Red Cross

Let me make room for a serious post. Maybe you can learn a thing or two from what I'll write here - granted you don't get bored. *ahem* We'll be talking about the Red Cross symbol. You all know what it looks like and granted, I'm sure you know what it stands for.

The red cross, the red crescent, red crystal and other variants are protective marks reserved by the Geneva Wartime Concention for usage of medical personnel in fields of war. Under the said convention, it is forbidden to conduct intentional acts of aggression against such bearers of the symbols (i.e. protection). In case you're not getting it, the red cross means "We're just here to make sure there are only two types of people in battle - the dead and the not yet dead - and nothing in between. Sick people are worse than dead people and are generally more tolerable than those waiting to die. So don't shoot us."

This reservation of the symbol is in effect also in non-wartime conditions. It is to be used as designated markings for the use of the International Red Cross organization for localized identification of medical aid of the sovereignity that recognizes it.

Under the Geneva Convention, and current Philippine laws, it is forbidden to use such a symbol on anything that is not connected to either the International Red Cross foundation or its protective usage for medical crew in wartime.

By forbidden, I think they mean "you could be sent to jail for wearing that symbol as a fashion statement." Maybe next time you see an enemy of yours strutting around with a red cross shirt, report him to the police and mention the republic act that punishes such crimes.

I've yet to try it but sure as hell I'm willing to try it. Don't let me catch you wearing the red cross.