An eye for an eye
The news of killings and woundings in central London is horrific. For all those involved. However, our hands in the United Kingdom are not pure, innocent and squeaky clean. HOT’s Zelly Restorick offers a personal view.
We cannot ignore the fact that we in the UK are causing – and have caused – untold havoc around the world with our war-mongering, weapons sales and profit making – and surely misguided belief that using violence will lead to the end of violence.
Our government is at this moment involved in operations around the globe, targeting the citizens of other countries. Can we really be surprised or shocked when they fight back on our own land, when we – united with others – cause destruction in theirs?
I have never understood how one form of murder and violence is legal (sanctioned by government and the military) and other forms are illegal – how a gang killer is imprisoned under the label of ‘murderer’, while killing remotely via a drone is legal and the perpetrator can sleep easily in their bed.
Killing is killing. Maiming is maiming. Violence is violence. To terrorise is to terrorise. Horrific whoever is the perpetrator – with long-lasting, far-reaching consequences. None of these incidents are without their convoluted and complicated histories – and an eye for an eye mentality.
Make no other person’s enemy your own.
Ultimately, take away the gender, the age, the race, the belief system of the humans involved and we are simply left with the fact that some humans murder and maim other humans.
Our country’s economy benefits from weaponry sales – perpetuating the violence around the world, supporting some, harming others, depending on the timing and who is making the decisions.
Our taxes pay for this. Interest earned on bank accounts and investments is earned from weapons sales. Aren’t we all involved? Aren’t we all – even in our non-action – playing a role?
Years ago, when I tried – and failed – to deliver a letter to David Cameron, requesting that he not wage war against Libya, I spoke to demonstrators who said that Western leaders were seen as terrorists in other countries. To label someone a terrorist depends on who’s doing the judging.
Whoever causes the harm seems to believe their actions are justifiable.
Is it part of the human condition, this desire for vengeance? For violence? Take a look at video games. Take a look at the programmes shown by the various television companies. The films at the cinema. The baying of the crowd. The death threats on social media. The desire for an eye for an eye.
Will it ever end? Will humanity ever rise above its base nature?
Link to HOT article: A piece of peace by Zelly Restorick.
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3 Comments
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Thanks Zelly. Again your analysis is spot on. The actions of successive British Governments in waging eight illegal wars since 1997 [State sponsored terrorism] against smaller weaker undefended States killing 1.2m adults and 600,000 children are undoubtedly the main cause of the rise of terrorism in Britain. By commanding HM Forces to use modern weapons of mass destruction in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria as well as supplying WMDs to Saudi Arabia for them to use against civilians in Yemen, Amber Rudd, Theresa May, Philip Hammond, Boris Johnson and their colleagues in the Cabinet have not only broken every war law in the book, but committed the worst crimes known to mankind – murder, war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes against peace and genocide. Unfortunately if we vote them into power again today they will continue to control the (in)justice system and will ensure that they get rewarded rather than punished for their crimes. However we the people can change this system and end the atrocities once and for all if we force them to answer for their crimes in court. As soon as the first of Britain’s political civil and military leaders is tried convicted and punished as a war criminal and terrorist, acts of terrorism such as those in London and Manchester will cease. So please support private criminal prosecutions of Blair, Brown, Cameron, May, Rudd and the rest of the most evil leaders Britain has ever produced.
Comment by Chris Coverdale — Thursday, Jun 8, 2017 @ 17:29
Please let me clarify, I am absolutely not blaming the victims in any way. Please know this 100%. I feel that all the violence we – as humans, whatever race or religion or age or gender – perpetrate against other humans – is horrific with consequences that echo far into the future. I appreciate you responding.
Comment by Zelly Restorick — Thursday, Jun 8, 2017 @ 15:46
Really??!! I’m sure the families of those who were murdered in London Bridge will take great comfort from this. in a way, you’re blaming the victims! Obviously you feel guilty about the past, but maybe try being less selective – the British fought against Nazis and won, so, you know, swings and roundabouts.
Comment by Mattie — Thursday, Jun 8, 2017 @ 02:31