For years, I have thought and said that one of the most pernicious new values of our rapidly becoming a secular Progressive Society is that of socializing negative consequences of bad decisions by individuals (“nobody can suffer the consequences of their decisions – we are ALL at fault so we must ALL suffer for him”). The associated side of this is that of the Nanny State that seeks to force one to diminish the effects of risky behavior of certain voluntary activities (e.g., forcing people to wear a motorcycle helmet or a seatbelt) – or, to take that activity or substance (no, not the usuals, but think trans-fats that make things tasty, or 100 watt light bulbs that make it easier to read by).
Now, let me state that in no way am I in favor of suicide, so don’t try to twist what the above with the below – most suicides are done out of extreme depression and a sense that nothing positive can change for them – and the vast majority are of no fault of their own. Here? My opinion is that this is a political statement and a political stunt – these folks are there because of extremely bad decisions done on BATTLEFIELDS against our military or civilians – these are enemy combatants that have declared war on the US (reformatted, emphasis mine):
(AP) – A hunger strike among prisoners at Guantanamo Bay keeps growing. Lt. Col. Samuel House said Saturday that 100 of 166 prisoners at the U.S. base in Cuba have now joined the strike. He says 19 are receiving liquid nutrients through a nasal tube to prevent dangerous weight loss. House says five of those are at a hospital under observation but that they do not have any life-threatening conditions.
Lawyers for the detainees say the military is undercounting the number of hunger strikers. Prisoners began the hunger strike in February to protest conditions and indefinite confinement.
I have no pity for them at all – if this is the way that they wish to make their statement and make their exit, let that be on them and nowhere (or no one) else. Yes, the military must “save” them if not for legal reason but for PR reasons (at the least). However, when I see most other folks here in this country, especially college students making demands about their “conditions”, my sense is “ok with me” – solidarity is what you want in doing this, well, knock yourselves out. I’m being tired of being the real hostage in this adults version of the old child’s (or is that bully?) play of “Give me this or you’ll be sorry!”).
(H/T: Big Peace)
