Dark Night

In a newspaper article, a reporter attempted to use this movie as an example to justify the doctrine of the current administration. In essence, that the end justifies the means. That if the only way to defeat our enemies is to play by their rules now and then -to become like them- then that's OK.

I agree that extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. Herein lays the key: what we do makes us what we are. If you knowingly act like a bad guy, you are one. This is why there is a line that should never be crossed. The moment we do, we give up the higher ground, loose our credibility, and our identity. Is it worth surrendering our core values, to win a fight? Some would have us believe that it takes strength to do "what is necessary" -I believe real strength lies in abiding by your principles, no matter how hard, no matter what's at stake. It is giving up on those principles that makes us weak. America strengthens its enemies and weakens itself when it practices torture, or lies to its citizens.

There is such thing as moral complexity, but there are also moral absolutes. Batman is a dark character, faced with difficult choices, but his actions don't contradict his principles; more than any heroics, this is what makes him a hero.

Here is an excerpt from Batman Begins:

Henri Ducard: "You are ready to become a member of the league of shadows. But first you must demonstrate your commitment to justice" (by killing a captured criminal)
Batman: "No. I'm no executioner"
Henri Ducard: "Your compassion is a weakness your enemies will not share"
Batman: "That's why it's so important. It's separates us, from them"
Henri Ducard: "you want to fight criminals, this man is a murderer!"
Batman: "this man should be tried"