As we approach remembrance Sunday (nearest the 11th) I would propose
that we try to act upon the saying: "a war to end all wars" in reverence to
those who gave their lives so that we may live.
My proposal is radical, perhaps laughable, and only if you bear with me
may you discover that, if the proposal could, just possibly, be adopted,
the rewards are without limitation. Therefore when I submit the proposal,
PLEASE would you continue to read before making a judgement, thank you.
The proposal is in two parts. To be internationally enforced:
1) that the production sale and distribution of all explosive armaments be made illegal.
2) that all "wars" i.e. war type conflicts are only engaged in as a "paint ball" war.
Where; when a belligerent is marked with paint from the opposing side, they put
down their weapon and go home, never to fight in that particular war again.
Before you dismiss 1) as unworkable, please consider.
It is already illegal to possess firearms in some countries, e.g. the UK;
or only made available in very restricted use.
Yes, other countries are far more entrenched in gun use. e.g. the USA and others.
However, a large majority of their population already agree that this is deplored
and would like to rule against their use. That is, with a concerted international
effort, with agreement for the common good, it is conceivable, and possible item
1) could be achieved.
I concede there may be a requirement to have an armed world police to enforce
this; however, because life imprisonment would be mandatory for having a real
firearm, coupled with the obvious benefits of not having firearms universally,
I think 1) could easily prevail, in time.
2) Wars, to settle disagreements, would still be fought; on any territory, desert,
mountains, jungle, where ever they wished to settle their differences.
However, they would be fought with "paint ball" weapons. Nations would still
have conscripts, although I am sure many would willingly volunteer.
They could still "do their bit" for their country, and yet still return home unhurt.
There would still be winners; because one belligerent would run out of...
supplies; men, paint, weapons, logistics, and be forced to concede the war.
The difference would be immense.
The bullets would be paint balls; the shells would be paint shells. etc.
However; the people involved would still be highly trained, skilled, and
professional, to win. Officers, strategy, and ingenuity would still be required;
with conservation, use and direction of firepower of still of vital importance.
Only when participants suffered a splash of paint would they be legally and
morally obligated to withdraw from the field; "killed or injured" in action.
Never to be able to return to that particular war.
Men would return from the war with honour, unhurt, to lead a normal life;
their limbs and health intact. There would not be the huge waste, of resources,
chemicals, buildings, money, and human life.
The waring countries, and most of the world, would not be bankrupted by the
usual waste and devastation caused by the normal, live ammunition wars.
The wars would still be real, but un-harmful; un-wasteful; live able; perhaps
even enjoyable, wars.
Simply, the world would be a far better place; with "paint ball" wars.
No one would lose out.
The armament manufacturers and suppliers would still be required; weapons and
their development would be required; ammunition would still be required; only
this time containing paint, and not harmful lead or shrapnel.
To achieve this state lobbying would be required.
MP's and many others would need to be convinced this should work, laughable
as it reads. Consider, even if we only got half way there, the severe restrictions
in "live" armaments would make the world a far safer place.
That's the proposal; would anyone like to second it or add to the discussion?
Thanks for reading and staying with me.
jt.
Life is beautiful. Let's help everyone enjoy it.
A war to end all wars.
Re: A war to end all wars.
