Stop the war now!

30 September, 2019

   War has nothing to recommend it. Oh sure, some people speak of the ways war is a boost to economy. One who takes time to notice telling details, will likely find those who tout economic advantages of these deadly conflicts, have little or no actual "skin in the game."

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   Daily, one becomes aware of individuals who are at grave risk from the ravages of disease. Some are refugees from war-torn countries; some are seeking political asylum; some are the working poor. United States "middle class" seems in danger of disappearing, leaving ultra wealthy individuals and the very poor. It has been pointed out that being rich is not a crime. I believe unless a person uses wealth to better the lives of others, perhaps it should be. Undoubtedly, some will say mine is a "sour grapes" attitude but I assure you, it is not. My wants and needs are simple and I live well, within my means. I do think my lifestyle should be a universal minimum standard. I have no problem with some being extremely well-to-do: just so long as no one is so poor they do not have the veritable pot to piss in. It may just be my opinion but I don't think a "war on poverty" is supposed to eliminate it buy killing off poor people.
   Some argue the wealthy may spend as they see fit, because it is their money. Is it really? Unless wealth was earned solely by one's own physical labor, someone else contributed to it and should rightly be given due recompense. CEOs whose salaries exceed the earnings of company workers - by several hundred times are, not to put too fine a point on it, crooks. There are companies that often do not pay workers a living wage: said workers must work multiple jobs and/or apply for assistance.
   To add insult to injury, United States legislators are implementing/seeking ways to make the process more difficult and re-evaluating participants, to force "able-bodied" people to work a minimum of twenty hours per week. (This may also be happening in other countries besides U.S.) Ostensibly, this is being done to reduce the number of recipients and weed out "welfare queens." These boneheads just don't get it: with few exceptions, those who can work are already working - most of them much harder than many of these glorified bean counters ever even thought about working.
   Privilege messes up priorities: people who have always had  life easy, often think less fortunate individuals are "slackers." Money can also affect memory to a point at which the "nouveau riche" forget obstacles which impeded them. We as individuals need to live our own lives to the best of our abilities. We should also, as society, make it a priority to help disadvantaged individuals recognize their full potentials.
   You may think this blog's title has nothing to do with its content. Too often, war is glorified, to stir up fervor for warmongers' selfish desires. Language also exhibits way too much militarism, in further misguided glorification. Feelings of "patriotism" are being co-opted into nationalism. Residents of countries that have taken in refugees, now grumble that their national identity is being destroyed. When cultures meet, they should find ways to blend, instead of clash.
   We need to open our hearts and minds to change, instead of being bound up in isolationism. Rigidity leads to breakage, whereas flexibility is the way to attain enduring strength. Do not be afraid of change: welcome it as a means of renewed and increased potential. Give peace a chance.