War, Huh, Yeah, What is it Good For?

Perhaps talking about War on this, the day of Remembrance, is kind of a cliché.... so sue me.

Are we at War?

I don't know, are we? If so, what with? Who against? What side are we on? Who's we? Where do I stand? I don't see any tanks.... but tanks never really did show up in North America, did they?

What is War? According to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary, War is any of the following:

1. a) a state of usually open and declared armed hostile conflict between states or nations
b) a period of such armed conflict
2. a) a state of hostility, conflict, or antagonism
b) a struggle or competition between opposing forces or for a particular end
3. a) to be in active or vigorous conflict
b) to engage in warfare

And there are many kinds of Wars:

• World Wars
• Civil Wars
• Cold Wars
• Hot Wars
• Holy Wars
• Star Wars

There are Canadian and American troops, of course, involved in the current Middle-Easters conflicts but I think that idea of War is very narrow. At home, we're involved in a lot of miniature Wars that we've caused for ourselves. For example, we're in conflict with the planet. We've treated our planet so poorly that it's starting to revolt. There are conflicts between mega corporations and consumers, too. Money swindled, people manipulated. There are a number of conflicts between people. Whether based on race, gender, religion/beliefs, sexual preference, and politics, people are fighting people.

A lot of forces in our modern world are unsettled and I think that on a day like today, on Remembrance Day, it all seems trivial. The veterans we honour on this day were made to believe that there was no other answer but war. Are we so unimaginative that we have to continue to use those old fashioned tactics today?Arn't there laws against assault? Then why is combat in a war setting allowed? There are penalties for murder too, so why arn't killers in wars imprisoned? Especially mass murderers.
I don't care what anyone says, bombing a city isn't self defense.

I once heard that War is an acronym for "We Are Right." Both sides of any conflict may believe themselves to be 'right' but there are other ways to resolve issues than in armed conflict.

A Kindergarten Teacher would say:

- Take a deep breath, count to ten.

- Write out your feelings in a journal.

- Use your words instead of crying and yelling.

- Hug and say you're sorry.