Extracts from David Hale's notebook

[Jihadjoe]

The following extract is far less personal than the one presented above. I seek to avoid giving the impression that Hale's mindset was dominated by personal concerns. Although the situation with the unnamed woman is one that weighs heavily on his mind, he appears to retain sight of what he viewed as the greater good. This extract is from a time period around the buildup to more open hostilities with Gallia.

Why we fight - early 819 AS

Despite my doubts regarding the multitude of wars we appear to be fighting, I believe that our involvement in them is a required and necessary evil. Oppressive imperialism, and despotic totalitarianism are clearly unaccepable.

Liberty, the nation I serve, is far from perfect. While we maintain ourselves as a republic, the power behind the vote is clearly wrapped in credits, and influence is gained by the grace of a large bank balance. I find this to be... Difficult to reconcile in many ways. The abuses commited in Liberty's name against Liberty's people are minor however, in comparison to those rendered under the leadership of men such as Kanzler Reinhardt whose enforced state religion laughably portrays him as a god, or King Charles DeFrance, a man hell bent on revenge for perceived wrongs commited over eight centuries ago, who's actions are not only crippling to Bretonia, but also to his own people, if The Council and Princess Alice DeFrance are to be believed.

These are injustices far larger than any state, and while I remain in a position to act against them, I will do so. People may wish to portray me as a patriot, however they would be mistaken. The flag is of no importance, except in gaining unity. For all Liberty's imperfections, there is no other nation in Sirius capable of making an impact on these abusive regimes, and that status and strength gives Liberty's government, and Liberty's armed forces a responsibilty not only to the welfare of Liberty's people, but to those living under Reinhardt or occupied by Gallia's considerable military.

That responsibility is not an easy one to bear, and to a certain extent seems like an arrogant position to take. Why is it Liberty's place and duty to act? What right have we to judge the actions of another nation? Difficult questions to answer, particularly when asked of and by yourself. However it is equally attrocious to observe human rights abuses and political repression by Rheinland, and the invasion of Bretonia by Gallia, and do nothing.

Some might be fighting for the flag and may see me as doing the same, but the only flag I wish to wave is that of humanity. The will and needs of the many refected in the actions of the few is important, necessary even. And while Liberty is not the shining example of political excellence, it stands head and shoulders above those with whom it fights.

With that knowledge I can allow myself to be seen as a patriot, if that's what is required.

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