film reviews by Dr. John Ruhland

Urban Warrior: The Militarizing of American Law Enforcement

From ETS Productions and directed by Matt Ehling, this documentary explores a current trend within police forces. The US Constitution forbids the use of the military for law enforcement, but the US government instead appears to be fostering the transformation of police forces into secret police or para-military forces, including heavily-armed SWAT teams. Urban Warrior does a good job describing the steady increase in the incorporation of wartime combat techniques into domestic law enforcement operations, beginning with Reagan's "drug war." The film is available at www.etspictures.com, or by calling 651-645-0005

Hidden Wars of Desert Storm

This is a prize-winning documentary on the first US invasion of Iraq. It is by far the best film on the subject that I have found. It discusses why many of the Bush administration's publicly-stated objectives were never realized. It also suggests what some of the real objectives were, and gives substantiation from authoritative sources. Many respected experts on the subject are interviewed in the film. It is very well edited, fast-paced, and because it so well produced and contains emotionally-charged material, it provides an excellent background for discussion and motivation to action. Order extra copies, as I believe people watching the film will be interested in obtaining a copy to share with others. Also available is an 8.5 hour compilation of additional interviews and film footage gathered while the co-directors were doing the research. Included in its entirety in this compilation is a training video commissioned by the US Department of Defense on "depleted" uranium (DU). This video was never actually shown to troops because of the fear of DU it would instill. The films are available at www.hiddenwars.com, or call 818-487-2879.