Letters - 08 November 2013
From poppies to the flaming sword
Poppies
With regards to the letter from our Friend David Boulton (18 October), I hope that many wearing poppies will do so in remembrance of all the people in the world who lost their lives due to conflicts. This must surely include the overwhelming number of civilians who have been killed in them.
Wikipedia emphasises there are many difficulties in being able to establish even very approximate numbers of civilian deaths caused by warfare but, for the second world war, it suggests that something of the order of 2.8 times as many civilians were killed compared with those of the military. Whatever the numbers, those unfortunate souls should not be forgotten. Wearing a white poppy would enable anybody who wishes to query or challenge us to be reminded that civilians must not be forgotten. I usually include a red one to show that I am respecting the desire of others to remember those who have died in conflict.
Peter Fox
Friends develop dialogue
I was pleased and relieved to read that at Meeting for Sufferings [on 5 October] it was decided not to extend the boycott of goods from Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories. Was any contrition expressed?
‘Friends were encouraged to continue to promote dialogue and understanding.’ We have returned to the place where we can be most effective, and where we should have stayed.
In my view, on this issue, we messed up. We upset friends within and outside of our Society. What was achieved resulted from dialogue and understanding not under the threat of boycott. The ‘quiet protest’ outside a local shop was most unfortunate.
Because many Friends want to speak out on public issues, we are in danger of being perceived as primarily a campaigning group, and of losing the regard in which we are held.
We are a worshipping community. We have very little political clout, but we are respected and heard. Thus, we should always think through the possible consequences when we decide to take sides, show some political nous and consider whether we are more likely to have the desired effect if we stay with what we are good at.
Ron Barden
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