Is it that the first decision is, by instinct, likely the correct one? If so, that would likely only apply to someone who isnt inherently evil, or at least has a conscious, correct?
Yes, I liked the teacher too. His student Todd was reacting like a kid; ie; from the gut. He had a brain, a good one. He knew the politicians were wrong but he didnt, or wouldnt, do anything about it. Like so many of us today, he wouldnt use his gifts, he just quit. He'd rather enjoy the fruits his parents gave to him, be hedonistic while the world crumbled around him. The teacher wanted him to act, to DO something, get involved, gain experiance so his talk wouldnt be hollow, be a part of society that doesnt just use, but ultimately contributes and makes the world better. Yes, I too wish I had a teacher who cared enough to talk to me.
On a side note, I found it interesting that the teacher, as a vet who had fought in a war and lost buddies and recognized, from experiance, that war is inherently evil and had protested against the war when he came back from it, he still respected his other two students' decision to go to war because they wanted to be involved, to do something to make a difference. I also noticed that Todds' conscious was sure bothering him. He was at least thoughtful, but he still hadnt DONE anything.
The other two main characters, the politician and the reporter, also were interesting studies. This would be a great movie for political science or social studies.