March 28, 2024
Letter

Price of our hostility

How can a public that seems to lightly shrug off reports of fraternity hazing, of school bullying and of cheerleaders humiliating classmates appear surprised and appalled by some of the atrocious behavior recently displayed in the treatment of the Iraqi prisoners?

In all cases it is tempting to reassure ourselves that it is only an instance of a “few bad apples” for it is obvious that vicious individuals have always been with us. What frightens me is our growing level of tolerance for rude and violent behavior at all levels. Let’s get our own society in order before we send military missionaries to others.

The recent photos from Iraq have set the peace process in the Middle East back immeasurably. Perhaps it is time to heed John Donne’s advice: “Ask not for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” The price of the hostility engendered by our misguided treatment of Arab prisoners will be paid by all of us, likely in our own back yards

Margaret A. Bailey

Hampden


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