Dear Editor:
Once upon a time there was a war. A war initiated by a once great power on its weaker neighbour. Because this invasion took place in a part of the world that had mainly enjoyed peace for a considerable period of time, its citizens reacted with horror and disbelief, immediately mobilizing against its belligerent neighbour.
The political reaction to this illegal incursion came from a coalition of countries in its immediate neighbourhood and from another rival great power much farther away. Massive support of weapons, money, technical advice, training and material aid flowed in astonishing abundance to prevent an even greater cataclysm from occurring. Refugees fleeing from danger were immediately given refuge in welcoming countries.
What has not yet been decided or agreed upon is how and when this war will end. How much damage will the rest of the world be willing to bear? How much suffering does this small, but important country take upon itself? Some voices do speak out against this war with its immediate and long-term implications, but they are quickly silenced. Everyone, even the mainstream media, seem paralyzed, frozen in time and thought.
War is supported in many ways, by action and inaction. Reverend Martin Luther King said, “War can no longer be considered a negative good.” Food for thought!
Gandhi said, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” How can we already have forgotten the lessons of past wars? War corrupts everyone.
Wars end when people who live in vibrant democracies say, “It is enough! It is over!” Until then this once-in-a-time war will continue. The machines of war and their allies have not heard from the people. War is winning and peace is losing.
Janet Calderwood,
Rockwood