understand a different side of the ways in which a soldier may think.
Many who are first sent abroad do not have an understanding of what they are expecting and/or feeling as they depart. Is it excitement? Is it fear? Curiosity maybe! After being in certain situations, such as combat, the loss of friends, watching children or women die, a persons perception of everything around them can be skewed. It is easy because of experience and maybe cultural differences such as a lack of ability to communicate, that continues to evolve our views. In Iraq and Afghanistan it is hard to dictate who is an enemy and who is a friend. We know that those in uniform are our brothers and it makes it easy to justify protecting them.
With that said, you can form some pretty irrational opinions on policies, people, countries and religions. Some returning with anxiety, depression or PTSD my take years to rationalize their feelings and find peace. Some people drink, some people write books, some people go to a message board and share views. Sadly, others will never find an avenue to amends.
A soldier on here previously stated that war is black and white, and while in the moment I might have to agree with him. I would say that overall from the first fight you are in to the last breath you take, it is anything but.
Chris Kyle is most certainly a hero to the families of the soldiers whom he saved and of course to the most ardent patriot, but he is a villain to many of the opposition as well as those who have the luxury of a bleacher seat. I would venture to say that Mr. Kyle wrote a book that made it easier for him to look at his service from a perspective that made his actions more rational for him and earned notoriety along the way. I can honestly say that I would never want to perform in the capacity he did (sniper) or live with the ghosts that he most certainly had. Ultimately I feel sorry for him, yet honor him for doing what so many Americans can only read/watch!
Respectfully, I thank all of you for having a place where we can discuss our views, especially when it takes us away from reality for a a few minutes a day to analyze a little Irish football!
