What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.- Anya Slepyan

My favorite book is Joseph Heller’s anti-war novel, Catch 22. One of its many memorable passages describes the thoughts held by the main character, Yossarian, towards war. “Just about all he could find in its favor was that it paid well and liberated children from the pernicious influence of their parents.” These “benefits,” however, are not nearly enough to justify the deaths of millions of people, soldiers and civilians alike.

I believe that war is an absolute evil, and should be avoided at all costs. However, I understand the unfortunate difference between moral idealism and our reality. Therefore I must acknowledge that sometimes war is unavoidable, and must then be considered the lesser of two evils. Whenever possible, no matter how remote the chances, nonviolent negotiations and resolutions must be attempted to resolve the differences of the opposing parties. Should those attempts fail, violence is only justifiable if a group is under direct threat, and certainly not for economic or religious reasons.

Of all the types of warfare, and reasons for war, the least defensible to me is religious wars. I detest the fact that for thousands of years, a countless number of people have died for their personal beliefs, which should have absolutely no effect on anyone but themselves. Unfortunately, religious warfare continues today in the form of attacks from extreme religious sects, as well as divisions within larger religions (such as the Sunni and the Shiites). The continuous existence of such conflicts in human history is completely baffling.

Also, as a side not, a favorite music genre of mine is sixties and seventies protest songs. Artists ranging from Peete Seeger to Phil Oaks, Donovan to Crosby, Stills & Nash, Neil Young to Bob Dylan, have each laid out their arguments against war in the form of really excellent folk music. I highly recommend a listen.