Evils Worse Than War

"It is easier to lead men to combat, stirring up their passion, than to restrain them and direct them toward the patient labors of peace." -Andre Gide, author, Nobel laureate (1869-1951


On another forum a member said there are worse evils than war. I certainly agree. Some wars are even moral and just.

I am not against all wars. I am against unnecessary wars.

The Korean War and the Vietnam War were unnecessary. It called young men who wanted to do the right thing and protect their families and country. They wanted to fight in a noble and just war. They wanted to be tested, and to prove their worth, to be the next Odysseus with a faithful Penelope who would wait 20 years for their return.

These young men's desires were exploited by old men who had big egos. Men like Harry Truman and Lyndon Johnson and their staffs of war mongering sycophants, offered young men as human sacrifices to the Commander in Chiefs' egos and careers. The Chiefs wrapped themselves in flags while bugles played, "Hail to the Chief", and the chiefs spoke magic words which inspired the young men to march into the hell of an unnecessary war.

Yes, there are worse evils than war. One of the worst is old men who start unnecessary wars.

Charles Tolleson