No One Wins or Loses a War
A verse, repeated often, within a very popular song when I was young went "War! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing!"
The Israelie/Palestinian (Hamas) war is being followed closely by national leaders and citizens world-wide as the death toll, irrational behavior, and destruction increases daily on both sides. Emotional outbursts are becoming extreme, especially among those with family and/or friends living within the war zones.
As a former U.S. Marine and Vietnam War veteran, I can testify that some military personnel serving on both sides occasionally exhibit teririble and unjustifiable behavior during combat. During my first couple of months of combat, I did the things I did because I had to. However, after awhile, I came to realize that I was doing the things I did because I wanted to. That is not a proud statement. It is an honest one.
I have posted this personal comment within various Goodreads discussion groups before, but I feel it is worth repeating: When the last shot is fired, peace treaties are signed, and a war is declared officially over, there are no winners. There are no losers, There are only survivors.
The Israelie/Palestinian (Hamas) war is being followed closely by national leaders and citizens world-wide as the death toll, irrational behavior, and destruction increases daily on both sides. Emotional outbursts are becoming extreme, especially among those with family and/or friends living within the war zones.
As a former U.S. Marine and Vietnam War veteran, I can testify that some military personnel serving on both sides occasionally exhibit teririble and unjustifiable behavior during combat. During my first couple of months of combat, I did the things I did because I had to. However, after awhile, I came to realize that I was doing the things I did because I wanted to. That is not a proud statement. It is an honest one.
I have posted this personal comment within various Goodreads discussion groups before, but I feel it is worth repeating: When the last shot is fired, peace treaties are signed, and a war is declared officially over, there are no winners. There are no losers, There are only survivors.
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Christine
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Nov 15, 2023 08:52AM
Jim, your perception of war is not only correct - it is something I wish our military leaders understood and lived by.
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Christine wrote: "Jim, your perception of war is not only correct - it is something I wish our military leaders understood and lived by."Christine,
You may have noticed that, all too often, the first, most persistent, and loudest citizens to propose an aggressive and massive military response to any situation have, for whatever reason, chosen to never serve in the military themselves.
Thank you for remaining the longest and one of the most loyal followers of the blog. Your input is always incisive and interesting.
Jim Vuksic
