I dislike war intensely. But I respect the men and women who are fighting and dying in our behalf. I didn't approve of "this" war, but for whatever reason the U.S. is there, I hope it is not in vain. I agree that Iraq is a different kind of war. Whatever one's views, it is not easy to come to terms with the carnage. R

My personal heart cries: "Yes! Why??!!" "What is going on here??!!" And my head says "The path to freedom is surely paved with violence". Such a bitter fragmentation, this "health" that is assured only by the delicate balance of the tension between war and peace; victory and control. It seems that the heart of man sees no other way to remain satisfied. Strife and not peace seems to be our natural environment. We shed skins, and then leave it to the next generation to "enjoy" our legacy. Meanwhile, two thirds of the world is just trying to survive...finding food to fill the belly... The globalisation of "The Village" means a globalisation of responsibility. Call me a dreamer, but if materialism ceased to be a valid ideology, perhaps we would begin to see the family of man as people instead of as economic units. The greedy and selfish heart of man, is perhaps the real enemy here, Felix... TY Kate xx

excellent poem! war is something we can never understand, it defies reason ... but when your country is attacked, you have to respond especially if you're the world leader ... i hate war but i luv this country so i hope it succeeds in its efforts ...

Felix--your heart shines through on this. You conveyed yourself well. It brings tears to my eyes and I thank you for this write.

Felix, first I want to say what an outstanding write this is, and secondly...I really am not sure what to say. I have always felt that peace is always the answer, and that the meek will indeed overcome...but know it seems that I have come to question all that I have ever believed as for as peace goes and have come to the conclusion that man will never ever truly know peace, for the evil in this world is overwhelming... Be it Iraq, Iran, Romania, Bulgaria...or where ever...strife and unrest will always be with us...splendid write.

Allen

I'm going to start this review with September 11th. How many different countries lost lives that day in New York City. The people that flew the plane into the twin towers that day were terrorists. The U.S. could have just sat back and done nothing to retaliate, but that would have been like saying we are scared of you and you can do what you want. Or we could have done like we did and let them know that we are not going to take what they did lightly. I admire the people in our armed forces for going over and protecting us and helping the Iraqi people rebuild what has been destroyed in this war. We see what the media wants us to see, not all that our military personel are doing over there. Yes, we have lost a lot of lives and have a lot of wounded that may never have normal lives again, but they voluntered for military service, they were not forced to join. I've seen pictures that some of the guys have sent home of our people and the Iraqi people working side by side rebuilding and receiving supplies from us. The last report that I saw was that most of the schools had been restored and restocked, making for a better education for them. If the media would report the good things that are happening over there the world would know that we have done a lot to help the people there. And I'm sure that our guys would rather be home with their families and loved ones than in a foreign country, fighting to protect us from the terrorist. It would be a much better world if everyone could get along with each other, but I don't see that happening. Sure we could remove our troops from Iraq and all other parts of the world and bring them home and say ok terrorist just do what you want, kill anyone you want and take control of the world. Is that what we want, I don't think so, but that is just my opinion, and I for one am proud that we are being protected from them.
There is not enough room here to express all my thought and reasons on this subject. Hopefully the Iraqi people will have a better life when our guys come home. Karen

Felix, I read through this intently, and I hear your pain and feel the intensity of a helplessness that so many feel in this world today.My understanding of wars is pretty simple really, Man thinks that he has the right to control,Dominate, Dictate and conquer other nations, so as history has shown us time and time again, he sets out to achieve such a feat! However history also shows us repeatedly how would be conquerors always fail at some point, and are punished for their deeds.This war will not last forever,though it is so intense for us, because we have media coverage like never before that reaches into even the remote area's. During the Great War, man relied upon telegrams and word of mouth communications, now we have sattelites that beam live coverage, is it any wonder we are so stressed and perplexed by it all. The human brain is only capable of taking in so much horror, and we today are being bombarded 24/7 by visuals, from all walks of life. The internet/TV being one of the most horrific techno aids to make sure the message gets across loud and clear.Replay's of the same horrific event, slammed into our brains, till so many of the younger ppl especially are becoming desensitized to it all. War is popular with kids and their games through the likes of XBox and playstations etc.
Yes, its no wonder we are all running around like headless chooks, pardon the expression, full of fear, wondering where the next hit is coming from, no break. It gets too intense and painful for me personally, so I just switch off all networks for a time, to maintain sanity, and read and pray.
I believe it is all going to end, nothing lasts in this world forever, but a time of terrible trauma is happening and will continue to till all is resolved, till then Felix, take heart it will soon enough end.
Thank you so much for an incredibly thought provoking write, done in very good taste and respect.
Love Ch'erie

If Osama Bin Laden were captured a new insurgent would take his place. It seems the middle east has been fighting ever since there were people in the region. Even though I believe that this war is about oil, it did have one positive side effect; they captured Saddam Hussein. But the war goes on, and this is not just an almost war, it is a war. Young soldiers are losing their lives in Iraq, a country that has had many a childrens story written about, like Aladdin for instance, and many more in 1001 Arabian Nights tales. Ali Babba and the 40 Thieves is another good one. It is sad that modern society is greedy in the way that they want others to follow their religion, and if they don't they are "an enemy?" No, the war in Iraq isn't being escalated by the US or other democratic forces, but by the stupid insurgents, who keep attacking our young soldiers. I wish that all, I mean everyone, in this whole world would just get along with one another. Like we do here in AD. May the Lord be with you always, and at your side constantly. With much love, peace, & (((HUGS))) ... Barbie

"If I have to...Then I may as well be."

I don't think that there is anyone alive that has not known or had family members killed in wars. I admit that I am confused too about why we accept the UN's view when we know the stories behind that oil for food scam. As for the Iraqi people they are to be admired for the brutality in which they survived but the insurgents are proving daily that something is amiss with the idea that Saddam and Osama was not linked. When they continue to kill like they kill it strengtens what is said of the link. But for the majority of the Iraqi people I believe their suffering is untold. There are no excuse for atrocities against them but take the blinders off too about the people that were beheaded and tortured in the prisons before the troops went there.

This is great... it takes a lot of courage to write this... my dad never talked about WWII, but towards the end of his life, my father-in-law, shared some pretty nasty stories... he just could never understand why... my brother served in Nam, he was never the same after his return. Myself, I understand why we do what we do, but it doesn't mean I enjoy it. Many years ago, Chief Standing Bear of the Ponca Tribe, stood before a judge and said, "If I cut my hand, I'll feel pain, just as you would. If I bleed, my color is red, just like yours." Somehow, someway, we as a "world" society, must come to some kind of understanding that we are all human beings... all deserving, love and peace...

having had loved ones killed in wars I hate them. I don't think any one ever wins a war. However, this terrorism thing is something I don't think we understand. They have sworn a Jihad against us and I don't know what it would mean if we didn't defend ourselves. Even though Iraq seems wrong,there is a chance for democracy as it seems to be happening in Afghanistan, and Lebanon now the Arabs are getting a taste of freedom to vote and even Egypt is getting behind it now. So perhaps we are going through changes for the future that we can only wait and see if they were worth it or not. Excellent poem! eileen

Felix you are such a special human being. Your compassionate soul stirs me. You write with such conviction and I can't imagine anyone being offended by your words. You make such a powerful statement.
It is indeed a tragedy.
Love Chanti

i don't understand it either, felix; but if we don't do something, the terrorists will be walking all over us, and we can't afford this to happen! this is one reason why we are at war, i do believe. i don't like it any better than you do, but something has got to be done to stop these evildoers!! good write; well done!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in tx, karen lynn. :(