Several years ago, during a lively family discussion about war, I was asked where I stood. Peace is simple, yet apparently unachievable. I am opposed to war on the grounds there is a Commandment: “Thou shall not kill!” This underpins all Abrahamic traditions which guide Judeo-Christian and Islamic faiths. Furthermore, this premise is central to the Golden Rule which is universal. Who suffers? Inevitably, it is the weakest, the most vulnerable.
A child sits–
Shivers
Is it the cold?
Hunger
Loneliness, fear
So fragile and weak
In desperate need.
Amidst war’s carnage–
No refuge
Only chaos
Military heroes wreak havoc
Who is the toughest?
The biggest bully?
Kick sand in a child’s eyes.
There is no right side
Real courage
Begs and pleads?
Stop
Wanton, senseless
Violence and death!
Who gains?
It does not take a hero to order bombs lobbed into civilian areas of cities. Nor does it take a hero to hide behind women and children when bombs are lobbed. Last night, I heard a talking head on TV ask who has the moral high ground. Is there really one when the objective of both sides is to punish the most vulnerable. What a silly question. There is no moral high ground in war only criminality.
