Forbidden Questions
Brooke and Eliot ask where are the conscientious objectors?
August asks why are we asking whether women should be in combat instead of why should humans be in combat? (my paraphrase)
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Brooke and Eliot ask where are the conscientious objectors?
August asks why are we asking whether women should be in combat instead of why should humans be in combat? (my paraphrase)
Conscientious objection can't be very visible when the fighting force is all-volunteer. Don't want to go to war? Don't enlist. And within the fighting forces, if people are asking for a transfer to a non-combat position, I can posit a couple of possible reactions from the higher-ups:
1. Let 'em transfer. This war has enough popular support that there really won't be a shortage of people willing to fight, so why turn it into a major issue?
2. Hey, stupid, you joined the @#$%ing ARMED FORCES, what do you think we've been carrying all those weapons around for in the first place?
As for the question of "why are humans in combat", well, ask the Kuwaitis who were invaded by Iraq. Ask the veterans of Pearl Harbor. Ask the spirits of the Greek citizens who defended their civilization against Persia. Humans are in combat because other humans force the issue.
Posted by Jimcat on March 26 2003 05:41
I'd be surprised if the military were that casual about transfers at this time, and would much more expect your choice 2.
As to the latter point, bad paraphrasing on my part. The point was "why are we putting our soldiers in this conflict?" And while I'm sure there are hawks who'd characterize this war is in self-defense, that we had no choice, that Saddam forced our hand, but I don't consider it credible to deny that we're the ones forcing the issue here and now.
Posted by Zed on March 26 2003 08:21
Okay, I was addressing the general case. For the specific, I'm certainly not going to defend our decision to go to war.
Posted by Jimcat on March 26 2003 08:52