Under The Olive Tree

WAR

 

Of all the enemies to public liberty war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other.

 

War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes; and armies, and debts and taxes are the known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few. In war, too, the discretionary power of the Executive is extended; its influence in dealing out offices, honors, and emoluments is multiplied; and all the means of seducing the minds, are added to those of subding the force, of the people.

 

[There is also an] inequality of fortunes, and the opportunities of fraud, growing out of a state of war, and … degeneracy of manners and of morals. … No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.

 

James Madison - fourth president of the United States, from Letters And Other Writings

 

 

War

 

by Justin Paone

 

Last night I had a dream

That I was a soldier in camo green

In front lines I took my place

Then blessed by my commanders face

 

He said

This war’s for freedom

This war’s for peace

This war’s to conquer those ugly beasts

 

With that I ran into the fray

My heart beating with the task of the day

I saw a man both strong and bold

But in his eyes the truth was told

I saw his joy

I saw his fear

And heard words from his commander’s call

 

He said

This war’s for freedom

This war’s for peace

This war’s to conquer those ugly beasts

 

I saw him and he saw me

So I pulled the trigger to set him free

As I stood there and watched him die

He looked at me with tear stained eyes

 

And said

I’m just like you with a different skin

What is war but to waste a friend

 

That day blood was shed

I killed a man

Was it right in the end?