I’m
on the verge of breaking; no not really, but it’s the first thing that
my fingers typed. It’s most likely the fallout of not being disciplined
about writing every week, but I will trust that it will get better from
here.
I’m
not at a complete disadvantage, because I’ve already predetermined the
subject that I will talk about. I was checking the news last week and I
came across two separate but related articles about issues that will
most likely never be resolved.The articles were about the denial of
sexual abuse, and harassment claims that have been filed within the RCMP and the US Military.
There
probably isn’t much point in discussing the problems and solutions in
extensive detail, because the talking points will be well disputed for
decades to come. However, I did have a brief conversation with a veteran
of the Canadian Military. He told me that when their commanders asked
them what they would think about allowing women to fight alongside them.
They were asked if they had any objections. Their first concern was
about what would happen if they were captured. The very first thing that
your enemy will do is humiliate and belittle you; and they felt they
were concerned that they would be taken advantage of. Their second
objection was in regards to their own comrades; they made special note
of the fact that “men are pigs.”
I’m
hesitant to weigh in with my own thoughts, but I was left with a couple
of questions. Has any progress been made in regards to “equality”? Is
it possible, or is just an ideological aim? Do the consequences, as
unintended as they may have been, outweigh the benefits?
What would happen if the "machines" that we send to war were allowed to have a conscience?
The famous words of AlfredTennyson ring truer than ever when they are framed in this context.
.... Someone had blunder'd:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die.
It’s something to think about anyway, hey?
Also, if you have not yet watched it: The Invisible War is a very compelling documentary that chronicles a staggering number of infractions.
