One of the biggest international news items this month was the US killing Osama Bin Laden. It happened the day after they (technically NATO) also killed Libyan Leader Muammar Gaddafi's son and grandchildren. I don't claim to be terribly knowledgeable about politics and I also realise that having not been an American or even anywhere near the USA for 9/11 I have little real knowledge of the intensity of the feelings of the people there toward Osama Bin Laden. But just on a human life to human life level I really struggled with the sentiments expressed at Osama's death- they were literally dancing in the streets. And the lack of protest over Gaddafi's Family killings- I realise that this event was over shadowed by the Bin Laden story- but how is it ok to kill 3 children (they were all under 12)?
In the same week as this happen the following quote was doing the rounds on facebook which was kind of comforting as I guess others were feeling the same way.
"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that" -- Martin Luther King, Jr
And I also read a
post on
Brene's Blog that was about the feelings that some people have in relation to war veterans.
"When I let my politics dictate my level of compassion for veterans, I contribute to their pain and to the suffering that is happening in the world."
When I step up (and through my beliefs about war) to hold space for the grief and trauma that they are holding, it changes their lives and creates a more loving and less violent world (which is ironically the goal that holds us back from reaching out to them)."
This is not such an problem in New Zealand but we do have a couple issues that I believe deserve some attention. These are never more prevalent than on ANZAC day.
The first is that we do not given our veterans, their families, and the ceremonies that we have to celebrate them anywhere near the respect that they deserve. Not many people come to ANZAC Parades and when they do some talk through ANZAC services, or allow their children to run amok. They don't take the time to understand what's happening or reflect on what we commemorate and why we commemorate the way we do.
The second thing is that we give little or no respect to our currently serving defence force. And if you think that we don't need a defence force and that it's a waste of money, or that they are not worthy because we are going to be involved in a war any time soon then you obviously don't know nearly enough about what they do to even have an opinion. It's not your entirely your fault. They don't have money for promotion and PR beyond the bare minimum needed for recruiting. They aren't really allowed to speak to the media all that much for fear of a smack on the hand from the Government. They aren't given the respect due by the Government ever. And there are the small details which seem irrelevant but actually just go to show how much people don't know and therefore shouldn't judge. Silly things like a media that refers to "Army Helicopters" meaning the Air Force Iroquoi- it's basic ignorance and it fails to recognise the work and skills of a whole Squadron of Maintenance workers, officers, and pilots.
The members of the New Zealand public who are currently serving in the defence force have a myriad of jobs to do and do them really well and for the benefit of all New Zealanders and a number of international citizens as well. And just because you can't see it right in front of you like you can the postie, the rubbish men, or your kids teachers doesn't mean it's any less important.
Just sayin' is all.
♥
