When the Right is Wrong




Weapons are instruments of killing and destruction,
   which are contrary to the nature of life.

Thus, they are avoided by those who follow
   the subtle Way of the universe.

	 
	 
	 
	 
	
	 
According to ancient social custom,
   in times of peace a gentleman regards the left side,
   the soft hand, as the place of honor,
   in times of war, the right side, the strong hand,
   is considered the place of honor.
 


 
 
 
 
 
Because weapons are inauspicious,
   they are not to be the instruments of a gentleman.

Only when one has no other choice
   may one resort to using them,
   and if their use is necessary,
   one must employ calmness and restraint,
   for peace and quiet are the normal nature
   of universal life.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Even in victory there is no cause
   for excitement and rejoicing.

To rejoice over a victory
   is to delight in killing and destruction.

He who delights in killing and desctruction
   cannot be expected to thrive for long in the world.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Therefore, on happy occasions
   the left side has precedence,
   while on sad occasions, it is the right side.
 
 
 
 
 
 
When this rite was applied in the army,
   the lieutenant-commander stood at the left
   while the commander in chief stood on the right.

This indicates that war is treated
   as the equivalent of a funereal service.

Because many people
   have been caused an unnatural death in war,
   it is only right that the survivors should mourn them.

Even when a victory is won,
   the occasion should be regarded as lamentable.

- Tao Teh Ching, chapter 31, translated by Hua-Ching Ni

Basra, March 22, 2003

Baghdad, March 24, 2003

March 24, 2003

Jordan, March 27, 2003 (Her Jordanian son was killed by an American bomb.)

Baghdad, March 27, 2003

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