You want the truth? YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH:
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, lieutenant 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 reprehensible to you, SAVES LIVES.
Deep down in places you don’t talk about at parties, You WANT me on that wall, you NEED me on that wall!
We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something – you use them as a punch line.
I have neither the time, nor the inclination to explain myself to someone who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it.
I would rather you have just said “Thank you,” and been on your way. Or, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don’t give a d amn WHAT YOU THINK YOU ARE ENTITLED TO!
-- Col. Nathan R. Jesup,
Commanding Officer:
Marine Ground Forces
Guantanimo Bay, Cuba