The words you chose are again the words of those who lie as their ends justify their means. Those are the words used to justify hiding the death of an individual and passing the blame to the enlisted men in the military. I can hear Al Gore justification to himself and others as to the why of screwing those who serve in the military out of their vote. That is the thinking of the rapist when he makes up stories about those who reveal he has attacked them.
KAFFEE
I want the truth.
JESSEP
You can't handle the truth!
And nobody moves.
JESSEP
(continuing)
Son, we live in a world that has walls.
And those walls have to be guarded by men
with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You,
Lt. Weinberg? I have a greater
responsibility than you can possibly
fathom. You weep for Santiago and you
curse the marines. You have that luxury.
You have the luxury of not knowing what I
know: That Santiago's death, while tragic,
probably saved lives. And my existence,
while grotesque and incomprehensible to
you, saves lives.
(beat)
You don't want the truth. Because deep
down, in places you don't talk about at
parties, you want me on that wall. You me
there
(boasting)
We use words like honor, code,
loyalty...we use these words as the
backbone to a life spent defending
something. You use 'em as a punchline.
(beat)
I have neither the time nor the
inclination to explain myself to a man who
rises and sleeps under the blanket of the
very freedom I provide, then questions the
manner in which I provide it. I'd prefer
you just said thank you and went on your
way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a
weapon and stand a post. Either way, I
don't give a damn what you think you're
entitled to.
KAFFEE
(quietly)
Did you order the code red?
JESSEP
(beat)
I did the job you sent me to do.
KAFFEE
Did you order the code red?
JESSEP
(pause)
You're goddamn right I did.
Silence. From everyone. RANDOLPH, ROSS, the M.P.'s, they're
all frozen. JO and SAM are likewise. JESSEP seems
strangely, quietly relieved. KAFFEE simply takes control of
the room now.
KAFFEE
Please the court, I suggest the jury be
dismissed so that we can move to an
immediate Article 39a Session. The
witness has rights.
A few good men. Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin
tom watson tosiwmee |
