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Master of War

He pauses for effect and pretends to listen and hear, then proceeds anyway and gives the order to conquer. Though far is his reach he is really very near, causing destruction, he brings chaos and fear. Silhouettes and shadows dance all over the wall but he heeds not the warning of the impending toll. From across the ocean he kills, maims and attacks, he arrests and he tortures, he insults and he mocks. He drops bombs, launches cruise missiles and planes, he fires cannons, sends troops on ships and trains. He barks orders, he wiretaps and he spies, he fundraises, he schemes and he lies. He does not hesitate to place fighting men in harm’s way, yet years ago, when put to the test, he scampered away. He’s brave and he’s fearless he will do whatever it takes as long as it’s not his sorry life at stake. His nation’s best come home in cold, flag-draped coffins, but not to worry, just statistics, save the cost of morphines. For the good times roll for the dumb warrior and his base since November 2000 and it has always been the case. He turns wives into widows, innocent kids into orphans, sowing deaths on thousands of daughters and sons. He cries crocodile tears, even tries hard to appear he’s sorry in front of cameras for the headlines of the day. He never fails to attend service with his wife every Sunday, a black sheep once but claims the Lord showed him the way. Yet nothing will stop him from character assassination for his party and, believe you me, in the name of his nation! We’re spreading democracy, the little boy warrior says, in press conferences he holds on some occasional days. While his weary war machine stutters and cranks, his rich cronies laugh all the way to the bank. Yes, the Decider smiles, he surveys and he conquers, he pretends to listen though he does not really hear. Shame on the whole world, the UN, shame on us all, for not reining in this evil man and just taking the fall.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2007




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Book: Reflection on the Important Things