Trey Smith
There is too much killing in the world. The US has spent the better part of the past two decades killing "terrorists" (very loosely defined) and too many innocents in the remote vicinity. The Muslim zealots retaliate from time to time by killing Americans and a few of their western allies. When this happens, the US doubles down on the rhetoric and doubles up on the killing of Muslims...which leads to more angry Muslims who kill Americans and their western allies.
Do you see a vicious cycle here?
The murders of 4 Americans in Libya this week was a tragedy. We know about this part because the mainstream media has been all over it. The killing of countless Libyans during the undeclared war (that the US participated in) was a tragedy too, but the mainstream media chose not to cover that, so a good deal of the American public is in the dark about that aspect.
Upon learning of the 4 deaths, what did President Obama do in response? He sent two war ships to the region. It's a big show of force in a region bedeviled by too many people showing force.
I realize that this will sound incredibly naive, but, in my view, the best strategy for stopping the killing is to stop killing. The only way to break a cycle...is to break the cycle. One side needs to choose NOT to retaliate.
So, here is my novel suggestion: Rather than killing even more Muslims, why don't we try the opposite approach. My guess is that, if we decided to quit killing Muslims indiscriminately, they will decide to quit targeting us.
who is this Trey Smith person? is he going for president? you'd get my vote!
ReplyDeleteFor President? No. But there is a candidate who is anti war who you can vote for; Jill Stein!
DeleteYou know, when you think about it. We live in a time relatively more peaceful than any other point in history. It sounds absurd when you hear news like this, but think about it. Human history has been plagued with war. Many civilizations all over the world have been at war nearly constantly until recently. The rate at which people are dying in war is lower than its ever been.
ReplyDeleteTheres an interesting book on the history of violence I think you might like, its called:
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined
that is a good point that I've heard an interesting talk on (possibly by the author of the book you mention).
ReplyDeletein my way I just say, yes, good, less. but how about none? idealistic perhaps but I'd rather that way.
in times of much war or times of less I'd still be a voice saying "none!"