Current Events — HabitableZone

Current Events » in reply to Re: Marshall Plan

Thankless is the least of it
Tom Brosz — (archived)

I fully expect a lot of aid workers will be killed in various messy ways.

National pacifism is exactly the wrong way to deal with the current situation, but something should be noted: There are some pacifists who don't march down streets spitting on the United States and our way of life before heading home to watch "West Wing." There are some pacifists who, quietly and without a lot of fuss, go into danger zones where they think they can help without taking up arms. Often, this puts them in harm's way, and without a means of personal self-defense. I remember the Quakers on the Underground Railroad, and many others.

I am certain there are many people who fall into this category who are heading into Afghanistan with aid and supplies right now. Going where people are skinned alive for the wrong things, often protected only by a painted red cross or crescent. I fervently hope they will also be eventually protected by friendly armed soldiers.

These are the quiet pacifists you don't hear about. The volunteers. The ones who walk the walk.

A lot of "pacifists" you see on TV are cowards. A lot of the ones you don't see on TV are anything but, and it's to them I raise a glass.

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