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Creativity in War
Ever feel like swinging a baseball bat at someone? Hopefully your answer is no, but that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t do it. To me, the thought of that is horrifying, and I believe everyone in my family would feel the exact same way. But let’s say an intruder broke into our home, held us hostage and told us he was going to do all manner of things evil to us. Suddenly this context changes everything. If he turns his back to us and there is a baseball bat in reach, someone’s going to be swinging it. The need for protection and justice calls for a desperate measure to be taken. The swing wouldn’t need to be fueled by anger or revenge. In the best case scenario, it wouldn’t even require fear. This is the scenario that comes to mind whenever I think of a just war.
I love Edwin Starr’s “War.” It’s on my song list of favourites and I am often listening to it while fixing bumpers. The song is powerful, and its message so overt. Nothing is hidden behind symbolism or metaphors. Rather, he comes states rather emphatically, “War, it ain’t nothing but a heartbreaker; a friend only to the undertaker; war is the enemy of all mankind.”
Then he throws us his non-negotiable: Despite the centuries of “just war” being poured over and written about by philosophers, discussed at length by convening nations, and debated across the globe, Starr simply says, “What is good for? Absolutely nothing!”
And really, the guy’s got a good point. “War has shattered many young men’s dreams; made them disabled, bitter and mean,… (war) brings tears to thousands of mothers’ eyes.”
I am praying, like we all are, that the current war between Ukraine and Russia doesn’t lead to more conflict and death. And, yes, of course, I do believe in just war. I believe the Ukrainians are forced to engage in that right now, all because Putin is making his army fight a very unjust one.
But the most poignant lyric in Starr’s song needs to be considered more in the just war discussion: “They say we must fight to keep our freedom, but Lord knows there’s gotta be a better way.”
I have to admit that when I see Putin’s smug face after bombing residential areas in Kyiv or hear Trump calling the man smart for his actions, I get bitter. That desire to do something physically hurtful to another human being is right there beside me. But there’s got to be a better way…
A way that doesn’t lead to heartache. A way that maintains dignity and humanity. We have to ask ourselves, are there any other possible solutions than physical fighting in the effort to protect freedom?
In the baseball bat scenario, I can’t think of much else that could be done, but even in a situation like that, the desire for creativity in finding a solution should be what’s right there beside us. There’s got to be a better way.
Wait… I think I’ve come up with one possible solution that is a bit less violent. I wrestle the intruder to the floor and put him in a chicken wing. Luke takes his weapon away, Leah calls 911, Erika prays for him, and Joy explains to him the need for getting a good night’s rest, offering to give him some melatonin for his night in jail.
And one last thing. There needs to be something added to the United Nations charter: In order for a country to declare war, the leading government needs written consent from a conference of mothers and grandmothers from ten different countries who have lost children to war.
Congratulations The Spy Who Dumped Me. This is your week.
And the Oscar goes to…
Best Actress: Natalie Portman as Nina Sayers in Black Swan
Best Actor: Denzel Washington as Eli in The Book of Eli
Best Quote: “Why are you using the turn signal? You’re literally telling them where we’re going!” – Kate McKinnon as Morgan in The Spy Who Dumped Me
My favourite spy movies:
Skyfall (2012)
Charade (1963)
Argo (2012)
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
Enemy of the State (1998)
Atomic Blonde (2017)
Bridge of Spies (2015)
Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol (2011)
North by Northwest (1959)
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997) … and the sequels
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