Doctors without security
Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors without Borders in English, is an endeavor that offers hope for the human species even to a hardened cynic. The organization has been in operation since 1971, bringing medical care to anyone in need in conflict zones and sites of natural disasters while keeping independent from governments and battling factions. As a result of this decision, MSF does not accept armed protection from any side in a war zone.
Senior humanitarian specialist with MSF, Michiel Hofman, explains this stance as follows: “Those people who can provide you with armed protection are always connected to one or the other party in a conflict. Which means as soon as you accept an armed party, you become a legitimate target for the other side of that conflict.” Not only does MSF not accept protection from local forces, but the organization also does not support armed intervention of other nations to provide medical care.
This is a noble position for a humanitarian group to take. Medical professionals and other aid workers who are willing to walk into the middle of a war to save lives are some of the bravest people among us. Unlike some types of pacifists, the personnel of MSF are not content to sit quietly on the sidelines. While I’m not a pacifist myself, I respect those who will put their own bodies in the line of fire to do good.
We can’t accuse MSF of being blind to the realities of the world. The current president of the group, Joanne Liu, insists that “We will not leave patients behind. And we will not be silent. Seeking or providing healthcare must not be a death sentence.” She says this in response to repeated attacks on hospitals where they are working, including a bombing by NATO forces that the U.S. has labeled a mistake.
As someone who is certainly not a pacifist, I agree with Christopher Hitchens in his many speeches on politics that the insistence to refuse to act to defend good and fight evil is itself an evil act. This is not something we can accuse MSF of doing. However, we can observe that doing good while unarmed depends on the good graces of people who are not always trustworthy.
Unfortunately, George Orwell never actually wrote the exact words, “People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf,” though he did say things to that effect. The point of this idea is that there are bad people who will not respect the choice of others to live and let live. They won’t respect pacifists for their moral stand.
And that’s the key difference in the moral values of someone who chooses to be armed for self-defense and the defense of others. My argument is that I’m on the side of good people, regardless of what they decide with regard to being armed or not. It’s appreciated if they return the courtesy, but all I really ask is the same thing I ask of every person—do the good that you’re able to do, and don’t shirk that responsibility.
So again, I have the greatest of respect for MSF. At the same time, I recognize the need for armed good people to make the world safer for medical professionals doing their work.
The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the position of Guns.com.
The post Doctors without security appeared first on Guns.com.
Source: http://www.guns.com/2016/05/16/doctors-without-security/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
