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CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG ?
Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we could all just get along? Well, I hate to drop this little reality bomb on you, but we can’t. (Please stop holding your breath, with your fingers crossed behind your back saying pretty please with a cherry on top). People and countries tend to be afraid of what they don’t know and will always be inclined to put their own interests in front of that of others. (sorry, but that’s human nature). Also as in any argument between two parties, there are usually 2 sides, 2 opposing points of view, and both parties are equally sure they are right.(not to mention that God is on their side) Now, give both of those opposing sides a big army, some tanks, and maybe some nuclear weapons and there is going to be trouble.
Now maybe, if it was just a couple of citizens from each country engaged in this disagreement they would work things out. Or maybe, they would just throw down with a few well placed punches. At the end of the day the two “warring parties” would most likely end up at a bar and buy each other a few drinks. But, add a few politicians and diplomats into the mix and all of a sudden nobody can back down. A lot of politicians actually like a good conflict; it takes their people’s minds off of other important things like hunger, oppression, and a failing economy. It works especially well when the “politician” is more of dictator, or guy with a small mustache. The people can not object to, or oppose the conflict. (it turns out, those mothers don’t want to send their kids off to war either..imagine that)
Behind the scenes, each country is always jockeying for position, stature, and even relevancy. The leaders that represent these countries can’t let themselves be seen as soft or a sell out. To make matters worse, big countries love to exert their power, and small countries have to make it known that they won’t be pushed around. Now further aggravate the situation because everyone is saluting a different color piece of cloth on a flag pole, and throw in National Pride, and that’s how fights start.
Countries for centuries have gone to war over a myriad of things including border disputes, invasions, religious differences and political ideology.(not to mention the drop of a hat). There is also a deep seated desire to demonstrate to the world, that their own specific brand of religion (affiliation), culture, economics, or social structure is the best.
Self defense between people used to mean you could punch a guy in the eye if he tried to hurt you. Now, we go to war if “our interests” are being compromised. “Our vital interests” can cover a lot of gray area that might entail a shipping lane, oil, natural resources, or even fishing rights. To complicate things further, countries also compete for friends, Clients, exports, imports, and allies, all on the world stage.
There is no such thing as the “status quo” in world affairs anymore. Remember, friends and allies are always in a state of flux, based on current needs and conditions. It sometimes comes down to who is chipping in with the largest handout.
At the end of the day, the real danger for all of us is that we become so indoctrinated to our own particular way of life that by default, we become somewhat intolerant to all other ways. Perhaps we even consider them to be wrong or even sinful, by our own standards. But the real trouble starts when one ideology feels compelled to force another group of people, into “doing it our way” (for their own good, of course). I think that’s why I like the Scandinavian countries so much, they tend to stay neutral. (Not to mention the Swedish Bikini Team)
I can tell you form my travels and interactions with other people and cultures. We are all more the same, than different. It’s a small world, and getting smaller by the minute. Maybe it is time that “We All Got Along”
Please feel free to contact me at pooritalianboy@gmail.com
P.I.B.
Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we could all just get along? Well, I hate to drop this little reality bomb on you, but we can’t. (Please stop holding your breath, with your fingers crossed behind your back saying pretty please with a cherry on top). People and countries tend to be afraid of what they don’t know and will always be inclined to put their own interests in front of that of others. (sorry, but that’s human nature). Also as in any argument between two parties, there are usually 2 sides, 2 opposing points of view, and both parties are equally sure they are right.(not to mention that God is on their side) Now, give both of those opposing sides a big army, some tanks, and maybe some nuclear weapons and there is going to be trouble.
Now maybe, if it was just a couple of citizens from each country engaged in this disagreement they would work things out. Or maybe, they would just throw down with a few well placed punches. At the end of the day the two “warring parties” would most likely end up at a bar and buy each other a few drinks. But, add a few politicians and diplomats into the mix and all of a sudden nobody can back down. A lot of politicians actually like a good conflict; it takes their people’s minds off of other important things like hunger, oppression, and a failing economy. It works especially well when the “politician” is more of dictator, or guy with a small mustache. The people can not object to, or oppose the conflict. (it turns out, those mothers don’t want to send their kids off to war either..imagine that)
Behind the scenes, each country is always jockeying for position, stature, and even relevancy. The leaders that represent these countries can’t let themselves be seen as soft or a sell out. To make matters worse, big countries love to exert their power, and small countries have to make it known that they won’t be pushed around. Now further aggravate the situation because everyone is saluting a different color piece of cloth on a flag pole, and throw in National Pride, and that’s how fights start.
Countries for centuries have gone to war over a myriad of things including border disputes, invasions, religious differences and political ideology.(not to mention the drop of a hat). There is also a deep seated desire to demonstrate to the world, that their own specific brand of religion (affiliation), culture, economics, or social structure is the best.
Self defense between people used to mean you could punch a guy in the eye if he tried to hurt you. Now, we go to war if “our interests” are being compromised. “Our vital interests” can cover a lot of gray area that might entail a shipping lane, oil, natural resources, or even fishing rights. To complicate things further, countries also compete for friends, Clients, exports, imports, and allies, all on the world stage.
There is no such thing as the “status quo” in world affairs anymore. Remember, friends and allies are always in a state of flux, based on current needs and conditions. It sometimes comes down to who is chipping in with the largest handout.
At the end of the day, the real danger for all of us is that we become so indoctrinated to our own particular way of life that by default, we become somewhat intolerant to all other ways. Perhaps we even consider them to be wrong or even sinful, by our own standards. But the real trouble starts when one ideology feels compelled to force another group of people, into “doing it our way” (for their own good, of course). I think that’s why I like the Scandinavian countries so much, they tend to stay neutral. (Not to mention the Swedish Bikini Team)
I can tell you form my travels and interactions with other people and cultures. We are all more the same, than different. It’s a small world, and getting smaller by the minute. Maybe it is time that “We All Got Along”
Please feel free to contact me at pooritalianboy@gmail.com
P.I.B.
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