Reflecting on the discussion about condemning war criminals only when they affect us personally reveals a significant ethical dilemma. War crimes and military actions cause widespread suffering, often impacting innocent civilians across various countries such as Laos, Vietnam, Korea, Libya, Iraq, and Iran. It’s crucial to recognize that hate or criticism should not be selective or biased towards certain groups while ignoring others. When we justify war crimes committed by our own military but condemn those by opposing forces, we silence the voices of countless victims. This selective empathy undermines genuine resistance and perpetuates cycles of violence. The military, as an institution, has been involved in numerous acts that many consider genocidal or criminal, such as the ongoing Palestinian situation, which demands attention beyond political or nationalistic pride. The innate challenge is overcoming ingrained patriotic narratives that glorify the military without accountability. Personally, embracing this broader view helped me understand the importance of universal empathy. Peace and justice require us to critically analyze all actions, regardless of who commits them. Acknowledging the systemic nature of violence and war crimes, and resisting the normalization of patriotic honor that excuses wrongdoing, is essential for fostering genuine reconciliation and change. Only by recognizing these uncomfortable truths can we hope to support real transformative resistance and build a more just world.