Our most important tasks are seeking ways to do better. One such task would be the problem of war. Some years ago, when doing better than chattel slavery was the issue, the project was not understood as an effort to civilize slavery. It was not defined as an effort to justify some kinds of slavery and condemn other kinds. Which makes us wonder: When war is the issue, should it be understood as an effort to justify some wars and condemn others? Probably not. Or take another case: torture. How far could we get by trying to justify some kinds of torture and condemn others? So let’s not try to stop war by modifying war. War is more virile than thistles and mulberry trees. We should not court failure with halfway measures. Only problem-solving can replace war. Problems are solved by strenuous, sustained effort at conversation and negotiation, major investment and careful planning. Dumb luck won’t do it.     

John K. Stoner, Akron, Pa.