Thank you Jane. Being born in 1950, WWII was still fresh in peoples memories as a child. In my teens and twenties the peace movement was at the forefront. At school we were taught the poems of Wilfred Owen. My brother served in Vietnam and I was called up and posted a conscientious objection but was excluded on medical grounds anyway. I have always realised that war is horrific and allows all sorts of atrocities, no matter who is involved. When Russia invaded Ukraine I could only think of those now living who would be dead, maimed, tortured and raped. And it has been so. So it’s easy to side with Ukraine, even if there is some question about their conduct in the East of the country prior to the war. And with Israel and Palestine, it will never end until Palestine is given statehood. Those who created Israel were short sighted hence ongoing troubles, and I remember the PLO terrorism. They wanted their cause heard but it backfired. Long live diplomacy, but when tyrants want to rule the world and suppress others, then we must stand up. Maybe NATO should have gone into Ukraine immediately and it might all have been over. I don’t think we would have had WWIII. I’m with John and Yoko -“give peace a chance” But we’ve been human forever and I fear it will go on for some time yet. Education, equitable distribution of wealth, respect and understanding of others would help.
War is a difficult conversation Jane. The main thing to remember is what side you are supporting.
Let me explain, for Gaza and Ukraine there is one side saying we are right to prosecute this war. The other side says they are right in fighting the war.
So we have 2 strong opinions for the one war.
What we see as the killing of innocent civilians from one side the other side is saying it was a great outcome.
Who is right? That’s the question.
As the saying goes the history of the war is written by the victors.
Thank you Jane. Being born in 1950, WWII was still fresh in peoples memories as a child. In my teens and twenties the peace movement was at the forefront. At school we were taught the poems of Wilfred Owen. My brother served in Vietnam and I was called up and posted a conscientious objection but was excluded on medical grounds anyway. I have always realised that war is horrific and allows all sorts of atrocities, no matter who is involved. When Russia invaded Ukraine I could only think of those now living who would be dead, maimed, tortured and raped. And it has been so. So it’s easy to side with Ukraine, even if there is some question about their conduct in the East of the country prior to the war. And with Israel and Palestine, it will never end until Palestine is given statehood. Those who created Israel were short sighted hence ongoing troubles, and I remember the PLO terrorism. They wanted their cause heard but it backfired. Long live diplomacy, but when tyrants want to rule the world and suppress others, then we must stand up. Maybe NATO should have gone into Ukraine immediately and it might all have been over. I don’t think we would have had WWIII. I’m with John and Yoko -“give peace a chance” But we’ve been human forever and I fear it will go on for some time yet. Education, equitable distribution of wealth, respect and understanding of others would help.
War is a difficult conversation Jane. The main thing to remember is what side you are supporting.
Let me explain, for Gaza and Ukraine there is one side saying we are right to prosecute this war. The other side says they are right in fighting the war.
So we have 2 strong opinions for the one war.
What we see as the killing of innocent civilians from one side the other side is saying it was a great outcome.
Who is right? That’s the question.
As the saying goes the history of the war is written by the victors.
Regards,
Alec Valcanis