Waco: The Rules of Engagement (1997)

Waco - Rogue Government Kills Religious Apocalyptists.
_Waco - The Rules of Engagement_ (1997) is a documentary directed by William Gazecki about the conflict that took place in 1993 between the Branch Davidians, a splinter group of religious apocalyptists, and the ATF and FBI in Waco, Texas. This particular film is the 136 min. version of the documentary, which has been circulating for quite some time at various lengths. This documentary attempts to reveal the misdeeds and mishaps of the federal government in their raid of the Branch Davidian compound. The film probes into the actions of government officers and the manner in which they planned their raid, attempting to show that the government acted unlawfully and wrongly and then tried to cover up what they had done. Unfortunately, the raid on the compound resulted in horrendous tragedy when after a 51 day stand-off the compound was burned to the ground on April 19, 1993, killing 79 people including 21 children and the leader of the Branch Davidians, David Koresh. This film alleges that the government engaged in serious wrong-doing, casts doubt on many of the allegations against Koresh, and shows how despite claims by the government that the FBI did not fire a single shot on the compound or set the fire which burned it to the ground that these claims cannot be supported by the evidence. As such, this film reveals the federal government at its absolute worst, engaged in unlawful activity against civilians in a ruthless pursuit of revenge. The film also shows the hatred of the government for apocalyptic sects and the arrogance of government officials and congressmen who did everything in their power to cover over what really occurred at Waco.

David Koresh, whose real name was Vernon Howell, was an apocalyptic prophet and leader of the Branch Davidians, a splinter group of the Seventh-Day Adventists. Together with a diverse group of his followers, he set up a compound called the Mount Carmel Center in Waco, Texas. Two of the main allegations against Koresh are that he was stockpiling illegal weapons and that he was guilty of statutory rape. In the film, both of these allegations will be challenged; however, even if one accepts both of these allegations as correct this still does not justify the government's actions against him. On February 28, 1993, the ATF attempted to execute a search warrant on the Branch Davidian compound; however, an exchange of gunfire occurred and four agents were killed and others wounded. Following this, the FBI took over and was involved in a 51 day stand-off with the Branch Davidians, which culminated in tragedy when the compound was burnt to the ground. The film makes several allegations against the federal government regarding wrong-doing during this procedure. First, it is claimed that the ATF turned down an invitation by Koresh to inspect the compound made months before, but rather decided to raid the compound themselves. Second, it is claimed that the Branch Davidians did not actually fire first. This is shown by the fact that the door on which the firing took place had bullet holes going inwards but few going outwards. Other allegations against the government involve the doings of the FBI who took over later. The FBI claims that they did not fire a single shot; however, in tapes shown before the congressional committee gunfire can clearly be seen. In addition, in a particularly callous move considering the fact that there were innocent children inside the compound, CS gas was injected into the building which would have very harmful effects upon breathing individuals inside. Further, the CS gas could have ignited which caused the fire that burnt the compound to the ground, contrary to the claims made by the government that the Branch Davidians themselves burned the compound to the ground. Other questionable activities by the government include the use of psychological warfare, playing loud music, and flooding the building with light to provoke Koresh and his followers. If the government truly believed Koresh to be an unstable individual to begin with, then why would they engage in such tactics against him which could only serve to drive him further into irrationality? Such questions as these remain unanswered by the government, and in repeated and arrogant denials and dismissals federal officials, congressmen, and Janet Reno (head of the FBI at the time) have denied any wrongdoing on their part. Nevertheless, with such questions unanswered and such gaping holes in the official account, it becomes fairly obvious that the actions of the government were wrongful. It has been suggested by some that the actions of the FBI may have been prompted by revenge for what occurred with the ATF. Such desire for revenge allowed federal officials to ignore what would become of 21 innocent children. As one individual in the film makes the case, the government should protect children even if they have bad parents (in fact particularly if they have bad parents and even from their bad parents). But, in this case the government chose to torture children to get back at bad parents leading to their ultimate deaths. Such is the ultimate tragedy of the events which took place at Waco.

This film offers an excellent and important documentary of government wrong-doing. It should be a wake up call to all American citizens of the dangers of government. When the government turns against its own citizens, this is itself the most pernicious evil which can beset a nation. Such was the case at Waco in 1993.

No Bull
This documentary feeds you no bull. No hype. Simply the truth. While the "official" line is full of holes...this documentary gives us a clear picture of what happened at Waco... From the missing tapes, to the missing front door of the compound, this video reveals to you things that the ATF doesn't want you to know!!

No Bull
This documentary feeds you no bull. No hype. Simply the truth. While the "official" line is full of holes...this documentary gives us a clear picture of what happened at Waco... From the missing tapes, to the missing front door of the compound, this video reveals to you things that the ATF doesn't want you to know!!