There are some wars which must be fought, some which should be fought, but in which one might excuse participation on the grounds that more pressing concerns were at hand, and some that should not be fought at all. I will freely admit that I don't know a great deal about the Viet Nam War. What I know leads me to believe that the United States had no business involving itself in it, but I am aware, I hope, of the extent of my ignorance. I will also say that, regardless of whether we should have sent them there or not, I have little but respect and compassion for most of the soldiers that the United States sent.
Nevertheless, regardless of my opinions of the conflict, I have to respect the courage of conviction, and the moral integrity, of the protester. He gave his life in hopes that his sacrifice would right a great wrong. Objecting to killing, he used the most nonviolent means of protest possible-- no physical damage done to others, no hurling of epithets and spreading of hatred. Many who believed as he did were less consistent in their actions.
Greater love hath no man than this, than he who lays his life down for his friends. . .except, perhaps, than one who lays his life down for those that he does not even know. Perhaps that is not "love" in the same sense. . .but it is something that I view with the highest respect.
2 February 1996
last modified 30 May 1998