I've wondered how many women here @ FR would view the video. I viewed it myself yesterday and for the same basic reason. I too wanted to harden my heart. Time may not heal all wounds, but it does soften the impact or at least the memory of the impact. In such a few short years the memory of what happened on 9/11 has been softened. I knew I needed to be reminded of the brutality by these people. It was horrible to watch...it made me ill, not to mention the tears. But it strengthened my resolved to support Pres. Bush and his efforts. I've always supported the troops, but I was starting to question his methods...I won't do that again. As far as the battle being on our soil, I believe it's here already and it's just a matter of time before it's full-blown IF we can't contain & suppress these people.
To no one in particular: I can't imagine how anyone watched this video, edited or not, and come away thinking this was a clean/quick kill. It appeared to me that the blade was dull and they were "sawing" rather than a quick slice. I thought it was horrific and sadistic. Any news agency that reported it as being quick either didn't watch the video or just plain lied.