There is nothing of higher value than a human life right?

Question

So what is so important that they must die?

Answer 1

Human life is meaningless if it is lived in fear, hunger, submission and ignorance.

Human life is meaningful only if it is free and lived responsibly. To ensure that others get a fighting chance in life, some must give their lives.

That's always the way it's been.

Answer 2

The US Constitution says that one reason for depriving a person of the right to live is a capital crime (murder) or an infamous crime (treason and other things.) However, there must be due process (the crime must be investigated and he must be tried in a court of law.) It also says that in a battlefield condition due process does not apply and the criminal can be executed on the spot if necessary.

See the below citations.


We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Answer 3

Many cultures value human life either not at all or with a very low level. Just ask Joseph Stalin, Adolph Hitler, Juan Peron, or Ho Chi Minh to name a few! Please do not assume everyone has your cultural or moral values.

I do not. I think your first premise is totally flawed. I value freedom much higher than human life. I value honor even higher.

Answer 4

It's horrible that soldiers have to die, but when it comes down to it their doing what they feel is right, they volunteer for this, its the way war works. Someone I love was killed there and he thought being over there was the most important thing hes ever done.

Answer 5

It's very sad, agreed. But this is the world we live in today. I think we'd all love to get along and hold hands in perfect harmony, but it just doesn't work like that.

I had the same thoughts and feelings as you, thinking that war was an unecissary, ugly thing. I was very young and VERY optimistic. As my uncle once told me as we were discussing the same subject " You're young. It'd be wrong for you to think any other way, but if I thought that way, I'd be stupid. " I still think it's very ugly, but it IS INDEED very necissary. The first thing you have to remember is we didn't go looking for this. The US is not some ugly beast that seeks out and destroys weaker countries. If we are fighting somewhere, it always has a purpose. Those of you who oppose war can complain all you want, that's your PROTECTED freedom of speech. But I try not to criticize. . . after all; even though I am a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and served under George W, I was not high up enough for Mr. President to share the entire situation with me and let me in on why we were doing what we were doing. Very few people are in that circle of confidence. You just have to trust that the Department of Defense is doing everything they can to ensure the safety of our country and our way of life. If that's not a good enough answer, then I'm sorry. . . that's all i have to offer.

There's also lots of factors that come into play. Why are we still over in Iraq and Afghanistan?? Many, many reasons. First and foremost, the countries we are occupying are a direct threat to the US. Whether it's weapons that can mass destruct or terrorists. . . .also, saying "what's done is done" or "let bygones be bygones" (as far as the US attacks are concerned)opens a whole new door. We have to let the world know that we're not going to tolerate terroristic actions on our soil. If we were to just roll over and ignore it, what do you think would happen next??

Thirdly, yes. . . our resources. Oil included. Is it right to be over there for that?? That's for you to decide. . . . I think yes and no. Its my firm belief that we are not over there soley for the intentions of protecting/aquiring oil, but I have no problem with us proctecting our natrual recources. The hippies can complain all they want, but I'm sure even THEY will be pissed when there's no gasoline, oil to heat homes, etc because we didn't protect our interests.

Like i said, Its in the President's best interest to do everything in his power to protect our country and our way of life. If that means giving the ok to go to war-- FOR WHATEVER REASON, so be it.

Be opposed to war all you want, it's definately brutal and ugly. But don't assume that what we are doing over there is wrong. Sometimes it doesn't boil down to "good and bad", sometimes its simply the "lesser of two evils" Ie, if we have to shed blood to protect innocent people from being victims of terroristic actions, then so be it. I know its cold and harsh, but "better them than us". I'm sure you're disagreeing with this, but let me leave you with a question. . . . what would you choose?? Your family and friends in harm's way, or having our troops go over to a foreign country to take care of things so we can sleep soundly at night??

Answer 6

Interesting question! In the US Marines, the only thing more valuable than your life is the lives of your brother Marines! The lives of the Enemy are stepping stones to saving your fellow Marines! Remember, "Don't die for your country", make the enemy bastards die for their country! USMC 60-68

Answer 7

Who says human life is so valuable? Remember MOST humans suffer with poverty, war, or disease all their lives.

This is why we believe in a Heaven and a hell. Soldiers and even suicide bombers die because they feel they would be rewarded in the afterlife (remembrance among people, Honor from God, 72 virgins...)

Answer 8

Freedom is so dear that it sometimes must be defended at the risk of human life.

Answer 9

The lives of the people they love. That is how you get other people to go and die so you can make loads of money - make them believe the lives of their loved ones are being threatened (terrorism is a good one) and send them off to steal and murder for you.

Answer 10

You could argue that one's own life has greater value than that of an enemy that is threatening to kill you. (So there is a hierarchy of values within the category of "human life".)

You could also argue that the survival of the planet is more important than the survival of humans.