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Re: bayonettes are too a useful device

From: Thomas Barclay <Thomas.Barclay@s...>
Date: Wed, 13 May 1998 12:06:44 -0500
Subject: Re: bayonettes are too a useful device

John spake thusly upon matters weighty: 

> ...Snip...JTL
> > In the Somalia piece, as I recall, there was one case of a man
> > advancing firing his AK while clutching his baby. (Or a baby). That
> > makes for a tough choice for the soldier facing that. I don't know
> > about you, but I'd feel pretty rotten if I had to (accidentally
even)
> > take out a baby. You know it isn't the baby's fault.....
> ...Snip...JTL
> > Tom.
> 
> Tom,
>      As the question really comes down to: choose to Live or Die.
> I for one made the choice a long time ago, Life.

It's a tough one. I'd like to think I had made that decision when I 
donned my uniform and accepted an obligation to country, mission, and 
fellow soldiers. However, as history proves, one never knows what one 
will do for sure until one is put in the situation. 

>      While I agree that I would feel rotten about the action,
> I would shoot first and feel rotten later.
> 
> Sorry to have offended, none is intended.

No offense taken. I hope I didn't sound prissy or righteous. I was 
just pointing out that it might present a difficult quandry. I think 
in the Somalia article, the guy in question eventually shot the 
assailant (or a Delta guy came along and did it for him). But it was 
a tough call. The hesitation could kill you. But it would be hard not 
to at least think twice. And be very damn careful of your point of 
aim.  

War is itself an attrocity. I don't think what happens in war 
(civilian deaths) is necessarily avoidable or necessarily anything 
but a tragic loss. But it should be the think that keeps us focused 
on the importance of being ready for war but not looking for war. If 
we maintain calm armed vigilance and use diplomacy, economic 
pressure, and small military displays and missions, we stand the best 
chance of avoiding All Out War with all its attendant horrors. (OTOH, 
I'm not an Chamberlain appeasement groupy either... you have to draw 
a line somewhere, but make darn sure you're doing it for the right 
reasons and know the consequences). 

To make this GZG related, I'd pose the question of whether (by 2300) 
any new international conventions on weapons and warfare had been 
instituted (either by the UN, or through the UN with common 
agreement) - perhaps a renewed or reformed Geneva Accord or some 
treaties banning certain weapons etc? Opinions?

Tom. 

Tom. 
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