I saw Clint Eastwood's "American Sniper" last night. When the film ended and the credits started rolling, applause broke out in the packed theater. Then, as the audience stood up to leave, it was silent and somber, a moving homage to the powerful performance Bradley Cooper had just given of the American hero Chris Kyle, who is credited with the most kills of any sniper in U.S. military history. The theater acted so reverently at the film’s end because they were recognizing and honoring Kyle’s heroism. Any freedom loving American would.
Then there's loud mouth Michael Moore. Here's what the controversial director had to say about snipers on Twitter:
My uncle killed by sniper in WW2. We were taught snipers were cowards. Will shoot u in the back. Snipers aren't heroes. And invaders r worse
— Michael Moore (@MMFlint) January 18, 2015Moore did not specifically mention Chris Kyle, and in fact insisted today that the tweet was not about him. However, posting these shameful comments on the same weekend “American Sniper” was released nationwide seems more than an innocent coincidence.
Unfortunately for Moore, "American Sniper" had an incredible opening weekend, already earning $90 million in its first three days. What’s more, the film has ratcheted up six Oscar nominations, including Best Actor for Cooper and Best Picture.
Kyle served four tours in the Iraq War. Although he survived his service, following his tours of duty he was killed by a veteran suffering from PTSD. If you’re not familiar with Kyle’s story, pick up a copy of his book, “American Sniper,” and read this powerful interview with Taya Kyle, Chris's surviving wife. In her conversation with People, his widow reveals Kyle’s endearing soft side, and his ceaseless love for his country.
I'm not sure if Mr. Moore has seen "American Sniper." If he did, he would have seen that Chris Kyle, along with other courageous snipers, spent years defending our country on dangerous tours. He was chased, shot at, targeted and hunted – for us. His perfectly placed bullets helped save countless American soldiers' lives.
One more piece of advice for Mr. Moore: Take a look at the footage of Chris Kyle's funeral. Thousands of people lined the I-35 in Texas as his body was transported to Austin for burial at the Texas State Cemetery. They stood waving American flags and saluting his casket as it drove by. I wonder if those people think Chris Kyle is a coward?