Sayles generally has something to say in his movies, and a bit too often the message overwhelms the story with characters just in place to deliver it. This film has shades of this, but has enough of a sense of place, lovely music, and such a good supporting cast (with a decent story) that it ends up as a fairly enjoyable experience. [Update: More comments.]
William Saletan has an interesting article in Slate today that argues that the war in Iraq has misused the National Guard, which is supposed to be in place for domestic security. This dovetails well with the Democrat's emphasis on the need for a better system to protect homeland security. And, how we are misplacing our limited resources, and thus threatening our well being.
Sadly, when both Bush and Kerry spoke in front of the National Guard, Bush's argument that fighting in Iraq was "necessary to defend America" got better applause. This is sadly expected. Who wants to accept that you and your fellow members are suffering for a mistake that might even be counterproductive? And, perhaps, they were restrained by chain of command, though I bet many weren't too enthusiastic. It's a message that has to be sent though, and hopefully, the public at large are more accepting.
I'd add [extended discussion] that this has constitutional implications with the Second Amendment as a primary concern. The National Guard is the modern day organized "militia," and it is quite true that it was intended to have a domestic function (upholding the laws, defending against insurrections, and repel attacks). And, the Second Amendment only strengthens this limitation of its function, helping to insure that the federal government doesn't use the militia as a glorified army to do its bidding.
This, not an assault weapon ban, should be what Second Amendment enthusiasts are truly worried about.