The recent release of “American Sniper” has brought up some controversy and has also started a much needed conversation on the horrors of war.

“American Sniper” is a movie adaptation of the autobiography of Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in American history. The release of “American Sniper” has received much praise but has also received criticism.

Film maker Michael Moore called snipers cowards and back stabbers.

The Iraq War, which was the conflict Chris Kyle was involved with, was a waste of time and life. The politicians wanted to find an excuse to attack a Middle Eastern country after Sept. 11, 2001.

War is always awful, and it destroys people’s lives.

When wanting to criticize war, people need to focus their criticism on the leaders of war, not soldiers.

Soldiers in war are put through extraordinary situations that no human being should be put through.

The Vietnam War sent many young people to a foreign country to fight a relentless enemy. Why? U.S. leaders wanted to fight communism and to protect their economic interests in Southeast Asia.

Many soldiers snapped when they saw their best friends get killed. After the war, which did not achieve anything, soldiers returned home, being spat at by citizens calling them war criminals and baby killers. Many of them had to deal with poverty and PTSD.

The government turned their back to veterans.

Fast forward about 35 years and the Iraq War gets underway and many young people such as Chris Kyle join the fight. These men and women want to make a difference and help make the world a better place. It is too bad that their leaders do not.

After billions of dollars and thousands of lives lost, it seems that not much has changed unfortunately. These veterans have been grossly mistreated by politicians. PTSD and suicide have been major problems within the community.

So, when wanting to criticize war and violence, do not focus your attention on Chris Kyle, who protected countless U.S. lives. Focus your attention on the leaders and politicians who promise that war is for our freedom.