While in other parts of the world families are being targeted by "smart" bombs and missiles, on the this side of the world we undergo a more subtle barrage. Politicians apply spin, while embedded journalists report murder and mayhem using language specifically chosen to de-power the horrific consequences of their government's actions. Terms such as "collateral damage" and "acceptable losses" would have us believe that we are engaged in a tactical exercise with little human consequence. During previous conflicts a free press has afforded some degree of insulation from political rhetoric. With a few exceptions, this no longer appears to be the case. Sadly, armed conflict appears to be part of the human political condition. At least let's not anesthetise ourselves to its true consequences. If nations must inflict pain and suffering on others, let us bear the responsibility for our actions, never forgetting that every "casualty of war" is someone's child.