A man puts on a special vest, goes to a crowded public place and detonates.
Dozens dead, scores injured, hundreds traumatized, an entire nation in shock.
They call it a War…
I disagree.
That’s not a War. War is going into battle at an agreed time.
An agreed place.
Over a mutually accepted, defined disagreement.
War is looking into the eyes of your enemy as you stand toe to toe and attempt to kill each other.
War is hearing him grunt with each swing of his weapon,
smelling his sweat
feeling his fear
sharing his anger
understanding his love for kinsmen
and his loyalty to Flag and Country…
War knows why you are fighting
who you are fighting
what you are fighting for
and sometimes, how fighting might lead to peace
War is being brave enough to show your face
to come pre-announced, not sneaking in at night.
War is giving your enemy a chance to defend against an attack…
War is about “fixing bayonets”
and feeling the consuming fear when you hear the command, “charge!” shouted over the din of explosions and the cries of the wounded…
War is not about killing/maiming children, women and unarmed, unaware men.
I hate War.
But even more,
I hate the mindless, random murder by people who have been convinced that they have nothing to live for, by people who will never go to “War” themselves
I was born in September.
I am told that we are by nature, peacemakers.
I say scratch that. All it takes is a man who values life to value peace
This isn’t War, it is murder
do the right thing, develop a mind of your own
do not wear that vest or drive that rigged car to that public school
be brave enough to be human
It takes bravery to fight the inner beast and win
that is War.
Win the battle within yourself and know peace.
And only after that will you be able to share peace…
Onimisi-Suleiman
8:33:13 AM
Thu, May 30, 2013