133: Quit War, Or Quit Humanity (1)

By Joe Kim
 
【No Violence】
A chilling TV ad aired in Japan during the 1980s as part of the Broadcasters Association's anti-meth campaign. Today’s blog post takes its title from the ad’s famous slogan.
 
The ad's narration:
 
Sweet temptation.
Fleeting pleasure.
Meth absolutely--and mercilessly--destroys humans.
Quit meth, or quit humanity.
 
Now, try replacing the word "meth" with "war."
 
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January--During an Uber ride:
 
Blasting from the radio was coverage of Iranian people protesting against Iran's Supreme Leader at the time, Ayatollah Khamenei.
 
The driver: "Thanks to Trump, the Iranians are finally going to be free!"
 
After thinking for a moment, my reply: "Yes, I hope things get better for the people of Iran."
 
My response seemed to leave the driver somewhat puzzled.
 
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February--The US and Israeli forces began attacks on Iran:
 
On the first day of the military airstrikes, more than 150 Iranian schoolgirls were murdered. Children between the ages of 7 and 12 were struck while at school.
 
To date, in Iran:

• More than 3,600 people have been killed.
• More than 32,000 have been injured.
• More than 3.2 million have been displaced within the country.

 
The vast majority were ordinary civilians who had simply been living their everyday lives.
Life has clearly not become better for the people of Iran.
 
From the beginning of the attacks, a majority of Americans opposed US military intervention in Iran. Even now, more than 60% oppose the war.
 
The breakdown:

• Democrats: 86% oppose
• Independents: 61% oppose
• Republicans: 11% oppose

 
An overwhelming majority of Republicans are cruel enough not to oppose this war.
 
Furthermore, although more than 60% of Americans oppose it, the primary reason is reportedly concern over the impact on their own finances, such as higher gas prices.
 
Meanwhile, innocent Iranian people--including children--are murdered, wounded, or forced from their homes by American troops serving under a government elected by Americans and funded by American taxpayers.
 
Yet many Americans seem more concerned about their own finances.
 
What a disturbing priority.
 
The reason war is wrong is simple:
No violence. No matter what. [See #121]

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