Waco

[Nolder]

Watched this a few weeks ago and it was actually very good. 

Highly recommend it. Also IDK how historically accurate it is or not so if you're a history buff don't blame me if it deviates because I don't know.

All I know is that it was an entertaining mini series.

 

 

[Tyzack]

Shockingly I agree!

 

It was based off primary source material, so at worst it's guilty of pro-davidian bias, but that's just because it's based off the surivoirs accounts, and the accounts of the negotiator.

 

I still think they were crazy, but the ATF was overeager to get a "win" after Ruby Ridge, over played their hand and they were never able to back down.

 

It's an interesting object lesson in the application of force between asymetric forces, neh?

[Nolder]

It definitely seemed to make the Branch Davidians and David Koresh in particular sympathetic characters. Even for his faults Koresh was portrayed as someone who didn't hurt anyone intentionally and just wanted to spread his weird religious views. I have no idea how accurate that is to reality but it made for a great mini series.

 

As for asymmetric forces...well if you believe the Davidians didn't actually want to fight and just wanted to be left alone I think that probably comes into play in how deadly they were and how willing to actually fight back they were. Also they were trying to hold onto territory, in this case the Waco compound. If you're engaging in asymmetric warfare against a larger and tougher opponent who has more men and weapons than you do your only option is hit and run tactics not making an Alamo style last stand. It maybe is a lesson in how the over application of force can garner sympathy even for a somewhat villainous underdog. I am sure the public was told that Koresh was sexually abusing children or whatever not to mention stockpiling weapons but during and after Waco there was still a lot of anger and resentment towards how the government handled the situation.

[Tyzack]

From my memory of incident - I was 10, so this is mostly paroiting parents/teachers - Koresh was portrayed as a crazy messianic figure who was seeking confrontation with the government, and therefore got what he deserved.

 

I should note that the key offense I remember hearing about wasn't the polygamy or the guns, but that he thought he was Jesus. 

 

[Nolder]

Was he going to march to Washington? It seems to me the party that sought confrontation was the Government. I'm not saying that they didn't have a good reason (maybe) but they were definitely the "aggressors" in the situation from what I can tell.

 

As for thinking he's Jesus. 

That's hardly a reason to call the ATF out to raid the place is it?

 

I dunno like...I think the governments incompetence here was probably portrayed well.

They wanted a big public win and they screwed with a group of people they shouldn't have and it ended tragically.

[Tyzack]

Basically. 

 

If your door ever gets knocked on/in, its always good advice to stay quiet and submissive until you get counsel