Make sure your son and daughter understands they don't get to decide when or where they go to war. It is rich, predominantly white men in the House and Senate that have the power to send children of other parents - but not their own children - off to die [and] be injured in a senseless war.
Interpretation
We must recognize that decisions about war are made by those who often do not bear its consequences.
Tomas Young highlights the injustice of war by pointing out that political leaders, often from privileged backgrounds, send others to fight while shielding their own children from such sacrifice. This quote emphasizes the disparity between those in power and the common citizens who suffer the consequences of political decisions, particularly in matters of war.
In practice
During a panel discussion on social justice, this quote can illustrate the disconnect between politicians and the realities faced by military families.
I think the truth is that the Labour Party isn't believed any more because people suspect it will say anything to get votes. The rebuilding of some radical alternatives to Thatcherism - and by that I mean all-party Thatcherism - will require us to do some very difficult things
In politics, what begins in fear usually ends in folly.
I think that it's a vital moment now for Russian democracy to convince people that it's only our actions, our joined actions and protests that could force Kremlin to reconsider its plans to abolish presidential elections.
If cars and buses were attacked daily by petrol bombs or stones for 16 months in Washington, could you imagine it would be tolerated? It would not, because in the name of democracy, to preserve democracy, steps would be taken.
The art of government is the organisation of idolatry.
Presidents have absolutely gone against the will of Congress. Congress hasn't declared a war since December 7, 1941, and yet we've been at war ever since with somebody or other in order to justify the war machine. Now we have alienated almost the entire earth
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