Donahue Tackles Iraq in Body of War

[BuyingThyme]

Donahue Tackles Iraq in Body of War
By Jason Silverman
February 21, 2008 | 3:35:22 PM

With Body of War, Phil Donahue returns to the public-affairs trenches. The talk-show legend, whose program ran for a record 26 years, uses the film, which he also produced, to explore what he and co-director Ellen Spiro see as the tragic ramifications of a foolish, illegal and unnecessary war in Iraq.

Body of War follows Tomas Young (pictured here with Donahue), a soldier who, after returning home from Baghdad paralyzed from the chest down, becomes a vocal antiwar activist. Winner of the National Board of Review's Best Documentary prize, the film opens in select theaters in March. Donahue spoke with Wired.com about Young, what Donahue describes as the failures of the mainstream media's Iraq coverage and the bright future he envisions for independent journalism.

Wired: Was there a specific moment that catalyzed you to make the film?

Phil Donahue: I visited Walter Reed Army Medical Center and was introduced to this young man's mother. As I stood beside the bed, looking down at this emaciated figure, I felt that people should see this. I certainly felt that I couldn't pat him on the head and say, "Have a nice life."

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http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/02/donahue-tackles.html

[samplegirl]

1. I'm am so glad that the voice of Donahue is back

I have always revered him as a big voice in democracy. This is great post...let me be the firt to nominate. Thanks for sharing!

[Mira]

2. That's great to hear. K & R