April 1, 2009

In Musa Qala, the Poppies Grow: Picture of the Day

poppy_field_in_musa_qala__helmand_province.jpg
Poppy field in Musa Qala, Helmand province. Recent scenes from Afghanistan - The Big Picture - Boston.com

Posted by Vanderleun at April 1, 2009 5:49 PM
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"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper N.B.: Comments are moderated and may not appear immediately. Comments that exceed the obscenity or stupidity limits will be either edited or expunged.

And now, my beauties, something with poison in it, I think. With poison in it, but attractive to the eye -- and soothing to the smell. Poppies... poppies... poppies...

Posted by: Gagdad Bob at April 1, 2009 6:09 PM

Currently watching The Greeks - Crucible of Civilization. Netflix.

Democracy was not a sure thing. The narrator intones that, indeed, life was nasty, brutish and short before the notion of government by the people created a society in which all people could willingly invest their energies and profit communally from the increased prosperity. Law, philosophy, science, theater, literature all followed.

Looking at these incredible, wrenching pictures I try not to descend into despair as I look at the primitive-seeming existence in that bleak god-forsaken land.

I shudder at that existence, the lack of knowledge and access to the world that we take for granted.

And the fact of our refined sensibilities (a luxury) illustrated by a warning about two of the pictures that depict carnage. How different from a culture that finds entertainment in the competition for the carcass of a calf.

Contrast those scenes to the formal rituals of grief for our fallen soldiers. Measured steps. Polished wood. A general genuflects before a grieving woman.

Civilization.

Our debt to those who have died so that our freedoms may be preserved and stand watch far away over a bleakness that shrinks the heart is great.


Posted by: Cathy at April 1, 2009 7:24 PM