Under the baobab: Bombs and troops aren’t the way to resolve conflict

“War ... What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.” -The Temptations, Motown

I am a war baby, conceived and born at the end of World War II, the last actual war declared by Congress. After the Japanese empire bombed the U.S. fleet at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt petitioned Congress to declare war. A few days later, Nazi Germany declared war on the United States. The resulting conflict involved over 50 nations and resulted in 60 to 80 million deaths including about 55 million civilians.

The Korean “police action” was the next time U.S. troops were fully deployed. It had been authorized by the United Nations, in the “United for Peace” Declaration, but not by Congress. My dad fought during Korea, as he had during WWII. Over 36,000 U.S. service members died, and 1.5 to 3 million Koreans, North and South, perished.

The next major deployment of U.S. forces was in Vietnam, which was authorized by the Gulf of Tonkin resolution and gave President Lyndon B. Johnson authority to increase military presence without declaring war. Almost 60,000 U.S. troops and between 1 and 3 million Vietnamese died.

The next major deployment of U.S. forces was in Afghanistan after the September 11 terrorist attacks. It became the longest “war” in United States history, lasting from 2001 to 2021. The war expanded with the invasion of Iraq to search for weapons of mass destruction, which were never found. Overall, the war killed an estimated 176,000-212,000 people. Almost 2,500 U.S. troops were killed.

Today the United States, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, are in a “state of war” in the Middle East, though no U.S. troops are deployed on the ground and there is a tenuous ceasefire. Hundreds of people, mostly civilians, have died and continue to perish through rocket, drone and air attacks. Also devastating are the massive immigration effects. Millions of people are homeless and helpless. War — what is it good for?

Around town

Ironically, as the U.S. dropped bombs in their ancestral homeland, Arab Americans celebrated their first ever Heritage Month in State College. Samar Farage welcomed several hundred neighbors to Woskob Family Gallery for guest speaker, writer Ghassian Abou-Zeineddine, and live dance Dabke performance by the Malikat Al Dabke group. The reception featured delightful Arabic small bites. State College Mayor Ezra Nanes read a proclamation. The celebration continues Saturday, April 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with film screening “The Arab Americans,” lectures, entertainment, Arabic calligraphy, children’s book readings and food, with chef Manal Elfakhani, poet Laila Halaby, and musician Kevin Sims.

“Solos in Solidarity, Performing an Ethics of Care,” supported by Rock Ethics Institute and the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications and led by Professor Michelle Rodino-Colocino, Penn State Laureate Pearl Gluck and others, conducted workshops and a showcase this week at 3 Dots Downtown and the Palmer Museum of Art.

Jennifer Hamer and Dean Clarence Lang of the College of Liberal Arts hosted a well-attended gathering at their home to discuss to reunification of the African American Studies and African Studies Departments. A lively and informative discussion ensued.

The School of Theatre opened Thorton Wilder’s “Our Town” at the Playhouse Theatre directed by Steve Snyder, on Friday with performances through April 18. Dominique Morisseau’s, “Detroit 67,” directed by Marcus Jordan, runs from April 16-18 at the Downtown Theatre.

The Restorative Justice Initiative honors Justice Education month with a Reentry Simulation on April 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Pasquerilla Center Lobby and events through April.

In celebration of Earth Month, Penn State Sustainability hosts many April events including a screening of the documentary, “Sally,” which explores the life and legacy of pioneering astronaut Sally Ride.

Bombs and troop deployment does not resolve conflict, dialogue across differences may. We must find ways to talk with each other. Stay strong. You are not alone.

Charles Dumas is a lifelong political activist, a professor emeritus from Penn State, and was the Democratic Party’s nominee for the U.S. Congress in 2012. He is a Lions Paw honoree. He lives in State College with his wife and partner of over 50 years.