Comments on: Bad Books on a Military Base

By: Gina

Gina — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 21:45:22 +0000

It would indeed. “Let each esteem the other better than themselves” is a foreign concept to our humanity!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 22:39:29 +0000

LOL I knew what you meant, I think. Anyway, when you look over time, it’s clear that we haven’t as humans considered old buildings, the environment, civilians. So there’s a part of me that does agree with the description, if it wasn’t for the “ALL” and “ALWAYS” and “NEVER” communicated stridently by the author. And we might ask, is this topic even necessary at a young age, but Walker makes a valid observation: fighting to solve problems is taught from a very young age. It is true that many adults do not know how to solve differences peacefully; they never learned as children. Wouldn’t it be a great book that might teach through a positive example of peacemaking, without being overly didactic or heavy-handed?

By: Gina

Gina — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:18:24 +0000

…the old “people” there, should be old “buildings”! I was trying to parallel the post above. lol

By: Gina

Gina — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:15:01 +0000

It’s such a naive approach, too. (The author’s…to war.) And typical of our inward-looking nation’s tendency to Westernize even the thinking of other countries.

We’ve not really discussed the War much, but one thing that I think it’s important for children to know is that the powers that we’re fighting against (whether or not the fight itself is worth continuing at this point) do not at all consider civilians, old people, and the environment. And except for the fact that that particular culture tends to celebrate violence and horrors against enemies – even in front of small children – perhaps the book might be useful in their libraries…!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:24:55 +0000

Yes, we have. Lee checked the book out yesterday, and we’ve been talking about what to do. I’ll refine my observations and thoughts with the book in front of me. I was too aghast to think clearly at the time, and I forgot to check out the book.

By: Lyn Marshall

Lyn Marshall — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:00:47 +0000

Have you considered putting your analysis in writing, with a copy both to the head librarian and the base commander. It might not accomplish anything, but then again it might get someone’s attention.