War… From a Distance
Over the course of my lifetime, many wars have been fought around the world. Being an American, I have personally experienced the differing views people in the United States hold on whether or not this country should have been engaged in any of these wars.
Although my experiences are limited to public opinion in America, I have little doubt that people in all warring nations have conflicting views on whether their nation should engage in war.
This message doesn’t address any particular nation or war. It is meant as an examination of the way we can view all wars.
Let’s get back to my own experience for a moment. During my life, I have participated in discussions about whether the U.S. should have engaged in wars. At times, my position was that this country should engage in war. At other times, I felt strongly that the U.S. should not go to war.
I have now come to realize that my arguments in favor of any war were based on the fact that I would never have to personally witness the devastation caused by that war. I was in favor of war because I could consider the war from a distance.
When viewed from a distance, even something as cruel and insane as war can be justified. It is relatively easy to offer mental arguments about the need for war, when the war is not in your neighborhood — and you and your family will not immediately suffer the violence flowing from that conflict.
I look at war very differently now.
I wonder how many people would be in favor of a war if they had to live in the country where the war was being fought – and watch the day-to-day violence being carried out. That means they would hear the bombs and gunfire constantly. There would be constant fear. Long periods without electricity or clean water.
They would see people, including innocent children, being maimed and killed. Friends and family members might die. Many of those who fought – and survived – would experience life-long psychological trauma. It isn’t a pretty picture.
It’s easy to be in favor of war when you sit at home safe from all the violence. It’s easy to be in favor of war when your loved ones are not the ones who risk their lives or lose limbs.
How many among us would still advocate war if we had to live in the middle of it, up close and personal? How many of us would be in favor of war if our children and closest friends had to fight in that war?
I’m not a pacifist who is against all wars, although I respect those who take that position. In my view, if a nation is attacked, that nation has the right to respond and protect itself. But that is the kind of situation when we ARE willing to fight and to send our family members into the conflict. In these instances, we ARE willing to face the day-to-day devastation and long-term consequences.
The next time you are in favor of a war, I invite you to take another look – but not with your mind…from a distance.
Are your eyes willing to observe this war as it unfolds? Is your heart willing to feel the reality of the violence, as you watch people (from both sides of the conflict) grieving for friends and family members who have been killed or maimed?
Are you still in favor of going to war – or is it only acceptable from a distance?
– Jeff Keller
© 2008
Note: This message is not an invitation to discuss particular wars or political policies. I have no interest in debating the merits of specific wars. While you are free to voice any opinion you have, please understand that I will not engage in any such debate.