Apples and oranges

I saw a bumper sticker today that said "You can't be pro-life and pro-war."

I think these people are mistaken.

First off, I think pro-life and pro-war are both oxymorons and let me tell you why.

I believe that women shouldn't kill their unborn babies. That doesn't make me pro-life because I also believe than the most heinous of criminals - like killers and rapists - should be put to death. I also believe that insurgents, terrorists, whatever you want to call them, don't deserve to breathe my oxygen either. However, I don't believe that ANYONE is pro-war. There is a time and a place when you have to defend yourself and your way of life even if that means to the death.

I know that the bumper sticker was aimed at people like me and I'm sure this gal would think I hit the crack pipe because of my beliefs. I feel the same way about her. It is highly unlikely that I'm going to change anyone's opinions and damn near impossible for anyone to change mine. But, I think what we're doing will have long-lasting implications on the prospect of peace in the Middle East. I truly do. We're seeing results already in many countries. It isn't going to happen overnight, but what big changes do? It is like dieting. Life sucks when you first start a diet. It still sucks while you're struggling to fight cravings. It sucks when you go without and don't see any results for a long time. It sucks when you have to start working out. But, then, one day, down the road. You see small results. A pant size is lower. Maybe your weight is five pounds less. Then, eventually, if you stick with the painful life-altering changes, you can see the long-term benefits of your efforts and it will have been worth it. But, if you give up, you'll be as fat as you were before or worse. Poor analogy, but you get the idea.

Anyway. I think it was a dumb bumper sticker. So, there.

Please don't flame me too bad. If you think I'm off base, you will find brethern here.