War.
I thought since Kate and Martyn were discussing the wars...or whatever they are calling them (conflicts?)...in the Middle East that I'd make some of my thoughts on the subject public.
1) I feel that I'm not sufficiently educated to really comment on the situation. I don't know enough of the history of the region to have a clear understanding of who is really at fault. But combining my six years of theology classes, history courses, and general knowledge forcefully sucked out of mediocre news sources, I have come to two conclusions:
a) Both Israel and Palestine have the right to exist in peace and prosperity.
b) If terrorism can be "stopped" (I have my doubts about the ability to stop such a thing), it's probably not going to be stopped by bombing civilians...because that's terrorism, too. (Regardless of whether it's a government or a radical group.) And as MLK said, you cannot drive out darkness with more darkness, only light can do that.
2) Why are we so lucky? Maybe this question is too big or too existential? But when I watch the news, rather than getting mad at governments (which seem to be actually incapable of doing things right, so why get mad?) I find myself asking this question--over and over again. My reality seems like a ridiculous joke or a bad children's story (they lived happily ever after...).
We're like sheltered children looking on as the kid's from the other side of the tracks throw rocks at each other. What do we know about their problems? We can't just run in between them and ask them to stop, we can't throw rocks ourselves (our mums would spank us), and we can't just let them keep throwing rocks because eventually they'll hit one of our windows. I suppose we might call an adult over, but there aren't any around. And even if there were, they'd only break up this skirmish, but the kids would just meet on another day, in another place, and do it all again.
It's a terrible situation to be in. Looking on, waiting to see what happens, and when whatever happens does happen...we won't be able to do much either.
Defeatist?
Hmm. I suppose. I just don't see any solutions myself. But, then again, I'm not a world leader, so it's not my job. Gasp, those people who float from place to place on helicopters actually have to do stuff?
The problem is that we're getting the information, but not taking part in any kind of dialogue, not considering ramifications, not trying to think of solutions.
By which I don't mean to say that no one is thinking about war, but it's not our place (in our orderly society) to do anything about it.
Or is it?
Sincerely,
Confused Onlooker with a Nagging Conscience
1) I feel that I'm not sufficiently educated to really comment on the situation. I don't know enough of the history of the region to have a clear understanding of who is really at fault. But combining my six years of theology classes, history courses, and general knowledge forcefully sucked out of mediocre news sources, I have come to two conclusions:
a) Both Israel and Palestine have the right to exist in peace and prosperity.
b) If terrorism can be "stopped" (I have my doubts about the ability to stop such a thing), it's probably not going to be stopped by bombing civilians...because that's terrorism, too. (Regardless of whether it's a government or a radical group.) And as MLK said, you cannot drive out darkness with more darkness, only light can do that.
2) Why are we so lucky? Maybe this question is too big or too existential? But when I watch the news, rather than getting mad at governments (which seem to be actually incapable of doing things right, so why get mad?) I find myself asking this question--over and over again. My reality seems like a ridiculous joke or a bad children's story (they lived happily ever after...).
We're like sheltered children looking on as the kid's from the other side of the tracks throw rocks at each other. What do we know about their problems? We can't just run in between them and ask them to stop, we can't throw rocks ourselves (our mums would spank us), and we can't just let them keep throwing rocks because eventually they'll hit one of our windows. I suppose we might call an adult over, but there aren't any around. And even if there were, they'd only break up this skirmish, but the kids would just meet on another day, in another place, and do it all again.
It's a terrible situation to be in. Looking on, waiting to see what happens, and when whatever happens does happen...we won't be able to do much either.
Defeatist?
Hmm. I suppose. I just don't see any solutions myself. But, then again, I'm not a world leader, so it's not my job. Gasp, those people who float from place to place on helicopters actually have to do stuff?
The problem is that we're getting the information, but not taking part in any kind of dialogue, not considering ramifications, not trying to think of solutions.
By which I don't mean to say that no one is thinking about war, but it's not our place (in our orderly society) to do anything about it.
Or is it?
Sincerely,
Confused Onlooker with a Nagging Conscience
posted by Daniela at
Monday, July 24, 2006
1 Comments:
I like to take a bit more optimistic stance with respect to the kids throwing sticks/stones. If you recall the gripping Hollywood drama 'Dangerous Minds', based on a true story, Michelle was able to take her knowledge (gained on the right side of the tracks) and share it with those on the wrong side of the tracks. She truly touched the lives of those she met, and while there were hiccups along the way, she made a difference. Then she left for more money.
In much the same way, our Westernized ways can be imparted onto other countries, until that time that they start becoming more of a equalized threat to us. At which time we remove support.
If, for some unknown reason, the Dangerous Minds 'Peace in the Middle East' Platform doesn't work out, well, I suppose we could always get Coolio to pen a hit entitled 'Heza's Paradise'...
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Lyla, at July 25, 2006
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