Fallen Heroes

The purpose of war is to support your government's decisions by force. The purpose is never to kill the enemy just to be killing him . . . but to make him do what you want him to do. Not killing . . . but controlled and purposeful violence. But it's not your business or mine to decide the purpose of the control. It's never a soldier's business to decide when or where or how--or why--he fights; that belongs to the statesmen and the generals. The statesmen decide why and how much; the generals take it from there and tell us where and when and how. We supply the violence; other people--"older and wiser heads," as they say--supply the control. ― Robert A. Heinlein, Starship Troopers

Today is a national day of mourning for the SAF members who died in battle with the BIFF in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

44 lives lost.  44 and more of bright and hopeful futures dimmed and now shattered.  And for what?

I am one with US President Barack Obama when he said in 2004: 

I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars.

We all mourn with a heavy heart.  And at this point, I can understand the quest for justice rather than peace.

I know that in a flawed government such as ours, we have learned to accept screw ups that cost us money.  But I can never accept ones that cost us lives.

Our great absentee Commander in Chief should take responsibility for this.  This is a time for action not talk.  A time for truth not excuses.  And at the very least, it is our duty to give a PROPER if not a heroes welcome to the fallen members of our forces.

Sadly, this feels like Maguindanao Massacre all over again.

****
Side thoughts:

What a cursed place, this Maguindanao.  With its echoes of helplessness, whispers of injustice and abuse lurking on its walls. Where peace is just a whispered word and justice remain hiding in its hollow walls.

Image courtesy of Rappler.