The Plea
For Peace & Importance of Knowledge
Written By Steven Tam
The statement
still stands, "there's a bomb in your lunch box, plea for
peace." This sentence may seem threatening to some, and
I apologize for that. But with the correct understanding
it makes perfect sense. The band Anti Flag is a punk group
from Pennsylvania, believing that anarchy is the ideal state
of government, and who are against almost anything that
ends with 'ism'. But most importantly are against war. Thier
message is definetly one of the most provocative and realistic
in media today. We now live in a world full of hate, war
and abuse. War seems to be the way that every nation can
settle their differences, for good. On September 11th two
planes were crashed into skyscrapers, home to thousands
of workers. They did not expect this to happen, nor did
the rest of the world, resulting in the complete chaos which
followed the disaster. Thus explaining 'there is a bomb
in your lunch box' a somewhat metaphorical statement, explaining
that there is war and hate in places where you have come
to suspect the least, even your lunch box. The readers of
my statement, misunderstood the idea as a threat to the
receiver. There was no bomb in his lunch box, but the idea
that there is the possibility of this, in the worlds current
state. You may think that it's a slight exaggeration, but
obviously to the people in the WTC that day, it wasn't.
Many students
do not understand the effect that the war on Iraq could
have on everyday Canadians. There is a thin thread holding
down a complete war in America. And living just kilometres
from the border I strongly feel that this would effect us.
Our lives would be impacted so greatly that our sense of
safety and security would be in complete jeopardy. Ignorance
is a disability, and it is important that everyone (even
students) should recognize the danger that faces us today.
We never know when there may be a surprise waiting in our
lunch box. The 'plea for peace' is a cry from the believers
in the Anti Flag movement, to fight the chance that this
war may occur. This situation is not only an entity in the
United States but in Canada and the rest of the globe. It
may be a stretch to prevent a war by telling your neighbour,
but knowledge is like a disease and it spreads quickly.
I only feel that it is important that all are aware of the
situation. October 26th, the White House in Washington DC
was surrounded by activists, and common people, to plea
to the president to not go to war. Thousands gathered together
to fight, thousands who were aware and who knew that war
would only destroy the continent that we live on. Despite
their efforts, George Bush refused to surrender. He would
not give in, he, alike many past leaders desires glory,
and war. 'America is seeing some of the largest anti war
protests since Vietnam.' This many people, can't be wrong.
But our efforts
are not futile, the more people, the more support. Even
people who do not believe in the cause should still recognize
and be aware that there is a danger around every corner.
"Mobilize for Peace" is the name of the current Anti Flag
tour, meaning we must get out of our chairs, and step out
of routine in order to achieve a goal, in order to plea
for peace. We can all have an effect on the outcome of this
ongoing battle with war, because it will eventually effect
us all. I am not a part of a cult, or a gang. Only a group
of people who believe in peace rather than war. There are
always alternative solutions, lets help those who are in
power recognize them.
School has
the largest impact on a teenagers life, whether they succeed
or fail in life, all depends on what they accept to learn
while spending fourteen of their years in a classroom. What
we are taught in class as an everlasting effect on our live.
Since the terrorist attacks, I have not once been asked
about them in the classroom. Not one discussion had been
sparked about our safety or how we feel about the war on
the Middle East. In a day and age where you cant let your
children walk down the street at night, or wonder if that
plane flying over your head will ever land, is it not important
that the students are educated or at least informed of these
happenings? We spend the year learning about how the second
world war effected the economy and political structure of
Canada, but what if this happened again tomorrow? Is a war
that happened decades ago more important than the one that
is waiting around the corner? I am sure that there are so
many questions students have to ask, so why haven't they
been given the opportunity? I took it upon myself (which
was obviously the wrong decision) to try to inform a friend,
with a simple ten word message, cant the board of education
address the issue as well? A war would effect your life
as much as it would effect mine, therefore it is important
for the student body to know. Whether it is a short message
over the internet, or a one day discussion in class, in
my opinion I feel that the topic should be addressed by
the school if a student isn't allowed to do it himself.
"In war you
kill the victims of the tyrant you are fighting against"
Howard Zinn. The people need to know.
Anti Flag,
The Revolution, The Understanding Taken from www.punkbands.com/antiflag
"Anti-Flag
does not mean Anti-American. Anti-Flag means anti-war. Anti-Flag
means the common people of the world are better off living
in unity and peace. Anti-Flag means to stand against corporate
greed that hurts millions while benefiting a handful of
extremely rich. Anti-Flag means to fight against mindless
nationalism. Anti-Flag means unity."
Thank you
to everyone, Anarchy, Peace, Unity
Principal
(Attatchment)
As you are aware, I was suspended Monday afternoon for inappropriate
use of an electronic device. I understand the purpose for
my punishment, and am not arguing with it. But what I would
like to discuss is something that came up in my conversation
with the vice principal. The email that I sent read 'There's
a bomb in your lunch box, plea for peace.' And he mentioned
the words 'in this day and age that is inappropriate' relating
to my statement. I feel very strongly about him bringing
the words 'in this day and age' into our talk, and I was
not given the opportunity to explain myself during our discussion.
I have taken an extensive amount of time out of my 'break'
from school to attempt to explain myself, and the meaning
behind the short email. Please do not suspend me for anything
I bring up in my report, I have spent many hours researching
and writing in an attempt to share my views and opinions
with you. I hope this has some effect on our class topics
in the months to come. I have given it all I have, please
hear me out, enjoy.
