SIR GUESTLING THORN

Day 175

The world we inhabit seems to have fallen apart in recent times and not just because we are going through Covid. We can wish for peace and harmony all we like but it will never happen because we are human. Throughout history there has always been conflict for what ever reason and regardless of what governing system is in place. It is an immutable fact, that there will always be those who want settle with violence. There is no getting around it whether it is the individual violence of one person on another or one nation on another. The human race has tried since it was able to stand upright to live in peace but I have come to the conclusion it is impossible! It is in our nature to use violence when no other solution seems possible or we wish to subdue any kind or uprising or rebellion. We aspire to living in peace but it is nothing more than a distant dream never to be fulfilled. Each year we see people killed for what appears to the rest of us no reason or simply because the ruling powers will not stand for any disruption or criticism.  Yes there are less wars, yes most countries are relatively peaceful but conflict is rife throughout the world. People are fleeing for their lives from many countries, displaced and just looking for a better life. They don’t necessarily want to leave but they have little choice of staying simply because it is too dangerous For them and their families. The rest of the world does not really want them and we know what happens , camps, illegal trafficking, death at sea, borders heavily policed and fear of these stateless people and what they mean for the local population. 

I have never been involved in violence, (the odd pathetic youthful fight) never fought in a war, been persecuted, had to leave my home because it is unsafe for my family, never lived in a dictatorship (mmmm!), had my freedom removed, experienced racial prejudice, experienced people openly walking around with weapons! Yet everyday I see or read about people who experience these things and lose their lives!  I have no idea how to stop any of it, those who could help (yes I know countries do help those who are worse off with aid and the UN does it’s best) there is no real will to find solutions. Countries generally serve their own self interest first and with some of current leaders (you know who I mean) the situation is only stirred up and getting worse! 

Most of those who flee conflict are looking for safety and a peaceful life. The problem is not trying to accommodate them the problem is resolving the conflicts that make them flee in the first place and until that happens nothing will change! The complexities make it seem impossible but to my eye it appears we have stopped really trying!

Stay well