tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701539017926611564.post3823820569354277345..comments2024-01-12T06:53:57.577-08:00Comments on The Journey Home: Vineyards and Single-tracks and Stories for HealingPaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18012287365789408550noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701539017926611564.post-27032805538636816352011-07-22T04:56:33.910-07:002011-07-22T04:56:33.910-07:00Hi Jeff,
Meant to reply some time back and got si...Hi Jeff,<br /><br />Meant to reply some time back and got sidetracked. Thanks for your comment. It's often easy to forget that small contributions can have an effect on the whole. Especially in a country where there is so much healing to be done. Have a look at the latest guest post where another ex-combat soldier tells his story.<br /><br />Regards<br />PaulPaulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18012287365789408550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701539017926611564.post-79009549553025052752011-07-05T14:14:43.697-07:002011-07-05T14:14:43.697-07:00thanks Paul, stirred up many thoughts. I am sure ...thanks Paul, stirred up many thoughts. I am sure that it is only by those who have experienced modern warfare discussing the effect of war honestly and in a non sensationalist manner that more people will be moved to realise not only the futility of war but the hidden effects on those involved directly in armed conflict. All steps ( or indeed cycle tracks ) along this road no matter how small can have an effect and eventually can achieve a tipping point. Self healing is vital and so is prevention.Jeffnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701539017926611564.post-5092583910465757692011-06-17T06:22:36.053-07:002011-06-17T06:22:36.053-07:00Paul - of course I agree with what you're sayi...Paul - of course I agree with what you're saying. I'm one who's not afraid to speak of the impact the war had on me - not that everyone wants to listen, or agrees with my analysis of what we did up there. The latter was the point I wanted to make. As what you're doing opens more doors to self-forgiveness, I hope more guys will look inward and find their own healing. And you and me, too. rgds, SteveAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701539017926611564.post-43332174027268205002011-06-17T00:26:31.192-07:002011-06-17T00:26:31.192-07:00Thanks MarkThanks MarkPaulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18012287365789408550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701539017926611564.post-67360349821717549832011-06-17T00:02:51.091-07:002011-06-17T00:02:51.091-07:00Very beautiful, dramatic and heart-felt language. ...Very beautiful, dramatic and heart-felt language. This is a story that must be told. I look forward to reading more.Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01848361189315375487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701539017926611564.post-46707574212478194152011-06-17T00:00:32.135-07:002011-06-17T00:00:32.135-07:00Hi Steve, Thanks for your comment. I think you&#...Hi Steve, Thanks for your comment. I think you're right that many of us find it difficult to talk honestly about this. I also know from colleagues who are doing acedemic research in this area, that men do want to talk, and do talk if the right "space" is made. The safety of confidentiality for example.<br /><br />I think many find some comfort in the old paradigm, which, as you say, is backed up by dissatisfaction or dissappointment with today's SA.<br /><br />I didn't speak out back then. At least not publically. I hope that speaking out now will contribute in some small way to a process of opening up. There are plenty of us around, albeit perhaps a minority, who are capable of that critical reflection. We have an important role to play in the ongoing dialogue.<br /><br />Thanks for your support and contributing to this broader conversation.<br /><br />Regards<br />PaulPaulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18012287365789408550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5701539017926611564.post-92001234776709056912011-06-16T14:12:26.706-07:002011-06-16T14:12:26.706-07:00Interesting post, Paul. Talking honestly about the...Interesting post, Paul. Talking honestly about the issues in an open forum is very unusual. It's difficult enough talking honestly in private with other soldiers, as you and I have done. Partly because I detect a curving back in sentiment amongst the men who fought. Increasingly, they seem to romanticise our war, fueled by dissatisfaction with today's SA. Critical self-reflection never surfaces. I don't know how well-received it would be amongst our old comrades. Of course it'll find currency in Grahamstown but the exercise, like the festival, will always be a fringe event. Do it anyway. Rgds Steve.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com