The Movies That Haunt Me
Plus, the Weekly Wrap
Curve Ball: Now and then, I'll feature an exceptional Substack article upfront because it’s simply outstanding.
My .02 cents, this was Val Kilmer’s most underappreciated starring role.
RIP - Iceman, we’ve got the watch now.
The Siege (1998)—Made before the 9/11 attacks but after the early 90s World Trade Center attack, this masterpiece tells the story of an FBI super-agent (Denzel) and his quest to uphold the rule of law even as bombs explode throughout New York City. This fast-paced thriller could be coming to a theater near you! Go ahead and watch it. Now tell me which part of the Trump administration would not participate.
In the Line of Fire (1993) - I’ve written about this haunting movie before. However, the scene below should resonate with many GWOT veterans. I sincerely fear that someone from the shadows will turn and begin hunting our political leaders.
Munich (2005) Set aside your thoughts on Israel-Palestine for this haunting, fast-paced, and thrilling spy movie that narrates the story of a Mossad unit tasked with hunting down those responsible for the Munich massacre. However, this scene below has lingered since I returned from my first deployment in 2006. I’ve asked myself these questions and have given myself the exact same answers as the two actors below. Remarkable acting.
And this scene almost always makes me weep.
Hotel Mumbai (2019) - When I start on a rant on our collective unwillingness to admit we have a persistent domestic terror threat in this country, I often tell people to watch this incredible movie. Based on Laskhar-e-Taiba’s attack on the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, this is the exact type of attack a well-trained Islamic State cell could conduct in the United States.
5. 28 Days Later (2003): I proclaim 28 Days Later the greatest Zombie movie ever made! I will die on this hill. Bring it in the comments section! Whether you agree or not, we’ve (yet again) failed to learn any real lessons from COVID-19. Will there be a Zombie apocalypse? No, but could there be something that wipes us all out? Yes, but perhaps the legendary George Carlin was right about us all along.
Guilty Pleasure - Red Dawn (1984): I won’t lie. A secret part of me hopes this happens so I can launch an insurgency against those goddamn Commie Bastards!
The Weekly Wrap
So. Much. Winning.
I’m a double-hater. I come from a long line of double-haters. My father was a double-hater. His father was a double hater.
America Does Not Cave to the Demands of Terrorists!
Perhaps one of the greatest falsehoods in US foreign policy is that America will not negotiate with terrorists. In 2002, President George W. Bush explicitly outlined this position when he said, “The United States will make no concessions to terrorist demands and strike no deals with them. We make no distinction between terrorists and those who knowingly…
Dear Democrats - Stop Trying to Turn Texas Blue
(Welcome to a free version of The Wilderness, my newsletter, where I discuss politics from my very unique foxhole in Deep Red Texas. I usually charge for this, but today, I’m in DC, and I’m loving life. So, you know, enjoy, and keep the comments free of ad-hominem attacks, folks!)
Why Did the Democrats Lose (Again) to President Trump?
I’ve lost two wars. While it wasn’t solely my fault, I certainly played a role in our defeats in both the Iraq and Afghan wars. Nevertheless, we responded by refusing to admit we lost either war and blamed our local partners for losing wars we didn’t win. My sincere hope is that the Democrats do a better job than DoD did in reflecting and trying to chan…
Internal Taliban GDI Communication: Islamic State Poised to Strike
Date of Information: 08 March 2025
The Recent Attacks on Afghan Allies
Grumpy Combat Veteran discusses the recent stabbings and in Houston and Lancaster, PA.
You're My Best Present!
(GCV Note: Letters to My Princess General are a series of letters to my daughter, who lives far from Texas. If you feel overwhelmed by your inbox, click settings and de-select the products you don’t want. It’s okay. I know I can be annoying; it’s part of why I’m single at 47!)
Possible Domestic Terror Attack in Lancaster
Grumpy Combat Veteran speaks with his good friend Ahmadullah, who survived a likely domestic terror attack in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
My Advice to Afghans
Grumpy Combat Veteran has some advice for Afghan-American citizens: it’s your time to shine.
advises
The establishment of new mass settlements for the families of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters in the northern part of Kandahar province
Welcome to “Raw Atmospherics,” a product exclusively for founding members. In this newsletter, I distill the best rumors and present them to you in their rawest form. None of this information is guaranteed to be 100% accurate. In fact, I will provide some context for these reports so everyone can understand atmospherics correctly.
Our Friends
The Weekend!
Your retirement savings are likely kicking you in the balls, but guess what: it’s Friday! So get out there and have some fun with your families this weekend. In the end, they’re the only thing that matters.
💯 agree, The Doors was Kilmer at his best. Unless you count Willow, I guess. 😉