This Time the Tragedy is Ours Too

I have been reading Philip Berrigan's wonderful autobiography, Fighting the Lamb`s War. More than anything else it is an account of what can happen when both morality and the rule of law are trumped by the pursuit of military goals no matter how noble. In the 1960s and 70s, the U.S. almost tore itself apart over an immoral and ultimately futile conflict. Though Canada supplied munitions and logistical support it largely avoided the catastrophe of Viet Nam.

This time we are not so lucky. It is becoming increasingly clear that the region is descending into a kind of moral chaos reminiscent of two generations ago, as this story from today`s Democracy Now so clearly shows



And given the allegations we have heard this week about Canada`s role in what may amount to war crimes, we are this time following them. It is time for our political leaders to make a stand: this war has become indefensible. This is not to besmirch the heroic effort made by our soldiers. It is to say that no more should be injured, killed or traumatized in pursuit of what are now unrealizable and unworthy goals.