The politicians, war mongers (civil & military) and of course the muck stirring sensationalist journalists (propagandists). It's not an original idea but it's a goody and one I think should be constitutionally integrated into international law and enforced by those who usually suffer in war...99.9% of humanity. You know...those not in power when wars pop up.
All these 40-60 year old men with vested interests and agendas galore should be forced by a war referendum to fight in wars the public feel (and vote) are unjustifiable and unworthy of full military mobilisation. The war would be an international dual with those directly responsible for starting and facilitating it actually on the front lines. This is an extremely rare occurrence, even historically! There should be clear rules of engagement set beforehand. Would the war be fought with modern munitions or medieval weaponry? (my personal preference).
The field of battle chosen. Imagine the scene… Putin, clad in armour, sword raised, with his loyal henchman behind him. Cameron on the other side, his chest plate gleaming in the sun, other pro-war politicians in the ranks and look, there's the editor of a certain British tabloid, broadsword in hand. The battle commences and they run toward one another, or hobble depending on their age & mobility. They clash... Both sides can agree on the stakes beforehand and comply depending on the results. Resources, territory etc.
Here's an artists rendition...
And there we have it. A war waged by those who want it the most with minimum casualties and zero civilian deaths. Perfect and dare I say...entertaining.
It's a game for these guys, one that they should be forced to "play" themselves. It’s about time these dudes, on all sides, rattled literal sabres rather than metaphorical ones. I wonder how many people would be so anxious for a war they would be forced to take part in? At least, under such conditions, we'd know that those who pushed for war were willing to back their words up with their own blood and not somebody else’s. Willing to lose their own limbs rather than sending others to lose theirs.
"You do not send men to fight for something that you wouldn't be willing to fight and die for yourself."
This isn't naivety; it’s a moral truism.
There you go -- a small step toward a more peaceful world.
Lastly...To all those who disgracefully support the ambitions of their "superiors" over and above the will of their people.....Your uniform doesn’t define you, it’s just a job. Be a good human first.
