Another tragedy born in minds of religion and politics.
Again in Paris ,
but played out in many corners of the globe. Paris is not alone. New York City is not alone. Spain , Germany too, have had their moments
of this illness. London comes to mind, too; now Russia , and of course the Middle
East is rife with murderous minds twisted by confusion in
interpreting God’s will.
Peace. Loathing. Resentment. Love. Hate. Pain. Fear.
Wanting.
Are these the only things ruling our lives? It seems so.
Like children at play someone presses to rule the scene. But consequences seem
distant then. Later they are very real. Whether a bully, a mistaken ‘want’ or
an inner urge uncontrolled by whatever power in the personality. Will this play
become a real horror scene later in life?
And then where will this drama explode?
It is not difficult for us to project our experiences to the
world scene and extrapolate what has become historical, cultural,
anthropological and religious – all run amok by unchecked currents of sickness.
Who is to cap another’s pursuit of happiness? When do we intercede for the good
of the community? For each other?
Each nation has its own tilting point and understanding of
the festering wound that bodes ill in outbreaks of violence. It is not always
the criminal mind, just the sick one. And the sick is often driven by distorted
sense of history, religion which somehow boomerangs on the person telling
him/her to act and kill, to hurt and maim, to make a mark before he dies.
Someone must pay for this travesty he lives internally. The tortured emotions
must be horrible.
We can guess about these emotions. We have them as well but
controlled and civilized for some reason we value. Order, peace, love, caring,
knowing that who and what we are are all wrapped up in our shared humanity. It
is what makes love possible in the first place. Also peace. We yearn for this
even when we have it!
It is that worthy of our value.
Spiritual well being and religious sentiment – belief,
theology, systemic living based on those belief systems – all make peace and
love accessible. Until challenged by a belief system that does not fit with the
others.
Sheer political power, unfortunately, strides to center
stage in personalities who seek power and will have it from whatever source
available. In the Middle East it is religious
fanaticism. Easily turned into political power via violence. All in the name of
Allah. But not really; not really. This has nothing to do with Allah, God, Yahweh or any other godhead adored by millions or billions.
This has to do with power, pre-eminence. Personality
enhanced and empowered by some puller of strings. The marionettes are avid and
readily become suicide bombers in the name of Allah-cum-veiled leader. It is important to know this in order to combat
it.
This is a scourge on all our lands. It is a terror of spirit
that stains mankind’s history upon the planet. It is up to us to battle it
together. Hand in hand. Shoulder to shoulder. Russia
and the Middle East and America
and France and Germany and Saudi
Arabia and Egypt
and Israel and Turkey and Greece
and Italy and Spain
and all the world. It is our job to do this. Together.
There is no one culture alone that stands. Only all of us
together. Because we hold each other up in good times and bad.
This is true in neighborhood and nation. It is also true
throughout all the globe. Who we are is what we are together. We don’t have to
agree to be caring and cooperative. We do have to give up a tiny slice of
independence to ensure we do and can stand together.
Is this tired world ready for cooperation? Are we yet tired
of violence to really battle it and all of its causes?
If so, take a deep breath and resolve to act accordingly.
Who will help?
Meantime we all weep with Paris.
November 16, 2016
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