No, war is not a game

This Friday we were in Ifeca, where Juvelandia is held (http://www.ifecajerez.com/juvelandia/actividades.html), to talk about Peace and to remind the authorities of their obligation not to indoctrinate children or young people. The Navy attends each year to show their boats and armour to the children… The Spanish Navy does not incur fines, is not a crime, nor does fall under punishable offences in the Criminal Code or the Citizen’s Security Law (Ley de Seguridad Ciudadana). Talking to children about war is not a crime…

This leaflet was handed out there:

JUVELANDIA ARMY, OUT

The Navy will once again be present in the young people and children’s fair, Juvelandia.

The Army puts on exhibitions which tries to present their actions in an attractive way, as if they were fun, hiding the fact that their real purpose is to make war, something which is neither fun nor ethical.

However, war is not a game, it’s a crime against humanity and to transmit militaristic values is totally incoherent with an Education for Peace, which should be what adults seek for their children.

Along with the Navy, there is also National Police and Guardia Civil presence. In the context of increasing police repression (passing the Mordaza Law, or “Gag” Law)  it tries to shed a positive light on these repressive agencies in front of children.

For a childhood free of militarisation and repression.

It’s hard to realise how, with the north completely lost, the two big political parties, PP and PSOE, remain silent before these serious facts. It’s hard to  realise how the Jerez town hall, in a children’s park, directly promotes the idealisation of armed forces to its citizens.

It is not enough with increased manufacturing and export of weapons, with the berth of nuclear vessels in our docks, with participation in various wars (Somalia, Iraq, Mali etc.), with the participation in NATO, anti-missile defence, with the increase in military funding etc. Additionally, to have to teach children the belief that “if you want Peace, make War”.

How absurd.

(http://lavozdelsur.es/se-quiere-hacer-ver-los-ninos-que-la-guerra-es-una-cosa-divertida/)

Source: http://noviolencia62.blogspot.com.es/2015/01/no-la-guerra-no-es-un-juego.html

Translation: Paul Rankin