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November 17, 2004
The Luxury of Pacifism
I recently heard a discussion that included one young woman who made some interesting comments. She doesn't support putting any of our soldiers in harm's way, ever, for any reason. Moreover, she defies authority very day, thinks governments and laws are unnecessary, and as she put it, "I live by me." She's a self proclaimed pacifist.
Admittedly, she's young. She's idealistic, and her life perspective is very different from mine. However, I couldn't help but think about the sheer luxury of her positions.
Never put any of our armed forces in harm's way, ever. In that case, let's disband the military completely. After all, if we're not ever willing to risk a life to protect freedom, we might as well plan to be overrun by those who are stronger and less principled, and just give up our freedoms entirely. Whoops! I can't accept that, I'll stand by words that served this nation so well more than 200 years ago. "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased with the bonds of slavery? Forbid it, Almight God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death."
I live by me. Gee, that's great. Let's just give up the rule of law, the government that provides police, firefighters and (heaven help us) a national defense. Of course, you might want to consider getting youself a gun. Not everyone is as nice as you, shares your exact moral code, etc. and at some point, someone's going to decide that you should give them what you have, what you've worked to earn or decide that you just don't deserve those freedoms you so glibly exercise. That's happened in some other places . . . Afghanistan, for example, where one religious group decided that their way was the only way. Line up to get your burkas here, but for heaven sakes, don't show even an inch of ankle. Iraq's another good example. Just one man intimidated, frightened and murdered his way to the top, at the expense of one nation's citizenry. He probably would have happily espoused the "I live by me." theory. So, I think, would Osama Bin Laden. (Oh wait, they already have.)
I'm a pacifist. There's an old joke about pacifists. Ask one to tell you all about his beliefs, and then punch him in the mouth. If he raises a fist, shake your finger in his face and remind the naughty pacifist about his own beliefs. Then hit him again.
Repeat until the pacifist changes his philosophy.
This young woman will probably never have to fight for her freedoms or her beliefs. She can remain safely tucked in her little pacifist bed, and sleep soundly at night. How nice for her. But perhaps it's worth reminding her and others like her that she can do that because she lives in the United States, a country that was not founded on those sorts of ideals. It's pretty clear that our nation was founded by people who were willing to fight for their freedom. Perhaps it's worth reminding her that this country and its citizens owe their freedoms to men and women throughout time who have been willing to make sacrifices to keep their freedoms. Maybe, just maybe, we should remind her that the reason she'll probably never have to fight for her freedoms is because the most free nation on earth also spends a lot of money, as well as blood, sweat and tears, to maintain an Armed Forces full of men and women who are most assuredly NOT pacifists. Men and women who choose to be ready to put themselves in harm's way on her behalf, and to whom the philosophy of "I live by me!" is a phenomenally self centered , ignorant piece of claptrap not worth the sand that clings to their well worn combat boots.
And while she lavishes in the luxury of pacifism, I'll extend my gratitude to those whose idea of luxury is sleep without the accompaniment of gunfire and rocket propelled grenades . . . to the Sailors, Soldiers, Coast Guardsmen, Airmen and Marines who protect and defend this nation of luxuries.
Thank you, for what you do, and for the gifts you give that we would not otherwise have. May we never take them for granted.
Posted by at November 17, 2004 03:42 PM
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Comments
Dear Amy:
Great Post.
This might seem to be a matter of semantics but I think that it is important not to surrender the notion of "pacifist" to that naive young lady. I believe that if our forefathers, our past and present valiant military personnel, our first responders, and citizens were asked, they would also call themselves "pacifists", as do I. The difference between all of us and the naive young lady, is that we are "realists" as well. We have our eyes open, we do not live with our head in the sand!
I am not only a "realistic pacifist" but a proud American by choice. I thank God for all the proud and valiant sevicemen past, present and future, who have been/are willing to volunteer their life and blood to protect and guarantee my freedom. I also pray for their safety and for confort for their families who are the unsung heroes in any conflict.
God bless you and all your families.
Posted by: Asterix at November 17, 2004 06:18 PM
I'm a "pacifist" too, a pacifist who served eight years in the military and the last twenty as a police officer. In all those years, I never knew anyone who was "pro war". Truly, there is no one who loves peace more than those who potentially have to pay for it with their lives. But they know well that true peace requires more than posturing, platitudes, and empty catch phrases.
They understand that peace at any cost is a false peace. The world saw the fruits borne by such delusions in the 1930s and the 1990s. To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, those who would trade security for peace deserve neither.
Unfortunately, there are many incredibly naive people in our country who have lived under the umbrella of a free, secure society for so long, a free society bought and paid for with the blood, sweat, and tears of others, that they have deluded themselves into thinking it is the natural order of things. They make the mistake of thinking that just because their freedom came easy and at no cost to them, that no one paid for it. It is ignorant and narcissistic in the extreme.
It is also ironic that those who most loudly exercise their freedom of speech use it to criticize those who do the most to provide and protect that freedom.
They had better thank God - or whatever higher power they believe in, if any - that there have always been people in this country who understand that those who value peace and security the most, are those most willing to fight for it.
Posted by: B52vet at November 23, 2004 09:41 PM