Those who take their religious beliefs seriously will tell you that killing another human being, other than in self-defense, is a sin. And even those who do not adhere to a particular religion are more likely than not to accept the premise that the survival of civilization depends upon a code of ethics designed for the overall benefit of mankind: a sense of morality, if you will . . . of simply treating one another as we would wish to be treated.

As a result, in virtually every nation, there are laws aimed at the protection of the innocent and the deterrence and punishment of those who would do harm to others — murder being considered one of the most heinous of crimes. And those laws allegedly apply to all persons equally.

But, human nature being what it is (i.e., imperfect), it always turns out that some are more equal than others. And those at the pinnacle of command will inevitably find a way to justify their illegal and immoral actions.

War, it seems, is always a good excuse for a little homicide.

And the 18th-century philosopher known as Voltaire understood this, and summed up the phenomenon with this ironic comment:

“It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.”

– Voltaire

Thus are the trumpets sounding today in such far-reaching lands as Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, and Venezuela; on the waters of the Caribbean, the eastern Pacific, and the Atlantic; and — to a lesser degree though for an equally nefarious reason — on the streets of Portland, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis.

The perpetrators of these atrocities would have us believe that they are being committed in self-defense, or defense of country. But in not one single recent instance has this been proven to be true. In reality, it is the work of those who consider themselves “first among equals” staking their claims to the position of leader, much as a lion fights to become “king” of his pride.

But aren’t we humans supposed to be above that?

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
1/10/26