Quote:
Originally Posted by Toy Soldier
I don't know that that's necessarily fair, because NO ONE is drafted (currently) in this country. If there was mandatory military service (many European countries do have this) then I'd agree. However, all military personnel are carrying out their chosen career, and were (or had the ability to be) clear on what that involved when they signed up (i.e. that they are to serve their commanding officers without moral question, and that the job is dangerous and there is a chance of loss of life).
Or, if it was the case that the soldiers on signing up believed that they were signing up to a national defense force who would not be sent out as aggressors. But again, this is not the case with the UK military, and recruits know and agree to that. Put simply; if someone doesn't want to be sent to war (as aggressors or otherwise) then they shouldn't commit themselves to military service.
I guess I sort of think... what you're saying is akin to saying "you shouldn't call the fire brigade to save you from a fire unless you'd be prepared to force your own children into a burning building to save others". Like soldiers, firefighters know that their job is dangerous, and that they risk being seriously injured or killed, before they sign up for that career.
|
Well at the moment, war is completely inconsequential for most people. I know it's not completely fair, and I also know it's probably unworkable, but it's just what I believe. I don't think the Iraq war happens if my rule is in place, though.
War only affects so few of us these days, as it's something we just watch in the early hours on skynewsHD night vision cam, whilst the ambiguity of pained speeches from leaders pretending to be concerned about the soldiers whilst simultaneously sending them off to die illegally is stark and infuriating.
That fire service analogy misses the mark completely.