War Sucks, Did They Die in Vain?

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009 at 9:21 pm

Thought of the Day, War Sucks, Did They Die in Vain?

I am not really going to debate that issue, it is too deep and I could not do justice to it. Someone sent me a powerpoint presentation today and it was a video and song about Canadians who died in Afghanistan and a tribute to them. If you do not have powerpoint you can get an open office free download.

Still it got me thinking about war and how senseless it seems at times, the bravery of the soldiers, conflict and peacekeeping, and questioning just how civilized humanity is or is not. For me “is not” is more like it.

I recall many years ago someone I knew had fought in the second world war and would not discuss it. The memories were too painful. Being young at the time I did not understand that and I was quite curious about it. I was always very respectful and mindful of war and remembrance.

My vision of Canada is more like that of Mike Pearson, a Canadian Prime Minister who won the Nobel Peace prize in 1957. Canada established a history of keeping peace around the world and gained much respect.

Before that, Canadians also gained much respect for their role in the first and second world wars having joined the battle early on. Americans will say they won the war, still they came in near the end and for sure turned it around. All the while Canadians were fighting and dying for their country and other nations.

In the 60’s Canada welcomed draft dodgers from the USA as they were offered political asylum. The end of the Vietnam war came after massive protests in the USA and around the world.

Anyway most people support the soldiers for what they do even if they do not support the wars.

I have mixed emotions on this as I do on many subjects seeing both sides of many issues. I am also fond of John Lennon and his Give Peace A Chance. I guess that is what the world is hoping for now with Barack Obama leading the USA. I cannot imagine anyone not wanting peace especially after seeing what has happened for so many years since 911.