TRAVERSE 82
Pot . And because one country decided to bomb another . Why ?”
It ’ s a question not easily answered , there ’ s those that believe the rhetoric presented by Kissinger , and yet now many more are coming to the realisation that he was not right .
“ We still have many bombs hidden in the jungle ,” Jonson waves his hand nonchalantly . “ Land mines too . The Americans , the Khmer Rouge , they all left the danger .”
As many as 10 million unexploded bombs and mines are said to be throughout the Cambodian land , amongst the dense jungles and the cultivated mines . Over 40,000 Cambodians live with disabilities , usually amputations , caused by accidently discovering such weapons . Mines were placed to keep Cambodians in , foreign forces out , and to protect sacred sites , many remain with little knowledge of where they are .
The consequence of discovering an unexploded weapon is often fatal , those that survive do so with
horrific injuries . The flow on is that whole families and communities are affected as obtaining income becomes difficult which often results in children without food , healthcare , and education . Mines were never intended to kill ; they were intended to have a lasting legacy . Kissinger has had a lasting legacy .
The people of Cambodia share in the knowledge of the past , although they are seldom to dwell , realising that the way forward is to forgive . It ’ s hard to believe that a man such as Kissinger will ever be forgiven , especially in the eyes of activists and travellers such as Anthony Bourdain , yet the people of this country have found it in their hearts to move forward .
“ It makes me sad ,” said Jonson . “ But anger only makes my heart ill , so there ’ s little point .”
Jonson , Sokha , and many others believe that Kissinger should be remembered not for the ‘ good that he did ’ but for the evil and hatred that he unleashed , “ there is no other way to learn ”. TRAVERSE
TRAVERSE 82