Military service

[twirlgrrl]

Just after I'd chatted with some folks online about not wanting Blue to join the military, like, EVER, and about my church's historical C.O. and/or noncombatant status, the next time I cracked open my church magazine I saw an article about military service. That sort of synchronicity happens often, believe it or not. Anyway, I wrote about it and put the article on one of my other LJs, so if you want to read it you can go here:

http://spread-word.livejournal.com/21056.html

It doesn't address the only lingering issue I haven't resolved for myself in regards to the topic. The fact is, it seems that sometimes military action is truly necessary--as in the Holocaust, to use an obvious example. What is my duty in that circumstance? Should I feel comfortable excluding myself due to my religious beliefs? It's sortof like the vaccination thing; I'm able to pick and choose because most kids are vaccinated. Is it OK to let others carry that burden? What would be a truly effective nonviolent solution to something like WWII? If people from all over the world had traveled to Germany, Poland etc. to clog up the works and become nonviolent human shields, would that have stopped the Nazis? Eventually? Ever? I know I am personally committed to nonviolence, but I am also committed to compassion and serving others. I'm not sure how to reconcile those values in certain situations.

I'm just musing, but of course your thoughts are welcome!

Comments

[the-changeling.livejournal.com]

Apart from the spectre of him being killed in action, we'd be happy for Hugh to join the Armed Forces. If he decides that role of discipline and honour and serving, is one he'd like, then we'd support it.

If only the hoodlums and the power freaks go in, there is no one to create balance and pride and honour.

Being raised in Europe, and not being raised to speak German, may have more to do with our differences on this. I think it would be very difficult to have a balanced perspective on war if you were raised in the USA, and had the slightest knowledge of how... ehm unevenly... the USA has used it's armed forces around the world.

Of course, eternal vigilance is a pre-requisite... don't get me started on "Believe me I can't tell you but honestly there is good evidence" Iraq!!!!!!

I do beleive in non-violence.. to a point. yes, I understand the self-limiting nature of say "I beleive in non-violence BUT..." But.. I won't stand by and see babies ripped from wombs and testicles and breasts collected as war trophies. Ever.

I think what's happening in Tibet, is proof that non-violence only works if the system is capable of listening... when the Dalai Lama has to sit and watch his own monks fight... you know non-violence is part of a whole host of solutions, not The Only One. The Aim, but sometimes you need to defend in order to achive the name.

I would hate it.. as a mother.. but I'd respect it. And hope we'd given him what he needed to be a _decent_ and powerful soldier... one capable of leading.

And if he wants to be a grunt... oh well, he'll be a grunt! :-)

He is starting martial arts training at 5....

Wow, what a great question!

[slinksgirl.livejournal.com]

I can't quite figure out my stance on war. I firmly believe that violence begets nothing but more violence. I believe war should be the last resort, when all attempts at peaceful resolution have failed. I also think that we create a lot of our own problems outside of the US.

That being said, I also believe that violence can be a necessary evil and is, at times, the only option. But how do we know when it is the only option? How do we keep ourselves from going too far? How do we ensure safety and respect of human rights without believing that we have the right to police the world? And while I enjoy the freedom to criticize our government for all of their failings and ulterior motives for war, I do understand that someone is fighting for that very freedom for me.

I can't quite reconcile my pacifist nature with my fear of loss of freedom and my outrage at the injustices occurring across the planet.

[ninjalie.livejournal.com]

I think it comes down to what is more healthy for society. Obviously a lot of people have their own ideas about that, so all you can really do is use your own best moral judgment. Personally, sometimes standing idly by causes more harm than just kicking a couple of asses (metaphorically speaking.)