I am against war as a solution. But I’m not stupid either. Man will always wage war. Humans are funny that way. And as much as I hate to say it there are probably times when taking up arms is. . well, unavoidable. I mean I think we all agree that a person or society, or country attacked has every right to defend itself. When to defend, and when to be passive can certainly be debated. On the other hand of course we can also I think, agree that historically nations have also taken advantage of that right to gain more than just “defense”. One example I think is Russia at the end of world war 2 which was easily on the defensive, but used that position to annex neighbors in the end. Self-defense can be used as veiled aggression. Some of course see 9-11 in that light. For my part I’m not going to go into my personal politics. Most of the time I think the whole herd is crazy! LOL!

Being anti-war does not mean disrespect for those who actually do the fighting and dying. I know that many feel obligated to an ideal, strong nationalism, and yes, even religious obligation. I know that their hearts are in it. Of course then sadly in situations such as the Crusades, Gallipoli, kamikaze pilots of WW2, Viet Nam and on and on, their deep convictions were taken advantage of and young people paid with their lives.

This memorial day we of course dedicate those men and women and their convictions. Regardless of the politics that sent them to war.