OBJECTIVE 1: Revisit the lessons of wars you’ve learned in school. Describe the similarities and/or differences between the wars of the past and the wars that are being waged today. Document your insight with an original blog post, photo, or video, and upload this in YOUR BLOG to get credits.
Last Tuesday's discussion, I learned about the differences of the wars waged before and the present wars today. The idea honestly did not occur to me (or it might have not just sunk it my mind) that wars before and today have BIG differences. What I've learned in the class discussion is that the wars were different because of their objectives. The past wars mostly happened because they were fighting for territory or natural resources. Today's wars mostly happen because of terrorism and aggression. I don't know but the way I see it, the wars before had really serious objective why they are fighting. I'm not saying that today's wars are not that serious. I know an innocent person dies while I'm typing this. I know it's that serious but really, when you think about it, a big chunk of the reason why war is happening falls under the reason of security, which I'm not really sure if it's valid or not. Yes, states do have the right to protect its own territory and interest but for me, it's overdoing it. This opinion is really personal and I might hurt other readers who feels strongly otherwise but this is what I think of the wars today. The US just want to take revenge on the 9/11 attack that's why they are sending troops to Iraq and mostly end up killing/hurting civilians. Yes, they have the right to protect their state but I really think they are overdoing it. They just want to show to the other states that they are the strongest even if that means killing and negatively affecting other people. If I remember well, the past wars were fought mainly because of territorial conflict or colonialism. I try to think about it and the reasons for waging war is totally different. The past wars were mostly fought out of nationalism and today's war is fought because of different kinds of intrastate conflict that could actually be done in a more peaceful and diplomatic way. I could say that the wars today have petty reasons than the wars before. I remember my grandfather, who almost got signed up for the war, telling me that the government before needed men to fight for the country and get the government back. I imagine now, someone in another state saying that they need to leave their families and loved ones behind because the President feels strongly about eliminating terrorists and other rebellions. The reason of waging war today is just so shallow than the reasons of the past wars.
OBJECTIVE 2: Make contact (online or otherwise) with your hero. In order to get credits, tell us through an original blog post, photo/s, or video in YOUR BLOG who you picked, how you made contact, and why you chose him/her.
My hero is not a typical hero. He doesn't carry weapons though he carry something that could kill a person emotionally. I have a friend, who knows him. I personally don't know him and I honestly don't know his name. As much as I wanted to contact him, my friend doesn't even know his name. So, it is possible that I am (or my friend is) making this all up because I don't have any evidences that I actually know this person. I'm sorry if I would sound not credible but due to time constraints and lack of resources, I'd risk telling this heartwarming story. I also trust my friend so much that I think that his story is true. My friend studied in De La Salle Collge of Saint Benilde. He met my hero during their Communication Skills 2 class. My hero is half Filipino, half American. He served in the US Army not as a soldier as anyone would expect but a messenger. He is a military messenger. I know you will now imagine a scene from a war movie or from Katy Perry's "Thinking Of You" music video. He is the one who makes the family and the loved ones cry. It is really sad but I admire his courage to knock on the doors of the family of the soldiers and tell them that their loved one just died for the country. My friend told me that my hero even describe to him the sad scene whenever he delivers the message. Even if my hero's vehicle is just approaching, he would see the family already weeping because they know what's going to happen next. I only imagine the heavy feeling every time he does his job. It's something to admire. He is not involved in the front line but it seems like its the same thing. My friend also told me that my hero experienced an open fire situation. He almost got hit but luckily, he didn't. He came back to the Philippines because his mission was done and he served his country well. Even if he's only a messenger, he is still respected. My friend told me one instance, their class required them to wear costumes. My hero wore his military uniform to school and (as told by my friend) he was saluted by the Discipline Officers and security guards. I really look up to him because he is respected this much. He wouldn't want to hurt the families of the soldiers at war but my hero took the courage up and did his job.
Your objective: Explore alternative ways to manage international relations. Tell your story in an original blog post, photo, or video and upload this in YOUR BLOG to get credits.
For me, I go by the idea that war should be the last option. I think there are a lot of options out there and I'll just enumerate what I think is the best and I think it's diplomacy. A good diplomacy would really help prevent war especially if the involved parties only has good past relationship. A few agreements here and there wouldn't hurt but there's no assurance since states would pursue for their own interests and if the desired agreement does not coincide with their interests, it would make the situation harder. Nonetheless, I think the first step should be really good diplomacy. A peaceful talk could save a lot of innocent people.
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