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A war consists of individuals dividing on an idea and concerning themselves enough with it that they are willing to kill each other over it. That’s what war is. War is devastating. Every war ends with people feeling dishearented, sad, angry, and many dead. If war is really “good for nothing” as some have sung, why then do we continue to have them?

Wars are necessary. There are some wars that have to be fought. The Rhodesians fought the Bush War because ZANLA guerillas were killing civilians. The British fought World War II because they promised Poland they would stand up for them. The Mexicans fought the Revolution to overturn totalitarian rule in their country.  These wars each turn on individuals holding different ideas and caring enough about them to risk their lives.

Pacifism is not to be sneared at. Avoiding the death and destruction of human lives is worthy. General Eisenhowever was lambasted by the public when he refused to capture Berlin at the end of World War II. His decision however, was based on the estimated 100,000 casualties the victory would cost; too high for a empty prize, since Berlin was to be governed by all the Allies.

It is unwise to issue blanket statements that all wars are useless. While they can be trials for all involved, saddening for millions, some wars have to be fought. It is important, therefore to elect leaders who will make wise decisions: to avoid conflict whenever possible, and to not put off necessary fights.