Burning

Mohamed Bouzizi: Burned himself to make a point that he would not put up with the way that he was being treated by his government and that he was ready for a reform. His act starts a revolution in his home town and causes revolutions is many middle eastern dictatorship style governments.  His act enraged his friends and fellow citizens to rebel, and eventually become the first group of people to overthrow their dictator. 

Thich Quang Duc: Set himself aflame to rebel against his administration that was persecuting Buddhists. After his death the government promised reforms, however, they were either slow to be integrated, or not integrated at all. His act increased the number of protests against the government, soldiers were dispatched, and many people were killed.

I think that it is interesting how closely related both intents were, and how different the results were. Both men were standing up for what they thought was right, and both men were able to spur on their countrymen to back their cause with their extreme shows of selflessness, and both were against and oppressive government. 

“An oppressive government is more to be feared than a tiger.”

This quote shows the fear that people living in an oppressive government, such as both suicide victims, face every day. It also helps explain why they were so willing to take their own lives for their causes.

Alfred Joyce Kilmer

Alfred was a noted American poet who was killed in action during WW1. For more info click here.

The follow poem was written by Alfred himself.

Prayer of a Soldier in France (1918)

My shoulders ache beneath my pack 
(Lie easier, Cross, upon His back). 
I march with feet that burn and smart 
(Tread, Holy Feet, upon my heart).

Men shout at me who may not speak 
(They scourged Thy back and smote Thy cheek).

I may not lift a hand to clear 
My eyes of salty drops that sear.

(Then shall my fickle soul forget 
Thy Agony of Bloody Sweat?)

My rifle hand is stiff and numb 
(From Thy pierced palm red rivers come).

Lord, Thou didst suffer more for me 
Than all the hosts of land and sea.

So let me render back again
This millionth of Thy gift. Amen.

That poem can be found here.

I think that this poem is describing the pain that he goes through as a soldier in the Great War. But at the end of the poem, he seems more grateful than i would originally appear. For most of the burdens he describes, he compares it to the burdens that were born to the cross. "My shoulders ache beneath my pack/(Lie easier, Cross, upon His back)."  This line shows that he is able to find joy in all the pain he goes through.