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I Am a Pacifist

I remember visiting Brighton beach with mum and so often we would see grandad there. He practically lived on that beach after the war. Mum said it was a sort of therapy for him.
Usually, if I ran up to him and yelled "Grandad" he would spread his arms to catch me, but on occasion he wouldn't move and when I'd reach him he would be weeping and he would be staring far off in the sea. I never knew what to do then but Mum would say to leave him alone.
He never told me stories from the war. I was curious, of course, so I asked him "What did you do in the war, Grandad?" He would always reply "It's not for little ears, child." I told Mum this and she laughed and told me his reply will never change, even when I am an adult. Unfortunately, he did not live until my adult years, and I miss him so! I can still see him in his favourite place and staring off into the sea when we visit Brighton beach.
As I've studied Hitler and the history of the war I believe that war is only just against such evil. I believe there is an equally evil ideology today which cuts off heads and burns people alive. But our politicians fight for money and in such wars I am pacifist. I do not wish for my sons to die in order to make the wealthy even more wealthy.
If our nation ever recognizes the dangerous ideology in this world... I cannot even mention it by name because it is so protected by people who refuse to name It! But if we ever go to war, truly go to war with it.... I would no longer be pacifist. It would be a just war. We must stop heads from being cut off and people from being burned alive.
The only thing that gives me pause is the words of Jesus. When Roman soldiers came to him and asked Him what they should do, He said "Do violence to no man and be content with your wages" Perhaps we are to fight an ideology of hate with an ideology of love. I don't know, and I wish Grandad would be here so that I could ask him what he would do. Perhaps he would say "It's not for little ears, child"
Alphie · 31-35, M
Pacifists wants peace, but don't want to do what is necessary to keep peace. War is evil, but there will always be people in control of military forces that wants to conquer others. Should the rest of the world have abandoned our forces in name of pacifists as Hitler goose stepped his way across Europe? Talking to him that this shits doesn't fly? The prior prime minister of the UK, before Churchill, did that. He came home with a written declaration of peace, months before Hitler invaded Poland.
Alphie · 31-35, M
@sailnude: Indeed, there are many heroes of that time. Including those who sacrificed themselves to help others. People, in general to things for goodness towards others, and I am not disrespecting those who saved others without ever shooting a gun. What is so horrible about war, is that it requires unbelievably much destruction to end one. However, a nation of pacifists will end us all killed.
NewBecky · 51-55, F
My grandad would have agreed with you. I only fear for my sons. Perhaps I am thinking with my heart instead of my head. I don't know. Thank you for the lovely chat.
Alphie · 31-35, M
@sailnude: It was a lovely and wonderful conversation we've had. Thank you, and stay safe.
Mugin16 · 46-50, M
You might learn a bit about what your grandfather might have experienced in the war by watching the documentary "The War" by Ken Burns. It tells the story of WWII from the perspective from soldiers, airmen and sailors from four American cities. It is incredibly moving and has a very powerful impact.

PS I agree with your stance regarding that "ideology" and your point about not wanting your sons to die in stupid wars our politicians start (Bush, Blair, Cameron, Sarkozy and Clinton).
NewBecky · 51-55, F
Thank you. Perhaps I will watch it if I have the opportunity.
SW-User
Lovely words. My grandad wouldn't talk about the war either.

A true gentleman he was.
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Robert · 70-79, M
Brighton can be lovely. But the nude beach is a bit stony. As you rightly comment its getting a bit brisk for skin exposure right now. As to pacifism, I still believe Blair, Bush etc deserve to be charge with war crimes over Iraq.
Beachlover · M
That is beautiful and how a lot of Vets are, and there are strong convictions in your words and you should be proud of who you are and your beliefs.
LTKISS · 56-60, M
I so agree with this. That is what Christ told the soldiers. There should be no war.

 
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