Benedict Arnold

Benedict Arnold, Judas, backstabber, betrayer, Brutus, defector, deserter, double-crosser, yellow, fink, traitor, treasonist and turncoat - just to name a few. These are words and phrases used to describe individuals who refuse to fight – or rather those who refuse to go to war. These terms are used for people seen as unpatriotic or those swimming against the current of popular sentiment. Time and again throughout U.S. history, generations have been divided over the issue of war.

In “Dooley Is a Traitor”, author James Michie depicts a convicted criminal who is facing a judge during his trial for his refusal to go to war. The accused, Dooley, has no intention of hiding his true nature. He bluntly tells the judge that he would willingly kill several individuals he dislikes. ‘“Why, I’d as soon think of killing a worshipful judge, High-court, like yourself…”’ he says in the poem, clearly demonstrating that it’s not the act of killing Dooley opposes. Dooley struggles with his conscience when it comes to killing without a grudge – a joke to laugh at after. This defense is found to be curious by the court. Dooley does not buy the judge’s argument that this is a fight between good and evil. He even paraphrases a story from the Bible where God deals with evil in a much more civilized manner. Dooley argues that in war, both sides lose and he is merely choosing which losing side he will take. He does not buy the news propaganda being fed to the general public. After making a case for only being willing to kill for a reason, and telling the Judge that he does not expect a non-murderer to understand what it is he won’t do, Dooley is found guilty as a traitor and sentenced to death. Despite his faith, Dooley states he would rather die than fight.

This poem hints at a far deeper issue, the use of God’s name in the advance of human motives. Since time in memoriam, humans have invoked the Devine to manipulate their fellow man into a fear-filled blind obedience.

‘“We want a clearer reason why you refuse to carry a gun. This war is not a personal feud; it’s a fight against wrong ideas on behalf of the Right. Mr. Dooley, won’t you help destroy evil ideas?”’ This is the reasoning used by the judge to justify every able man having to join in the fight. This is a classic example of winning the public’s support for a cause by an attempt at invoking guilt in the individual. It is the conditioning of the individual to fight ideas – usually ideas he or she does not fully understand or care to ascertain. To this Dooley responds, ‘“I could not find it in my heart to be unkind to an idea.”’

The Judge finds it difficult to comprehend how a criminal can invoke conscience to his aid to support an individual withdrawal from a ‘“communal crusade sanctioned by God, led by the Church, against a godless, churchless nation.”’

Communal - as in belonging to the people. A crusade – a war carried on under papal sanction. And being sanctioned by God – gives the cause the much-needed authoritative permission and approval, making the action valid. And the icing on the cake… all this is “against a godless, churchless nation.” How can one abstain?

In response to further refusal to bend, the judge challenges Dooley with the question, ‘“What do you know of the Christian creed?”’ and Dooley respond, ‘“nothing, sir, except for what I can read…I find when the Lord himself misliked an evil notion He turned it into a pig and drove it squealing over a cliff into the ocean…A neat and Christian murder. None of your mad slaughter…We all lose, we’re all dammed sinners. I’d rather be with the poor cold people at the wall that’s shot than the bloody guilty devils in the firing-line, in Hell and keeping hot.”’ With this passage, Dooley points out to the judge that God – He who sanctioned this war – does not dispose of evil in such a brutal manner as they themselves are doing. He in-turn tells the judge that by invoking God’s name in their evil acts, the perpetrators have secured for themselves a place in hell.

This poem illustrates man’s shameless manipulation of the Holy in pushing his agenda. In the name of God, countless souls have perished. Even to this day, the American psyche is manipulated by phrases like “the Axis of Evil.” I find it hard to comprehend that a Creator would “pick” a few of his creatures to enforce His will over their fellow creatures. Man is quick to evoke the name of God in profane ways. We need to only evoke God’s name with the reverence due from the creature to his Creator.

Silent Teacher

“Why is that one all alone?” I asked my friend who had taken me out back to see the new litter of puppies.

I was pointing to a small grey swell of pelt, with eyes that told countless tales. It had been intentionally separated from its fellow newcomers and their mother. As I continued towards the isolated pup, I noticed healing wounds on the face and body.

“He had the misfortune of being born the sole male in a litter of six,” replied AJ, my childhood friend who was at the time a medic in the United States Army Reserve. “A short time after, he was mauled by the others and the mother. I walked in just in time. They were tearing him to shreds. I ran to his aid, swooped down and rescued him from their midst. He was bleeding profusely. I rushed him into the house and began to clean him up and attend to his wounds.”

I was speechless. I was never much of an animal lover. However, at that moment I felt a strong sense of compassion for the forlorn puppy. His pain suddenly became my own. With no warning, I was overwhelmed by sympathy and began to feel it in my gut.

“What’s their current situation?” I asked.

“He wants to be with them, but they seem intent on finishing what I interrupted,” AJ whispered. “I’m trying to find a good home for him.”

“I’ll take him!” I replied without hesitation.

“Are you sure?” AJ asked. “You don’t have to, you know.”

“I know. I want to. I’ll take him. I’m sure,” I said.
That night, we drove home with a new addition to the household. He sat quietly on my wife’s lap the entire ride home. My wife and I spent the drive trying to comprehend the torment this poor creature had faced. He was the black sheep of his litter. It was for this reason we decided to name him Sevook .
Sevook quickly made a place for himself in our house and in our hearts. My son, who was three at the time, loved to run around with him in the backyard. A quiet and faithful companion, Sevook never made it a burden to care for him. I remember coming home in the evenings knowing I’d find him behind the front door waiting to be acknowledged.

What I found fascinating was Sevook’s reaction to AJ every time they met. Sevook would smell AJ and seemed to actually miss his mother and sisters; the very same bunch that tried to end his young life.

Three years went by and Sevook’s presence had grown to be a part of daily life. Feeding him had become a routine. As had his veterinary visits, grooming and exercise. One winter day, we returned home after a couple of hours of Christmas shopping. It was a nice day outside. We’d left Sevook in the backyard to roam around freely as we’d done countless times before. I knew something was wrong when I walked into the house and did not hear him run towards the back door to scratch at it. I opened the door and walked outside. Sevook was nowhere to be found. I called his name and there was no response. I asked the neighbors if they’d seen him. They hadn’t. I walked, drove and rode my bike all over the neighborhood looking for Sevook. My wife and son joined in the search. My brother made flyers and posted them throughout the neighborhood. We called the animal shelter. We did all we could to find Sevook and bring him home. He was nowhere to be found.

As a child, my mother taught me to forgive. The Good Book teaches us to forgive, as do many other religions. It wasn’t until I met Sevook that I came to understand the meaning of forgiveness. He was wronged by those who nature has charged with his care, yet he showed no animosity towards them.

It’s been over six years since I last saw Sevook. In my mind’s eye, I still see him looking at me with his loving eyes. Waiting for me to come in and acknowledge him with love. I see him quietly fulfilling his purpose in life… teaching me to forgive.