Apparently, most officials, politicians and commentators seem to support the “shoot to kill” policy based on reading articles around the world. I must admit that I was stunned to hear the basis for it and to learn that the Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair said, "Somebody else could be shot. But everything is done to make it right. This is a terrifying set of circumstances for individuals to make decisions."
I wonder if supporters would change their minds on such a policy if it was their young son that was gunned down?
How does a civilized society justify such a shoot to kill policy without first asking some deep, penetrating questions of themselves.
It seems the most powerful leaders in the world make a continual practice to move from AWARENESS to ACTION, never thinking through the effectiveness and implications of the decision they are about to make. Where is the "AFTER ACTION REVIEW" to determine how their previous and present actions and behavior might be contributing to perpetuating our terrorist state of the world. Where is the self-examination? Where is the immediate CALL for ACCOUNTABILITY for their ineffectiveness?
I certainly do not support terrorism, but obviously we have some serious issues that are not getting solved by the BUSH-BLAIR strategies. Shouldn't we be evaluating the ineffectiveness of their policies, practices and behavior? Why aren't we probing and forcing a review? Or do we just keep allowing the same behavior, judgment and actions to heighten and strengthen the hatred for our countries until it is too late to do anything? I believe they say doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result is called insanity. WAR does not create PEACE.
It is not too surprising that two men with VISIONS of WAR are manifesting WAR and TERRORISM. Man has dominion over this world and right now, we are captive to their VISION of WAR. As a man thinketh, so he is. Our US self-proclaimed war president is producing just what he envisioned in his claim---WAR, TERRORISM, MORE WAR, THREATS OF WAR. VISION can be used for GOOD or for EVIL. PEACE or POWER. Right now, it is being used for destruction and the blood of our neighbors and service men and women are all over their hands as they point fingers at others.
Is this your vision?
Is this vision the one you want for your future and your children's future?
Their VISION of WAR appears to be spreading too. I was alarmed to see a headline the other day on a Brazilian NEWS site that read: Brazilian Military Getting Ready for Vietnam-style US Invasion
What if BUSH and BLAIR asked just a couple of key questions, like:
1. What is it that drives people to such desperate acts as terrorism? Is there anything we might have done (e.g., like killing 25,000 civilians in Iraq, destroying their cities, forcing our culture on others in occupation and more) that has led them to this?
2. BUSH keeps saying it is because the extremists think we are "infidels". Shouldn't we be asking HOW DID WE LEAVE THIS IMPRESSION WITH THEM?
Perhaps if these questions were answered, it would provide a new basis for decision-making. I wish.
What do you think?
Debbe Kennedy
READ a great commentary on the SHOOT-TO-KILL POLICY at JMCMASTER.
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