Do I like war?

I was watching another war documentary on the History Channel tonight. A friend stopped by, saw what I was watching, and said "Do you like war? I hate it. It's pointless."

In the short term, it often seems pointless, I agree. The inherent horrors of war demand there be purpose enough to merit the fight. I know. I've experienced war. I've lost people buddies, even family, to war's terrible fist. I've huddled all night, not breathing, deep in enemy territory, terrified - but preparing to continue the mission nonetheless. Etc.

Some war isn't even fought on a traditional battleground, but still has lethal consequences - body, mind or spirit. I know war of that sort too. A number of different them. Every single person in war is a casualty in some way. No one comes away unscathed. You don't have to take a hit from a bullet or shrapnel to be a casualty of war.

I also know imprisonment - physical, mental, and spiritual. Now there's true horror. Many people on this little blue and white planet of ours will never know anything else. The sad thing is, many don't even know they are imprisoned.

No, my friend, I don't like war. But I do love freedom. I'm not one to pick a fight, and I try to choose by battles wisely. But I do fight for freedom - of every sort. And I cheer for others who do the same.

One thing I do know, is the practice of personal integrity, rather than personal agenda, often prevents war between people and between countries. As I practice a code of personal integrity myself, my relationships run smoother, I feel better about myself, and things have a tendency to go more my way.

The counter at the bottom of this blog is a small effort to encourage an awareness of the practice, or lact of, personal integrity of one member of our governing elite - as an example.

On January 30th, 2005 Senator John Kerry promised, on national TV, to sign form SF-180 and release his military records, which may or may not back his claim that he is agenuine Vietnam war hero. To raise awareness, I’ve put up a clock on this page, which keeps track of the number of days since John Kerry made his promise.

I believe that the foundation integrity of a country is only as deep as the integrity of it's leaders.
No matter what political affiliations you have, it’s in everyone’s best interest for the senator to be held accountable to his word, sign SF-180, and release his records.

Signing form SF-180 would shine a bright light on his seemingly murky Vietnam War record, and either prove that he’s a genuine war hero, or the fraud that the Swift Vets claim he is. Either way, another politician would be held to accountability to his word, rather than allowed to gloss things over, let things slide, for the purpose of personal agenda or to manage impressions.

If you wish, you too can put up such a clock on your blog! Check http://polipundit.com/index.php?p=6628\ for the code.