by S.O'Kealey

On the subject of War, I do not mean to denigrate or deny the sacrifices made by so many but can’t we, the human race come up with another way of solving our differences? Since we first appeared on this planet we have been butchering one another, killing children and their mothers and causing the most horrific destruction. The history of our race has crumbled as temples churches, mosques, museums, libraries, and the great works of art are destroyed. This has come at a tremendous cost environmentally and financially. Our youth are sent off and they become fodder for the cannons. The war machinery goes into full effect as the nations take up their flags. The factories are busy, jobs are plentiful, all the armaments that have been carefully constructed are deployed and the “dogs of war” run wild. There is fervor, energy, excitement as we all become involved. And then it is over. Our leaders sign a pact, shake hands, have their pictures taken and are satisfied. Generations come back (or not) mutilated, gassed, traumatized so that the survivors are not as fortunate as the dead and they sell poppies to support their pitiful pensions. Why can’t we leave out this middle step (war) and go from concern and anger to discussion, compromise and peace? What did Einstein say? We cannot achieve peace while preparing for war. Isn’t there another way to protect ourselves without this dreadful conflagration? We really have not advanced from the days when we beat one another with clubs (except that the weapons have become more sophisticated).