A Long Way Gone gives a completely new meaning to “casualties of war.” The stories Ishmael recalls in this book are some of the most gruesome I have ever heard. The suffering he describes makes me question how much any civilian policy-maker (or I) understands about suffering, sacrifice, and survival.
What happens to the psyche of a child who has no positive support structure? And, what good comes from a society that is afraid of its children? Children are supposed to be pure and innocent, right? Since war clearly corrupts that innocence, can a child of war every restore his/her sinlessness – at least mentally?
The primary things I take away from this book are that children should not to be faulted for the suffering they unjustly bear and that even the most tormented children should not be given up on. While this book is about Ishmael’s personal journey, perhaps the most inspiring element is the fact that the world is full of caring souls who make all the difference in the world to children a long way gone.
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Tags: books, children, images, life, war
Eight years ago, I was on board the McCain campaign. Four years ago, I was on board the Anybody-But-Bush campaign. This time around, I struggle with picking a candidate. The only legitimate Republican I could see myself voting for is McCain; and, at the same time, I want someone who does not believe in the justness of the Iraq war so vehemently as McCain has from the beginning.
As the staunchest Iraq war supporter, I think McCain has to do more to make voters think about the consequences of America withdrawing from Iraq. I have no doubt he could repair International relations and actually help create a “Coalition.” But, he will not do it as Leader of the Free World unless he can convince the 2/3rd of Americans against the Iraq war that it is necessary.
McCain’s biggest hurdle (w.r.t. Independent/Moderate vote) is convincing the anti-Iraq War contingency that a continued presence in Iraq is the best thing for American [self] interest.
McCain just has to make Americans think about and question some of the most likely scenarios if we were to stay/leave Iraq. It should be easy for McCain to help people understand the risks and rewards since he claims to “speak an unfiltered truth.” And, of course, this needs to be tied into the short-term/long-term effect on the US economy and foreign imports (specifically, oil).
I think most educated Americans understand that the Middle East is a Mecca for terrorist (sorry for the intentional pun). And, I’m not suggesting fear-mongering, gloom-and-doom stories, or Kerry-like monologues on the thousands of possibilities (because that would be pessimistic and everyone knows only a make-me-feel-good optimist can win the common vote). But, step 1 would be to elaborate on the consequences or defeat/withdrawal listed on McCain’s official website regarding Iraq:
Defeat in the war would lead to much more violence in Iraq, greatly embolden Iran, undermine U.S. allies such as Israel, likely lead to wider conflict, result in a terrorist safe haven in the heart of the Middle East, and gravely damage U.S. credibility throughout the world.
With the anti-war sentiment that is dominant amongst most Americans (Republican and Democrat), winning the Independent/Moderate/Anti-Bush vote is critical for a Republican to win. Currently, the Anti-Bush Republicans have plenty of options to choose from (meaning, I don’t think they want McCain). For this reason, I hope McCain can clarify and convince other of his position because I don’t think any other Republican candidate has a shot against the Democratic nominee – whoever that ends up being.
View Comments Tags: influence, Politics, strategy, war
February 27, 2008
A Long Way Gone gives a completely new meaning to “casualties of war.” The stories Ishmael recalls in this book are some of the most gruesome I have ever heard. The suffering he describes makes me question how much any civilian policy-maker (or I) understands about suffering, sacrifice, and survival.
