The bombing of Berlin.

[tonywiltshire]

Have just finished reading The Bonfire of Berlin by Helga Schneider, which is the true story of a child who survived the bombing of Berlin in the Second World War and the arrival of the Russian troops.
I know the Germans bombed us and some people think they deserve all they got but it makes you realise that it is mainly the innocent who suffer in most wars.

[Noraq]

Agreed tonywiltshire. It's 2011 and we have still not found a more civilized way of settling our disputes.

[tonywiltshire]

I do not think we ever will noraq, as one generation becomes sick of wars another generation takes its place.

[jake-the-peg]

Very true - so when people make a big fuss about the repatriation of the 300th (or whatever) British Soldier killed in Afghanistan or Iraq it's worth remembering the 100,000 killed in Iraq most in the early "precision" "shock and awe" bombing of Baghdad.

[Noraq]

I often think there was a lot to be said for the old days when a chief or King sent his champion out to do battle with the champion of the opposition. Not ideal, but at least only one warrior got killed. and He had the option of yielding as well.

[Noraq]

...although yielding was probably not a good career move. =)

[tonywiltshire]

Not much future in yielding.
The problem I see is not accepting the outcome with the champion and using more force.

[Noraq]

I know Tony, I don't have any answers. All I know is war is not an answer.
To the victor the spoils..and the vanquished fester and continue to wage war in whatever form they can., and the innocent suffer and suffer and suffer.

[Noraq]

Mabe if we stopped talking hate and fear and bilge about people of different persuasions in front of our children and spoke instead of the similarities and hopes we have in common...future generations might learn to share this beautiful planet of ours.

cue the "ah yes.. but's"..... tick, tick, tick. =)

[Sqad]

Steve

\\\go away while we have power mad & greedy politicians & dictators\\

and religious fanatics.