Friday, September 08, 2017

War is Still Very Stupid

Germany Frankfurt WWII Bomb

War!
War!

In this heart of mine, I'll find a place for you
For black or white, for grown-up children too

Now we're fighting in our hearts
Fighting in the streets
Won't somebody help me?

War war is stupid and people are stupid
And love means nothing in some strange quarters
War war is stupid and people are stupid
And I heard the banging of hearts and fingers

No more war
Say no more war


Yup folks, I just quoted Boy George the androgynous 80's pop star who is probably best known for hits Karma Chameleon and Do you Really Want to Hurt Me? Please feel free to hum them as you read this blog entry. His War Song wasn't exactly brilliant poetry but it did make a point with the refrain stating that war is destructive and pointless.

War really is stupid, don't you figure? This past week a bomb was discovered in Frankfurt, Germany which required the evacuation of 60,000 people from a large area of the city which included a hospital and nursing homes. Fortunately it was defused without incident. In the CBC article about this situation there are facts and figures which remind us of the lasting effects of conflict.

Over 2,000 tonnes of live bombs and munitions are found each year in Germany, even under buildings. In July, a kindergarten was evacuated after teachers discovered an unexploded WW II bomb on a shelf among some toys. The country was pummelled by 1.5 million tonnes of bombs from British and American warplanes that killed 600,000 people. German officials estimate 15 per cent of the bombs failed to explode, some burrowing six metres deep. Three police explosives experts in Goettingen were killed in 2010 while preparing to defuse a 450-kilogram bomb.

Image result for frankfurt bomb 2017

This corroded vestige of the past should speak to us in the present.  There is a maniacal despot in North Korea who appears bent on provoking war, and an American president who wants to be the tough guy in response. The international community should do everything possible to defuse this ominous threat. Diplomacy and prayer are vital.

Comments?

1 comment:

Judy said...

It takes very strong leadership in countries that are opposed to war, to defeat the war - mongers . Unfortunately, the way out world is right now, there are too many "troubles" in most countries for leaders to come together and speak forcefully against those who still feel that might is right.But we should continue to ray and to discourage the war mongers anyway !