I can't understand after the wars in the 20th and early 21st centuries folk still never accept that war is an abomination and a failure of the parties to find alternative ways because it takes courage to find them - using weaponry is far easier and a failure on many levels, including the intellect. Any war can be justified by supporters on either side and both will have some good arguments - that does not justify it to the vast majority of the world.
On Sunday I heard on KPFA's music programme "Across the Greate Divide" by Kevin Vance the Russian song "Paper Soldier" by Bulat Okudzhava on the pointlessness of military bravado. Putin and Western Leaders should listen to its words.I am sure most Russian politicians have heard it.
...damn. Hope you and yours are okay and (selfish all-American discourse consmer that I am) I can't wait to read some longer pieces about this trek...
I hope you and yours can stay safe. On the ground reporting has to take a back seat if conditions are too dangerous.
I'm truly baffled that the west (however you care to define it) has decided to confront instead of negotiate. There will be no winners.
This does not look good.
Negotiate! Negotiate Now!.
I can't understand after the wars in the 20th and early 21st centuries folk still never accept that war is an abomination and a failure of the parties to find alternative ways because it takes courage to find them - using weaponry is far easier and a failure on many levels, including the intellect. Any war can be justified by supporters on either side and both will have some good arguments - that does not justify it to the vast majority of the world.
On Sunday I heard on KPFA's music programme "Across the Greate Divide" by Kevin Vance the Russian song "Paper Soldier" by Bulat Okudzhava on the pointlessness of military bravado. Putin and Western Leaders should listen to its words.I am sure most Russian politicians have heard it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUO-quXA9Ts
Once there lived a soldier-boy,
None handsomer or braver,
but he was just a children's toy
A soldier made of paper.
He'd change the world, or so he said,
for joy and peace he'd labour,
but he was hanging by a thread,
a soldier made of paper.
He'd bravely go through fire and smoke,
He'd die for you twice over.
But he was just a laughing-stock,
a soldier made of paper.
You wouldn't trust a paper guy,
With secrets or your favour.
And why is that? I'll tell you why,
'cause he is made of paper.
He challenged fate, prepared to die,
Marched on another caper,
"Ready, fire!" was his cry,
Forgetting he was paper.
"Forward march! We stand or fall!"
He, burning into vapour,
Died under fire for nothing at all,
'cause he was made of paper.