A Thinking Soldier. . .

"A Thinking Soldier Is A Dangerous Soldier. . ." Oil - 40" x 60".

This painting was created in 2010 while pondering the consequences of soldiers being able to think for themselves. If soldiers thought about the decisions being made for them by others - decisions which would bring them into contact with the ravages and consequences of war which would then forever affect not only them but their families and friends and countries. . . If soldiers were allowed to "think for themselves". . . and they were given a choice. . . would that not make them dangerous? And if so. . . to whom, to what would they be dangerous? And so I came to the conclusion that a thinking soldier would be dangerous to the very idea of the industry of war, to despots and other seekers of destruction. But then would that not mean that thinking was/is the prerogative of all citizens?