Most of the time when I sit down to write, I
have a pretty good idea about the topic or what I want to say. There may have
been a recent event, a funny experience or an interaction with someone that
triggers some thoughts to share. This week, hover, my mind seems to be working
overtime, with a number of thoughts and ideas and it has been difficult to
focus on just one topic.
In suppose I could write about the President
and a new use for duct tape. But quite frankly, I am tired of all the attention
he receives when he just can't seem to keep his mouth shut. It's not the
responsibility of the duct tape to control what comes out of his mouth.
On a sporty note, I could write about the
Red Sox and the hope of the team making it to the playoffs. When your favorite
team is in the thick of the race, it can get pretty exciting. Sorry Yankees, it
doesn't look like this year...but then stranger things have happened.
The news in recent weeks has been consumed
with endless amounts of bad to terrible news, in particular the events in
Syria. I am unable to understand who and why such things occur. The pictures on
television of the dead or dying children, the results of the chemical warfare
inflicted upon their own people is beyond understanding. What is even more
troubling is the inability of other nations around around the world either not
willing or reluctant to do anything. But that raises the question...”What can
be done?”
From the beginning of time, I would assume nations, countries and people have used 'war' to solve their problems, foster
their causes and control their people. Even the United States has not been
immune to such actions.
For example one only needs to go back to the
Civil War the fight to free the slaves of this country as an example. The
results? Hundreds were killed and in some cases the struggle for equality still
continue to this day. Again the question
remains...”What was gained?”
World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Middle
East Conflict(s) should serve as reminders to the usefulness and value of wars
and military conflicts. But too so we forget. And in the 21st
century, the tools of war are even more dangerous than the early Revolutionary
War rifles or the simple grenade being thrown into a foxhole. Science and
technology, man's ability to greater new and more powerful means of mass
destruction have moved us into a new world of terror. The scares of the
children's faces are the new scare of the world's society.
In 1946 as the world struggled with the
World War II, a minister by the name of Martin Niemoller is credited with
writing a poem. Since his initial writing, it has seen several adaptations to
the wording in the original version, but the message beneath the words is still
the same:
“First they came for the
communists and I did not speak out because I was not a communist.
Then they came for the
socialist, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the
trade unionists and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for me,
and there was no one left to speak for me.”
No comments:
Post a Comment