Iraq War Veteran and Peace Activist Matt Southworth

Mr. Southworth, Legislative Program Assistant for FCNL, spoke to HHS Political Science students on war, peace, patriotism and pacifism at Arlington National Cemetery.  This discussion took place on September 28th, 2010.

Diane (2nd L)- Let's assume you were a pacifist back in 2003.  George W. Bush prominently self-identified himself as a Christian. He also, with congressional backing, started a war with Iraq. As a Christian pacifist, if you have the chance to meet him in 2003, how would you have tried to convince him not to go to war? ANSWER- I would have told him not to rush it and offer less violent options. I do think it would have been easier to convince him now compared to 2003 and he would have been easier to convince than Cheney.

Elizabeth (3rd L)- Do military ceremonies, like the wreath laying one I just participated in, glorify the military?  ANSWER- It is honorable to respect the people but nothing can glorify the military.

Ismita- When addressing opponents of pacificism, are there individuals you consider to be great examples of a successful pacifist? ANSWER- The one guy that everyone always mentions is Gandhi.  He had great lines. Of course Martin Luther King in this country is a great example of an American pacifist.  Oh yeah, and that guy Jesus Christ. He was pretty good too.

Ian- In your view, is joining and then participating in the military, including combat, a patriotic activity? ANSWER- No. If we had better policies then we wouldn't need the military. Our military has been used for personal interests not the national interest.

Ryan- Considering the President, because of Article 2 of the Constitution, is the Commander in Chief of the armed forces and he takes an oath that requires him to "preserve, protect and defend" the United States, is the office of President incompatible with pacificism?  ANSWER-  No.  There are other ways to successfully defend the constitution and people.  It's not just violence.

Libby- If giving your life for your country is, as Lincoln said, "The last full measure of devotion", what do you think is the ultimate expression of pacifist patriotism? ANSWER- Sticking to your beliefs even when it is not the popular thing to do.

Ashley- Do you see killing in self-defense or killing to save the life of an innocent (perhaps even in a war context) a violation of the commandment "Thou shalt not kill"?  ANSWER- Yes. Better to die as a martyr than take the light of God away from someone.

Antwanett- How can pacifism solve an issue when the opposing side is driven to annihilate your country? ANSWER- No one directly hates America, they hate our policies, that we try to come in and change their nations.  They hate our ways, not us.

Miya(L)- Next semester most of us will be interning on Capitol Hill. What members of Congress best represent yours and FCNL's point of view? ANSWER- Sen. Barbara Boxer, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Sen. Sherrod Brown and a few others.

Conor- Some people refer to World War II as "The Good War." I think you'll agree that it was positive that Germany and Japan were stopped. Do you think WW II was a good war and if not, can you conceive of any war being good? ANSWER- Pacifism has to be adopted to each situation. While the Nazi's and the Japanese were terrible, it is wrong to use such overwhelming force.

Nyeisha- How did your parents react when you joined the army and how did they react when you became a pacifist? ANSWER- They did not like it when I joined the army.  I educated them about being a pacifist and they were ok with that.

Belol (R)- We watched the film "Taking Chance"; a true story about the process that takes place when a soldier dies (in that case, Iraq) and the military escort that accompanies him home.  It's a respectful film but one that some could say glorifies the military. Have you seen it and do you think a film like that hurts your cause? Is there any military themed film that would get the FCNL seal of approval?  ANSWER- No, I have not seen it and I disagree with the notion that a movie could glorify war.

Kindred spirit Amanda presented Matt with HHS gear as a token of our appreciation.

Amanda- I want you to know that I am a fellow pacifist. I have noticed that some people believe that pacifism is a refuge for cowards.  How do you combat these hurtful remarks?  ANSWER- By believing that passing on an idea or being peaceful is more brave than fighting.