Killing Fields

The killing fields were a way of judicial process for the Khmer Rouge for minor political crimes. This was based in Cambodia. People receiving more than two warnings from the Angkar were sent for so called “re-education” this was known for its almost certain death of all the people who were sent off. They were coerced to confess to crimes that usually included a kind of free-market activity, contact with a foreign source such as US missionaries or government or international relief agencies. The reformed left under the impression that they would be forgiven by the Angkar while in reality they were being taken to places such as Tuol Sleng or Choeung Ek for execution and torture. The executed were buried in mass graves and they were killed with brutal force in order to save ammunition. They were often forced to dig their own graves and were killed using hammers, axe handles, spades and bamboo sticks. The Khmer Rouge executed almost all associated with the former government or foreign governments for that matter. Monks, intellectuals and professionals were targets of persecution.

the uncertainty at this point in the 1970’s was great. At this point in time there was a lot of involvement in journalism abroad in the Cambodian area. A perfect showing or example of this is the movie the killing fields. Cambodians were used as translators and journalists for American newspapers along with American troops. In the movie the main character Dith Pran sent his family to safety and remained behind because of the American journalists responsibility to cover the tragedy. This is a prime example of the problems with American intervention. American journalists regardless of the fears and instability of the situation remain in the danger zones as seen by Brian Williams injuries due to a RPG attack on the helicopter he was in during the early days of the war. There are always dangers for Americans even if we don’t see them. People are putting themselves in danger for our happiness and to inform us what is happening over the world. 1975 or 2007 there are dangers for Americans. I myself try not to forget what is going on and what others are putting themselves through for my comfort. Americans are in a point of insecurity and question in Iraq just as they questioned the involvement in the Khmer Rouge’s tyranny. Why do we have to sacrifice our own for the good of America. In this case we did end up helping the situation but in Iraq we may not be so lucky.