Why We Fight – Anatomy of the American War Machine

A quote from the film:

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower (from his Presidential Exit Speech)

The Fog of War – 11 Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara

A Documentary about Robert McNamara, Secretary of Defense in the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations, who subsequently became president of the World Bank.
- via Google’s description of the film

“The Fog of War” is my favorite of the two, but either one will get your blood boiling. I also think it’s important to keep perspective when watching these. While both are well done and quite convincing, you should ask yourself what the other side might say given a chance to defend itself.

The Lesson Learned
Capitalism and democracy are uniquely powerful tools. Today, these are under threat from rampant corruption in government, and according to these films, a pervasive problem which threatens the stability of our democratic institutions.

Does anyone have a suggestion on how to combat this? What principles of a sound democracy are we not living by?

(via: throwawayyourtv.com)

You can find a list of even more free documentaries here.