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Wednesday, October 1, 2014

CIVIL (WAR) DISOBEDIENCE

It is said that during America's
Civil War, when Mennonite young men
from Virginia were drafted into
the army, complaints were registered
about them: they were not good soldiers.
One of their officers agreed that such
criticism against them was justified,
but in one respect only.
They were, he said, model soldiers:
well-behaved, respectful of authority.
When ordered to march, they marched.
When ordered to close ranks, they did so.
They kept their rifles oiled and cleaned.
They faced the enemy bravely.
When they heard the command
    -- Ready. Aim. Fire! --
They readied their weapons, they fired.
But, alas, they disobeyed in one regard.
They did not aim.

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