Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

People Confess If They'd Take Up Arms And Risk Death To Protect Their Country

People Confess If They'd Take Up Arms And Risk Death To Protect Their Country
Eduard Delputte on Unsplash

We are in troubling times friends.

Everyday the news out of Ukraine is heartbreaking.

And it makes you wonder... "What if that was us?"

Could many of us stand up and join a military resistance if we had to?

It's one thing to think about sacrificing your life, it's a whole other thing to do it.


Redditor CallMeBicBoiwanted to know who would be willing to go to war.

They asked:

"As a civilian, would you be willing to take up arms and potentially die to protect your country? Why or why not?"

I would not head to war. Mostly because I'd be useless. I faint at a pinprick of blood. So...

Coming for us all...

Greeting Us Army GIF by GoArmyGiphy

"Once the invading army starts killing civilians, I'll feel like I have no choice. They're coming after me and my family."

carsoncanArtsome

A Direct Hit

"If my country/state was under direct occupation, yes. I am willing to protect my community, family and country. If there was a draft for a war we have no business being in, no. I don't consider protecting America's capitalist interests on foreign soil important."

FR_0S_TY

Without Hesitation!

"I live in Canada. My country hasn't been invaded since we had a little scuffle with our downstairs neighbours in 1812. The idea of going to war to protect my country is an abstract, something that could theoretically happen but isn't an imminent threat. Compare that to Ukraine. It isn't an abstract concept to them."

"I'm sure many are fighting for a sense of nationalism and a desire to protect their country, but how many more are fighting because their families are being threatened? Would I go to war out of a sense of patriotic duty? No, I lack the sort of nationalistic pride that that requires. Would I go to war if that's what I had to do to keep my children safe? Without hesitation."

ThievingRock

The Helpers

"I’d probably just care for the wounded. Equally as important but I don’t want to kill anyone."

CaptainPugwash75

"This should be the top comment. Help is most frequently found through a warm hand and heart. Medical expertise is a huge bonus lol. I don't give a f**k about someone shooting at me, but the person who helps to calm a mind during a traumatic event... they have a special place."

well_rounded_mango

Things to do...

"No. I’m a coward. I’ll do anything needed here at home to help but I’d be a gibbering mess and would likely mishandle my weapon. No branch of the military wants a person who is just as likely to shoot their comrades versus the enemy."

Rachel1578

"Dig trenches, fill sandbags, and triage wounded. Hack computers, conduct targeted misinformation... there's plenty you could do to contribute."

WildBilll33t

Nobody wants to be in a war, clearly.

It's good to know there are options besides the battlefield though.

Burn it Up!

burn it season 4 GIF by PowerGiphy

"If my friends were directly at risk and we were being invaded, yes. Otherwise if it was just a draft to go overseas and kill poor people? Hell no I'd burn the draft notice."

Dire-Dog

Joe can do...

"Yes. My nation may not be perfect by a long shot, I’ll be one of the first to tell you that; but it is my home, it is where the ones I love call home as well. I’d rather die than have that be taken away. Well it’s not financially possible for some to leave and/or they already have a life that’s been built/established here. Those reasons would make it difficult to leave. Also there’s not much an average Joe can do. We can try to vote the people in that we think could change our country for the better but..."

f**kpepsi2

For Country!

"If it was to 'protect the country.' Not for some CIA game of risk or so giant multinationals make mega profits while the standard of living goes down for the average person. Certainly not so certain commodities can be secured when history has proven it isn't remotely worth it. Warmongers will figure out a narrative to make killing for greed patriotic."

HeyHihoho

Not traveling...

Cbs No GIF by HULUGiphy

"I would be willing to protect against an invasion on the continental US, but I won't be sent overseas to play world police."

superchilldad

Pray for Peace

"My country? See this is what I find strange. I find the concept of pride in something I had nothing to do with odd. I was born in Canada, I am Canadian. I'm proud of what Canada represents and the ideals we uphold, but to die for for my 'country' is something I wouldn't subscribe to."

"I'd protect my family, friends, neighbours and anyone else from a threat to their lives or way of life from a threat, internal or external. But what flag flies or where the lines are drawn on the map really mean nothing to me. Let me live my life in peace. Honestly, I think we will never see true peace until we forfeit the idea of countries and governments. Which, unfortunately, I don't think will ever happen."

Silver-Dragonfly3462

War is ugly. And there seems to be no way to fix it. So for now all we do is pray.

And to all soldiers... Thank you for your service.


Want to "know" more?

Sign up for the Knowable newsletter here.

Never miss another big, odd, funny or heartbreaking moment again.

More from Trending/best-of-reddit

Back shot of five young, carefree female friends stand in a field of tall sunflowers clasp hands and raise their arms to the sky.
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

Unbothered People Explain How They Became Immune To A-Holes

Being able to walk away from toxic people is a skill.

Too many of us have wasted too much time in life on people who drag us down.

Keep ReadingShow less
parents holding child's hands
Nienke Burgers on Unsplash

Times People Realized Their Parents Weren't Who They Thought They Were

Some kids grow up with an inflated perception of their parents. They see them as infallible heros.

These kids are usually in for a very rude awakening.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot of Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov
10 News First/YouTube

American YouTuber Arrested After Sneaking Onto Remote Island And Leaving Diet Coke For Uncontacted Tribe

24-year-old YouTuber Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov was arrested after making contact with one of the world's last uncontacted tribes, making the perilous and ill-advised journey to North Sentinel Island and leaving a coconut and a can of Diet Coke on the beach as a gift to the Sentinelese.

Polyakov, 24, arrived at the northeastern shore of North Sentinel Island at 10 a.m. on March 29, according to police reports. He used binoculars to survey the land but saw no one. He then climbed ashore, leaving behind a Diet Coke and a coconut, took sand samples, and recorded a video, the authorities said.

Keep ReadingShow less
Vivian Wilson; Elon Musk
@vivillainous/Instagram; Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Vivian Wilson Drags Dad Elon Musk For Claiming Protesters Are Being Paid By Democrats

After billionaire Elon Musk erroneously claimed that massive anti-Trump administration protests around the country have been full of "paid protesters," his estranged daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, underscored the extent of his hypocrisy in a post on Threads.

Millions of people participated in protests against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk on Saturday, with demonstrations held across all 50 states and around the world. The protests, organized by a pro-democracy movement, were a response to what they describe as a "hostile takeover" and an attack on American rights and freedoms.

Keep ReadingShow less
Madonna; Elton John
Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation/GettyImages, Noam Galai/Getty Images for TIME

Madonna Reveals She And Elton John Finally 'Buried The Hatchet' After Decades-Long Feud

Harmony was finally restored when music icons Madonna and Elton John ended their decades-long feud over the weekend.

"We Finally Buried the Hatchet!!!" Madonna enthused on Tuesday's Instagram post.

Keep ReadingShow less