GET YOUR HAPPY ON! - a meliorist worldview

We just finished watching a PBS documentary on the evolution of American language and slang. A segment of the program featured Marines discussing some phrases that have recently been introduced into their lexicon. Their code of conduct is so specific that they have developed slang for different modes of behavior.

I have always admired the Marine Corps. They are more selective than the other branches of the military, and they generally produce individuals who make me proud when I know that they are representing our country, at home and abroad.

Then I remembered this morning’s news of a Marine being punished for throwing a puppy from a cliff in Iraq. Another Marine documented the atrocity as the men on the video laugh. Evidently, they found it so amusing that they put it on YouTube.

One might think that one of the first lessons learned in the U.S.M.C. is that you don’t prey upon the weakness of those who cannot defend themselves — especially newborn puppy dogs!

The fact that this incident occurred shocked me, and the thought that these men were so proud of what they had done that wanted the world to know about it — well, that horrified me even more.

It wasn’t too long ago when Blacks and Jews were mistreated because ignorant white people had thought them to be animals and less than human. Times have changed. No longer do we turn our heads at a lynching, and the Holocaust will not soon be forgotten.

Civil rights are extended to all human beings, because we are all equal.

Yet I wonder how far of a mental leap one has to take before people with guns start treating certain other people like animals again. If this particular Marine felt justified in mistreating a defenseless puppy, would it really take so much for him to turn his pathological abuse on an Iraqi teenager or woman? Would he, could he justify the rape or murder of another human being?

I am sickened. The war in Iraq needs to stop, before we lose our very concept of what it means to be human.

As a measure of practice in the art of compassion, I would suggest that we start treating all living beings like people. Animals have rights too! It is implicit in the concept of “Natural Rights.” It does not matter that they do not know that they have rights. In my opinion, harming a defenseless baby animal is as reproachful as torturing a bed ridden hospital patient.

This is my most sincere prayer: Loving-Kindness for all Living Beings.

Be well, my friends.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS