“There is no honourable way to kill, no gentle way to destroy. There is nothing good in war. Except it’s ending.” – Abraham Lincoln.
Ordinary citizens in both Europe, Ukraine and Russia don’t want war. It’s rarely that people want war. Propaganda, however, can accelerate sentiments in different and sometimes sinister ways, as often shown in history.
But not rarely, there was a hefty price to pay. The combination of propaganda and ignorance is a dangerous one, because propaganda rarely covers the truth.
There is gross injustice by sending people to war for “a lie”. But the lie can be wrapped and presented in convincing ways through the falsehood of savvy propaganda. Super powers are well able to convince their citizens that they are standing on the right side of history, but rarely they tell the full truth.
The pretext for war in Iraq and Afghanistan through 9/11, was smartly crafted and many secrets in this area will never enter the public domain. Likewise the assassination of an American President as part of various complexities in history an earlier time, has been carefully hidden from the public eye, and still is.
But Russia and the previous Soviet Union has it’s history as well. Likewise various other countries.
The reality which counts is that wars are made through decisions of government leaders and their military commanders. Propaganda and lobbying are often tools to get people in line. War has obviously still a place in history but the risks are higher and leaders need to surf the waves of wisdom to keep on top and prevent drowning or burning themselves. There is little which ordinary people can do to defy this reality we have to live with, still hoping that leaders may change their perceptions, their agenda for the better, rather than losing their mind for the worst in a less than savvy war. It’s a matter of mercy, more than justice. The so-called justice for one perspective is not the justice of combined perspectives.
Mercy is the power of people to decide on the common good in people and groups and nations and to create the best possible solution in a controversial scenario. However, it often does not work that way, and sometimes even people get killed because they tried to end war.
When you can’t pay e.g. the rent for 3 months because you got a broken leg and can’t work, by law you can be evicted from your house and your family can find themselves homeless. After all you signed a lease contact. Mercy is when the landlord allows you to stay in the house until you are recovered and make up for his lost income when you find a new job. In the meantime, however. your kids can play with fire by night and find the house and everyone dead by day. They screwed up the 2nd lease, being allowed.
Like this are some leaders in Europe and NATO in this generation. They play with fire by night and may lose the second lease on peace, provided after the Second World War and after the fall of the Soviet Empire. This is what happens at the moment in and around Ukraine.
Neither the people of Ukraine, nor the people of Russia, Europe and the US are bad at large,- though their governments have the instruments and the power of decision making, to carry out propaganda guided misery, implemented by people who are trained to follow orders and do terrible things. Once war breaks out there is a domino effect on evil because the veil of civilisation is thin and can only be protected by abiding to international law, however with mercy in particular scenarios.
People are not made for war. When they are sent to fight wars they often come back with PTSD because of the gruesome manifestations of war. People are by nature not often evil, but war can make them both numb and evil through the limits of human compassion on the battle field. The battle field knows neither mercy nor justice. The battle field has its own rules.
There are still scholars who are intelligently ( and religiously) defending and framing either the Russian system – or the system being used by the US or China. And they can be very convincing for either country. Those countries are very powerful, in different ways. And the propaganda tool to create “the enemy picture” is easily and smartly crafted. Clever but not always wise. No system is that bad that it includes the people of a country as a whole. But propaganda resonates with not always the better instincts of people. When passion meets aggression there is no mercy anymore. When passion meets mercy, wisdom will prevail. Hence mercy being better than the proclaimed justice of war and the announced wisdom to prepare for this by countries who don’t see the implications of their actions and gamble with the lives of others.
Regarding Ukraine, what does Russia want?
It is actually more about what Russia doesn’t want. Russia does not want Ukraine in the NATO, and they don’t want any NATO exercises near Russia’s border.
Is that a bad thing?
No, I don’t think so.
It’s a legitimate request based on their own history perhaps and at least their sense of security being compromised.
If Ukraine would potentially become a NATO State, there could be nuclear missile systems just on the border with Russia. This is a red line for Russia and Russia did not get any reassurances from the West.
Russia did prepare an army to stand ready for a potential invasion of Ukraine. That might well have been the intention, but it did not happen. Meanwhile the US and NATO are preparing a build-up of an army in Eastern Europe close to the borders of Russia.
What is or might be required?
Relaxation of international tensions in Europe on the Ukraine conflict…obviously, through de-escalation and a reasonable agreement.
What could this be?
Let’s rethink for a moment the potential NATO status for Ukraine in favour of a “strict neutrality status” for Ukraine.
This could indeed prevent the prospect of a scenario which could potentially become the “killing fields of Ukraine”, with -perhaps – parts of Europe being involved. The sentiments run very deep in Ukraine. And a regional war in Europe is possible with unknown implications and destruction.
Think of Ukraine as “a neutral State” ( like e.g. Switzerland), keeping as such its independence , – however at the same time Ukraine neither being a NATO State at the disadvantage of Russia, – nor being a “Russian dictated buffer State” at the disadvantage of Ukraine itself. Ukraine will keep this way its independence and can be a prosperous nation, when it changes a deep-rooted culture of internal corruption. The alternative could be destruction of the Ukraine as a country, whilst other countries are busy to try to keep out and fixing “the blame game”.
NATO’s purpose is to defend the freedom and security of its members. By increasingly encroaching on Russian borders by making former Soviet members NATO States, – Europe and the US have been ongoing and moderately provoking Russia, – and this is the cause for Ukraine being a disputed zone in Europe at present. Russia is as such responding to an issue more or less created by NATO and the US. For Russia potential NATO membership for Ukraine is a no-go zone and a red line and they are prepared to prevent this happening at considerable cost. China meanwhile supports Russia to stop expansion of NATO in Europe.
If America seriously addresses Russia’s security concerns (genuinely), and stops NATO to consider and implement membership for Ukraine within the NATO alliance, – a peaceful resolution is “entirely possible,” says former US State Department adviser James Carden. This is the only real requirement. Actually, NATO till so far never seriously contemplated to take Ukraine on as a member on board.
Strict “Neutrality status” for Ukraine under supervision of the UN would be the way out of a bizarre conflict with neither justice nor mercy. But this concept is based on both mercy and justice for all parties who are not willing to risk of a merciless war without justice.
What happens if Russia invades Ukraine?
Western nations are supporting Ukraine, but some responses have been tougher than others. The US and UK have supplied weapons, while Germany plans to send medical support next month but will not supply military equipment.
China supports Russia in stopping NATO extending more to Russian borders and we have to wait and see how this works out.
There has been much talk about sanctions aimed at punishing Moscow. Publicly, the US and European allies are aiming to hit Russia financially like never before if Putin does invade Ukraine. There are calls to cut Russia out of the SWIFT financial system, which moves money from bank to bank around the world. This would be one of the most damaging financial steps they could take, to destruct Russia’s economy immediately and long term. This could isolate Russia from most international financial transactions, including international profits from oil and gas production, which counts for about 40 percent of its revenue. The US considers as well blocking Russia from access to the US dollar, if Russia invades Ukraine.
In the meantime, two superpowers are facing each other fully military equipped over the borders of Ukraine with the US accelerating the risk of a major and potentially escalating conflict, rather than offering a peaceful resolution – and a way out – based on what Russia does not want. And this is simply no NATO membership for Ukraine, that’s all.
The US may think there is justice to punish Russia for meddling in US elections and this is what President Biden promised. But the way he shows power in Europe, without “a way out”, might not be that merciful for the whole of Europe whilst a neutrality status for Ukraine is based on both reason and mercy at a critical time. Mercy for the people of Ukraine, Russia and Europe -and others perhaps – who don’t want a major war, not again.
Group bias for the European partners with the US might be an issue, like group bias is an issue for the Republican Party in the US at the moment, who formally declared the insurrection last year on the 6th of January as “a legitimate political discourse”. Group bias can be a dangerous when people stop thinking for themselves.
Former President Trump once proclaimed the US is “a deeply stupid country”. That’s not true for the majority of the Americans, but if the US is unable to create an enduring peace between European nations and Russia, and escalates tension rather than de-escalate tension in Europe, we may add to the existing list that World War 2 was a victory for both the US and it’s allies, including Russia, but: that both the 3rd European war, the Iraq war, the Afghanistan war and the Vietnam war were deliberate and avoidable and failed wars, at the cost of many.
People who nowadays want war or take the risk on an international escalating conflict, don’t know what war will be.
Hence better to get back to the negotiating table and sign up for Ukraine being a neutral independent state, with neither NATO nor Russian involvement to extend each their territories. Aiming for extending territories is fruitless and mindless business.
The power of choice, with wisdom, based on mercy, lies in grace under pressure. In other words – regarding war: prevention is simply better than cure. And in the crisis of Ukraine it could be that simple…
“Our experience has taught us that with goodwill a negotiated solution can be found for even the most profound problems.”– Nelson Mandela
“Peace needs not be impractical and war needs not be inevitable” – John F Kennedy
Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan signing Nuclear Forces Treaty (Wiki)
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Just a few words on the current Ukraine crisis in Europe, following the latest news that President Biden considers deploying thousands of troops, aircraft’s and warships to Eastern Europe and the Baltic States.
A conflict of dramatic proportions could be imminent and the stability of the world would be more in danger, in such scenario.
I think, America needs a different idea than increasing optional NATO expansion for Ukraine to keep the peace in Europe. It’s a matter of goodwill.
Since the fall of the Soviet empire in 1991, 16 new NATO members have been added towards the borders with Russia, – whilst there was no threat anymore from the former Soviet Union.
Russia has been perceiving this expansion as unnecessary and potentially threatening. They drew the line with Ukraine and that line should not be crossed, in Russia’s perspective.
Russia does not allow Ukraine to become a member of NATO due to the potential of having new NATO nuclear missiles getting stationed on the border with Russia, directed at Moscow.
They would allow Ukraine to be independent, provided it does not become a member of NATO. This seems to be the crux of the problem.
No party seems to be able to agree on this issue and even NATO -Europe, wants to keep the way open to expand NATO with an additional member State on the border with Russia, whilst a simple reassurance on this matter (NOT to do this),would be enough. It’s a matter of goodwill.
The tension on this conflict is increasing with a potential risk Russia invading Ukraine (for this reason & to prevent NATO expansion) and the NATO alliance would retaliate with the hardest possible sanctions.
Ukraine would be in that case the big loser because it would be largely destroyed, potentially. However, such a conflict could spread easily over the border’s, in the direction of both Russia and NATO/Europe.
The last would be a potential and profound failure of diplomacy, including a possible catastrophe for Europe through misguided US leadership at the wrong time and at the wrong place.
It seems the final decision will be made only between the sole leaders of the US and Russia. Two leaders who can make or break the peace. Those 2 leaders are perhaps more connected with inflated dogmas on power and the expansion of influence at the moment, not willing to approach matters from a different and more realistic perspective.. They need more goodwill.
What is or might be required?
Let’s rethink for a moment the potential NATO status for Ukraine in favor of a (preferred) “strict neutrality status” for Ukraine.
This could be a fair deal for all parties involved (which might be a win-win situation) and may prevent a totally pointless war with many unnecessary implications for the future.
This could indeed prevent the prospect of a scenario which could potentially become the “killing fields of Ukraine”, with -perhaps – parts of Europe being involved. The sentiments run very deep in Ukraine.
Think of Ukraine as “a neutral State” ( like e.g., Switzerland), keeping as such its independence , – however at the same time Ukraine neither being a NATO State at the disadvantage of Russia, – nor being a “Russian dictated buffer State” at the disadvantage of Ukraine itself. Ukraine will keep that way its independence and can be a prosperous nation.
If America seriously addresses Russia’s security concerns and disallow any intention of bringing Ukraine into NATO – a peaceful resolution is “entirely possible,” says former US State Department adviser James Carden.
NATO has never been intended or established to provoke a war, but with the fall of Gorbachev (and the empire of the Soviet Union), they provoked Russia with an ongoing expansion of NATO near the Russian borders and this was certainly not required for Europe’s security.
The drums of potential war carries on and far-reaching preparations are in progress.
Keeping peace in Europe can’t be achieved without the willingness to engage in perfectly reasonable agreements.
Not willing to engage in an agreement on this, with Russia, shows poor foreign policy of the US & NATO and not a reflection of wise leadership to engage in a peaceful resolution. Certainly, Russia should not invade Ukraine but authorities mentioned already there, that they have no intentions to do so. Having said this, one can’t be sure.
It’s all about finding a “breakthrough “now, a long-term solution for a long time lingering conflict.
It’s a matter of goodwill, a matter of goodwill to avoid major and devastating war in Ukraine and beyond its borders.
In the words of John F Kennedy: “Peace needs not be impractical and war needs not be inevitable”
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” – Abraham Lincoln
The Battle of Gettysburg was the most significant battle in July 1863, fought in North America. It was a large bloody and fierce battle.
It was a battle on the moral high ground where both sides had people fighting with great courage.
Whilst fighting on the moral low ground, – courage does not bring you far. The moral high ground did, so to say, as embodied under the guidance of Lincoln’s Presidential team at the time. A time of crisis which required crisis management in the most optimal way.
The Battle of Gettysburg was the turning point of the American Civil War. It did not end slavery itself. Even Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 did not end slavery. Even the end of the war did not end slavery. But during the reconstruction after this US war, during the times federal laws were developed and implemented to protect the rights of freed slaves, – the start was made. The start was made to constrain racial violence as well
Today, racial violence is still an issue. Rejection of minorities are still issues for the US. And the risk of battles elsewhere to defend the high ground of constraining slavery are still topics in this century.
Not only this, many topics of concern did change over the last 150 years. Quite quick actually. The 1st world war did not end wars. Even the second world war did not end wars. However the hope was there with many.
Still, the real start of reconstruction and civilisation needs to be made all around the world. Despite all the progress, civilisation made little progress.
As time evolved many historic events passed the time of days gone by. Not only “days gone by” but centuries gone by. A narrative of many events, crisis, war’s and claims on authority and influence in areas where existing agreements were argued against changing circumstances.
In the history of mankind world powers evolved and disappeared eventually. From ancient times we may learn that no nation is permanent and the internal structure of a country may contribute to its own downfall. Especially those countries who are low ranking on civilisation.
Now, with so many nuclear powers existing, nuclear war is no rational alternative anymore, – at least not starting it! It would mean likely the downfall for all. The moral high ground is not starting war , – but preventing war through all reasonable means. That’s part of civilisation.
Whilst the US has been on the moral high ground when it had to defend the rights of free men during the 2nd world war along with its allies, the current US President is by no means a man of the moral high ground, nor is he able to defend the moral high ground as unpredictable behaviour and impulsivity is not the way to respond to threats. In this case the potential threat of North Korea.
Whilst the Battle of Gettysburg ( this month 1 July 1863 – 3 July 1863) was the turning point of the American Civil War and did save the Union, a US provoked war on the Korean Peninsula would be the worst and the last war the US ever started, – if it would start, such a war. Such action could turn against the US itself and its allies. Not because North Korea is not evil, though evil the regime is. But because a nuclear holocaust would be inevitable.
North Korea has built as many as at least a dozen nuclear bombs and can mount them on missiles capable of hitting much of Japan and South Korea. However North Korea will not do this, unless provoked. North Korea under its leader understands that being the first real aggressor of this kind will be the same as North Korea committing suicide. However, it works the other way as well. If the US strikes first, it will find most likely both Russia and China on its way as well, besides the full retaliation of North Korea. What President Trump not sufficiently understands is that North Korea is not a problem for the US only, it is one for both the US, China, Russia and many other countries and an international approach aimed at containment is the best possible approach, without being the first aggressor.
The fear for many is not what North Korea will do, as it will not do anything at the moment. The fear is more what Trump will do.
Washington is confusing, not only for itself but for many other countries as well. As long as the US does not attack first there is little to fear as North Korea will not start an initial attack. If it does, it finds both China, Russia and the US on its pathway and will be as such totally destroyed as long as Trump sticks to an agreed policy with China and Russia. If Trump prefers not do this and wants to fight “this battle on his own”, it will be the other way around.
North Korea despite deception and bluff knows that the US will survive any attempt from North Korea to attack US mainland, but North Korea will not survive in such a scenario. Hence it is worth not getting intimidated by intercontinental test missiles from North Korea but use the time properly and not getting into pointless arguments with both China and Russia.
Buying time via UN resolutions and both a common agreed approach with both Russia and China with neither silly announcements nor “Twitter comments” is the best way forward. We have seen now enough inconvenience in the US, related with the Trump Administration. It seems time to end this before Trump may end the United States of America, including perhaps the fate of many other countries.
Kim Jong Un from North Korea proved to be both dangerous and a survivor. He will remain the status quo because in this way he will survive his own people, who would likely not allow him to escape otherwise. He is definitely not a madman and dealing with him like “a madman” will not be that helpful. It is never too late though to manage him differently, but this has been troubling various US Administrations.
Trump may think he is smart, but he isn’t at all. His vocabulary and tone is very restricted in most of his expressions.
Many times over the last five months US President Donald Trump demonstrated deep lack of knowledge and inexperience, startling impulsiveness, a temper to lash out when criticised etc etc. The predictive value as how he would behave and deal with a genuine crisis is sobering when considering how he “stirred the pot” in the Middle East by messing up the Qatar crisis. Actually he is a man at the wrong place, making a disgrace of the US Presidency and failing to have insight or adopt his manners in more helpful actions. In reality he is an increasing security risk for the US and all its citizens and the only way to prevent a major irreversible disaster is to have him impeached sooner rather than later, with a more suitable replacement in line with US laws and the Constitution.
The question is how long are the Republicans prepared to wait and put their own country and image at risk by allowing President Trump to continue as he does. Trump is not only a problem for the US, he seems to be problem as well for many countries, countries not really knowing anymore what can be expected from the US. Washington, in contrast with the past, is a burden of confusion all around, and gives both the US and the world the poorest possible impression on leadership from a higher moral ground. There is neither much civilised nor wisdom in Donald Trump.
A US President who has been able to create a fake Trump University and ripped off many students keen to get an education and had to arrange a settlement for $2500000,= (before entering the White House), proved to be corrupt before he even started as US President. The US allowed a man to be its leader from the lowest moral low ground and is not likely to survive on this continued endeavour.
But this aside.
Vladimir Putin from Russia and Xi Jinping from China called on North Korea, South Korea and the US to sign up to China’s de-escalation plan. This policy aims to defuse tensions around the nation’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch. I think it is the only realistic option to buy time for a unified approach in the interest of all. An approach to temper the climate of increasing tension between both a dictator of a brainwashed country and a US President who is both unpredictable by nature and did not survive the test of any insight or integrity.
Time will tell how the US Republicans take their responsibility on board to tackle this huge burden for the US and its allies.
This will be part of the “Battle in Washington”, which indicates an impeachment process, where both the “House” and “The Senate” need to take the lead, compromised as The Executive Branch already is. In other words replacement of the current US President Donald Trump.
With Trump as US President, as it seems at present, the risk of conflict has been only increased. His general approach on international matters showed both very little balance and real insight till so far. The last does not take away that a solution needs to be found on the “dilemma” with North Korea,
Whether or not Trump will surprise us is hard to say but till so far most of us has been very unpleasant surprised by his exceptional poor performance.
Let’s hope the US will deal with him before he deals with the US.
“History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives. ” – Abba Eban”
Does this apply when we lost our “spoon”?
Well, how to start this..
It is interesting to see how others and famous people dealt with their moods. Often their context and scene is very different from ours. In our day to day lives with moods and at times depression (perhaps), we may have exhausted many alternatives.
To grasp the broader meaning of “spoon” or “spoon theory” lets start to say that this is sort of a disability metaphor used to explain the reduced amount of energy available for various and productive tasks. Spoons are features of measurement. They are used to check how much energy a person has throughout a given day. We can’t live on one teaspoon sugar, so to say. Let’s agree this is very different on the spectrum of human diversity. That’s easy to understand. Energy levels are different, likewise the energy levels we can sustain. from our environment or others. If we lost “our spoon”, we lost incredible positive energy. That’s clear enough!
When you are affected in your mental health through depression, excessive anxiety or being “burnt out”, the energy available for a healthy energy “output” may be reduced at various levels and/or in different degrees.
This “reduction” is what we may call in broader terms “lost spoon”. It does not say anything about the levels or degrees regarding the depletion of our energies. But it means, at large, that we can’t feed ourselves anymore, sufficiently, from the energy we need because we sort of lost “our spoon”. The spoon in which can dig out of the pot of enrichments our surroundings, contacts and activities have to offer.
How far your “spoon” is lost is a different story. The most important thing is that when you lose your spoon that you try to find it again.
But mind you, there are many “lost souls” on this planet, with “lost spoons”, unable to find back what they lost. Damaged and living on the other side of the spectrum…
Meaning in life, a reason to get out of bed, are in most cases very helpful. Most of us are in this way fortunate, but many of us are from this point of view less fortunate.
Without generalisation, it is true that even the greatest on earth did know “the battle of the mind” at times. The struggle to compose oneself and radiate a sense of normality whilst conflicting emotions and feelings play a role in the background.
Perhaps we all lost at times “our spoon”. Who knows. But coming back on “the greatest”.. They often had true purpose and meaning, but still they suffered in silence. At times perhaps very outspoken with elements of anger..
Abraham Lincoln, together with more famous people suffered from depression, like Winston Churchill and Mark Twain. Interesting is that they used humour as an antidote to depression. All this to boost the spirits, Humour to replace “the spoon”, or to manage the “lost spoon” Lincoln told jokes and funny stories. Lincoln once said, “If it were not for these stories—jokes—jests I should die; they give vent—they are the vents of my moods and gloom”, said Joshua Wolf Shenk (In ” Lincoln’s Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President). He concludes that “Humour gave Lincoln protection from his mental storms. It distracted him and gave him relief and pleasure . . . Humour also gave Lincoln a way to connect with people. In addition to humour, Joshua Wolf Shenk ( the writer of above book) discovered that Lincoln utilised other major depression antidotes, including his love of poetry and a strong belief that his life had an important purpose. As you see, and without adding too many examples, many did lose their “spoon”, but some of them had also the means to help themselves. When Lincoln e.g started to speak, started to connect with people, – his often somewhat sombre face did relax into an embracing smile. We know anyhow the value of social connections. We know as well that many mental health issues are far more common in western civilisations and less common in more open and embracing communities.
Just one more example, an eccentric one:
Before becoming the Buddha, he was Siddhartha Gautama. According to traditional biography, he was born into royalty, his father a king who attempted to shield Siddhartha from knowledge of human suffering by removing the sick, aged and other suffering from his view. However, Siddhartha was said to have seen an old man, a diseased man, a decaying corpse, and other suffering, and then to have become deeply depressed by these sights. And at age 29, he began his journey to seek wisdom about how to overcome suffering and despair. His spiritual journey took six years, with Siddhartha ultimately rejecting popular “treatments” of his day that included asceticism, deprivation, and self-mortification.
Siddharta’s Antidotes: At age 35, after 49 days of meditating under the Bodhi tree, he attained Enlightenment and became known as Buddha, the “Awakened One,” and one of the world’s greatest antidotes to the suffering of depression was born. Buddhism begins with understanding truths about suffering. Specifically Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths are that (1) suffering is an inherent part of existence; (2) suffering is caused by attachment and craving, and our ignorance about this; (3) we can cut suffering by letting go of attachment and craving; and (4) this can be done by following the Noble Eightfold Path of the right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
For the remaining 45 years of his life, Buddha travelled and taught extensively. Compassion and the truth about suffering were his major antidotes to depression and despair—antidotes for himself and for others.
It would not be wise to romanticise all depression sufferers and to celebrate all non-medical solutions. As a medical professional myself I would be against it, however those examples give some comfort perhaps, also for myself. Comfort in a sense that you may lose your “spoon” but that in compassion (through suffering) you may give back one way or the other. This is being resourceful and creative. And in this we may receive back from depleted energies: a way forward perhaps, engaging in the ongoing challenges of life.
Aeschylus once said that he who wants to learn has to suffer. For sure: he did not mean the type of learning we do at school or at Uni. He meant the learning of the soul in the pains we may have to face in our lives
It’s not always easy to surf the waves of out mood but we learn from experience and from others and from meaning in life, like Victor Frankl once said. He lost all his family in the concentration camps during the 2nd World War and had himself to endure inhumane experiments. He had to deal with overwhelming stress afterwards but found eventually his new life in the US, where he became a well known psychiatrist emphasising on finding “meaning in life” as an antidote for depression. It helped in his case, like it assisted many others.
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves” – Abraham Lincoln.
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Most photos and YouTube disappeared and are replaced by free images from WordPress, in retrospect
I remember the scene in the Godfather nr 2 (I think). The conversation between Michael Corleone and Senator Pat Geary… Let’s agree that both man were a bit screwy, the least. Michael did represent the Mafia. Senator Pat Geary did represent let’s say – systems of Government. The conversation went at some stage as follows, as they did not agree:
Senator Pat Geary: I despise your masquerade, the dishonest way you pose yourself. You and your whole fucking family.
Michael Corleone: We’re both part of the same hypocrisy, Senator, but never think it applies to my family.
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In the wake of Donald Trump’s election and him being the future US President as from the 20th of Jan 2017, – I would like to say this: Mr Trump neither represents the Mafia, nor has he been ever elected into any Government place. But what can we say about him? Bit screwy perhaps as well?
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Donald Trump is the product of a US being divided – and a divided country does not show it’s best colours.. For sure, unexpected people – at times in history – may well be a blessing, – as the unexpected can be refreshing. But leaders who are the product of a divided nation, and are divided in themselves with the wrong colours , may well bring more disunity in their country.
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Where it comes to the US: … this disunity of the country painted in the newly elected President will find its way to “the free world”, and as such may be the start of a further rift around the globe. With Donald Trump we may be in for a “roller coaster”, and more than likely not of the best kind.
You know, ….Robert Frost once said :”We are acquainted with the night”…. And for the context in which he said this he was spot on. …For the contextual awareness on America – with the election of Donald Trump, there seems value in saying the same. With him we are more than likely “acquainted with the night”!
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Major adversity is pending, both for the US and the world after January 2017. The selection of the new Presidential cabinet, including the CIA Director is not the representation of a procedure where the best of all colours in the country are selected. It is a narrow choice of close Trump followers only… Where Abraham Lincoln once established “a team of rivals” to save the country, now it would seem only the few are selected who will follow President Donald Trump in almost any direction…
Yes – in all this we might be well “acquainted with the night”, as Robert Frost once said.
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But I say this as well:
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We, as people, are acquainted with the light, as light provides direction. As a people we know that the darkness of the years ahead does not give direction, – neither does it give affection; – afflictionit does! – Tension between the so-called insiders and outsiders. – Tension between people of different race and religion, with the potential on escalating violence. The last both inside and outside the US.
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When the creeping murmur of the pouring dark fills the wide vessel of all dynamics in the US and around, – we must rekindle the light from camp to camp, from one movement to the other – and silence the murmurs which could undo the US from its real identity, as this new President will do at large “a one person show”, little knowing what he really does – or inflict. Ignoring common advise or sensible – and respectful – protocol. Unless he gets suddenly mature and responsible as a US President. But by giving him the benefit of the doubt, – there is much doubt – with reason. As a business person he had many dubious dealings and besides this his real record has been poor in many key aspects. Structural avoiding paying tax and using many loop holes in the law to enrich himself, often at a cost of others, is showing a poor value system in the art of business. Besides this, his level of respect for people, – of who they are! – , has not been that great at the best of times in his own country. This applied both to gender and race, – besides religion. We could say that the prognostic value seems not too great. Does this surprise you?
But now this question: When the leader of the free world is not even able to look after his own people, how is he able to look after the real needs of this world? …..Needs, based on the realistic drive to solve the problems we have to face, – as one multicultural and multi diverse human race against the ticking clock of time where – let’s say in the 4th hour of any cycle a crisis might occur.
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Most of us know about Donald Trump’s background in the news. There are certain limits in scams and others you should not cross.
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Has Trump being a white-collar criminal – by accident raising to the highest political power in the US? – And what can we say on the wicked part in his white collar criminal records? Is this a man who really cares about his country?
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Well…..what a poor awareness in the right to vote may create on potential destruction. Mind you…
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For sure it is great that President Obama now devotes a great deal of his time to prepare the President elect on his new job, – because Trump has no experience at all in any public office in the US..
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it is troubling that Donald Trump has been the chosen leader. More disturbing is that you don’t change the tuneof this 70-year-old man, who did made his profile during one of the most bitter and dirty elections on the US Presidency. On this tune violence will resonate. On this tune magnetic fields on human relationships may get disturbed at the highest level of international politics. Relations at this level are at an increasing risk of getting fragmented, or even destroyed.
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This is the most likely scenario if we see the way dynamics and choices are evolving, in his cabinet as well. A most likely very marked and sobering result, – despite the fact that both inside and outside the US people and leaders will try to work with him and around him, – as they never experienced such phenomenon before…. Is is not really funny to have an US President who believes climate change is a hoax invented by the Chinese.
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I am more than happy to keep to the point by refraining to say in further detail what others already know, – and this is that Donald Trump is a highly controversial person with a background history on which ordinary people (less smart) would have gone to jail.
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It is within this context fair to say that with a Republican majority in both House and Senate, with all sorts of scandals and court cases likely pending on this new US President, that Congress requires the majority needed to impeach Donald Trump on the first signs of gross incompetence or dangers. Democrats will support this! ..
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If the Republican Party fails to do so, the mid-term elections on the 6th of November in 2018 will result in an utterly disaster for this Party, if disaster did not already strike both the US and the world.
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Vice President Mike Pence taking over might be the practical solution as he is well-respected among most members of the Republican Party, and more able to work with Congress along the lines of proper balance of power.
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We can only imagine what may happen if no proper action is taken. Just hear the noises going on the streets of most major US cities. People have no trust in this leader and don’t consider him as their President. He does not represent the true colours of a United States of America at its best and perhaps he is going to show the worst.
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Electing this person has been the workings of a Democracy at its worst. Like the workings of a Democracy as Germany were at its worst in 1933. People dissatisfied for different reasons collaborated behind Hitler. You know, they tried to work with him as well. But as soon he had the full reigns, he surrounded himself with a group of devoted followers which brought a movement devastating both Germany and the world. The image and meaning of Hitler evolved in the years after 1933 as he was never stopped…
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For sure, – it would NOT be fair to compare Donald Trump in any way with Hitler because this President elect, apart from saying the wrong, the dirty and misleading stuff during his campaign, – did not commit a crime as such within this particular domain… Ten years down the line, however, history will judge! You don’t need to be a Hitler to show evil in different identities. But if the last happens at the highest stage of politics, – it has to be stopped because this would be repugnant in a free and open society.
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But the real question is: isn’t this the way many people started on a mission which brought greater drama’s than in the Ancient Greeks? —– Look at the collaborating forces at both Pentagon and the CIA with the wrong US President in power. Are things really not at risk, – or getting likely far worse, and totally out of proportion? What do you have to say yourself when you watch the formation of his cabinet and the power structure this will create?
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Lacking knowledge is not the real bottleneck. People do learn on the job. Any teacher for instance may say things not entirely justified, but the real teacher or the real leader in this case should be fair ,and learn in a genuine way from his or her mistakes. At some level it comes to wisdom. But definitely Trump hasn’t got this.
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It takes hands to build a city – but it takes real heart to build a Nation. A Nation with both increasing respect for one and other. A Nation based on values. Values once cherished by their Founding Fathers. A Nation amidst other Nations, – respecting sound boundaries.
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The Irish novelist Frank Delaney once said: “What I told you tonight – it isn’t my story alone. It belongs to every Irish person living and dead. And every Irish person living and dead belongs to it. And to all the story of Ireland; blood and bones, legends, guns and dreams, Catholics, Protestants, England, horses and poets and lovers.”
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For sure, it is neither about Ireland nor about any other country in Europe or elsewhere. It is neither about Africa, Australia nor about South America, but one thing is sure: If the bones and blood of Donald Trump does not raise up to the responsibilities being now expected of him, he will be a legend of guns and lost dreams!
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We can say like some of the old Greek, that people learn from suffering. But is America able to emerge after falling down through Trump, and the ramifications this will have??
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Civilisations come and go through history, and whilst one man can send a ripple of hope and make the difference for many, – Trump by nature is able to send ripples of despair and indifference throughout the world.
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It is up to the US to judge, it is up to the majority in Congress to assess, and mind you: the hottest place in hell are reserved for those people who did not take action when this was required. Wait what the Republicans will do.
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The ignorance of the US and the Republican Party has been that they allowed this man to become the front-runner and eventually the winner of the Presidential elections in 2016, supported after some amazing FBI remarks on Hillary Clinton just before election date. But let it be said that the Clinton Foundation has been a bit screwy as well, and that the last word has not been spoken about this as yet. In the end it was a choice between two less desirable people and it became “Trump of Doom”, one of his various nicknames.
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If it is not Government for the people and by the people, – this people, is allowed to overthrow the Government in the next elections … Government of the people, by the people and for the people – as President Lincoln once said – shall never perish.
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The wisdom of many predecessors will not be with Donald Trump.
Thank you so much Tailem Bend and SA Health management for the privilege to be your GP for almost nine years!… I met so many interesting and generous people, whilst serving the community in both the hospital, the emergency department, the aged care facility and the connected general practice.
Obviously it was a very eventful time for various interesting reasons.
Systemic violence is sustained injustice and only creates a repetitive cycle of violence, It is only breeding hate and is not isolated injustice to the mentally impaired who are in custody, the children and others. It is an exclusive sign of cultural impairment of a society where racism is still in the back yard of government institutions and where only a free press is able to show the prejudice, which would be otherwise swept under the carpet. It happens in Australia as well
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Australia is said to be a good and free country – but where it comes to fighting for fairness and justice, – for correction of the wrongs and improving what is right in society, or – in the potential of young people, – there are many things which could be done better.
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Political systems are getting only less indifferent when the free press is getting hold of gross injustice. – Injustice forgotten – part of our political and legal systems – seems to come to daylight – only when the press – or eg “Four Corners” – is getting hold of it. – The last is a good sign of our free press – but not so good sign – of our systems, – which – under the banner of being better than other countries – need to protect the vulnerable – the elderly – and the children in our country.
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Oppression – anywhere – is a sickness in society everywhere it happens – wherever justice is not served. – We speak e.g. about 190 vulnerable children – sleeping each night – in emergency rooms in South Australia, – whilst 26000 calls about abuse – are getting unanswered. – The waiting time to make a report – often – takes an hour, – which I noticed myself.
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The nature of abuse – at times – has extreme dimensions – and it is a disease of society – where parents have increasing difficulties to bring up children. – It is a sickness of our country – where drug cartels – walk free – whilst the “intelligence” is sufficiently there to infiltrate them – and to end them, – preventing as such the increasing influx of ICE – whilst other countries – seem to have less problems to contain those issues. – It is a sickness of society when Carers in nursing homes – abuse – frail and elderly – demented people – when one culprit – recently – has been walking away – with only nineteen days in jail, – whilst there was video footage for his crime.
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It’s an infirmity of society – as well – when juvenile culprit guards – are set to escape prosecution – whilst the video evidence is there that they abused a young difficult child – This child himself with a background history of child abuse, – ADHD – and – for sure – a criminal record. How can it be different with some youngsters. Not to speak good what is wrong but to support those who are still young. People who are not protected – and vulnerable – need to be protected.
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People – who commit crimes – need to face justice, regardless, – but in detention – they need to be protected. Where human rights – might be abused in society, – it does not serve any purpose – to abuse them in detention as well.- – Whilst there might be crimes against humanity – which deserve a death sentence , – even then – this can be done in a humane way.
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This is the obligation we have as a free society. This is how a nation is judged. It’s how they look after the elderly, the children, the frail and the women, – all in the variety of circumstances where they face trouble.
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This the obligation we have to protect innocent and harmless people, – as children are – in e.g detention.
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Whatever children have done – there is no justification to deliberately harm them – when they are detained – and where community service would be the better solution for isolation.
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The victims of this kind of violence – are everywhere and anywhere.
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This type of violence is as wide – as the spectrum of the colours and religions are in Australia!
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This violence – well-bred – under the silent surface of our systems of justice and government – where it can’t be always controlled – is muchof a disgrace to our culture – where grace could be found in proper law enforcement this country needs – to prevent the ramifications in the future – if this type of oppression does not get resolved. Mercy is an important part of the law.
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The solution of the problem – is not – a Royal Commission – to look at failings of child protection – and youth detention systems – administered – by e.g. the Northern Territory in Australia – where it comes to this particular aspect of abuse, – as the NT itself knows widespread political corruption.The nominated head of the Royal Commission is an ex-NT chief of justice – who sentenced previously a 55 year old man in 2005 to a one month’s jail sentence for the sexual assault and bashing of a 14 year old girl. – He realised in 2012 that he had the balance wrong, – and whilst everyone can get the balance wrong – and may realise this. But 7 years after the incident is a bit long.
Royal commission’s give further delays and not immediate justice. They are not the answer. The Northern Territory seems to have a reputation of corruption – and this incident of gross abuse in juvenile detention should be a matter of the Australian Federal Police – as it could well be a tip of the iceberg, – to also investigate the level of corruption.
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The question is who will be next to suffer under the hands of people – who abuse their powers – in a senseless act of human right abuse – on Australian grounds, – as part of their connection with systems being governed by State Governments who seem to lack control on their own systems – like it happens anywhere and everywhere.
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And it goes on and on and on – and lip service to justice will fail justice – and failing justice will fail a government, – like we see in many countries. This type of hidden violence will neither create nor make, – but will break – the potential of a nation – which claims to be a better country than many other countries in the world. – It is refusing at times – to bring to daylight – what sustains silent at night – and – if so required – by an assassins bullet.
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Civil order – is not served by justice disorder – but by candidly facing the truth – as candid as “Four Corners” did present the facts, presenting the voice of people – where it should be the people to hear the voice of basic protection.
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We can degrade ourselves in our response to injustice, – which ignores our common humanity, when we accept e.g. excuses from a Government who talks about non-violence abroad – but fails to practice it at home – here – in our country – as part of poorly controlled government related structures – to protect both people in detention – and those with good intention.
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The Chief Minister of Northern Territory in Australia – who knew that there were built-in tear gas systems – in buildings of juvenile detention – as part of lock up – and torture treatment – should be jailed himself – if he did not try to correct this. – We are just falling far behind, if the public voice does not speak up – against this, against built-in tear gas systems – in juvenile detention, – children strapped in mechanical chairs – and tortured.
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The Prime Minister – Malcolm Turnbull – failed the real Australian tradition with his tardy response to the Northern Territory juvenile justice crisis – and – he does not accelerate the speed – to make this country a better country where it comes to the most fundamental values – and make this country – a “shining stone” to the world in the domain of human rights.
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In Hebrew words – he did neither make “a window for the ark” – nor did he create a “light” – for those – who should see – and act better.
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It all falls down to proper leadership and Governance, where justice should be the cornerstone of this Government – for this nation…and actually for most nations if this would be possible.
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Those who always conform – have neither real courage – nor real integrity – and don’t match the required qualities for change for the better. And the worst case they make it more bitter. Let’s be happy with a critical free press, which brings to daylight what remains otherwise under the carpet.
“The greatest danger to American freedom is a government that ignores the constitution.”
-Thomas Jefferson.
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Thank you for reading tonight about some of the reasons Donald Trump should never have the nomination of the Republican Party for the US Presidency. …Also the disgrace of a potential Trump election would really create, – both for the US and the rest of the world.
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I spend only a few words on this topic and far more could be added, but it is up to the Americans where they can, to increase the opposition against Donald Trump in peaceful and dignified ways, – simply by not voting for him. The solution is really indeed that simple: don’t vote for him because he is “bad news”.
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If we look at the future of the US, we not only look at the powers of those in power, but also at the power in ourselves. The power to choose. As people of a society, as people of a community we have a choice: a force to build a Nation by unified grace, – or to allow such a Nation to be disrupted by divided disgrace, or shame, or even infamy.
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Mind you, those powers are at times hidden, and not always coming to the surface, – but at times the spirit of those power is strong enough to come to the reality of this world, with both compassion and love for the greater good for our society, for the greater good of people being put in the dark. For the greater good of ourselves and our children.
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When Lincoln stood up as an obscure solicitor and got the nomination of the Republican Party, long ago, his powers were invisible and intangible. But it served a greater purpose.
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When John F Kennedy as an inexperienced Senator of Massachusetts, got the nomination in 1960 to represent the Democratic Party for the US Presidency, – his powers were invisible and intangible as well. And also here it served a wider meaning as he did win with a narrow margin from Richard Nixon.
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If Richard Nixon had dealt with the Cuban Missile crisis we all would not have existed any more, because his approach would have been more aggressive.
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It is a great gift of humanity that positive hidden powers do once at times make it to the reality of our existence and have a domino effect on what they produce in goodwill, determination and being an antidote with negative forces existing at the same time.
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For all of us applies that nobody can take away those powers from us, – however only we can give them. And this applied and still applies to various domains in life and in particular to those in some political arena of their times and generation: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Lincoln, Franklin D Roosevelt, John F Kennedy, his brother, – Martin Luther King, Ronald Reagan and others.. Not to speak about US writers like Robert Frost, Ernest Hemingway, J.D Salinger or poets like T.S. Eliot, Sylvia Plath, Maya Angelou, Tupac Shakur and many others.
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Even though a number died prematurely, – the US did receive abundance for their giving.
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They all had real substance!
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Their devotion and energy sparkled new-born dimensions in US history, – both at political level and cultural level.
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Even though they were not perfect, they harnessed special forces of unseen energy to mobilise and refresh both the Constitution and the better instincts of the American people, – where it came to some US Presidents, – or Martin Luther King, or,- e.g the New York Senator “Bobby” Kennedy who was killed in 1968.
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At some extend we can say from President Obama the same. But the book of history has not closed on him as yet.
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The cheap rhetoric of Donald Trump, however, is so easy to be seen in 2016 that any child can follow his message. A message which could unlock the energies of the undoing of the US as a power, with widespread disaster, – if this person would become elected as US President.
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President Bill Clinton once said that the US will not exist forever and the tragic is that his words may come true earlier than expected, if Donald Trump’s following may rise, and follow him to a potential US Presidency.
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There is neither the basics of any real compassion for DT’s countrymen, nor any real affection for those who are put in the shadow of American society. He multiplied billions for his own business but never multiplied the enlargement of his own character for the benefit of others. If elected he would only create further internal friction in American society with the risk of increasing violence, – and groups opposing each other over and over again.
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It would be a failure of US Democracy if this person would be ever US President and the ranking of the US at the international stage of politics would diminish on his presence in ways never experienced before.
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Where the US brought forward real substance in some earlier Presidents, writers, poets and others, – Donald Trump has neither substance nor any intelligent purpose for the future of the United States of America!
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Mind you, there is neither ceiling nor limit to the amount of compassion one can feel for those who struggle at the other side of the prosperity spectrum.Those who live in poverty, often within the context of discrimination and often within the spectrum of breeding violence against one and other. Often, in nearby streets where almost every day kids get killed as a result of unlawful gun violence.
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The reality of the US is that this huge country is at large inhabited by many cultures and the division line is neither always the colour of the skin nor the contents of religion, – but the intolerance based on extremism, and the bottom line poverty for a number of people.
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All those energies of people living together were made out of the greater force of love, aimed to enhance the human spirit in larger than life dimensions. All those people are born with the potential at least to live in peace and harmony, to give purpose to their lives. However, it does not happen. What we have in capacities does not always come to realisation.
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All people have it within their nature to express the better features of their personality, in whatever entity education facilitates the lining and dreams of both their character and future. But the point is that not always the circumstances are helpful.
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Only a US President who is standing at the centre of the moral spectrum, able to conduct an orchestra for both a better Union and a better US future, is able to harmonise some of the deep-rooted frictions within the United States itself. Frictions which still date, at some extend, from the long history of racial struggle, the movement on social justice under direction of Martin Luther King,jr and the short cut legacy of Robert Francis Kennedy apart from many others.
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Whereas President Obama brought some change because of his compassion towards the wider dimensions of the US as one society, Donald Trump would ruin almost everything what Americans did build up in times of trials and tribulations. Not only this, – the US would lose almost all of its credibility in the world as such, because a devastating choice of Donald Trump would only show the type of muscle power no Nation in the world would be prepared to accept. -Immaturity and unpredictability , abusive behaviour, – with no real ability to listen to advisers, would hang like the sword of Damocles over both the US and the world under a Donald Trump Presidency.
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Going to war has been a key element under past Republican Administrations and with Donald Trump the risk of both war and social unrest is most excessive, the least, – one may assume.
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The better potential of the US would never be properly guided by a Donald Trump Presidency.
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The better potential is to fight for justice where there is injustice. The better potential is to help harmony where there is disharmony. And finally – besides many others – the better potential is to encourage prosperity where there is a lack of prosperity for those already living under the poverty line. But all this based on reasonable social harmony, – and not anti-social unrest inflicted by any offensive or repugnant actions by Donald Trump. The last would be a rip off on the cultural enlargement of the US as well.
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Often, poverty is a cause of revolutionary violence which can easily escalate under the reigns of a ruthless US President.
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Donald Trump would not be the white politician who could be fair or understand the needs of either Mexican Americans, – Latino Americans or African-Americans.
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He has neither a real understanding of religious justice and freedom, nor shows a rapport with broad spectrum white American on the future of a multi racial society.
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And still he is gaining momentum!!!
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For those of you who are black or Hispanic, white or Muslim, Jew or Christian or anything else in terms of colour of the skin, race , or religion, Donald Trump will never judge you on the content of your character, – but may create once more a Nation where people are judged just by their religion, or just by the colour of their skin, – and history will repeat itself at the cost of the legacy being made by various predecessors in their struggle to make society a better place. Trump will appeal to various right wing groups and the outcome is unclear as yet.
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There is far more to say but simply show in your vote that you are against Donald Trump.
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The last is good enough as it facilitates the elegance of a mature US democratic system, where people are granted the privilege to make a conscious choice and vote on those around them, -those who will represent them, and those who lead them.
The gospel of John is both amazing and baffling for various reasons. Jesus is going to the home of Mary Martha and Lazarus.
They are almost his closest circle of friends, perhaps closer than his disciples. Martha provided hospitality for Jesus and his disciples.
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Mary, Martha’s sister was a deep thinker and Lazarus was their brother. He died later but was raised to life again by Jesus. They were very close friends. Mary and Martha were young women. They admired Jesus and each time when Jesus came to Jerusalem he stayed with them. The three provided a home for Jesus and He loved them and they loved Him.
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Jesus enjoyed friendship.
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You know, much of the beauty in life we experience in the relationship with friends, with other people. We don’t need many friends but most of us need someone, at least. People with whom we take the risk of knowing and being known. I guess this is the essence of the human and spiritual journey which we may enlarge by increasing our compassion on display for others. This is the beauty to have friends with whom we can share our common humanity. In some of those encounters we can become a new beginning as well, at times.
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This adventure may widen our horizons. And what is more appealing that people know us and love us anyway and vice versa?
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In essence this is what God does to us as well.
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The diner party Martha and Mary had with Jesus one night, including some others, – was dense with feeling. Not abundant as such but as if something was hanging in the air. As if something was going to happen.
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Mary comes up and goes to the cupboard and gets a bottle which is filled with a nice smelling lotion. A very expensive one and she is pouring this over the body of Jesus.
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The original Passover, a memorial to God passing over the houses of the children in Israel is an act of protection and love for his people.
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It was at a time close to the Jewish Passover. The time as well that chief priests were plotting to kill Jesus. This lotion or oil was a very expensive and luxury item in the house of Maria and Martha. With her hair bend down she massages the oil into the skin of Jesus.
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Touching and being touched in the most loving way is something both beautiful and sacred in life as it is part of our core humanity. Mary offers her expression of love to Jesus without any expectation. She does it because she feels it deeply. This has nothing to do with calculation of any kind.
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She is not doing it because Jesus needs it but she feels she needs to give it
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And for sure, there are always people (like there were at the time) who comment on this in a cynical way. Such as the expensive oil could have been sold for the benefit of the poor etc. And often those remarks may come – if we translate this situation to “here and now – from people who do not care one bit about the poor. People who take a cheap shot on both remarkable and beautiful circumstances, full of prejudice
themselves.
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People who are technical right but so awful wrong in measuring the spirit of the moment, so to say. And Jesus remarks quite straight in both his comments and observations that the poor will be always there, – but He will not be always there.
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He understood that there is a difference between an indulgent expression of love and an act of excessive self-love. Mary was just genuine in her appearance at the time and in the presence of love there are no rules or regulations.
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If you love somebody for what he means or for what he gives, or for what she gives and means to you, – what is against a genuine expression of affection?
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Art, love and acting in spirit is not about money, calculating or accounting, – but it is about startling and amazing moments in life. Both wonder and beauty, and they can’t be sold.
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When people are moved and respond from this emotion in their unique identity with love, there are times you have to break open the bottle of expensive oil, – and do what your genuine feelings of affection dictate you what to do. All this as part of a spontaneous act of love, – which is always in the giving and not in the taking.
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Mary loved Jesus and she knew what to do in that moment
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If I look at the world, I see there are plenty of barriers and walls. Plenty of rules and regulations. Plenty of prejudice and taboos.
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But what has been given in true love neither knows taboo, nor barriers or walls, – and as such we may be part of many and many may be part of us
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For we know in part, – but in love we are complete!
– Are we?
This is an interesting question, isn’t it? Because the requirement seems to be that you need to meet and see the person before you love him or her, – or not. There need to be some sort of chemistry, one would say.
The full truth is that regardless circumstances or our environment, there are definitely people around the world with whom we could connect, and at such a different level perhaps, -that this would be in full harmony with both the 2 natures involved…True, – IF the allowing of this feeling could be realised in a day-to-day reality, so to say… But for sure, you can’t judge this before you have met this person, – and met for some time perhaps. But this is not about loving someone you never met, but about the human potential to love mote people if the realities would be different or if the realities would allow. This not take away that you can already love someone by connecting on a “relationship website” without ever having met the person. But that’s more a reflection of someone’s own energies connecting with the picture of someone else. The actual meeting though could be a disaster.
But often this is not the case because neither the real “allowing of the feeling” can be always there -nor the real life situation, where one can meet up with the other to build up bit by bit the friendship. The last being required the least, – as let’s say a first step. Connecting via a “relationship website” is somehow of a different nature, and one does rarely run into straightaway meeting without a bit more preparation.
Not to speak about people we never met in different entities than “relationship websites” etc, the last being an entirely different story…Falling in love in that first instance as such seems not possible. But perhaps not everyone agrees on this one. And sure, – stories are nice to share, isn’t it?.. Even when there is a lot of fiction and fantasy involved.
By the way at times this can be quite funny.
But who cares, – we are free in this domain of our mind and heart where we may have dreams, fantasies or imaginations, – whether we feed them or not. But be aware on what you do with the “feeding” and whether or not we “bring it out”. This is different than “having a crush” on someone you have seen but not actually met, as yet.
There is nothing secret or unusual about those feelings, because at times they are a reality. At some extent it’s part of our human nature. The beauty is that people can mean a lot to you, even if you don’t know them, even if you have never met them. And for sure you don’t need to be in love with them because the last is a different entity, – so to say. The fact that unknown people can mean a lot to you can be an enrichment of your own nature through the colours and the energy being transmitted to your own life..or energies revived in yourself due to influences which are hard to express in words. And this is mainly the issue when we want to touch base on, because falling in love with someone you never met is only a reflection on your self and is not founded in “the knowing” of each other because the last aspect is absent. But still this is possible with your “hero” in life when you were e.g. young, man or woman being admired, loved, cherished on a distance. It’s the kind of love which has by far not always to do with sexual attraction. Often it has not, though attraction and fascinating of a different kind plays definitely a role.
What it is, I don’t know. What the power of love is, – I don’t know. The power of attraction in a broader sense. At times perhaps the impressions we get, even though they might be very limited, – may appeal somehow to the better things in ourselves.
From the perspective of potential partners anywhere on the world, we may agree that there is for everything and everyone only one place and occasion at the same time and that it is fairly pointless to pursue a wide spectrum on opportunities in this domain, unless there are valid reason, – which if for everyone’s own judgment. Matters can get a bit complicated here.
Does this make any sense at all?
Where it comes to keeping things for yourself, which has an energy and power on it’s own.
If well-preserved – it is one of the larger mysteries in life where the power gets broken if disclosed, or when disclosed too early where it should perhaps not be disclosed.
It is possibly a very unusual comparison, – but the power of the biblical Samson got lost when his hair was cut, – but when his hair grew he was stronger than ever before.
When we try to express some of our past or present secrets in reality, – we could damage ourselves and lose more than we ever possessed perhaps. In other words some of the powers get lost. In search of the good and the majestic things in life – thoughtfulness is always a process.
Once Samson disclosed his secret he was lost. They took “the mickey” out of him. In other words, it is not always wise to show what is going on in your heart,  because keeping secret some of your larger secrets may enhance your humanity and the enhancement of your humanity very sometimes is a lonely process. This is the domain in which “pure creativity” to work it all out needs to be allowed in your own little universe. This is what life asks you to do with authenticity, at times. For everything there is a time and a place, indeed.
What I say seems to be a supreme scenario, – I know. It does not always work this way and people are different. But for all of this, there is no harm in those feelings, it depends what you do with it.
How does all this happen?
Obviously I am not really sure, but I assume that in the channelling of both our energies and awareness, we pick up (at times) both elements from the physical and non-physical world. The existence (or reality part) is not always that essential, but when we are fortunate enough and channelling the right direction, through the grace of God, we may use it for the purpose being designed for both the better of our human nature and that of others. Makes a bit sense?
In my “last will and testament” I wish to show that I loved lots of people for those reasons in my life – and I am grateful what they meant to me and what they gave me during receptive moments in my being. Some people I knew, others I did not know at all. Some live in my lifetime, others did not live in my lifetime. But always there was the transmission of some mysterious energy, which appealed to my inner-nature and made what I became, – still a “work in progress”. But often I kept quiet about it to protect myself.
As mentioned , sometimes it is better not show the secrets of your heart, at least not on the specifics, allowing as such not the rejection and scrutiny of others. But “giving way” to the free flow of the unspeakable in the increased receptiveness of your nature, seems at times a better way. The last finding its meaning in various creative identities of your life.
Again, – I need to ask whether this makes sense, as it may work different for others.
But as human beings there is more we share than we don’t share.
For sure this is more difficult when you are really in love with someone and it seems all impossible. But within the larger gift of life you may see this as one of the dimensions which could exist in different identities elsewhere as well, – and you don’t need to be absorbed by one “dead end” because being in love, as such, is a reflection on yourself in one particular situation. Which is being allured to one particular attraction, as perceived in someone else. It simply is not reality. And the last has nothing to say about how it would work out in a real life situation. Mind you, you better be careful if you have those feelings at times because if you disclose this to the person of attraction, and you don’t know each other at all, – you will be considered, the least, as very foolish, – and for sure it will fall on “deaf ears”..For everything there is a place and a time and timing if it comes to the manifestation of desires is needless to say very important, but that’s a different story.
If this is the case you need to get to know yourself a bit better and use common sense. If you know yourself better you know you don’t want to do to others what others should not do to you, at the wrong time and at the wrong place.
In the inter-connection with people in life though, there is – as well – much we may not understand. But the beauty is we don’t always need to understand as both the mystery and curiosity are still allowed to have a place in life. And that is the fun, the cherish the magic and the wonders.
Things come to our awareness by what we see and hear in other people, and the last at times only in retrospect, – when we have time for ourselves connecting with the broader sense and awareness of nature.
The way we may interconnect with each other in the very best possible way is more like “a sacred bonding” as it shows us how to forgive when we need to forgive. It shows us how to give to one another’s well-being. It shows us compassion and understanding. It may show us affection of a different nature, when we see things not being right and try to correct it. It has to do with the better way of showing justice as well, – in a broader sense.
In my life I cherish the people who brighten my day through the seen and the unseen, whether they live nearby or far away, regardless, at times, – whether I know them or don’t know them at all. It sounds weird perhaps and not many people may relate to me on this one but it’s just me, the way I embrace life as it is, – accepting both the possible and the impossible. Many people as such leave an “echo” with me and some, – just this way , are very dear to me as there is much warmth in it, without those people even realising this themselves. And that’s fine!..
At times they live in entirely different circumstances far away, amidst poverty, – and in the way they deal with things they “sparkle” as a mystery. Some people as such are unique in the integrity of their own identity from which we only see part of it, – but enough to appreciate their inner-being which shines through this. And we don’t know them at all, – interesting isn’t it?.
If I would express this the way I wished to do at times, my gratitude would be very poorly understood. Mind you what their perception would be on me. I fear it would spoil it for once and for all, as we live in totally different identities of awareness.
I can only hope I work the same this way for some others perhaps as they do for me, and for sure, – I don’t need to know, as sometimes it is better to leave this to the funny and precious secrets of life.
Discipline and direction in our day to day connections are far more important.
And mind you, allow your imagination to play similar as characters evolve in films, – like they do this in ourselves at times. The editing is part of a spontaneous process through the in-depth involvement we already have with ourselves and some others. All this is already provided in our upbringing until now, and through the experiences we have and had. We get better as people when each time we surf the waves of our emotions the right way, – both for ourselves and for others. Not allowing us to be blind-folded in scenes which are not practical.
If you want to reach out for a better connection with others, be aware that the circumstances and perceptions of people can be hugely different than yours, and that improvisation as such is based on both respect and being receptive for what is going at the other side.
There might as well be the cultural restrictions of marriage, but the connections with others perhaps should not be restricted where we connect with the better part of ourselves in others. There where we can add value to each other as part of our normal humanity, the last finding its way in the world. There is neither harm in any value, nor is there any value in any harm.
The last is an interesting one as where people cheat they are dishonest and being dishonest often brings harm. The question on the moral spectrum of what is harmful and not harmful has a variety of dimensions, including and not restricted to showing affection, being tender and kind, apart from embracing and kissing each other.
For myself I do consider any genuine and mutual show of affection being normal as part of close encounters where you trust each other.
Cheating is when you don’t watch the distinction between being loving in character and making love as part of a sexual relationship. The last in circumstances where it would be far better to refrain from this. For sure, as said earlier, – there are many potential partners on this world but it is pointless to pursue any if there is no valid reason, – because so much harm can be done as well. Existing love for one can’t be replaced by a potential love for an other person, – even when we have the capacity to “bring it on”. Even though there are more scenario’s possible, – harm reduction is difficult to meet if our conditioning is not wired up for the best compassion for others. It is not an easy one for many, but wisdom for the few.
When you are really committed in friendship you simply don’t cheat. People carrying trust and trustworthiness close to their heart simply don’t cheat, as gifted – hopefully – in wisdom perhaps, they know that real love lasts far longer than making love, and that the last often ends the friendship in which perhaps much has been invested for possibly good reasons.
If people are married and it proved already it did not work and it has been discussed already open and candid, – there might be a grey area which is not up to me to judge , as I haven’t this experience as such.
When we really care in authentic ways, neither being pretentious nor imposing our perceptions on others, – we may embrace the concept of love in unassuming ways wherever we go in this world. The last with the distinction that real love has far greater dimensions because it is an impression from the Universe, through which the earth and all what lives has been created, – not by chance but for a purpose.
Our humanity may grow through the real humanity of others and with certain restrictions, there are no rules or regulations for this purpose being still in progress, – which includes love in a broader sense.
In essence our humanity is deeply inter-connected. As always it is as important to be able to listen and to be listened to. It keeps you fresh and alive. If we are able to free up ourselves “in the osmosis of life”, we can find up a way in the connection with other people, more meaningful and in line with what humanity requires us to work on to get to the next stage.
In terms of film making – by comparison – we may end that the right actor for a particular role is perhaps not the very best actor. Likewise the right person in a relationship is perhaps not always the greatest partner, – and the right partner in a business entity is not always the best person.
And finally the best love affair is for certain not always the best friendship, – whilst the best friendship is not always the best love affair.
For all of this, surfing the soul on any implications is the best manifestation in inter-humane creativity, – as the better outcome is always harm reduction. Rather, perhaps, than self-destruction through inflicted trauma, betrayal, deception to others..
Good friendships last, – ”love-affairs” rarely last.
This is reality!
Therefore finding the right distinctions in the many dimensions of love, is an art worth to be mastered as it seems dead easy, – but it is easily dead as well.
Why?
The last because relations can make you, – but they can break you as well. And there is already enough being broken, both in life and relationships.
With real friends you rehearse and rehearse until you get better as friends, – regardless time place or age. And in all this you can find your own VOICE, – your unique identity as well..
The quality of our humanity is at the cornerstone of any good friendship or a better connection. Relationship means relating to each other, and caring for each other, – and not being careless to one and other. It means healing wounds and not creating wounds.
Friendship is not about knowing everything from each other, but enough not to tell each other what he or she thinks, but providing him or her direction and help which way might be the best way to go at times, – the last only if required, – the last at times if requested.
If you create the right stuff on which people may “turn on” in the best possible way, – for sure you are starting to be a good connection. And all this is part of inter-connecting and trans-personal conversations, – perhaps.
It is not about who is most “like me” or “not most like me”, – it is more about “on what you resonate” as a person in others, – and often you don’t even need to give it a name.
The last as providing a label to a variety of identities in this world, not rarely takes away the mystery on which things could evolve. If you love friendship to be endless, show it endless, without labels or discussing the identity as such, – because not doing as such “frees up” as much.
Last but not least, the last applies to marriage as well where this identity works the way it is supposed to work, – but the last might be different in the variety of cultures. Like connections and friendship do function at different levels among the colours of the various cultures as well.
Interesting, – isn’t?
Feel free to say what you like to say on this subject.
The uncommon thought on the uncommon matter, as the famous Actor Sean Penn once said, – means that perhaps at some stage something may be breaking through all the conditioning or learning we know and see on this planet. This sounds promising, indeed, if true. But it seems not that promising, actually.
It’s about a type of conditioning which is neither correct nor humane but being closely linked with the inadequacy of both our government and justice systems, the last nearby or far away. We know that those systems are questionable already at times.In some countries almost always, unfortunately.
The conditioning -which seems pending- as well, applies to the common numbness of an increasing number of people. A conditioning which should not apply, but still is part of the day-to-day reality which encounters many problems all over the world. The way people respond, the way nations respond, because far too many people are ignorant on what they inflict on others or simply don’t care. And mind you, at times this runs through families, cultures, countries and generations. Not good.
In all this “the courage factor” and insight are the most important element to face all this, – and not walking away from it. If you walk away from it you will be followed by the implications of far a too often reoccurring neglect and failure of justice, – both in our close connections, but also in the wider concept of “the world”. Seems not so good news, isn’t?
As we all know, – the pictures of refugees, detention centres, refugee camps do resonate today at all corners around the world. Like climate change does. Like human trafficking does and many others. Things – issues , which affect basic human rights and through which the conditioning of people – the wrong way – is allowed to endure, and continue in all the ways we know and see. It’s an image we get from the television. It is an image of day-to-day life, – often in devastating dimensions. We see the pictures of people holding on to boats going to Europe. We see wounded children running and crying away from both violence in the air or on the ground, – trying to escape death.
Look, through history there have been many refugees and as a result of this children from parents arriving from far away have been born e.g. in the rain forest areas of Brazil, or in 40 degrees below zero temperatures upper north in Canada and many other countries.
They found new roots where they were planted, and those are perhaps someway the lucky ones, – if they had luck enough to meet and engage with the good colours of humanity as they found it in different way in the countries were they were able to make new home. Where they found ways for education and where they were accepted through the contents of their expression and character, but foremost hard work. Apart from wickedness,- there is much kindness in the world as well, but often it is hidden. But the pending negative conditioning or learning is not that good for the hidden kindness either, because the circumstances are not conductive to bring the goodness of people to the surface. Like the conditioning of the German people during Hitler Germany created a domino effect on the way people behaved and acted to each other in this country being blindsided to the violence to minority groups.
But for people being stranded elsewhere, the ongoing agony is for those who neither find home nor being accepted elsewhere.. People who are not lucky enough with their encounters and fall in the wrong hands, For them the road to freedom is a long one, if they are able to sustain the trafficking, the torture or the rape. This happens when the majority gets used to things which are not normal or humane anymore.
The question always is what those people became in the long way of the brutality they endured with the pictures imprinted in their heart soul and minds. We don’t speak about those who died along this road.
If you survive and have to live up to the expectations of civilisation in the way we know this, for sure this is not the easiest transition,- as long as you are welcome and not judged by whatever some people in your group feel as a norm or have inflicted based on those new norms. And this might be quite dire for some, brutal for others.
Some keep praying in their in their silent moments of disagreement, but don’t see “the light” as the darkness in their soul could not reach the real light anymore, numb as they became. Perhaps they stood up in the past against domination but the domination was stronger and did beat the light out of them. That is what torture can do you know, that is what war can do. We know this all too well because people with PTSD trauma’s after service in Vietnam, Iraq or other countries have already difficulties to be accepted in their own countries, – as the conditioning of far too many other people is wrongly wired the way their prejudgment goes. The realities can be very different for many people in one place, who endured conditioning in various different environments. And often is does not go well together because the human connection can be diminished through the preoccupation with the learning or conditioning from various trauma.
We need to accept that a fair number of refugees have a tribal background who lost all their own connections with what was 10 years ago tranquil living, listening to stories within their elder ethnic groups – where there was peaceful and cultural harmony until they became invaded by whatever brutal force. They had sort of “order” in their mind but now many of those once mindful people, are totally disrupted in their mindset because the violence sustained, has been imprinted.
It is said “the truth sets you free”, but which truth and in which future. The truth of the jungle where you need to be alert for any pending danger is a different truth than the truth I perceive, but I am fortunately able to relate to all those people – realising that when the tide of history does change we all may be homeless and on the go. The concept I may be able to embrace, still, is a far different concept others are allowed to embrace, through the strange conditioning of our world.
And still, in some of my connections far way, – I still see shining the colours of courage. People who stop the long wanted prospect of a career and look after ailing relatives amidst the huts and villages where the care is insufficient, – and some are the sole carer for a whole family, working flat out to get a minimum income which goes to the costs of healthcare and food and basic shelter. And meanwhile some of them are doing the cleaning of their ailing loved ones by night, but still with the living hope, rarely met by others, by day, – despite –so often – the emotional tiredness.
For sure, we have to do what life asks us to do in certain circumstances, – but in the most disastrous circumstances the last response of providing ongoing care to someone in poverty is the most beautiful expression of humanity, where the conditioning did not get lost in the numbness of the soul. No numbness at all but conditioning at its best.
Humanity and inter-humane connections across the spectrum of cultures is the golden standard for real progress all over the world. Compassion for your own people and “all people” (please don’t take this literally!) is the standard on which we all will be measured one day. And that day will come. That day will arrive. The day that all those people who sustained the agony of their time and kept the colours of both courage, compassion and faith will be set free, whatever they had to sustain..
It will all fit the larger picture of a future which we can’t see as yet, but in our dreams it might be alive already and we may say: ”Why not?”
Believe it, hear it, and see it, – with all those, who share this promise with you, and make it work, – rewind and rewire towards a better conditioning of humanity, towards a different and better world – to start with ourselves.
There is a space in ourselves, surely there is a great place ourselves, somewhere between our ears in the grey matter of our brains. And in this space of tissue, cells and matter we decide on things which matter. Between stimulus and response there is a space….
It is like Viktor Frankl once said.
A place between stimulus and response, and in that space we prepare our response, prepare our answer to whatever happens in our lives. And it that space, in that inner area of freedom, lies our chance to grow or to fail, – or to fall, whatever way you call it.
In that part of our interconnected brain is that particular small space, which determines our response time and our time to respond the way we do. It’s broader and involves actually our chance to recognise the need of fulfilling the core of our humanity, in close connection with other human beings, or failing both ourselves and others.
Sometimes our response is slow, at times it is instant, by instinct, driven by what we have internalized of experience and learning from inside. Interesting isn’t it? Frankl came with an interesting concept of viewing this vital element of our existence.
This particular space in ourselves is a powerful spot you know. Nobody can take this away from us, – apart from we ourselves selves: failing to use this freedom, – this space, in it’s full strength…by using e.g. chemicals perhaps which destroy our freedom to make decisions through our own fault. I guess people with significant brain damage for whatever reason may be restricted in their decision making.
Does this make sense?
Let’s call this space “the inner studio”. The studio where you are allowed to be free, – if you wish. You are able there to develop yourself away from the spot light, with others, – before you take action of any kind. In this space between stimulus and response lies perhaps your unique voice, – the beauty of your dreams, if the response follows this particular direction, either slow or instantly. “Your inner studio”, seems a nice comparison with what it seems to be. I often say: ” I have to go back to my own studio”. Just kidding. I tend to say: “Let me think about it”, which is sort of the same. But “inner studio” speaks perhaps more because it is the place where you can put up the sound, the music, control the light. The area where you can compose, if you get the time.
It’s a place where you can rehearse and refine, refine and rehearse. For sure, – like acting, it is important to learn your lines, – your boundaries as well, in which you feel comfortable. It is not always good to go thatfar as you can go. For sure you are allowed to do this in this inner-space, – but certainly not every time in your response. And mind you, if faced with problems, – the problem is as important as the response, – as in the response you may create positive change. But generally stay well within yourself! And if life asks you to give it that extra inch, – give it that extra mile, if you wish, and leave no stone unturned and give it everything you have!
That’s life you know, the life from actors, writers, politicians, lovers and bloggers. The life of “all in one and one in all”. It’s my life, your life and most of the live we see in others. And all those things where development starts is in that inner-core of strength and decision making, that space between stimulus and response, our inner-studio, – whether we share this space with closed ones or not…This separates us from animals. That’s were our victories and failures are born. And this is the domain which requires still more space to develop.
You can compare the studio with a place where actors, writers etc come together and discuss the work which needs to be done. Often it is personal. At times it attracts you at a certain place which might be helpful for “setting” the next scene….. Mind you, – this applies for everybody,…even doctors. Like me.
Again this inner studio knows no boundaries or exceptions, the fantasy may have a free part, the inspiration is often born here. In musical terms it is the silence between the music being heard. And in life, drama, playwriting or anything else, – it is the important pause between actions.
The “pause” of both creation and response.
What more is important to know about this?
Far most has been said now about this in this chapter. I guess.
An other thing you know is VERY important as well to stay the course, if the last is an expression of goodwill, – refined in the many dimensions we can see in our creativity. In such moment we can love each other without touching each other as the energies transmitted in the trillions of impulses may connect us somehow, – at times. really, at the core of our humanity.
The last which can only be recognised in an other person. And the interesting thing, you know, – is that we don’t even need to know this person, – as personally it can be. Sometimes it can be an impression from the other end of the world. I do experience this myself, and in my freedom I allow the receiving, – if it is good.
Allowing this to verbalise as such is an other question. Not every time you can respond from the heart or from your impulses. Mind you what this could create.
At times it is better to wait and see what grows, and how it grows, – in some occasions. Like the farmer plants and gives water, like he or she observes the growing – and finally says to the growing existence of “the plant” that he or she loves this unique reflection of creation. This is good you know, also that we keep learning this way and get better tuned in what life requests us to do at any particular point of its development and time. An ongoing movement forwards in which we are allowed to be engaged, – whether we are actors or real life people in real life circumstances.
By the way, whether or not mentioned before, the “the inner studio” being the domain where all the responses are created, is guided as well by the kind of moral compas which says yes or no against the “pop up’s” of impulses, in a split second at times. The “inner- studio” is a very dynamic and complex constellation of quick working energy with an internal editing system, the last which might be part of our inner self. And sometimes we can’t work it out on our own when the complexities of life ask for a considerate response.
We may need to have support with this.
If we allow in our own inner studio those people we trust and love, in sustained ways, – we may respond for the better, even if those persons are not around at the same time.
But when you are together and lucky enough to have a “real studio”, it may be important to invent together, – as part of a pure spontaneous process. Getting to know each other is essential for this “brainstorming”.
If you prepare a role, you need to get a great impression of that role first, – when for instance you need to play someone in an act or drama. Sometimes it is the story behind the person, the fiction itself, or the real-life person, – being still alive or passed away already, – the last maybe many years ago.
In other words, you need to get a very good impression from the real life character you want to play, or from the real life purpose you have in your mind, – in order to play it out in the real only ONE life you have.
This requires fantasy, intuition, inspiration and a good deep knowledge as well. And if you GET “the picture”, – allow it to live in you, allow yourself to play with this picture and allow the picture to play with you. You may not be able to figure out everything because of the complexities, – but a real life impression may emerge in which you transmit the key of that character, or the key of that domain in life you want to cultivate as good as you are able to.
Certain parts you need to prepare, – for sure. Other parts you need to leave open and unconsidered,- as acting from the “unconscious” is important in any identity. When you are relaxed after due diligence, your conscious is “free”, as long as you “are in to it enough”. It’s amazing isn’t it, what takes place in this “inner-studio”. It’s amazing how many words I spend on this topic as well, but that’s fine as long as it finds an interested reader.
Does this makes sense or is it too dry, or too complex?
Well let me say this,.. if you choose people into your inner circle, or even, a step further, into your own studio of creation, select them based on the higher level of your intuition. The last resonating with the likely “key contents” of their character and work. The last for sure in the film or model industry.
When you really figure out the key of the role, YOUR ROLE (you are the actor), – whatever it is or may be, at some stage your unconscious will take over, as long as you are relaxed in yourself. You need to trust this specific part of you, – this inner space between impulse and response, as again in this area lies your growth and fulfilment if you prepared your own base as good as possible. But this requires training as well.
Don’t build your house on sand, as the bible says, as it has no foundation.
To get to this stage you need to take in a lot, – to get “the” real good impression in both body mind and spirit. If you really have the key of the role, that what you want to be or want to play, – this all needs to be based on lots of information, you have mastered. You can really make the best of the improvisations in your mind, – a tapestry being created already, – if you went through the work being required.
Speaking about tapestries and weavers, often, the mind of real artists and their imagination, – never stops. ..They create, even in their dreams.
Also, – ask questions without answering them yourself. This can be a place for the studio as well , you know, the place which you might share with your best connections. “Why am I here”.. “Where am I going to? etc etc” “Is this appearance right?”. “Which way can it be done differently”
It reminds me a bit – and this aside- of my study Medicine in Maastricht, in the Netherlands. Apart from the normal and sometimes exceptional stuff you need to learn before becoming a doctor, we had a group, which was called “The Attitude Group”. Not that every doctor was lacking “attitude” (though some have), but both a good conduct and bedside manners are important ( or helpful at least!!), on the playground of a doctor, and any doctor… Hence this group.. This was a different “studio of sorts”, – not perfect but we got the flavour, with lots of laughter as well.
An other thing which is crossing my mind is the importance of “being wanted”. That you are wanted to play the role (as an actor) in whatever endeavour where you have to play this role. This is not always the case, but it is a real bonus when you feel wanted, that you feel wanted to perform, – that you feel wanted to express what you are, or what you so dearly want to be.
And whether it is writing or acting or anything else,- the editing(as mentioned) has a vital place. Don’t show the product before the editing is done. Not always easy but it is an important requirement. The “public eye” may scrutinise you when the editing is not properly done, when impulses appear to daylight insufficiently refined. What you radiate will get back to you.
Certain parts of the available material, you leave away. Likewise certain emotions at times, – whilst on the other hand allowing other emotions to radiate, – makes the scene perhaps at its best within both the domain of your culture and your performance, – by choice!
Look at film fragments as how they are sealed together as a piece of real art at times. That’s the role of editing, – and really trust your editors, – those in and around you. Be mindful this all this takes a lot of work! What takes place in seconds as such in a real film, took hours of preparation perhaps.
Life, simply, does not come easy, – even when you are lucky. In terms of performance, – whether it is protecting human rights, being a President, an Actor or a Writer etc. requires a lot of input. You know, rehearsal and rehearsal(!!), – editing(!!), knowing lots about the key components, in other words knowing YOUR stuff(!!), – and besides this imagination and improvisation!
Make sure you are “in the scene”, in the plot, surrounded by those you trust, – surrounded by those with whom you have a real connection, and I can tell you it’s all worthwhile, and at times it’s lots of fun. Because we go as we grow, and when we do this together there is real meaning in our connections when we do this for a real purpose. Connecting as such can broaden the mind like travel may do, – the difference though is that real connection between people can build on each others purpose in life and is as such not a “stand alone thing”.. We are inter-connected, – but choose your real connections wisely!
They can make or break you!
Does this make sense?
That’s life you know, – that’s life. And tell you one more thing, the more you love it the more you bring to life, and when you have to go at some stage down the line, it’s all fine because you have been fully alive, and the last is which counts when we die.
Mind you, I made lots of errors in the editing of my own expressions, speaking at times too much from the heart, too early perhaps, – and at times my products became better in retrospect, by repeating, editing, and rehearsal, – in both my mind, body and spirit
Why?
Because editing, playing, writing, performing is an ongoing thing in life, and if you really love, – it is a lot of fun. Fun when you see it all with a good sense of humour as well… And mind you, …my favourite actress and producer is Hilary Swank, just because of her great passionate role in the “Freedom Writers”…. Just to keep it simple!
We can do the living only once, – and mind you, – let’s do it good, and reach out the right way, – reach out to your true north strong and free!
Thank you so much for reading, this was a long one indeed.
The work of many well known people who worked for peace and mutual understanding experienced major obstacles and random attacks of violence at various places in the world. Some were even assassinated within the course of their endeavours.
The ways by which this violence was inflicted got increasingly hostile at the core of humanity, – and what we are supposed to stand for..
This applied and still applies for the violence and cruelty inflicted to animals as well. The last for instance became evident by viewing most disturbing and excessive cruel images on the dog industry for human food consumption, in countries like Vietnam and other Asian countries. Dogs who die a slow violent death, caused by sick human minds. What people can do to animals can be done to humans as well. We live truly in a weird world and often we have not the faintest idea what is going on.
Civilisation. civility and respectful behaviour are often a thin veil on the skin of humanity and if the skin gets broken through the circumstances of dominating evil, the conditioning of many people take the wrong direction and the bleeding starts. At that time things can change for the worst.
One may wonder what drives people to spread evil to the outside world. It seems as if hatred at times accumulates in the spirit of human beings. Hatred which leads to the destruction of the baseline connection we have with each other, how distant that may be at times. It’s like an infectious disease at times, taking over commonsense.
It seems nearly an impossible task for people being drifted off this way, again to be attached to the common law of love, – coupled with healthy relations with other human beings. Because the last is the crux where things go better or bitter. And each of us has at the end of the day an own responsibility, even though muddled the mind may be. Anger can be understood, confusion can be either – with words or wordless realized. But aggression taken out on others in terms of violence, and in the extreme the brutal slow killing and other destruction of a different life, – is both senseless and repugnant, no matter what the circumstances are. UN peacekeepers who abuse and rape are simple criminals, showing as such that those things do come from corners, the least expected.
For this reason it is so vital that people learn to connect with each other, for what they have in common in the positive, for what they have in common to encourage each other.
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By empowering one another in hope, love and compassion for all that lives.
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I believe in the broader concept of love being the cornerstone of life and human relations and the connections with all life. Not in the fluffy way often being misunderstood and diminished by some cheap media perhaps, focussed on one aspect of it only, – but in the enlargement of our energies as spiritual-beings, – mortal as we are in our physical appearance.
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And with some you see the seeds of this inner-beauty already by the pathway they followed in life, the courage and determination they harboured through the challenges at each stage of their lives, – and with some this started even already in early childhood.
People have the gift of being beautiful this way, and for goodness’ sake, – why is it that so many things go wrong at just the human part of creation.
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We have examples of human beings who did overcome a most humiliating childhood and despite scars became the most compassionate people, reaching out in ways beyond understanding.
In all this lies the real spiritual freedom which we need to cherish to become better in our existence, – more tolerant and forgiving to ourselves and others, connected within a frame of both human understanding and encouragement. This is not restricted to the distinct relationship of our partner(s), –
(if we have one), but it is inclusive for all human encounters which is enriching our lives this way.
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It is the only antidote for spiritual imprisonment which lies at the root of isolation, the last often a breeding ground for unexpected and perplexing behaviour.
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Therefore never loose your spiritual freedom!
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Humanity should reach the next level of our presence here on earth if we want to survive as a human species, as with all military and chemical means being available now “we” can destroy this planet a thousand times with everything that carries life.
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It is for this reason I speak of the weight of this concept of a new humanity finding its way to a common understanding, shared within all dimensions.
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Why?
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Because it is too important to recognise and to understand this, and to share as such with an increasing number of people all over the world, – with people dedicated to inter-cultural linking of all kind. The last, – as “respect” for all grassroots within the human ranks is both priceless and vital.
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And so the “greatness” is to connect, to learn, to love and to leave a trail of an enduring inspiration….
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Yes, – a glowing foresight which “lights” the world and eventually, – all those, who live on it….
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Therefore a broader wholesome education is not the filling of a hole, but the rekindling of a fire within the human interconnections, and this may unburden an increasing darkness of the world.
So, when we are exhausted and worn out let’s try to get rest.
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When we need help, let’s ask for guidance.
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When we are disconnected, let’s try to get like-minded.
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When people come in our lives with a low-level of insight or sensitivity perhaps, – help them playfully to get a better understanding, as our humaneness and mercy are often stronger tools than the usual rejection and non-communication.
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Let’s embrace, – affectionate words being better spoken whilst alive, – than expressed only over the graves of our loved ones.
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Yes, – it is possible to love in retrospect, but it is far better to be warm-hearted and tender in prospect.
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Let’s enjoy what we playfully may see in each other, and allow gratitude and inspiration to get the better of us, as in doing so, – we may shine more than we did before.
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If possible, let’s bring out the best thoughts to each other, as speech and language are the gifts to brighten genuinely the lives of others and ourselves, – rather than to devalue our encounters in needless ways.
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And so my friends, the most potent missile on earth is when the mortal spirit get’s on fire, – and if we have the choice, – for sure, let that be the blaze of love.
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Thank you so much.
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The Refugee Question In Europe
– A few remarks on what happens in Europe. An increasing crisis with refugees.
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Likely not the real crisis are the refugees itself, as a group, – but the related tiny fractions only those who undermine everything what is the aim. And the aim was to help and reach out, and this should stay being the purpose but meanwhile eliminating some dangers for society itself.
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The question is what is the price of true principles and what patience and efforts are required to reach those standards. The virtues as well to give refugees a new chance in Europe. A new chance as well in the US. A new chance as well in Canada, – or anywhere else where people deserve a new chance. – By endurance justice will prevail by cutting off those who make injustice and crimes the domain of their activities, like happened for instance in Cologne. We must continue to work for peace and reconciliation. We must try to reconnect with each other and open the frontiers to a different humanity, faced with the conviction we have to deal with so many issues because humanity gets compromised. We have to try and cut any intercultural barriers and prejudice, – besides making more gentle the life on this earth. – But the last based on the principle of justice for everyone equal. – Never loose your spiritual freedom by becoming enslaved through dogmas, whether they come from a religion or any people being captured by the false sentiments created in the public domain. The public domain which includes an increasing number of dangerous agitators and right-wing radicals. Radicals who seek only one solution. – Always ask yourself what the God of your (“real”) understandingrequires you to do in any specific situation, and refrain from bringing harm to those who should not be harmed, – those who are innocent andharmless – As such you are better off than any dogma’s. As such you are better off than any right-wing radicals. As such you are better off than following Donald Trump, – who promised to build a wall between Mexico and the United States, – and claimed after a shooting that he could kill somebody in NY, without losing votes. – As such you are better than any ringleaders threatening the status quo by violence. As such you are better than all the different Donald Trump’s and the “blindness” of their followers, – in the US and anywhere else. As such you are better off than Geert Wilders in this small Dutch country, where his Party for Freedom resists anything what has to do with Islam or other “foreigners”. He has an increasing number of followers. He says his movement is peaceful and democratic, – but Hitler claimed to be peaceful as well until he got the powers through democratic elections. – People, by the way, who never endured the violence in Syria or anywhere else in major “capitals of torture”, – are not qualified to speak judgment on all groups of ethic minorities. –
The Refugee Question In Europe
– True wisdom comes with answering the question in word and deed where to diminish pain and suffering, if possible.. If children are learnt both at home and at school how to relate to each other in the best possible way, through forgiveness and learning to love, their relations in adulthood would thrive with more inner-strength, – and a refreshed new generation would embrace better leaders than ever before. –
The Refugee Question In EuropeThey would be better able to deal with the human playground in politics where proper interactions are so important to make the difference we need to make. They would make a difference in society, like ordinary people as well, at home and in their communities. They would be able to capture the people again who were at risk to get lost.
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Against human inadequacy we must strive for understanding, even if long-held convictions have hardened our hearts and minds. Strive and alienation are part of our culture and this applies to the problems of refugees as well. – Sweden had the greatest influx of refugees and encounters significant problems with a tiny fraction from the people arriving from Syria. However, this fraction is imposing a danger of different kinds, both for their fellow country man and triggering as well the increasing force of right-wing extremists ,who simply seek the political or even violent resolution that “any foreigner” should leave the country. – Though many have been exposed to cruelty in Syria, it provides no freedom to assault or rape in the free countries who embraced them as part of the values we cherish in a free society. People who as such commit crimes and compromise the future chance of their fellow country man, the very last who try to build up a new life on dreams which have been shattered, – those people committing those crimes need to be returned to Syria, – failing other options. All this to prevent the long-term deep-rooted prejudgment festering in western society, – and in free elections right-wing radicals coming to power, in which case increasing the risk that history is going to repeat itself. –
– A human being should never be used as a means to an end, but the end comes when a human being creates the end of others. – Auschwitz should be a lesson to the world. It should never ever happen again. But allowing right-wing radicals in the Netherlands, Germany and other countries coming up as a response on what goes wrong in the management with refugees, the worst of evils may come to light if those groups are not eliminated by the power of reason, and gain a majority of voters. –
Auschwitz should be a lesson to the world”>
– Never allow this to happen, never allow history to repeat itself as the skin of civilization get thinner when right wingers and people like Donald Trump raise to power. –
Mind you, never allow this to happen, never be silent against extremism of any nature, never be silent when human rights are compromised on the altar of nationalistic sentiments, as history will repeat itself in such case, – with far different and far darker dimensions.
Sharing stories “as a people”, not only in the written word but as well for instance at a campfire in the evening, gives “connection”.
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Well, at least this was my experience and somehow it still is. And at times it makes a lasting impression. I remember, if you don’t mind me telling you this, that when I was young and went to sailing camps for teenagers at the lakes of Friesland, in the far north of the country of my origin, we often had those camp fires, – in the evening usually. And we shared lots of stories. Lots of fun.
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Stories were also told at home when I was really young. At school as well. Some primary school teachers, who told at times stories when we “behaved” well, were really masters in fantasy and telling those narratives. We were always looking forward to this as a class, often at the end of the day, or on a Friday before the weekend. It was always a good closure of the week, even when some stories were close to a nail-biting build up of tension.
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And then really the astonishing school bell which at once stopped the story, – and the message of the teacher that it would be continued next week, – provided , yes provided, we “behaved” well. Away the dreaming, and away the group connection you felt in those moments. But it would come back, provided we “behaved”. – provided I would “behave” perhaps.
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You may remind some of those things as well, perhaps.
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Later on, when I was invited with Polish friends after an Albert Schweitzer symposium in Deventer, we (my wife as well) did visit Kraków and were introduced to the family. (The Polish family we met in Amsterdam, by the way, – after this two days lasting symposium)..
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We were also introduced into other families at the time.
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I was amazed by the hospitality and generosity. And though I not clearly enough expressed my gratitude perhaps for all this being encountered at young age, I still feel the appreciation what it did to me at the time. Sometimes you realise that such thing in retrospect. There is lots of goodness around in people and you often recognise this in the stories they tell, the genuine experiences. All this, by the way, was at the time that Jaruzelski was the leader in Poland,- before Lech Walesa took over eventually as the first free elected Polish President. But meanwhile was a period of political tension as it was still the question whether Russia would invade the country to re-establish control. Mind you, what this meant for the Polish people.
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Brezhnev and Honecker, – meaningful??
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And mind you, this was a time of telling stories, stories around the table, stories around campfires in the mountains, jokes about the hated Leonid Brezhnev in Russia. We always made sure excessive jokes were not made at home, in case conversations were intercepted perhaps, as one never knew for certain.
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So you see, ..in times of stress or at times of suppression, the telling of stories together goes quite easily and it gives at times sort of attachment to each around.
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In the childhood camps eg, for sure, it was part of “romantic stories” on occasions, funny jokes, sometimes bible stories. But also stories now and then about the leaders of some earlier sailing camps, other camps in the past, – and even sometimes about the war, Auschwitz included. For your information, those camps took place in the Netherlands and in those years kids brought up sometimes very vivid memories from their parents, who sustained WW2.
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To be honest, – I am missing a bit of “the story telling” now… Life, though it has depth and intensity, however, – appears in other ways more superficial someway. You see that people are looking for connection, but can’t get it. Their families are disrupted, children are on the drugs, too many separations.
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The recreational use of ICE has an increasing impact on the minds of young people, and so on their families or friends. We have the encounters here as well in the local hospital where I work, the drug problems etc . Are we at risk that the younger generation may get lost at a larger degree than the last generation?
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Coming back on stories (again!), for sure, our kids were told MANY stories when they were young. I loved them telling stories and they still remember them. You see , the power of stories for receptive minds. But rarely I do hear the kind of stories as I heard them in the past myself, during times of suppression elsewhere or with a nice group of people around a campfire.
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Often, “the entertaining” now is over a BBQ, and more and more rarely I get engaged in this. We live in an area where footy and some other sports are very popular and I can’t pretend I have too much liking of those particular sports and the related entertainment as such. Apart from the “drinking culture”, which is much here. And certainly, in this fairly remote area, not too much else perhaps is on offer.
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My weakness, if you wish, is my real longing for connecting with people from different cultures in meaningful and sustained ways. My craving is to hear from others, their own stories, which helps me to reach out as well with my own experiences, and the sharing of all this, – but also the mingling of different perceptions and the insights this provides, apart from the mutual spiritual enlargement this may offer at times. But how rarely this occurs, how often are people only preoccupied with their own image, profile or their own success stories.
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For sure, I have a LinkedIn profile, like many others, – but really, how much does this tell?
Is it telling the real story or is it only what we want others to believe? For myself this blog provides more information than my factual profile on LinkedIn, which as a profile is only average. But anyway:
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The interesting thing is that behind each story there is a person, often hidden behind a carefully crafted image or ego. And stories are important, important to share, as it is a way of reaching each other, a way of connecting with each other. And perhaps resolve an element of loneliness. The loneliness often hidden behind the façade of an image, whether it is a profile on a website or the way people present themselves. Presenting themselves with the believe that repetitive slogans of positive thinking is the cure for lacking real connections, regardless that they are known to many people.
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Therefore start again to tell each other stories, be funny with this, do this with a sense of humor. And in doing so ask each other questions, – and with the same fun and wit one may get to know each other better. And when you get precious to each other keep cultivating the connection, as connections are so important, – regardless the often rigid rules of gender in all this, the gender related preconceptions. The last so often being a barrier for warm-hearted cross-gender connections… Whereas those barriers don’t exist in a meaningful inter-human attachment, as just this may enrich life, – part of the greater connection we all have. A connection not based on gender, but a connection based on the linkage of human beings. A connection where the exchange rate of cross-cultural experiences provides better value for each their personal and spiritual growth.
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And all this starts with stories you know, to dare the adventure to break the cycle of narrow standards, the last which has nothing to do with real ethics or morals or values. Narrow dogmatic regulations, engraved through upbringing, religion or others, may keep a culture confined to the simple fact that “boys speak about footy and politics” and “girls chat about shopping and make-up”. For sure, the last being said in the most extreme. But when an inter-connection takes place and people speak with each other in sustained ways, it is said that one need to be careful with the gender, as it could turn out “wrong”… And for sure, at times things go “wrong”, at times people do cheat, – but is the last the benchmark to speak judgement about those who love from a different perception than what is common standard? Is the affection between people not far more important than the common fear of “crossing the lines”?
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It starts all with stories you know, and stories do connect, real connection may give affection. And this “warmth” is not limited to any one race or religion. Neither is this restricted to any one colour nor any one gender, or (for many!) the “holy wedlock”. As none of this is of any prophetic value that things go “wrong” and that people do “cheat”, – regardless that some may do indeed as they cross the standard that one should not harm, neither destroy nor mix up life in any identity. That some as such pay the price of both loosing one or more connections because they did not value the connections on the real goodness we all be worthy, and in which we lay no claim on each other, is an other story.
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The golden rule in any meaningful connection or relation is that we do not harm, do not bring hurt where this can or should be avoided. And if we are really free in spirit we do this anyhow by instinct, as instinct warns us for things out of favour as we behold the whole picture in our mindfulness. The last as part of the best possible decision we should be able to make in any set of circumstances.
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And there may be lots of them, but the last should not be the norm and for sure not a deterrent to dare to live with one and other, and to dare to grow with one and other, – and to share in sorrow and tribulations. As part of real connections in the short lifespan we have, before we get old and demented and forgot that we ever thrived, forgot that we ever flourished and lastly forgot that we ever loved in this lifetime. However this love for life being once embraced will never be terminal but always transitional, as long as we lived it, in true living and in true life, – with both the conviction and the courage that the real standard of love is not what we can keep to ourselves, but what we share with others in giving, providing, – and caring. The last with justice at the core of our hearts.
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Interesting as a story?
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Feel free to tell your story, as you have a great story, – even if you don’t think so.
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HOW?
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Really, – by choice!
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And in this we can honour and improve life where possible, and to make more gentle the life of this world. In this we can share our stories of goodwill and get a greater understanding. A greater understanding of those nearby and those being far away. A greater understanding of those we know, those we like and those we love. And mind you, in all this, – understanding is more than knowledge. It is much deeper than this as it is touching base on being forgiving, compassionate and discerning, – and this is what we need in life. And if we are able to reach out to each other with our stories, more people are able to say that apart from knowing each other, they understand each other. That is maturity you know. It is not speaking about the gigantic stuff. It starts when we understand the little things from each other.
The question who we really are is not confined to anyone in one culture, – but includes human beings in all cultures.
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With differences in background , culture and or genetic structure, we are all part of the same species.
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By chance we were either born in South Africa or Russia, – either born in Syria or the US… Or any other place….
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By chance our parents created a conception at a particular time, – otherwise we (as we are now) would not have existed. And people with a different awareness would have walked around. Coincidence, fate or predetermined, – we don’t know.
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If e.g. my granddad would not have returned from Canada to the Netherlands – because my grandma was that badly homesick – my dad would have been born in Canada. The last if the timing of his conception would have been exactly the same…
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If not, the genetic DNA structure and the awareness unique of this particular human structure, would have been totally different in its progression to the next generation . And for sure, “he” would not have met my later mum during the resistance movement in the Netherlands in 1942. And neither would he have been my dad.
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History for me would have been different, so for my wife and children. My wife would have met a different partner and perhaps I would not have been around at all.
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Is everything a matter of chance?
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Who are we, and where are we going?
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It is interesting you know!
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By chance we are living in the place where we are placed, as if the timing of our conception would have been different, many of us would not have existed in the way we are manifesting ourselves at present.
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And when either our dad or mum would have lived in a different country, circumstances would have been hugely different for likely all of us.
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It is mind-boggling when you start to think about this as you realise that lots of things are created as a matter of chance. Which does not take away our responsibilities because they are provided within our current appearance and circumstances. But the awareness of this reality by chance (I guess), helps to receive everything with a certain appreciation, though circumstances can be quite awkward for some.
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Hope this makes sense.
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I need to give an additional perspective.
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People from most Christian denominations may disagree with me on this one.
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However, – its matter of chance where we are born, the genetic structure we have and the circumstances in which are placed at the start of our lifespan on this planet. Unless everything is predetermined. How can we know or not know. The secrets of life are still a mystery but people make at some extent free choices, including partner, career, holidays and name it.
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Not that we always have the best of each situation, for sure not, – just look around!
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It does not take much imagination what this says, both in our lives and that of others, whether it is nearby or far away. We can’t always escape the situation in which we are placed, because at times we have an obligation to meet or keep a promise, or not at all.
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The last thing we have is the gift of in those our final response to any specific situation.
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By chance the start of our first circumstances in life can be great, by chance the start of those initial circumstances can be terrible as well.We are not always sure what lies ahead, we are not always sure what the best possible decision is. We grow through it, at times this is very helpful but unquestionably this is not always the case for anybody. The assumption that we grow through circumstances is not always correct. People succeed or fail or fall and suffering is part of our existence. At times the design of the existing conditions may take someone’s life. Just look at those countries where this is happening day by night…
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Just a different perspective again:
If we have learnt to fear, we will express this in our circumstances, by choice. We will avoid certain circumstances or contacts. If we have learnt to love we are able to express this as well, we will embrace certain circumstances and contacts.
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Often, we are thrown in the deep end and have to swim across rough waters. We are relying on our inner strength to sustain, on our physical ability to keep up to speed, and on our moral affinity to keep our sense of duty balanced. In all this, – we may hope we belong to the God of our understanding, and that we may sense His grace out of the many options we have to choose in one particular situation. Options we have, day in and day out, – wherever we are, – wherever we may be. And for sure those who are willing to pray genuinely, they better do this honestly and fully. We are just “pop up’s” by chance or choice in creation and may only hope that we are part of a larger plan we can’t see as yet, if we ever do by the way.
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Mind you, it is not God or Christ who wanted children to be born in unsustainable circumstances. It is not “the will of God” that you are choking tomorrow on a potato or that a drunken truck driver hits your daughter’s car on the wrong end of the road and that she gets killed. Lots of things simply happen by chance, and the fact that nature was “created” is true, – but lots of the multiplication of nature happens by chance, and in the design itself, – we are manifesting ourselves. And in this manifestation, there is a beginning and an end, – by far not always as a matter of choice, – though choice we have.
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Some Church leaders may wonder where I put God in this picture…. On an aside note on this, – I can only say that I feel that God, at His choice, interacts with his creation, with foresight. However, the biblical David for instance, was anointed as Israel’s next King after it proved that Soul was a failure. His actions were not aligned with the original intent. Soul made himself a failure in the purpose of his creation and Gog has at times a plan with some of his people by choice, but may change his plan by coincidence when the “human pop up” fails his destiny.
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But anyhow, – lets carry on with the domain of human connections, the last which is important of what we are or may become.
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Friendships we need in life. Connections we need to sustain in life and broaden our own horizons by sharing thoughts we otherwise would not express, perhaps. Good connections in life are the most important gift, apart from having the gift of choice. One should entertain and commit to this “free gift” with full faith and trust, and include the people who are really dear to us, but also reach out where justice gets compromised, where people get abused, where poverty is reaching that stage it’s simply not acceptable anymore. Not that much we can do on our own, but in the connections we have we can do more then on our own, in the choices for our leaders we can do more than on our own. Because it is all about connecting energies working for the better. Is this part of a larger plan? Not sure about this.
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Being taken up by the stream of meaningful contacts may enlarge what we are and can be, for others as well.
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If we are able to cherish the mix of colours and the mix of race which is there as a manifestation of creation, we are able to inhale the oxygen of this planet, figuratively spoken.
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If life has thrown stuff on your plate which was not of your making, and even when there have been times that you wish you could escape from it, the memory of people whom you love dearly and with whom you feel loved as well, – may keep you balanced the pathway you have to follow, as then there will be always some “oxygen” in the air.
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The last question on earth is not what we are but what we became in both love and compassion to those who surround us. And in this it does not make any difference whether we are a Muslim Christian or Jew. The last question is whether we really did share in sorrow and cheer of those around. Then we can go in peace back to the God of our understanding, when our transition takes place. The last one which is not terminal, as nothing is terminal,- everything is transitional.
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On what appeared on this planet by chance in the form of human beings as part of the wider concept of creation, – has been given “the gift of choice” in its manifestation. Again, that is the point, or one of the main points.
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For a better humanity, this is when we have contributed to a better state of human race, – including contributing towards more tolerance among our fellow human beings.
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This is what counts, the so long forgotten crux in any religion that it is about helping each other and not killing each other. I say this in the most simple way, but often it is the forgotten way in the sum of human history.
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That’s not by chance you know, that’s by choice!
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The God of our understanding has given all the “pop ups” in human creation the gift of choice to make things either better or bitter. And we are not free from the battle of the mind, not free from the battle in our existence.
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If we stand for those in the shadow at the good end of the moral spectrum, we may perceive our last moment on earth as a new beginning. The last because the question of our belonging extends far more further than what we can see and hear, – in our short lifespan on this planet. That’s part of a never-ending creation.
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Again, that’s the chance given to us, – brought on in our perception perhaps by chance, – as there is really little purpose to see children being born in war stricken areas with a special intent for their suffering. With a special intent that they are born in that particular place with a purpose to die days later, – or being taken into a terror cult, or being taken into other slavery. Much happens by chance through the purpose of others and sadly for many it seems survival of the strongest, by chance, and only in part by choice. Babies who are killed or malnourished have no choice. It happens to them through others.
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The “who am I” question is not only a question to be raised by a person at any stage in his or her life.
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This question applies to countries as well in the form of: “Who are WE as a people?”
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It is a question with political implications, – whether you accept it or not. It’s a question not raised by chance, but by choice. In choices which affects others for the better off the bitter.
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“Experience” kept us suspicious of others preventing us from being open and truthful in our appreciation of others, or countries, – and at times for a very good reason. Mind you! There are countries or other entities where the sum of all the parts is a terrible frightening one. When we are born there we will be always on our guard and in order to survive a lot of people have to adapt, conform, in ways hard to understand for people who are brought up differently. Is there something like a collective responsibility or is a “let go and let live” approach better? I suspect that there are no “rules” for this.
History evolves anyway through trillions of choices including the choice of strategic patience.
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For sure, this is not a matter of chance but it’s all a matter of choice!
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Looking back, – (not that we can doing anything about it), – the parents of Adolf Hitler did chose the timing on conception of this person at the wrong time of the scale, whilst the timing of Mother Theresa was spot on. If this would have happened one day later or one day earlier the DNA structure and the power of this particular manifestation (or “pop up”)would have been completely different. But the phenomenon of “Hitler” was supported by collective German choice, so to say.
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Isn’t this a weird thought?
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For sure, let’s take this however with a sense of humour, as definitely there is more to it..
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The difference between Hitler and Mother Theresa though, was the spectrum of conscious, which did “exclude” in one case the Jews and many others, – and in the other case it did “embrace” everybody! It was the difference between evil in progress and love in motion. And with this history is in an ongoing balancing act.
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That people are born by chance we accept, or perhaps not.
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But what they do by choice, is the crux.
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There was no purpose in the existence of Hitler, neither is there purpose in many of the dictators on this planet. They are just bad “pop ups” from the universal manifestation on earth, and the sooner they go the better I this is. Obviously we need to stop them, if possible, but timing and strategic patience are factors to be considered rather than acting hastily with the risk ” the danger of dangers” breaks free. This with a reference to North Korea.
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Sadly any assassination attempt on Hitler and his crew proved to be unsuccessful.
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Who are we, – or, what could we still become?
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When we were a child we spoke like a children, but when we became an adult – we should act like adults, with the future of our children at heart.
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What sort of a future?
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When challenge strikes us at the wrong moment, we may be weakness in progress, – but when challenge strikes whilst we are balanced amidst the positive and influential encounters we have, – we may act stronger perhaps than ever expected. We all may act the wrong way when we are touched the wrong way, no matter how good we are or may be… But if our children get harmed or killed, – we may strike out in anger and become evil. It is not always possible to resist this temptation if we deal with evil, but it is better being evil than doing evil. Being evil in our anger is better than doing evil in our outrage. This applies e.g. to Islāmic fractions who stand up against each others throat, – when sentiments are hurt.
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Mind you, by the way, no way that I say that the reigns in Saudi Arabia are good, – disturbing as they are at times………You know what happened, I guess, a short time ago. Saudi Arabia executed 47 prisoners convicted of terrorism charges, – including a prominent Shiite cleric, who rallied protests against the government.
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This happened by choice, not by chance!
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The people who were killed recently were neither really killers or terrorists, but Iran did kill people as well, who were neither assassins nor bombers in the past. It shows how often people are at the mercy of unpredictable and intolerant regimes, not allowing any opposition. The last applies to people in North Korea as well.
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What applies to people when you hope and expect them to become real adults, applies to counties as well. But how often does it really happen? How often regulate countries themselves to economic conditions, – that will take the essentials from the many, to give the comforts to the few? And then as such in an excess at times astonishing. Definitely most countries are not matured the way they could be.
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Worse even, they kill to keep the status quo, and screw their justice systems to keep it that way, – not rarely with barbaric murder and mutilation being wiped under the carpet, if possible. They protect their secrecies
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One can’t judge a country on the contents of its leadership, however sometimes the contents of the leadership resonates willingly or unwillingly with the people of such a country.
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Lets take pride in Nawal al-Hawsawi an outspoken, black, and qualified pilot who married to a white man. The ‘Rosa Parks’ of Saudi Arabia who showed in non-violent action she does not agree what is common law on marriage.
She asked herself as well: ” Who am I”. I am living will with a right to love, who can be against me if I do no harm?
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She did this by choice, not by chance!
Many of us are restless and longing for the oxygen in life, even in the slightest moment of an encounter, far away or distant nearby.
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Hungry for the human connection, most of us.
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But “the free floating oxygen” as part of revitalizing human connections can be diminished if the social context gets on the spectrum of being a human threat, as the level of trust might be reduced in such a case.
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Mind you…and listen carefully….. I give an example, an important one at this stage, – as it is not by chance but by choice! It’s a political one which play’s out at the moment, and sorry for this little distraction from the theme.
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I am quite candid in saying this:
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The poison and intolerance of one person may destroy relations in and outside the US if Donald Trump would be elected US President in 2016!
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The faint shimmer of a new humanity would be more down the drain than ever before in the US, – in such case.
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It is more than surprising that US Churches don’t take a united stance in matters, to avoid this happening. It would seem true religion and politics do not match very well, and far to often churches have been silent bystanders. Like the Roman Catholic Church at the times of Hitler, during the second world war, – they even made a deal.
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It is up to the Americans which way they want to go, either the way of increasing friction among race and religion, with a risk of more civil unrest in the US and more disruption in the world… Or, – more tolerance and understanding whilst eliminating people who can’t refrain from being evil by doing evil, – in such excess that it justifies their destruction.
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It’s a matter of a free choice in a country, tainted by history, infected by racial tension, to make the right choice in line with common courtesy and respect for other cultures, – and race alike!
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Children still kill each other on the streets in Chicago. At times they are shot as well by others..
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If the US is not going to stop this, it is only a matter of time waiting for a massacre greater than the Civil War. Self inflicted, – by inflated perceptions on what is right or wrong in gun control. The abolishment of slavery is , likewise, but different, – proper, – as the abolishment of enslavement to inflated gun laws, … and the day by day unlawful killings on the streets of almost any big city in the US, – as a result of this, by day and by night.
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By choice, not by chance!
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The US is anyway not free from the dangers of violence and further polarisation, but choosing the wrong US President is not a matter of chance but a matter of choice….. Donald Trump is simply not qualified to run a country. His only qualification is being a rich business man with neither proven manners or an acceptable standard on a real partnership with a multi-cultural society .. And I am sure, such a bad choice would affect the world.
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Definitely, US readers, – at least some, – will be greatly annoyed what I say here.
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For sure, I have nothing else to do with the US rather than my sympathy for this country to have a better future, and a better influence in the world. And I am surprised about the way people are making their choices there, not knowing what is lying ahead, – quite a few not having the faintest perceptions on the potential dangers on Trump as a phenomenon in US history.
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Therefore people and churches need to speak out in the US.
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People in the US are qualified to judge with common sense, I hope, at least if their support structures providing the support they really need. It is amazing that the right-wing sector of the Republican party, with all those so-called Christians, are prepared to support Donald Trump if he wins the Republican nomination
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Why is this important now?
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Well, it is all part of: ” Who are we or what could we still become?”
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We owe it to ourselves to believe in the future. More then enough countries are already messed up and we can’t allow the US to be messed up by Donald Trump, and with this, the rest of the world as well, – as he has no concept of real sustained diplomacy to create positive and sustainable change for the better.
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You know, the power of a country can’t be only judged on its military strengths, – but by its leverage in the world to resolve problems in cooperation with the other superpowers and others, – and to avoid conflict.
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It is all part of the question who we really are and where we want to go. A question, each time with different dimensions and opportunities. And in each of those opportunities lies perhaps the best choice which we need to search for, and this is the craving for that thing, that choice, which may slowly resolve the brokenness in ourselves and in the world.
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Where we go as a people is not by chance but by choice and only by making the best possible decisions in each new entity of life, – there is a way forward. Not only for us but also for the people who surround us, with whom we are interlinked. Not only for us as people, but for all communities and countries as well.
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Leaders today need to be qualified as the world is too complex, too perplexing, – to allow evil doing evil.
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If we have the privilege of living in a country where our ancestors by choice created a Democracy, lets stick to the responsibility of this choice, and the privilege as such, – the advantage of enhancing our freedom and justice systems by choice and as such I would say it would not be wise to take the chance with Donald Trump, – apart from all the other things I said.
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The major challenge of leadership is to restore the balance between what lies at the core of our humanity, – and the qualities which direct us in both actions of goodwill and cooperation towards the challenges we face in the future.
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Much of the misery nowadays in this world is caused by the fact that people lose their ability to connect with each other. A real mental connection is a tie to the past and a road to the future, a tie to human rights and a bridge to justice. And if we are failing to fasten the links between Nations based on the core of our humanity, as a people we will get more and more disconnected, – and as such we will be failing the children who will be the future of the next generation.
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It is as Nelson Mandela once said: “A Good Head and a Good Heart are Always a Formidable Combination”.
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And this, – he became by choice, – not by chance!
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Still we can make a difference, and say: “Why not?”
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HOW?
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Really, – by choice:
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To honour and to improve life where possible, and to make more gentle the life of this world..
No,—not the offer as shown in the Godfather by Michael Corleone or by his father!!.. .We may remember this master of drama and art, The Godfather: a genius mafia/crime film by Francis Ford Coppola in the 70ties and 90 ties… Many of us have seen this, either in the cinema or on TV or on DVD…
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However, what does it benefit a man when he gains the world and loses his soul? That is the question being raised.. After killing all his enemies who betrayed him, Michael Corleone died as a lost man, full of guilt. He wanted his family out of the Mafia scene, but one revenge did lead to the other and in a last attempt, sucked in again, after losing his first wife, his second wife,- he finally lost his beloved daughter Mary. The last played by Sofia Coppola.
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It’s a drama with similarities in some families, communities, countries and even the world. The world where, at times, we keep our enemies close. To destroy them when we seek our chance.
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The hypocrisy is everywhere and the menace of violence almost anywhere.
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Just one comment was interesting, when an US Senator visited the Corleone family:
Senator Pat Geary: I despise your masquerade, the dishonest way you pose yourself. You and your whole fucking family…Michael Corleone: We’re both part of the same hypocrisy, Senator, but never think it applies to my family…
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See the film yourself if you haven’t seen it, as it is notthe subject today.
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It may howeverillustrate something. We can win the world but lose our soul. We can howbeit take part in the drama of this world as actors. Actors who have the chance to rehearse well before our actions, or go down the hill as failed culprits due to the disease of dedicated negligence and failure to get our act together. An act which can be played out differently than some Shakespearean drama’s. Different than some drama’s on this planet at present, where evil indeed needs to be destructed, and where we have to play a part at home and in our communities. But you know, for all this, educationis the key. Not only the education for a trade or whatever you name it, but the education on the greater needs for humanity. And the last is the deeper learning. The learning we have to do in sustained ways, often the learning at the centre of our heart.
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I will do you an offer you can’t refuse. It’s a different one, a greater one. It’s an offer where nothing is too big, no distance too great.
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Time can’t stand in its way and there is no obstacle it can’t overcome. And you don’t even need to go to the movie for this, as you can make the movie play in your own brain, in your own heart.
In your own soul, if you wish. In that particular spot where there is no distance or barriers or obstacles.
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You know, ..nobody can take this away from you! In this area lies your greatest freedom. And with this freedom you may get at times both the weirdest, – but also the greatest revelations at night during your dreams.
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You know – but this aside – that only a tiny fraction of our brains is used? ..That our reserve capacity being not used is far greater than what can be applied at the moment… Are we able to explore this reserve capacity with a view to a better state of humanity?
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If the desire for this is huge, indeedno distance is too big or any barriers too large. The last when the dream (your dream!) is amazing. The last when the wanting for all this is stunning and the love and gratitude for the movie in your ownmind astounding… But you need to allowit happening!.. YOU need to allow this happening in your whole body mind and spirit.
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Does that make sense?
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Look, Michael Corleone pictured the world as he wanted it in his mind, he laid the foundation like his father did. The desire went on and on in his mind, and so did the killings, – master minded, breathtaking and awful. When we allow the good stuff going on and on in our mind, allow the dreams which never were, repeating itself time after time and day after day, we can come up with something far better.
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We can achieve together more than on our own. And then: together we can do better at home, at work and at the stage show of this world. And in our country, or in our community!
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An offer you can’t refuse, isn’t it?.. Sounds attractive isn’t it?
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What do you think?
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If we want to live and lead a better life we need to create a sense of hope, a sense of excitement and confidence. A sense of achievement as such as well. And all this starts in our own mind, if we allow it happening, if we allow our creativity being guided by what we feel is hope . By what we feel is real excitement and achievement. Creating
authentic confidence for ourselves.
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Sounds easy isn’t it?
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Not that easy for most of us as we may feel trapped as Michael Corleone felt trapped through the culture of his family and the expectations perhaps, but we have a free will, trapped as we can be at times.
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Imprisoned as we may feel at times.
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However, in our spirit we may feel without fear. And we may play without stress in the movie we create ourselves in our own being, in our inspiration. It is then what we may evenfeel into our bones, where moreover we feel this in our spirit, – where we likewise believe it…
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Where we shall hold this close to our heart. So good as it can be!
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An offer you can’t refuse, an offer which makes or breaks us in the way we deal with it. Which makes or breaks us in the way we live.
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Deal with it, live with it, – in reverberating leadership both to ourselves where it affects our aims, where we have to be proactive and not refrain from the action we need to take. But as a result as well, – all this to the people on which we may have a positive impact, the people we love both at home and in the world. It applies as well to the people even who drive us “nuts”. But also to the people we may despise of what they inflict.
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– So what do we need to do??
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What we have to do is to lead, to invent and to guide. To lead , to invent , and to guide . Why? .. Because it sounds good and as it is good. Because if you focus on results you will not make a difference, but if you focus on a moving change you will get results, as long it is related with the right goals. As long it is related with the right issues and the right things in our day-to-day life, as this is what matters.
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This is what matters most. And if I say what matters most , this is perhaps for all of us what matters most. You know, our kids are eaten up by criminal syndicates who bring in larger proportions drugs in our country. Not drugs which are enjoyable but drugs which make the mind screwed. It kills people like bullets kill people. And one may say it does not affect me in person, but it happens almost right at our doorstep, right in our street or neighborhood, – where people are getting killed that way. People get so screwed in their brains that they are unable to learn anymore. I don’t mean the academic stuff, but the learning from the heart and how we have to relate to each other.
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You know, some die slowly, over years… Some die instantly, in seconds… And the worst thing perhaps is when the spirit dies when people are alive, as those people may get very dangerous and intolerant to others. Like extremism, like terror and others.
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And every time when a human being dies, a human being with a good intend, there is taken away something from his or her family as well.
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When people die , there is likewise taken away something from their community. And if it is eg a President killed by a bullet, something as well is taken away from the country, – apart from his or her family, apart from his or her community.
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The fragile tapestry of families, communities, and countries are hanging in the balance if no greater force is going to stop today’s youngsters being eaten up through the evil of drug dealing and trafficking… The evil of people smuggling and paedophile networks. The evil of sex trafficking, – or soldier trafficking with kids in wars… we can’t comprehend they exist.
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We can’t comprehend they exist!
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True?
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This is on offer, still, in our world and far more… Yes?.. And you can refuse this, isn’t it?
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For sure we are not in control about all this,.But what I mean is you can refuse to take part in the nasty stuff which is invading our culture. Increasingly invading our civilization if we don’t keep close watch… Including, also, – the risk of growing racism and accelerating intolerance as we see this happening again… What we see in the film like “The Godfather” is that violence breeds more violence and we don’t need to look at movies to detect that our world is full of it, – and sometimes very subtle.
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Even there where we live.
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At the end of the day God made us from the same substance, and it has never been the aim to allow the slow destruction of this vulnerable and mortal fabric of life, – by war or hunger, by climate change or any other …self-inflicted evil perhaps.
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We live in a time where this tapestry of life, painfully and clumsily woven at times, is getting more endangered than ever before. We are living in a time where neo-fascism may flare up in countries where we don’t expect this at the moment.
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A time where violence is rising and common humanity is ignored.
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We see civilian slaughter in far-off lands. People of all shades of sanity may acquire knives or guns whilst the ignorance and misunderstanding is increasing, – and the barriers for violence reduced.. We see domestic violence on the increase, likewise the institutional violence in churches and in schools.
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The indifference and slow decay…you know.
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Do you know?
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I have no answers on all this and this is not the aim. The aim is more to accept in our own selves the offer we can’t escape. And this is to look privately what we can do. Which means not to teach to hate and to fear. Which means eg not to judge people on their colour or beliefs. Which means as well not to threaten the freedom of others, if they don’t threaten you.
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Each country has unalike hardships and different aims, ideals if any, – made or designed by the traditions of their history and the level of understanding of their times. It is however not about the diversity of our goals but the closeness we have in our desires, our struggles and hope for the future. The youngsters of this world whose minds are neither screwed up by drugs, – or by emotional and/or sexual abuse. You know, they have a clear awareness what is at stake. But also those who suffer with clear minds. Sometimes in their sleep , as Aeschylus once wrote differently, falls bit by bit the agony on their hearts, – and in despair against their will may arise, wisdom through the amazing grace of God.
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Some people are more aware of this than others, which is fine..
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Yes, young people with the right sensitivity, likewise adults with the right responsiveness, knowthat law enforcement has to tear down crime syndicates dealing with drugs, sex trafficking etc., to save the younger generation and their sanity. They are aware as well that we neither can tolerate climate change by non-activity, nor the intolerance of those who are violent extremists or racists.
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If we allow all this, all what we see already, – we allow our heart to be fooled. We allow humanity bending down the wrong direction, we are crippling the ability of our kids to do the serious lifting when they are adults. Why? Because the ability to learn from humanity in sustained ways has been lost by the ignorance of our time .
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I am going to finalise this story. But remember, – it’s fun to see light and we better live in the light than in darkness.
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Embracing normal human rights where those rights are an obligation to protect, will ensure that the flag of liberty and freedom keeps flying. A flag with the colours of true responsibility as well.
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As this is light.
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Responsibility to make the right and many forward moving decisions.
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As this is light.
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So, which moving forward decisions are we going to make in 2016 now at the end of this year? Is this a question you can refuse to ask yourself? Is this an offer and an obligation you can decline? ..An obligation amidst the injustices everywhere and anywhere?
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John F Kennedy once said: “Lets go for the Moon”. Lets go for it…And true, less than 9 years after his assassination Neil Armstrong became the first to step on the Moon. Don’t forget the tremendous team effort!!
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I would say: Lets continue to go for this planet, let’s go for ourselves and our own enlargement in person and spirit, – that we may shine as the Moon shines,- under the light of the Sun.
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As this is light.
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Lets go for the questions which part or which one is our own domain of care, which we can share. Which we can improve.
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You know, devoted hearts are never a waste, – and walking with destiny, with passion for all of this, – can be a grace.
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As this is light.
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Those things are told so that you may have harmony and encouragement this pending New Year. A year with grave concerns pending again. But it will not be the settlement of the grave or being the slave of a poor mind or conscious, – but the goodwill and the type of mindfulness which brings the present to the future.
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As this is light.
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A future where we can respond with wisdom and kindness, rather than habit and reactivity.
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A deal you can’t refuse, isn’t it?
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So let’s find first the final justice in ourselves, – and bring it out in both words and silence, in both action and not acting. The last e.g . when not acting or responding to insults is the best way to do.
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As this is light.
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Are we able to refuse this?
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Are we able to refuse to try to make both more gentle the lives of others and ourselves?
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Do we have a better bargain perhaps than this?
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As the actor Al Pacino in his role of Michael Corleone once said, and I translate it the way as I see: we are all part of the same hypocrisy if for the sake of unity in ourselves we turn a blind eye on what is going on around us and in this world. That is not mindfulness, that is duplicity. The same hypocrisy as shown at many levels in society. The same deception often found at organizational levels of many political and even sacred institutions and foundations. We know this, we see this. “It is easy to fool the eye, but it is hard to fool the heart…”
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When evil men and powers plot, fine people must design and organize.
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As this is light.
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When evil men and powers bomb and burn and take the life out of our kids, good men should raise and bind.
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As this is light.
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When evil groups or men shout repugnant or sickening words, – great people must undertake the splendour of real connections and affection.
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As this is real light.
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Our lifetime is too short and the endeavours are too great, – and so we too have to make sure, within our domain of care, to let our best possible qualities flourish and to show our best possible courage and determination. The remedy lies in our own soul and if trillions of energies and daring are combined this way on this globe, we can say: We can change the world a little bit, in our strong connections in which we face the future. We can change the high tide of insanity for a high tide in humanity.
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As this is the best light.
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This is the offer we can’t refuse, isn’t it?
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And with this in mind, – I wish you all an awesome 2016 , and more than this, – even better than this! .. Just embrace the future as a never ending story with everything you have, to make more gentle this generation and future generations!!!
“We spend our years as a tale that is told..” – Psalms
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They tell me that words and differences often do not matter, and that actions only do.. They tell me that stories and tales do not matter either, and that only reality does.. Others do say that words are only words and not always have a meaning…
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They forget then that actions follow words (often on differences) , and that the way we approach differences are often the extensions of our attitude and that attitude follows mindset.. A certain mindset on which words do follow…Just repeat this if you wish, … And don’t forget that tales at times carry both hope and inspiration, when the last is based on the mindset which makes someone tick the right direction.
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Words carry weight. Words carry sometimes a burden as due to created perceptions of fear. Tales, words and hope do matter… Many of us are brought up with stories and tales. Stories about the family, tales about people. Just name it! Almost everyone has examples, either at school or at home or at work or elsewhere. We live in a world with role models, film stars, sport heroes, leading men and women and all the others on which we may relate some way or the other. It is what they say, what they send in their energies. And all those people are so different, what they say is different and what they do is different. Likewise what politicians say, based on mindset, context, and their attitude. Name it different if you wish, but what they say has an impact, as for sure it is not rarely followed by action.
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Do you agree?..
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To be exceptional and to make a difference in our inequality, – words carry gravity. Some more than others..-. In our separateness, only our distinctive actions as a result of those words make the difference between “captivating people” or boring them, – making splendid the beauty of this world or passionless the drawbacks of our actions. A world full of imperfections, full of major challenges. A world full of efforts, repellent at times as a result of hateful quarrels. All based on words, based either on hope or despair, based either on the perception that the wider context matters or that the bigger picture is trivial.
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The wider context, – the world, – with the challenges we face? Often international challenges, tensions provoked by words which carry energies impacting as a meaning, a gesture, and often not the best one.
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One may ask: “Where does this leave us”? – I will get back on that one a bit later..
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Speaking on a larger picture at a different level, we noticed this for instance when Turkey shot down a Russian plane in the common fight against ISIS. And the words of the Turkish President were only inflicting more tension between Russia and Turkey… The point was: ..a Russian pilot made a genuine error. The Turkey’s command systems fired a missile to this plane and the words being spoken then worked like “missiles” and increased tensions, – and not the mutual recognition that something went wrong.. Something which could have been prevented perhaps.. And the people in Turkey then went on the street full of hate words against Russia… The propaganda of words… And the Turkish Parliament applauded then the Turkish President.. All this in a climate with already existing tensions in Europe with a possible Russian’s desire for further expansion. Also the possibility Russia may use nuclear weapons against ISIS, options which were raised earlier in a different context. So – why inflicting tensions with words at this level?
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Lets forget about this particular example as there are too many!
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What a potential stupidity and power lies in the use of words as well,.. and how senseless the conceivable actions of leaders, lacking insight and proper judgment, may be… European leaders in such case being blind-folded by a NATO contract, that one attack to one country is an attack to all countries. As such, you know, the most controversial action may impose the most untamed reaction. Britain’s nuclear subs already on a level of increased alertness.
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Do you know that if e.g. the UK would get destroyed, in part, and the command system of some of those subs are not able to be in contact with the British government anymore, – that there is a large full scale nuclear mission to be carried out?
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History is full of “word created stuff”. Missions based on actions and words.
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The secret box in one of those subs being mentioned – to be opened, carries instructions from the British PM. Words to be carried out in action. Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister got pale when he signed again the “last instructions”. Let that ever be prevented, both by actions and for sure by words of reconciliation and coöperation, the last where this is possible and desired within reason.
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However, history is full of leaders lacking balance and insight, apart from the few good ones who inspired to believe again in the universal potential we all have as a people and brought it to action. But the balance is very fragile at international stage.
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Still the question: “Where does this leave us”? – Just hang on..
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It is factual that speeches not always solve problems, but what is true is that we can inspire trust and coöperation. Even amidst our differences and errors. Even at the level of international politics. And it all falls back on the use of proper words, based on the bigger picture in mind, based on the right mindset and attitude as well. Words either full of prejudice or fairness. Those words, you know, transmit energy of goodwill or hostility, wisdom or ignorance, reconciliation or conflict. And this applies to us as well!
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Words do matter and differences do matter as in our difference lays the opportunity to reach out and find better connections than before, both at home in our household and in the world. In the moment of truth or danger we need to recognise the potential menace, but also recognize and pursue the opportunity for keeping peace. All being part of making real and genuine connections. And this applies to us as well!
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We hold those truths to be self evident that all men are created equal – just words?
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Does this apply to us?
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Are we fearful to make real connections with those who surround us or are we slowly losing our ability to relate to each other because we live in a world, perhaps more divided against itself. People more disconnected due to the variety of challenges we face in our communities, where the blessings of technical progress are not rarely translated in the curse of regression of our fruitful energies. The last including the potential to connect at our most fundamental human levels.
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If we inspire hope in our words, wisdom in our actions, compassion and justice in our accomplishments, we may find that words and difference do matter. As in all of this it is “mind over matter”. In all of this it is consciousness over the elements or events, whether it is at home or at the highest political stage in the world. Keeping the bigger picture in mind is getting far more important and it requires courage and determination to separate the weed from the chaff, to get straight to the point in crucial matters. Crucial matters within the world surrounding us – and within the world of ourselves. And the last applies to us in person!
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A world both in ourselves, – reflected in the outside world, – where we have to watch that what we have “in us” is not getting more and more superficial. The last despite technical progress, despite e.g. the accelerations in the communications industry and many others, which may give restrictions of various other nature as well if not properly used..
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So for all of us, wherever we may be:
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Let wisdom ring from the Rockies of Colorado to the Blue Mountains in New South Wales..
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Let compassion being shown on the borders of the Ukraine and in Russia.
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Let mind over matter rain at the stage where important decisions are made.
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The last with the reality awareness, the reality on the risk of war where people use their words and differences “to make matters evolving”, – making matters worse as an excuse to decide matter over mind, to escalate words to the propaganda of war.. We have seen this after 9/11… And oncemorewar has started it is hard to stop again, as events then are only of an escalating nature where the mindset in such case has reached a point of “no return”…
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Is hope a dream only?
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No, it is a reality we have to put our mind on. We have to dream and say why not. We need to set our goals and say why not. We need to reach out and say why not. We need to show compassion where it might be hard and say why not.. And besides this, we need to be open on what is still possible to explore both the sea and the sky, to bring out the best of our human endeavours, to combat the dangers of our time and say: ” Why not?”
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This is what we can do together. Together we can spend our years as tales being told through words of wisdom and compassion, and in this we may lay together the foundation of greater understanding and a better future. We are allowed though to be somewhat pessimistic in our world view as long as the optimistic music in ourselves remains the driving force of both our words and actions.
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Does this apply to us??… YES, .. THIS APPLIES TO ALL OF US!
So let it be known in every village and hamlet that despite the agonies of this world there is still hope for a better future, that Muslims and Christians can live together, that Jews and Palestinians are not necessarily eternal enemies and that both Iran and Israel are able to escape from old dogmatic principles. The last based on the assurance that they are no threat to each other and accept each other as partners in common enemies we all face as a people in the future. The impact of climate change. The impact of more dangerous and hard to control terrorism. The importance to manage a world with stronger countries desiring to broaden their level of influence at a cost of others…And all the other things, on which words, mindset and the world does matter, – now and in the future.
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It all depends on the words and actions being used, the actions as a result of those words, the words as a result of a certain mindset. I have to repeat this..
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Mindset – you know is everything, but it grows on the environment of words, either words of hope or words of suspicion and hatred. It grows in the environment of our families and schools, in the environment of the street at times where youngsters get lost or killed during the gun violence e.g.in the backyards of Chicago. People killed or getting violent as a result of the ICE epidemic within Australia the greater influx in the north and Melbourne perhaps, with crime syndicates and drug dealers often having an easy escape… We easy could go over the world with all both the positive things and the awful and flawed precedence or examples.
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But it is not important here…. What is important here?
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There is a twinkling in the lifetime of any generation where the spirit of hope on a broader mindset may come through. Where we are capable to ask ourselves what we are able to do. What we are worthy to do to make more gentle the life of this world, and not asking what others can do for us this way..
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And this is the spirit, – not of what “I” can do, – but what “we” can do together, to sustain the responsiveness of free man in a more complicated world, both at home and around us.
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This is a dream and a hope which may last through the storms of generations and will endure.
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This is a dream and a hope which will endure our time and all times.
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Times where words and differences will always be around but where we may find the means perhaps, through cultural transition, to set up the realistic awareness that we are all inhabitants of this only one world, all residents of this only one tiny planet. And that we have to rise up together and challenge collected the dangers for humanity, from east to west, from all corners of the world, – at times against all odds.
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That is hope you know… To believe things which are not there as yet, rewarded by seeing what we believed and hoped for. Not empty hope which will be thrown in our hands but hope which is out in the open through the works of our hands, day in and day out.. Not that we will see perhaps what we believe, but that the music of not seeing but still yet believing,… remains the hope in our heart..
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For sure, God willing, we can do this, we can make this. And if organized we may do that at the same level of imagination, and many of us at the same level of feeling and even more of us on the similar level of unloading the affirmative actions – regardless the barriers and regardless the resistance and regardless even the hatred we may meet on our ways.
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People may die but the dream for a better world lives on. Lives on as a tale being told in the years we have to spend… In the years where we are allowed to be receptive to both words of wisdom and justice.
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Words and dreams then, which may fall drop by drop upon the heart until we are able to express ourselves through the gentle grace of God, – and as such … becoming the tale that should be told… A tale in which both hope and the world matters.. A tale being part of an eternal flame…. A flame which can’t be extinguished anymore, despite our own despair and pains… A flame which carries on through the generations, as words do matter, … as the world still matters, ..and as hope always matters for bringing change and to make a difference. And all of this finally, is in our own hands and in the world of our own minds and hearts, where our mindset and attitude finds the words to create realities, – some reversible others irreversible.
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Those , able to carry and send out their own story of hope and compassion, – their own icon of understanding as to the needs for their fellow human beings, may warm the earth, – as a new tale being repeatedly told during the years we spend on this planet… A tale asking for ongoing inspiration and action. A tale and an urgent truth: to make more gentle the life of this world.
The belief, the work and the efforts being done may be not be enough to appreciate or to see clearly. Our destiny will be shaped on the platform of all human activity, by those willing to dedicate their mind and their heart to the task, – whatever this may suit us within our own family, ..duty.. work .. or outside work activities.
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And so, as said in the Psalms: “We spend our years as a tale that is told..” , let’s try to develop the best possible tale in our life story
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Does this apply to us?… Yes, – it does!!
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Indeed: WORDS MATTER, THE WORLD MATTERS, HOPE MATTERS – and LIKEWISE YOUR WORLD MATTERs, likewise your story matters.
Robert Fritz wrote, “It is not what a vision is; it’s what a vision does.”
What does a vision do?… Vision is the ability to see.
Helen Keller was asked, “Is there anything worse than being blind?”.. “Yes,” she replied, “having eyesight but no vision!”
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Leaders with myopic vision are so shocking near-sighted that they live only for today. Their vision of the future is murky. They can hardly see beyond their noses. Under pressure they
might be hallucinating.
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Leaders with peripheral vision are blindsided by side issues and they get carried away with the waves.. This was e.g. the end of Lyndon Baines Johnson, whilst other US Presidents who went to war were washed up as well in US history, – trapped as due to gross injustice in
some of their misguided considerations.
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There have been only a few justified wars in history and being able to make the wisest distinctions at the time of greatest danger is a contribution hard to select..
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But among the existing candidates for the 2016 US President elections is there likely any candidate to impact the US and the rest of the world this way?
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The pending 2016 US Presidential elections, at this stage only, seem to bring forward Donald Trump and Ben Carson as the potential Republican nominees.
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Hillary Clinton seems the only front-runner for the Democratic party..
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One could disagree at some extend on the political views of 44th US President, but no one really can measure up with the current US President in terms of bringing back what the US Presidency is supposed to be, – after the George W Bush Administration.
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Rather than building up momentum for an increased quality, the greatest democratic Republic in the world seems insignificantly able to apply any approved quality criteria designed and being helpful for selecting a first-class candidate for the US Presidency. Worse actually,.. no serious efforts are made in any party to build up and equip the most likely candidate in front of the public eye.
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The choice for the American public, as such, is outrageously poor. The last in part because systems of some increasing dysfunctionality got the better of the United States House of Representatives, and the general public seems to be so fat up that they start to prefer outsiders with no experience at all.
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Whilst any new US President needs to have time to get familiar with the new job and with all the responsibilities, having no relevant experience could be a national and international security risk.
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The United States had 43 Presidents and the 44th has still a bit more than 1 year to go. Of all those Presidents only 3 had no political experience. They were Zachary Taylor, Ulysses S Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower. who took office without political experience. However they had high-level military experience to make in part up for this..
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Having said this, the experience G.W. Bush had as Governor of
Texas did not protect the US from major adversity.
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Hillary Clinton at the age of 68 has enough experience. She served as Secretary of State during President’s Obama first term, in line with her agreement to do this for only 4 years. This demanding job left her somehow exhausted and from this perspective one would assume the job as US President is even more demanding.
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Regardless her level of dedication, for sure at the age of 69 or 70 near the time of being potentially elected in her case, – the risk of being less stable on “the mountain top” is quite obvious.
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Cognitive decline caught up with Ronald Reagan at the end of his worthy presidency.
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Worrying, .. as lots of things happening in the world depend in part on “the US response”. Having no experience or being of retirement age is not the most suitable situation for a potential President-elect. Not to speak about the people who are dependent on significant executive decisions.
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Wars by major misjudgements are not things only from the past.
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There was e.g. hardly any American justification for the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.. After 9/11, the US led a coalition with other countries in a highly unsuccessful campaign to destroy al-Qaeda and other militant Islamist organizations.. Unsuccessful, as the more vital substructures are demolished on such a pathway, the more you open up the gates for terrorism..
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ISIS massacres now in Syria are of the worst kind ever perhaps, with the sad thing at present that it seems to attract infectious support from all sorts of unexpected places. Even in western countries.
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If the US response after 9/11 would have been different, the security risk for the US and the world would have been unalike. The migration problems in Europe most likely would not have happened.
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Major decisions can have domino effects for both the better or the worst.
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Hence quality leadership at the Executive Branch of the US Government being vital with good judgement and insight.
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Robert F Kennedy after the Cuban Missile Crisis noted that at thetime there were various opinions on the right approach, all from dedicated people. However, a different approach than was taken would have caused a nuclear holocaust, as the Russian missiles on Cuba were already loaded with nuclear weapons and the instruction was to fire them if the US would attack Cuba…
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Wisdom, moderation, insight, courage and at some extend
compassion are important ingredients for the US Presidency, – besides experience and an ability keeping the right balance in the midst of different opinions within various groups of advisers and security meetings.
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The use of power amidst a variety of leaders is a major issue in this world, and often comes at a cost of innocent lives. Whilst the war against ISIS needs to be radical and swift, – any other war needs to be considered on its justification as the world is already troubled enough, – and side effects of any war are often with exceeding difficulty to control.
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Any major error or decision to go to war may have domino effects, neither being possible to predict nor to control.
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Whilst no restraint is possible anymore against ISIS, – the most resourceful approach is required to eradicate this affliction.
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The agonizing lesson out of this is that any major war will bring total chaos in the affected areas. It is a warning as well for those nations exercising armed field-tests with a view how far they can go, – in testing as such the military muscle of others. It is pointless and dangerous as any major incident may escalate a range of events out of control.
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Hence good judgement and experience are vial requirements for any US President, as the last needs to balance the military views or even ignore the military recommendations since the military recommendations are not always correct.
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A US President needs to have grace under pressure, both on domestic and foreign policy.
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We are at risk of wars by major misjudgements. The road to voracity marks the scars of humanity far more than we think.. and there is no one else to blame than the nature of human race on its own. Hence the greater judgement to improve humanity and not making it
worse, being important to stay at the heart of the US executive branch.
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If countries are getting more inspired to get the records straight on maintaining peace and mutual cooperation, they are at the lesser risk to become deceased nations with citizens and common civilisation largely extinct.
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This is just part of the greater justice towards the next generation, which we have to carry over.. The generation which will inherit this planet. A generation with new leaders on a planet where we all share both the darkness and the light this may create, now and in the world to come..
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We may hope that the US may get it right with the 2016 US President elections.
We all have seen the pictures photo’s and other information – at some degree – about the unfolding events in Syria.
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With this escalating drama, we can only hope that 10 years from now we can say that the reconstruction process after the war brought things in the right direction. However we are not sure.
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Not sure are we, either, as how the dynamics in the Middle East will evolve if a new Syria will be a stronghold with both Iran and Hezbollah against Israel.
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Whilst at the moment everything is better than an ISIS state, the Assad regime – if not seriously modified – can’t be more than an interim solution. The chemical warfare Assad prepared was neither for Lebanon or Hezbollah. Hence the last post war reconstruction of Syria should strike the right balance and prevent old allies in the Middle East imposing new long-term dangers of a different kind, not recognised as yet perhaps.
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It is not easy to put in words what we see in Syria now, both in human suffering, both in agonising evil, and the implication for people who want to escape all this.
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And then not to speak about those countries who seek solutions, those countries who have to use violence as the larger aspect of evil seems to be concentrated in the group called “ISIS”. A group which spreads as an infectious disease, attracts people from all over the world, both very young and some even old.
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They spread violence in the most barbaric way. The type of violence from dogma’s and intolerance, – not understood, but evil and inhumane in all its manifestations.
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There is no simple answer in both the complexities in this further unfolding drama. Genuine people fighting against the Assad regime because of the injustice of Gestapo type methods this regime applied, – to try to keep control for far too long. And on the other hand a different and most barbaric ISIS movement trying to get control in both Syria and Iraq.
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ISIS aiming for a large new Islāmic state where the sorts of Hitler Germany echoes in a different identity in the Middle East. And it is because of the potential implications on this new and modern evil, where all roots of this kind need to be eradicated, as it deeply goes against all human values, – regardless religion or non religion.
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A danger for civilisation.
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It will be not possible to enforce democracy in a country which never had democracy. The dynamics of the Middle East are different, different as much as the surrounding countries and interests are.
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Whilst an Assad regime can be contained within Syria, – with the reconstruction of this Syria after this war, the tone and the further implications of this dictatorship needs to be modified, – the least.
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Besides this, an Assad regime will not last for ever and from history we know that some countries made profound positive changes for the better within a time frame of 25 years.
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Worse is possible as well!
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ISIS, if not eradicated in full, if not stopped at least, – may be the most dangerous nuclear power state within 25 years (or less!), worse even than North Korea. The Assad regime would never ever able to achieve this kind of evil, evil as it is in a more contained format.
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The question not being a question anymore is which evil would impose a greater danger for civilisation?
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Syria without any infrastructure would embrace greater chaos and terrorism of unknown quantity, and would impose for any order in the Middle East a greater threat than the Assad regime.
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Like the evil of Hitler Germany did not last, the evil of the Assad regime will not last either. The evolution of German conscience brought forward in 2015 a nation at the forefront of moral values.
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Whilst Russian military equipment is just now used to support the Assad regime from the north, any resistance against the Assad regime in this process is eliminated, including the coalition supported forces to replace Assad with a more Syrian friendly government.
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It is at this point where the US – led coalition has major differences with Russia as the betrayal of this particular group has never been the aim. Turkey in its anti-ISIS air campaign killed many Kurds against ISIS, which was neither the aim of the US or other partners in the fight against ISIS either. The principal of betrayal of this kind is betrayal by principle, neither acknowledged nor being apologised for. And whilst certain principles get compromised for the common good against the greater evil ISIS, – protection or evacuation of those groups fighting at the right end of the moral spectrum has never been on the table.
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The last which is wrong.
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All in all we have a conflict in Syria with various very mixed background agenda’s. Hard to resolve in conflict, hard to resolve in the aftermath, – including the reconstruction which hopefully will be the logical end of this battle in the years ahead.
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The victims of the violence are often innocent Syrian people, trying to live in peace with little means, exposed to the horrors of utterly violence. Men and women and children alike. Attacks come from everywhere and anywhere and they don’t understand why, and neither do they know who will be the next victim. Likewise neither the Kurds nor Rebel fighters do understand.
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For us, enjoying the type of government which does not copy the examples of brutal states, not defending the rights of the few but the benefits of the many with equality for the law in our private differences (regardless race or religion as part of our democracy), – we can’t enforce our social and political standing to any area in the Middle East.
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What we can do during the fight against ISIS is to honour collectively those who willingly and unwillingly gave their lives in their fight amidst the chaos of a struggle against various evils. Those who worked at the right moral spectrum and hoped to find more justice.
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Their burial grounds in the most undistinguished areas is not what they left behind. What they left is their shattered dreams upon unfinished lives, ignored and concealed by this “distinguished world” but unconcealed by the God of their understanding. – who understands their anguish and tears.
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Perhaps they are the greater hero’s, as neither place nor people should be the battle ground for evil regimes not stopped at the beginning.. All the war memorials are pointless if we are unable to prevent this collectively. But that having said, the realities of this world are that nations have different agenda’s and that the way those agenda’s are implemented, at times of conflict, often is torture for the many with even little enduring benefit for the few who are responsible for the often senseless menace of violence.
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For those who died in vain, let it be hoped that in this embattled area the final torch of their country’s history will be carried forward to a government, which serves the many and not the few. Which serves by law the rights of many, and not the moral decay of the few despotic regimes which endured “against people’s will”. Endured without any justice in their genes.
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Tyranny will not last, regardless the tears, the agony, the suffering and the anguish sustained.
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Finally tyranny will be silenced, but the lesser the human cost the better the victory on the principle of early preclusion.
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Early preclusion of any tyranny should be the golden standard in the reconstruction of any Syrian future movement, as this country paid already a price far too high on the standard of human dignity.
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Besides this, the Middle East suffered too long on the dimensions of violence and intolerance of various nature.
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Hence the reconstruction of Syria holds vital opportunities not to be missed by those who seek long term stability. Stability in a region unstable already for far too many centuries.
It’s a different story this. Entirely different from the earlier posts .
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Hope you like this flavour in addition to the last post on parts of my personal history, – the dimensions this time are far different though…
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Perhaps the contents do trouble me a bit from time to time, as they reinforce somehow I may need to do more, – one way or another…
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Having still -at times- conflicting thoughts about all of this, it is yet however food for thought for me. The last as this has been lingering for some years, and not finding the right “outlet” – as yet ….
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Generally applies that it is good to use your mind to focus on what you want in life, to use your heart with similar focus on what you desire in life, – on the premise you don’t harm and bring good.. And on the premise that you are true to yourself. But the potential directions can be contradictory, and part of it is related with life itself, being enclosed by circumstances of various nature….
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But anyhow, this will explain:
->>>>
She wrote to me from a different avenue, a different spectrum of insight and feed-back. The last far away…
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Actually from an Arizonan place nearby the Grand Canyon’s in the US………. And for sure, I’m still grateful for the encounter we had, even though we never met in person.. She had a look at some of the articles in this blog and kindly provided an assessment of sorts……. An assessment based on what came to mind during an email contact which we enjoyed, as we both got a lot out of it..
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Her opinion was at large Astrology based, but interesting as part of the mixture of tools she used….. However, within the context, I would call it more a transpersonal communication..
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A vice versa interaction of humanity sorts.
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Apart from an introduction – and a closure – there is – actually – nothing to add, – besides the self chosen illustrations. The last which I always like to do… And, for sure shortening her missive, to keep it flowing, – and simple as required.
In ideal human conditions we can reach our full potential with both imagination and love for what we are doing… Those, often, who have a fair degree of fortuity in both circumstances and their personal approach, or place in life, may reach a good deal in the uniqueness of their circumstances… We know, ………. the last thingwe can do is clenching to our own response in both adversity and good fortune……… For most of us this is a mixed picture with different opportunities to all..
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Different opportunities ……..The last , in the more positive, is only possible if you have a strong desire and love for what you do…..and believe in what you want..At times, regardless the circumstances or the facts..At times ..this requires much reflection, analysis, intuition and action..And this process ..is not always that straightforward or logical..And “science” often in those areas is unhelpful, a good intuition is..
The question is whether you like it what you see – (or don’t see as yet), – whether you want it, – whether you allow the wanting and have the determination to follow through. The last with respect for any other human being you will meet on this pathway…This is not always that easy or simple…
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Whilst Astrology in good hands is an ancient art or craft, which really evolved through the ages, – it has no scientific validity and there is a lot of prejudice against it. However, – as an instrument of mapping potentials in people, man’s free choices find the outcomes! The same applies with e.g psychological test results. The last with more – “so-called” – scientific validity……. Scientific validity, however, can change on the same subject, and is ….. notalways the cornerstone and measure for progress in any area of life.
Regarding the standard of professions, – there are vocations where one need to separate the chaff from the wheat more than in other professions… But like there are good politicians, dentists, opticians, teachers, police officers, and many others (we all know this), – there are genuine good astrologers as well. Like there are e.g good doctors, there are less favourable doctors as well, and all for various reasons……There are psychologists ( – I am aware as well of one Psychiatrist in the US, Dr Judy Tsafir, – 11 km west of downtown Boston www.JudyTsafrirMD.com – ) who use the art of Astrology as a way to look at the wider spectrum of options and behaviour in people (from a different angle)… And only if they are well-trained in this ancient art, with the right attitude, they serve a purpose. But at the end, .. it is the response from the person which counts, supported perhaps by the dimensions they know and don’t know. Supported by the seen and the unseen, believing in what they don’t see as yet, – and fulfilled eventually to see what they believe.
What was her “astrology verdict” (so to say) on myself?..Knowing both my restrictions, my background and my environment, – the angels who keep the great record may put to her credit that for certain she is a very genuine astrologist and centred in a good place (whatever else they have to say!).. …….However, being realistic, and perhaps as due to the personal communications with this female astrologer, – I was possibly more lucky than others. The last as we both got a lot out of an affirmative correlation, – which is not further disclosed here. Hence toda raba to her. The Hebrew saying of thank you very much… For sure, she has been able to touch base on a few issues, but her observations are not complete… Certainly useful, but like an acorn holds the pattern for an oak tree, – as a people, we are the masters of our own transformative and creative faculties, with both seen and unseen forces playing a role,….. and finally the level of our human interactions assisting all this…. The last so important.. as Albert Schweitzer once noted…… important if we are prepared to discuss the meaning and purpose in life as on ongoing process of direction and energy….
In general, the only certainty we have is that everything can change, for better – or worse… With this notion on the seen and the unseen, …… the believe – for sure – that little really can be lost in creation, ….. I hope myself neither to fear the worst, – nor the most amazing…..
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Part of her “transpersonal communication”:
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“You look to do well in the creative arenas of life Paul. You are an artist at heart, but not everyone understands your style.
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I see that you look to be restricted by fear in moving forward in finding your life’s greatest purpose. You will be finding meaning to what you will be doing as you progress through every stage of life.
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You look to be going along relatively smoothly. I don’t see that you are off the path you are supposed to be on……. You are learning and expanding, this is really the main goal in enlightenment and finding your main purpose.
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I see this as lasting at least the next 6-9 months before you will be able to move forward to a new destination. I see that you serve a purpose to teach others in this environment as well as learn from others that you are working with.
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You can learn more and extend more on how to find salvation through love and positive energy….. This through really getting in touch with your inner self a bit more. You will meet this through introspective thought and the recognition of who you truly are and what you are truly thinking….. Remain positive in your thought processes and you will open yourself to receive more positive things happening in your life.
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The main thing that I see in your chart at the moment, Paul, is your natal Saturn return. This is something that happens twice in your life, three times if you are lucky. Saturn’s orbit is about 29 years, so we hit the first return age 28 – 29, the second one 57 – 58, and the third one 86 – 87.
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Saturn returns are quite profound. Saturn plays some key roles in the birth chart. For centuries, it was the most distant known planet–Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are very recent newcomers (and yes, I still consider Pluto a planet). Saturn urges us to watch where we’re going, pay attention to what we’re doing, and cautions us to be careful. When it returns to it’s natal place, it brings to us an awareness of what we might need to avoid.
Saturn in Scorpio is all about control. This is why you are so involved in co-creating your destiny with your blog, Paul… Saturn is a hard taskmaster, and for you, it is encouraging you to be more proactive about creating what you want from life. This is a time when you need to put your responsibilities to good use–and you are, trying to find a way to have the courage to embrace the impossible. If anything can bring that to you, it’s this second Saturn return, in Scorpio.
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This is particularly prominent for you, Paul because Saturn is retrograde at the moment…. Where most people will feel their Saturn return for a year or so, you’re likely to feel this effect for three years or more, as Saturn made a pass over your natal Saturn, went backwards over it, and will soon go forward over it as the transiting Saturn makes its way out of Scorpio and into Sagittarius next month. You’ve been given three times to get things right, and lay the proper foundation for the next 30 years of your life. I’d say you’re doing a good job.
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Regarding what your “calling” may be in this lifetime towards humanity, I will pull up your birth chart.
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There are many parts of a chart to look at that contribute to the overall calling or “destiny.” I see your Sun and Moon are trine, showing that you are an individual very much in touch with your innermost feelings, often wearing your beliefs and emotions on your sleeve. Your inner world reflects into your outer world, and very strongly. You are a mirror that reflects not only the outside world, but an inner light that is shining within you all the time. You are an Aries Sun, but with a Sagittarian Moon, making you prone to strong tangents into inner philosophies that you wish to share outwardly with others.
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Interestingly, your North Node– the signifier of “karmic lessons” in this lifetime– is close to conjunct with your Sag Moon, passing on the meaning that there may be a higher purpose to your inner philosophies that you wish to spread to others. It may very well be that this penchant in you needs to find an outlet, and to be heard by people.
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You may have some very important things to say on the past, and revolutionize a specific field with your knowledge and inspirations that you have to bring. It will have to deal with being progressive, moving forward towards a better state of humanity, but draw a lot from the deep well of our traditions and ancient customs of our past.
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I would say your LinkedIn profile does show that you have a significant history and acumen in health care, Paul, and that does indeed go along the lines of your North Node placement and the ruler of the 10th House being in Cancer. In addition to the medical practice there is perhaps a bit more you could add, a dose of your philosophy or approach to things. With the planetary angles I noticed, your work as described by the 10th House would be an excellent outlet to spread a bit of your own personal philosophy that you are eager to share– whether that is your own personal views of the world, health, or whichever. Take your pick, follow your heart. I sense an urgency in you, perhaps to want to reshape or revolutionize a field in which you are expert. Perhaps a blend of our personal philosophy with your health care work would be prime suspect there.
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Your Sun in Aries describes the way you express yourself outwardly, your pure essence. Your Moon in Sagittarius describes your inner world, the one that only close friends and family sees. These two planets trine, Paul, …..making them strengthen and feed into one another.
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Your inner world is rich, full of philosophies and a desire to explore the unknown, due to the Sag Moon (inner world); you wish to express that out to others, in a very forward and social way with your outer world.
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It does seem like you are treading the path of your karmic destiny that has been set out for you, as what you describe fits pretty well with what your destiny shows in your chart. Politics could be another venue to pursue– but honestly, the healthcare field you are in strikes me as very apt to you.
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Look out for people who you feel may have more to do with your karmic path. Also, people who mean what they say. In appraising people you wish to have in your company, … look more stronger to action than to words, and thus you can discern their intentions much clearer.
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The main things that I see in your chart are the grand trines, Paul. You have four of them in your chart. There are two in water signs (Saturn / Venus / Jupiter, and Saturn / Venus / Uranus), and two in the fire signs (North Node / Mercury / Pluto, and North Node / Sun / Pluto). Grand trines bring you positive and beneficial energy to the areas of your chart where they reside, and yours are occupying the areas about personality, daily life, and the quest for knowledge (the water trines), and goals, income and partnerships (the fire trines).
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The water grand trine will give you intuitive feelings about these areas of your life, Paul. The fire grand trine will make you goal-oriented and gregarious in these areas of your life. Of course, just having the grand trine isn’t enough to guarantee success; you have to make it work for you. When you apply yourself to these areas of your life, that is when the universe rewards your efforts.. How?.. By bringing opportunities your way. Like energy always attracts like energy.
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The fire trine is particularly interesting because Jupiter–the planet of expansion and growth–is about to enter Leo. This means that it is going to accentuate and energize your fire trine for the next year. Things could very well change for the better, Paul, but you’ll have to keep up the momentum,…. and guard against laziness, to be really successful with this.
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Your birth chart shows a couple of areas to consider about hidden talents. First, the 12th house reveals areas in one’s life where one might have blind spots, and the sign on the cusp of the house and its ruler can point to areas where you might put some attention. Capricorn on the 12th, with its ruler Saturn in Scorpio in the 9th point to some potentials in making manifest some tangible ideas and projects that need organization and a long-range vision.
Hidden talents for you might include some managerial skills, …… particularly if they involve projects that have some depth (Scorpio) and some higher values and though (9th house).
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The dwarf planet Ceres is also in the 12th, suggesting you have have some hidden talents with practical nurturing of others. Ceres in Capricorn is a placement that shows skills as a caring administrator.
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Nurturing others with an eye to helping them succeed is a hidden talent for sure. You could do this through being elected to office, but don’t count out other mechanisms.
I like also to point out the placement of the North Node for thoughts about direction. Your North Node, in Sagittarius in the 11th house, speaks to your search for truth and an intuitive and prophetic grasp on your path (Sag), and toward being a leader in your right in a worthwhile organization or group of like-minded people.
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I wanted to mention in passing, Paul, that you have Chiron rising, which has a wounded healer aspect. When people first meet you, Paul, with Chiron in Aquarius rising, you lead with this notion of a noble but wounded person here to offer your perspectives on life with compassion and loving detachment.
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Paul. dovetailing with the discussion of your North Node, I suspect you might be on track to know EXACTLY what actions ….. and what timing they will undergo.
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Again in looking at your chart, several of your indications combine emotional and intuitive approaches with scientific objectivity and a desire to help humanity move forward. I mentioned the 11th house Sagittarius North Node, but I’m also now seeing that Uranus, one of your 2 chart rulers with Saturn, is in cancer in the 6th house representing one’s activities in one’s workplace, as well as well as health and hygiene. The ruler of the 1st in the 6th shows that you have much invested in work with your identity, and in Cancer that work must be in the caring expression of concern for others. You no doubt have a wonderful bedside manner with Cancer on the cusp of the 6th. Further, with destiny-oriented Jupiter here along with Uranus, you do seem to draw positive and fortunate experiences to you through the realm of showing up to your day-to-day in your work life.
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The thing that strikes me about several of the men you mentioned, Paul, is that they developed a singleness of purpose over time. Lincoln, MLK and RFK all had some strong attentions to easing indeed the suffering of some less fortunate people in our communities.
With an Aries Sun, you too can develop a singleness of purpose as well, and your Aquarius Rising and Sagittarius Moon/North Node can add in some detachment ……. and hunger for a meaningful seeking after truth for going forward. They also sought their path through humble interactions with their inner genius and did not brook social disapproval.
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With the Bach Passacaglia, in your case, I imagine that allowing your body to work with the music and keeping your meditation as an internal focus on the image you have might unlock some other potentials that are not available to the rational mind.
In looking again at your chart, focusing on your Moon’s emotional needs to engage with others in an expansive and faithful way, and to craft a blueprint for the human future that you will be able to take some steps every day toward manifesting it.
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It’s interesting too that your Saturn is in the 9th house ….. which reflects higher education and accessing higher wisdom through opening to intuition and divine guidance. People with this placement can believe that nothing is worthwhile unless it has practical value. Life can get quite stodgy if they don’t access their imagination and wonderment. You seem to have pushed well into this territory, Paul. I wonder if you might be able to help people bust through their preconceptions to see another way of looking at people who are put into a taboo place, to understand that what we resist persists.
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Opening up to trust takes a lot of strength and skill. It’s difficult to know whether you’re going to build confidence in the right people.
Emotionally, you feel more at home with people who have a higher mindset and a broader outlook than just the family unit. However, the two feed each other, with Cancer being part of this sector. The Moon shares rulership with Mercury of the 5th house matters.
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Out of curiosity, I looked at your AstroCartoGraphy map again, to see where your North Node is more emphasized…… It crosses the Ascendant in northern Chile, Bolivia, western Brazil and Surinam. It also has some strength off the coast of Scotland and into Norway, Sweden and Finland….. It crosses the MC (Midheaven) in western Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Egypt, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique–interesting how many of them show lots of conflict! Not sure what to make of that. I’m wondering if people from these places might not have something to offer you.
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In contemplating your chart some more, Paul, I keep being drawn back to the North Node and the Moon. You may write a book if you wish. You do have Mars in Gemini in the 3rd house which suggests you can have a forceful and fluid approach to getting out … some pivotal ideas. Plus your Sagittarius Moon/Pallas/North Node can give you a fire to bring out some big ideas about where humanity needs to be going. I think even sharing much of your observations about the life you’ve led and the inspirations you draw from Albert Schweitzer, the Kennedy brothers, Nelson Mandela, etc., would be well-received.
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I was struck, by the way, by RFK’s concept of the ongoing “menace of violence.” How that seems to echo in the present day. It is easy to get caught up in it, and it is just as easy to try to retreat into isolation as RFK wisely observed.
“Changing an attitude, returning to a work in progress when one has been discouraged, is surely difficult. However, …….. that is what the hexagram calls for, which I picked out for you. You must not only revise your work, but you must also revise yourself as well. Nothing is harder than self-transformation, which must start with self-awareness.”
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I’m wondering where you might take all this…………… ”
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This is at large the summary of what she said.
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Small epilogue:
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Her genuine observations as part of a meaningful correspondence, made an impression on me and left me with appreciation.
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Appreciation as well for the way she works and the way she lives….. It was the sort of complementary encounter which I valued for actually various reasons… Often encounters are superficial, as even in friendships we don’t (always) give away what we really are, the last which may be “restricting” at times…
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Like the layers of an onion, is somehow the soul of a human being, the colours and the texture, – and we have no automatic entry to this entity, – and need to treat the last with respect, if possible. Even friendship does not allow someone to have access to this, and building up trust takes time and for sure is not always that easy..
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However, meaningful encounters are so important… asking each other questions…and resonating on the important things in life we can share, – rather than retreating in isolation, or silence and despair perhaps.
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Astrology in really good hands did change my perception on the art itself… For sure, …. I was biassed, for various reasons, – but I like to explore the unknown as part of expanding my understanding. Not that I do understand astrology, …….. but there are many other things which I don’t really comprehend… Yet, my curiosity for the more unconventional “ways” often helped me a bit further and …… an added holistic approach in health and well-being has, I feel, a time and a place….. if it is enhancing the lives of the living and enlarging our spiritual condition… However, I feel coming short the projections from my chart but so be it. It’s not a problem for me.
Life is an ongoing adventure of sorts and the beauty is that it never stops, so let’s embrace it in whatever the outcome, – unpredictable as this life is….. Therefore don’t “depend” on Astrology as such to predict anything or guide your lives, but trust the design of your inner compass in the dimension(s) it was created.
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For sure, this requires lots of imagination and intuition for all of us, and indivisible, – sustained love for all we can do within human race.
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Whilst love is the driving force in nature, – compassion is the dimension which could save the world where this grace can be applied within the restrictions and dilemma’s we face.
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Whilst lots of people are working on their own, being more engaged in joint efforts, – both the last in concerted labour through an increased conscious contact with the God of our Understanding, – will bring us sooner to the purpose and meaning most of us seek in our lives.
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Whilst often in the grip of the common coolness, most of it being rooted in the empty dust of our planet, – over and over this world has too many people who don’t know how to express their gratitude and appreciation to each other. However, expressing what we feel in the positive to each other makes more gentle the life of this world.
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And so, we may all have to bring and to bear; just to make the wise distinctions where we are able to, – and to make the little differences where we can, – and to seek the encounters we need to make this happen…
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And in most of all of this it is neither the money we lack nor the money we seek, but the compassion we wish for …. and the compassion and goodwill other people need……
Don’t tell us what we can’t do, but ask what together we can do for our human destiny!
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In a nutshell about Paul Wolf
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He likes:
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Family life. – The art of leadership. – Human rights. – The idea and concept of Peace. – The politics of change for the better and more justice. – Good books & musics. – Great and genuine people. – Writings. blogging kayaking. – Sailing. Travelling (when again?) – Relaxing near the Ocean in Robe or Wirrina Cove.
– !!!>>AND CAPPUCCINO<<!!!!
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“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now“–Chinese Proverb.
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It would be nice to be able to stick to this Chinese Proverb, and keep growing…. It is never too late planting a tree or seeds for renewal and wisdom! – About myself, – the writer of this blog… Following the above proverb I keep trying, as mentioned. Not sure whether I am always successful, but it’s always good to keep trying! (‘continuer à essayer‘) – Being fortunate with the type of work I have, (a doctor’s job), – my family and I have been able to see a few things of the world. Hence an international family with 3 children. All born in three different countries.
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– In a nutshell:
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Born and bred in the Netherlands, both my wife and I went together with our baby son to South Africa… Working as a rural doctor in the very far north of the country, together with some 8 other doctors from overseas. All at the same hospital in Venda (Siloam Hospital).
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..In retrospect it was a fairly short-term involvement for just over one year, which was nevertheless an unforgettable experience in a time of turbulence. It is interesting that short commitments at times may have a profound impact whilst other longstanding positions seem to pass by…For various unrest related reasons we went back to the Netherlands. After 2 years the journey continued to England, then Scotland and finally direction Australia. (For people interested in the order of events just look at my LinkedIn profile down below)
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In Australia we found home now for some 14 years. The children have grown up with one working and living in Queensland and the other one in New York. They all like to travel as well. My wife is still an enthusiastic tapestry weaver and works in different art sessions with various people.
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At present I am working as a GP in a rural area not too far away from Adelaide. Busy job! Locum doctors don’t cover the weekends here and we have only 2 GP’s … So not enough time to see more of the world or go to Europe and see old friends or relatives etc at the moment. Bit sad at times but that’s life at present. Going for a short break to eg Europe means 2 jet lags in one week.
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Relaxing near the Pacific Ocean, or very close to the Gulf of Vincent in South Australia, is always possible for a couple of days, – which we enjoy really very much. And we make good use of this.
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About my future?…Don’t really know as yet. But somehow, being a ‘family physician’ at present, I would like to have a different engagement at an unalike level, – at some stage..
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Who knows!…
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Keep planting seeds or trees, if possible!
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Je vais continuer à essayer.
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But all this aside.
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About my past family history: ….
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Lets start with some archives, and only read this when interested:
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The archives of the Wolf family go back to the 17th century. Elias Wolf was born in Rostock in July 1717. Becoming Mayor of Jever he married Margarethe Christiene Kohnemann. One of their children was another Elias Wolf, born in Jever on the 24th May 17 68 and he became the owner of some plantations in Essequebo (Guyana). He was President and adviser in the Criminal Justice Department of this colony and married on the 5th of May 1792 with Sarah Barkey in Rio Essquebo. They got 5 children, including Frederik Hendrik Elias Wolf, born on the 30th of November 1803 in Breda. He became Reverend in the Dutch Reformed Church at Leeuwen and married in Gendt on the 9th of April 1828 with Johanna Henrietta Coenen. Both got 5 children including Elias Frederik Hendrik Wolf, being born in Leeuwen on the 18th of January 1829 and this Elias became a Reverend in the Dutch Reformed Church in Utrecht. He was married with Sophia Carolina Charlotte van der Goes. They got 7 children, one of which was my granddad.
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Considering the directions his brothers and sisters took in life, I can only assume granddad had a colourful family. My granddad (Louis Gustaaf Wolf) was born in Klundert ( the Netherlands) on the 15th of February 1865 and married grandma (Louise Ploos van Amstel) on the 3rd of May 1899. She was born in Reitsum on the 16th of July 1877 and was the daughter of Reverend Johannes Jacobus Ahasverus van Amstel and Anna Geertruida Binksma. They had 6 children including 1 daughter who died at a very young age.
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Actually I don’t know too much about granddad’s younger years. He went obviously through primary and secondary school and opted to go into Medicine but in his 5th year of this study, just before the clinical part, – he realised that this was not the future he wanted. After careful consideration he stopped medicine all together despite good results (I don’t think his own dad offered him to try a different study as there were more children to raise)…
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Mind you, after 5 years, – but he did do the right thing by doing what he wanted.
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How and when he met grandma (oma ), I don’t know. He moved with his wife to Canada and started about 1890 one of the first Dutch settlements near Yorktown. Perhaps he was comfortable to be a bit away from his family as he did not follow the usual patterns of life, – or family expectations. Who knows. Auntie Sophia was born in Yorktown and did live amidst the real wolves and Indians. The stories were quite colourful.
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After a couple of years, my grandma became terribly homesick and both granddad and grandma returned to the Netherlands with their family. Obviously if grandma would not have been homesick in those days, – for sure I would not have been able to write this story in Australia. – History then, for our family, would have been totally different. This applies as well for my mum and dad.
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I found the stories about Canada and the 2nd World War always very interesting experiences in my family background.
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Being home sick can be quite bad (with other things perhaps) and the family had to settle again in the Netherlands, after the Canada experience. For granddad this was perhaps not the easiest time in his life as he really liked Canada, – likewise his daughter Sophia who loved the lifestyle in the outback and the horse riding etc. For grandma it was clearly different, as again she was more close to her own family.
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For sure the conditions in Canada in those days were really different than they are now.
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Granddad got eventually employment with the “N.V. Maas -Buurt Spoorweg” (Maas-Buurt Railway Company) in the County of Brabant and became President – Director of this Company in 1918 after the retirement of President – Director J.M. Voorhoeve, – after the 1st world war. When granddad took over the reigns it would seem he did do this in an energetic way, with leadership and insight at times of challenges and turmoil. With an increasing number of bus companies in those days, leading obviously to growing competition, and with the economic recession, this job was really a tough job. In the Company there was the need as well for more social reforms in those days and granddad did properly engage to this, so I am led to believe. He loved his job and cared for his employees. He showed fairness courage and determination, besides a good sense of humour. In speeches he could be quite funny.
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On the 1st of June 1935 he retired from this position. Both grandma and granddad had 6 children. One daughter died at very young age and Elias (my dad’s only brother) died suddenly in 1934. His death drove grandma to total despair. She recovered very slowly.
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During the 2nd World War both provided shelter for some Jewish people in their own home at the Parklaan in Bussum. This was a tense time, last but not least as due to my dad’s activities in the resistance movement. Granddad died on the 27th of March 1948 in Bussum at the age of 83.
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Even though he died far before I was born, he made a real impact on me when I was a child. Not sure why. Perhaps because he was both a pioneer and had lots of courage, besides being very caring for his family. His original painted picture frame is still positioned in our hallway as if he is keeping an eye on the family.
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Grandma was as remarkable as granddad, but in different ways. She survived him many years and died later in the 1968 after being moved to Apeldoorn, the place where my mum and dad lived with my 3 brothers. She left a history of memories in Bussum and at her age she could not coop with this transition. Changing old people to a different place often has a major impact.
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From the lives of this special granddad and grandma I sensed somehow that life may become harder when we live for others, but it also becomes happier and it brings more fulfilment.
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Perhaps not everything was that positive in my later childhood (in my experience), but examples were not the main thing which gave direction in my life, it was the only thing.
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My mum and dad met during the 2nd world war and whilst my dad was actively involved as the leader (so I am led to believe) of the “Flying Brigade” resistance group, my mum was dedicated to her role as a “courier” for this group. Many messages and documents went as such from one group to the other. Intelligence about German defence systems across parts of the Dutch coast line passed as such as well to Allied Forces in England.
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Both my mum and dad were the only survivors from this group, following someone betraying the “Flying Brigade”…This fate, – this coincidence actually, determined the path to their marriage – which ended some 26 years after the 2nd world war. My dad at the time was planning with his group a 4th assassination; this time on a fairly high profile and dangerous Gestapo Officer, responsible for lots of Jews being transported to concentration camps.
(It proved that providing shelter and food for Jews was not enough)…
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During the meeting he felt uneasy about the way the planning was approached, and the meeting was stopped for 2 hours. Meanwhile he tried to find his “second-in command” (who had not turned up) to discuss asap a few matters of concern, – but arriving at his house he noticed various police cars under the trees and his friend was not at home. ..He felt more uneasy and his level of suspicions increased…Going back he was stopped by my later mum, at the corner of the street whilst going to the Youth Chapel where the meeting was held. He wanted to get in but was stopped in the back yard by the ministers wife. The Gestapo had seized the Chapel already, she told him. “Get out of it..!”
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All those people who were in, were there were taken into “interrogation chambers”…
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In retrospect it proved that the negotiations were held with an assassin hired by the Gestapo to infiltrate in the “Flying Brigade”… The whole resistance group was killed after 3 days of interrogation. My dad had now to find shelter during the rest of the war, as he was a prime target for the Gestapo. …He finished his law degree and had the opportunity, straight after the war, as an Attorney to cross-examine the Gestapo officers who captured his group.
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I can only guess this was both painful and interesting…
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In retrospect my parents were very good and decent people and though their relationship with each other had such imperfections that it could not sustain, they tried to live life as good as possible. They made an impact in what they provided for their children and what they expressed in their own ways to friends, relatives and in their jobs. My impression on my dad was that he was permanently stained by the war, the experience of losing his friends.
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After I was born we spent for many years to come our holidays in a place called Haamstede. Great place, especially in those early years where everything was fairly unspoiled at the time. NOw it has been more commercialized with modern and expensive dwellings near the dunes and the sea.
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I loved the walks with my dad in the forests near Haamstede when I was young as he always told me about things of interest. He showed a lot of interesting places in Zeeland, like eg particular spots at Zierikzee and Middelburg. He loved historical sites and old churches, the last were he played the organ at times.
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I still see my mum cooking in the kitchen of our holiday house in Haamstede on hot summer evenings, with the evening sun shining through the side window, – and children sharing the table after playing football. With always the noisy sounds of the little usual quarrels among kids.
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The owner of the little local Foodland at the time (“Van Dijke”/ van Dike) was always kind enough to bring a supply of shopping home in those early days, or bringing e.g. a new gas bottle. He started from a little shop his Austria style dwelling. Those Austria style dwellings have been a present from Austria after the major floodings in Zeeland in 1953, and they are still existing for some part.
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I was really fortunate enough to start my life within those comfortable circumstances. No matter what the difficulties were at some stage, no matter what the challenges were when I was a teenager… where it really comes too in life is affection, respect, encouragement and good examples , the last generating the sort of strength and love which is essential in life, – besides “meaning” or purpose.
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Personally I had many good examples, both nearby and far away… I still have warm feelings for all those people in what they gave me during various moments in life. This appeared often in little things and most of the times they were not aware… It is one of those mysterious things in life of what we give to each other without knowing it, – and the impact it has at times.
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Sometimes this happens during trivial circumstances and simple encounters, – sometimes this happens during vital moments within our human ventures. Moments with seeds being planted in our hearts and minds, and wisdom – at times many years later – growing through the grace of God.
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In my case there have been people I never met who made an impact.
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Both my oldest and younger brother are still alive. One brother, 4 years older only, died suddenly in 1999. His name was Tjakko. He had a strong and solid character, also kind and generous. We played a lot when we were young and apart from some rivalry there was always encouragement and support.
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Many of my childhood memories go back to this village of Haamstede at the lighthouse, where so often we went on holidays during the summers, often in the company of childhood friends.
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Like my dad, – Tjakko went later into law studies (in Utrecht). It was for some reason perhaps to suspect that he did consider a career in politics at one stage, – but the political dynamics in the Netherlands did not really appeal to him, neither was he attracted to Courts of Justice. At young age however he became Director of a Road Construction Company. Both as a result of this and his investing endeavours in property he became quite prosperous in Haamstede, where he lived for several years already. Three days before he died we had a last telephone conversation in which we discussed a family reunion in the Netherlands. I was living at that stage with my wife and children in Scotland. When we heard about his sudden death on the Monday, we travelled as soon as possible to Haamstede to be part of the funeral preparations and share with the family in sadness, together with his wife. They had no children. For various reasons his life was an unfinished life, – he died far too early.
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Some years between the age of 16 and 18, I spent with a lovely foster family in Apeldoorn. I was able here to finish secondary school as only this environment provided the support being required at this stage in life to help me with some attention & concentration issues at school. This was a somewhat different environment than I was used to. Quite an artistic and warm hearted family actually. There were 3 other children, all a bit younger. Wilgert, the oldest, died at the age of 25 in Groningen following an accident with a bus. One of those terrible moments where a split second of lacking the required attention to avoid danger proved to be fatal.
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Some 10 years ago we went for an enjoyable family reunion and stayed almost obviously in Haamstede, – besides travelling to Scotland and see other old friends. Having had the opportunity to live so close to the sea in Cullen, in-between Inverness and Aberdeen, was a great experience for both my wife and 3 children.
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Together with their own friends, our children often jumped from the harbour in the sea. I often did this as well, but a wetsuit was definitely needed as due to the cold sea water.
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There has been always something special with Scotland, the country of both “the high road and the low road.”
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Unique as well was both our stay in England and South Africa, – all before this.
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Funny enough I still remember some early preschool events and St Nickolas arriving by boat in the harbour of Goes. The city where I was born. Goes was a great place in my perception and I was sad for days with the prospect of moving to Apeldoorn.
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Adapting to Apeldoorn in 1961 took time. The (pre) school was different, likewise the general culture. However, also here some new friends were made at an interesting primary school being called the “Sondorp school”, named after the previous school inspector. (My dad took over this function, after an earlier career change).
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There are many stories about this school and my old school mates have many memories as well, last but not least about the head master. He made the school what it was , with pride, but on another note he often used his hands when kids were naughty, or when “he thought” the kids were naughty. He reigned with a vigorous regime, not rarely at a cost of the children.
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The first part of Secondary School was not that good. I found myself often in trouble with some teachers. The school system at that particular school at the Church Lane (Kerklaan) in Apeldoorn, next door to the swimming pool, was less than inviting or stimulating – the least. It went somewhat better at a different school but I think my mind was a bit preoccupied with other things going on. At home things were not ideal and my parents went through a divorce.
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Following secondary school, matters changed profoundly – actually after finishing the Teaching Training College in Amsterdam, and after passing an entry test for the medical faculty. I found direction. Medicine has been at the background of my mind for some time already. However I did not had the right qualifications, hence those entry exam in various subjects.
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Being able to do the Medicine study in Maastricht, in my view the most beautiful city of the Netherlands, did open various doors to the future. The city was great for students who loved the outdoors as well, like e.g. rowing on the Maas, or climbing rocks in the hills of Belgium. I did do both as much as possible. For sure not only this!.. The concept of the Medicine study was based on problem orientated learning, – new for me and most interesting! Problem Based Learning (PBL) was almost a replica example from the McMasters University in Canada, the last still known as a high impact University.. The concept of PBL is still with me and part of anything I want to learn.
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After graduation in Medicine, life evolved further in Sneek, the county of Friesland. This as part of a hospital job which combined General Surgery, Obstetrics and A&E..Busy busy job!..It was a reasonable preparation for working and living in the far north of South Africa (Siloam Hospital).
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Later, with England and Scotland in between, we arrived 10 years later in Australia…This is now in 2015 some 14 years ago, time flies!
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As you see I made a few big jumps in my history whilst writing this. It is just to give you a bit of insight in my background, – the writer of this blog.
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The lighthouse in Haamstede -in my awareness- was built to give light, was built to endure and burn for decades, if not more.
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I still have this picture in mind and it has meaning for me.
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Lighthouses do not move, they give direction, – they persist in the storms of life…
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Coming back on this blog, which offers an escape for my usual work:
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The articles in this blog are a reflection of trying to engage modestly on some of the questions of our time and generation and will continue on a periodic base, – depending on my “inspiration” and workload in other activities.
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Feel free to comment on the contents of any of these articles (in the comment section below), if there is anything which strikes a chord or resonates with you..
– “We dream of things that never were and say: .. “Why not?”
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Turning to a different but somehow related topic:
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Some of the people mentioned below made a profound impression on me as a person, even though they died already long ago, What they had in common was that they all had more or less strong attentions to easing some of the anguish and suffering about less fortunate people in their communities..
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Hence some of their citations are quite nice actually.
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They often found their path through unassuming interactions with their inner wisdom and did not worry about social disapproval..
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True, there are for sure many things we can’t control, but if we try to focus completely on the things we love, with similar courage and dedication as those in the following quotations, we are on our way to a better life.. A life with compassion and moving forward towards a better state of humanity in ourselves and with others… Even if sadness and disappointment is passing our way…
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So still, – – don’t tell us what we can’t do, but let’s ask ourselves what we can do together, – and collected we may have this rendezvous with human destiny, even if it is only simply showing the ways for our fellows to find their own light….
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Why not?
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Again THANKS for reading some articles in this blog!
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I wish you all well in your own personal life journey, with hopefully lots of inspiration and good health!
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And if possible: explore the unexplored with the best possible wit or sparkle!
->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
->>>>>>>>>>>>
“There may be times when we are powerless to
prevent injustice, but there must never be a time
when we fail to protest”
–Elie Wiesel
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“Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks
wrote so many years ago: to tame the
savageness of man and make gentle the life
of this world”
– Robert F Kennedy
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“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he
stands in moments of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of
challenge and controversy” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
———————–
“But peace does not rest in the charters and
covenants alone. It lies in the hearts and minds of
all people. So let us not rest all our hopes on
parchment and on paper, let us strive to build
peace, a desire for peace, a willingness to work
for peace in the hearts and minds of all of our
people. I believe that we can. I believe that the
problems of human destiny are not beyond the
reach of human beings” -John F Kennedy
——————–
“A good head and a good heart are always a
formidable combination” -Nelson Mandela
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“I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits
than strict justice” -Abraham Lincoln
———————-
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness
is the key to success” -Albert Schweitzer
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Keep planting seeds or trees, if possible!
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Gardez la plantation des graines ou des arbres , si possible !
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Mantenga las semillas o la plantación de árboles , si es posible !
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Halten Pflanzen von Samen oder Bäume , wenn möglich!
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Tenere semi o piantare alberi , se possibile !
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Przechowywać nasiona do sadzenia drzew lub , jeśli to możliwe !
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Mantenha plantando sementes ou árvores , se possível !
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Derzhite posadki semyan ili derev’ya , yesli eto vozmozhno !
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Ueru shushi ya jumoku, kanōna baai o shite kudasai!
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Jìxù bōzhòng háishì shù, rúguǒ kěnéng dehuà!
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Pidä istuttamalla siemeniä tai puita , jos mahdollista !
“He who commands that law should rule may thus be regarded as commanding God and reason alone should rule; he who commands that a man should rule adds the character of the beast._ — from Aristotle’s Politics
The topic of changing Australia’s systems of Government based on British history, at large, is for sure not a new one and will raise to be subject of attention, – not only now but in years ahead. This because it seems more clear that existing powers can’t be the vibrational equivalent of the desired future of this increasingly diverse and multicultural continent.
Australia is about the 12th largest economy on earth with a GDP larger than various very prosperous countries. The measure of national happiness scored at the OECD’s “Better Life Index” that high that, whilst Australia not being a military superpower, at least this country seems to be the lifestyle super power.. I guess this is better than the other way around.
As a country Australia still enjoys a commercial influence with for instance the Macquarie Group being based in Sydney being almost the world’s largest non-government owner of infrastructure. The last from the Chicago Skyway to the BBC. From Indiana Toll Road to Thames Water in London etc.
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In terms of diplomatic influence Australia is clearly becoming perhaps more than a “middle power” with rising impact via the APEC and the G20.
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Australian prime ministers show themselves more on the international stage. However during the last decade the political environment within Australia has everything, apart from being a driving cultural force. Australians are increasing uncomfortable with the increasing low quality “Canberra fare” and all what happens around Parliament House.
I can’t answer the question why things evolve this way but share the same observation as many others in Australia do.
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It is interesting to see that this country with almost the most stable economy in the developed world experienced the most volatile politics. The last of such a nature that it would be unable to coop in case of any major event or disasters would occur. The domain of politics in Australia has not the capacity to deal with major events as there is ongoing friction with hardly any quality discussion on the future of this country.
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Australia’s good fortune flows at large from it wealth of natural resources, neither from the radiance of its parliamentary democracy nor related with it’s legal system. The historical origin’s with Britain are somehow lucky as on its own Australia never invented a system of Government designed for the nature of its country and its future, like the US did with a new constitution and its first President George Washington in 1789.
Unlike most Prime Ministers in Australia his legacy was exceptional. Both his leadership as citizen, general and finally as President kept the inexperienced US at that stage well on track through difficult times. He understood the needs for his country, he believed in what he wanted, like John Adams , Thomas Jefferson and many others. Needless to say there were flaws in some US Presidents as well, some more serious than others, – but the US would never existed any longer if they wouldn’t have fixed a system of own unique Government which suits the country, not being a replica of British systems of Government. True, a major adaption is likely still required to keep in line with the changes of times.
Within the dimensions of Australia, rather than devoting real time to directional leadership, – the current PM’s of Australia spend a disproportionate time in Parliament sessions, often making libelous statements and attacks on opponents of the opposition party, and vice versa, – and not spending the required quality time with Party delegates and “select advisers” on the future of the country and the required policy propositions to be presented. Besides this a PM is never real sure about his place because as the opinion polls go down, he or she may be well replaced by an opponent within his own party, without the country having a vote in this.
The state of affairs where Federal decisions are made in the current “Chambers of Canberra” are not reaching any ideal quality criteria for a country the size and the opportunities of Australia. It is often one attack after the other and the purpose of meaningful discussions on issues really relevant for the country are often completely lost in an environment where people are allowed to ridicule each other at a cost of levelheaded discussions.
Where corners are cut on the quality of discussions in Parliament, corners are cut on the quality of the future of this country. The last at the cost of all citizens and tax payers. This has now been going on for many years and it almost seems that this culture in Australian politics seems the accepted standard where progress on significant matters are insufficiently made.
If the level of leadership is not raised at the level of Parliament or PM, the progress of the country is delayed or takes the wrong direction, – and from this point of view we see an almost dysfunctional structure insufficient balanced with the needs of this country’s future. The quality is there but the structure does not allow excellence in government or in reaching proper legislation, and this should not be the accepted standard, – neither for now nor for the future. If this will continue we may well end up being “the less lucky country.”
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Changing this requires constitutional adoptions on significant paragraphs. The last requiring proper thought debate and revision. It perhaps needs a referendum as well.
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Whilst Australian seems to have been recession proof till so far, thanks to its resources and industrial people, not at large thanks to politics, – it is just the mockery in Canberra which makes Australia not politician-proof and with the lack of real leadership it is questionable whether this country can sustain on the long term. The last as quality and integrity in politics is a need to lift the country on endeavors within reach to succeed, on a different cultural spectrum, where people are engaged as well with day-to-day politics rather than disengaged and frustrated.
THE Gillardgovernment spent a record $35 million on market research lastfinancial year as it tried to read – and bend – the public mood.
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With all respect for the British Nation on which much is based on in Australia about the structure of Government, Australia has grown the last 50 years to an entirely different Nation, with a different culture, in an entirely different hemisphere and with both clearly different interests and neighbors. The structure of Government which is good for Brittan is not necessarily good for Australia with its different dimensions for the future. And like the UK structure of Government would not fit the US, worse actually would have delayed the progress in the US, – similar but different, the UK template of Government is neither efficient nor right anymore for Australia, with too many things at stake, still too much progress to be made to make this young country more successful.
Whilst the balance of powers within the American Constitution in today US realities, are not always ideal in the expressions of it , the structure of Presidential powers balanced with adequate legislative powers with an impartial Judicial domain (controlling and preventing the errors of those powers), are far more preferable for a country like Australia in an adapted and more refined format. A more superior level of content within the structures of Government will raise the adequacy of Australian politics, both at home and abroad.
Where Australia has the potential to excel when real leadership and the most ideal legislative powers are able to take the needs of this country step by step forward, – we now face the reality of a current government structure, as once implemented as the replica standard for Canberra, now restricting the desired choices. Choices on the direction for this country in decades to come. But more favorable than witnessing the possible decline if the situation as it is does not change.
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The reflections in public and TV on the level of discussions in Parliament are often uninspiring and the quality often so poor that people far too often in the democracy as we have, are disengaged and not really knowing what to vote anymore when it is election time. It’s almost a symptom of the decay of a democracy where the structure of the democracy for this particular country has never been subject for proper discussion,- as false sentiments seem to be the motivator to carry on like we do.
The structure of government can be like the power of an engine, and if the structure of the engine is outdated or poor, the running of the vehicle is poor. In Australia not fit for the rugged country site. In Australia –speaking about government neither fit for the mix of people nor for the desired progress being in the mix when the right circumstances are created. Not by pointless discussions in Parliament but by fruitful discussions and legislation within the required standards of politics, the last which failed the country for some years already because the sickness at the very heart of government spreads in the activities of Parliament. The only Liberal and broader viewed representative who could raise to statesmanship is the Republican minded Malcolm Turnbull, but he is not in the right position.
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When Governments show that their words and actions match, people know they can trust their Governments.
People don’t care how much their Government knows, until they know how much their Government cares, and then their work is not design but destiny as the country feels understood in the desire to move forward.
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And as such the sacred fire of liberty and progress can be once more ignited when government for the people and from the people is preserved and maintained on the destiny of the republican model. The last will fire up the country into a new direction through compassionate people with strategy and vision,- taking the leading edge on true government for the people and from the people, – in words and deeds not expressed as yet!
Even if you don’t agree -as yet-, give it at least some thought – because the mediocrity of keeping the situation as it is, will not likely be a shining light for the future of this continent with such increasing challenges to face as a nation and as a people. Good leadership lifts a nation. Second-rate leadership may tumble a nation into a plunge. The last which may even be the case in a republic. Hence the process of searching and agreeing on the best possible Constitution is the primary step to get the engine started…
And I would say: Let’s go for it, and let’s do it good, – and let the people being responsible for it, potentially, come up with a draft. A draft, representing a constitution, and with revisions being required, then being the best possible constitution which ever existed!
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As with such constitution, we can select, go through the process, do the work, – to get really the best possible people leading this country!
And mind you, – I say this as simply a GP in a country town in South Australia, – not being fully familiar with the politics in Canberra, – but I just see that it can change, .. that it needs to be changed for the better, ..and that it invites to be changed, .. adding value to the foundations and the future of this country, – and I say:
Are we able to change our mindset amidst the predicaments for the future through a different learning?
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“Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.” – Robert F Kennedy.
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Bach Concerto for solo keyboard No.10 in C minor, BWV981 after B. Marcello:
“We can’t change our past. We can’t change the fact that people act in certain way’s. We can’t change the inevitable. The only thing however we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.
………….Charles R. Swindoll……..
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In times that education on Universities may get increasingly a tool of trade with large economic revenues on foreign students, on which – let it be said their right on proper education I only support, – I wish to say a few things:
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Let me begin with reminding myself and you on something funny I heard the other day:
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A mother in much disbelieve examined a new educational and academic toy. “It is rather complicated for a boy, isn’t it?” she asked the salesclerk…There was a little pause of profound stillness… “It’s designed to teach him how to live in today’s world, madam,” the shop clerk replied. By the way, the shop clerk finished Uni but did not find the job he wanted and had to start to pay off his study debts.. Mum was not aware of this. “OK”, – she said. ..”What do you mean?”…Again a little thoughtful pause, but the answer came: “Any intellectual way he tries to put it together is wrong.”.. “Interesting ” , she said. “Where did you learn this?”, – she tried again… “From my Professor”, – he said. “He was the founder of a steam course”, – he added…..
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Well, as you can see there is more to education than only providing students with a degree… But this anecdote can be a reflection on both the Professor and the Graduate, – as they are available in various graduations…
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Whilst the bottom-line for any University needs to be in place to fulfill a noble mission, – for some Universities, however, there is an increasing shift on far more than the baseline profit , .. and far less on their genuine and original mission…
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It is for this, with great pleasure, to say a few words on the still growing University in Sydney, – pioneered by Charles Badham, a former headmaster of Edgbaston proprietary school in England.
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If Charles Badham would be still alive, – I hope he would be able to relate on what I write today.
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A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and soul of people and cultivating it we can, by choice, – through an education which is touching the hearts and souls of people as well. It is at this spectrum from which we make decisions, and it is in those decisions where our future lies. For this reason it is not enough anymore to get education in a trade or any other profession only. It is not enough to be a plumber, a lawyer, a truck driver or a doctor etc, – and only being educated for this. The education at only this level does not change the heart to refrain from e.g. screwing up people. In politics it does not prevent people from deranging their own party or their own country, because what they should have learnt, never came to them through broader education.
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And this is what I want to discuss today, – in part.
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I apologise if I get side tracked, but I do this at times for a reason, a good reason I hope……
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By creating Australia’s first University in Sydney in 1850, the founders acknowledged the power of education to change society. They broke with the traditions of Britain’s somehow time-worn universities by receiving students on academic virtue, – and not on the basis of religion or social class. The founders of the University in Sydney faced society as it was in those days, and they believed that education could make a difference for required transformations.
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This new Sydney University was a teaching model for all with the believe that education may change society.
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This believe stood as strong as it still stands today.. Not merely education for the mind, but further education as well on the purpose of society, – and for the future of one’s country..
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As one of the great pioneer in human service in Africa, Albert Schweitzer once said in the last century:
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“The greatest discovery of any generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering the attitudes of their minds.”
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This is the baseline for any transformation, – any future education…
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He did not refer only to modernizing the mind through education, but foremost to the expansion of the mindset through learning, as the mindset together with academic virtue clarifies both the direction and the measure of public service, the direction and measure of public support, – and all other domains of life.
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The splendour of any university which takes this at the heart of the preparation of students for life, with all the specific questions and responsibilities in today’s society, with our response to the questions we face, – will continue to filter through education the ability to change society.. The last where this is required.. The last not on the grounds of academic virtue, though academic virtue helps, – but on the grounds of moral merit and integrity, – as the future is asking this from us.
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As a society in Australia we will neither find sustained public motivation nor personal gratification in an ongoing extension of commerce and economic growth, in a countless stockpiling of mortal possessions, in the diverse texture of national and international violence through often.. ferocity in human interactions, – with amassed media presentations bringing this to our day-to-day experience… The news on TV is often confusing and baffling.
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We all know this, – as many of us have similar awareness of the dynamics here and around the world. In our restricted time space place reality, – we face the predicaments of this world, with again threatening and potentially escalating war in the Ukraine, potential conflict among super powers over e.g. 2 tiny islands in the South Chinese Sea.
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Not to speak about various other risks, including cyber warfare. And apart from this the potential that ISIS is developing chemical weapons with chlorine to be applied in the first instance. Possibly as a next step dirty nuclear weapons via nuclear waste, if they are not stopped.
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Global terror groups are one of the gravest security threats facing the world, if super-powers do not get there act together on mutual cooperation and not even risking now conflict among the most powerful nations themselves, – on issues which can be resolved.
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Settling disagreement, with goodwill, – with patience – and with determination is the aim, but it is part of the heart where those decisions are made. It is that part of the heart which by imagination gives direction, but often that part of the heart is neglected in education, because the element of justice failed to get closer to us.
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As people, one may wonder whether the culprit in the recent Charleston Church shooting, in South Carolina, would have acted differently if education on its own would have valued more the principles of lawfulness and lack of prejudice at e.g. school. The last as the final option, besides family dynamics, to create value systems among youngsters. Helpful in those circumstances where young people “don’t get it” from home and receive e.g. a gun when they are 21 years old.
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Whilst often we would hope people would respond the right way, often they respond in ways unaware to the personal and collective needs of our time; unfamiliar to both educated and moral virtues, with the required practical implications on the problems being faced. With this I return later to the topic of education in a broader sense. The last based on the premise that we should be a principle directed and/ororientated society, based on value systems such as integrity, honesty, lawfulness and fairness.
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And that this is what we need to spread across our culture….
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Education lacking virtue on consideration and due process as part of a genuine mindset is still incomplete, – even if it produces the brightest tradesmen or academics. Again, both tradesmen and academics are able screwing the system and other people.
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On past events it’s a matter of being mindful on the historical reality, the subject often ..“the different mindsets” in history, – the culture in which decisions were made. A culture made up by the tapestry of characters with each their specific education, but not in the domain I speak to you now.
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Do you think this is relevant?…..or still relevant? .. If you disagree, may I ask you how many public figures from the past had in their education a blend of justice at the personal level, justice at the interpersonal level and justice at the collective level assimilated in their learning?.. And what was the result?
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Why is this important?
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Today, once more, by increasing international tensions rather than containing localised tensions, every man, woman and child lives yet again under an increasing nuclear hazard, hanging by the slenderest of threads. And the solid reality is that this can be cut at any moment by an unintentional collision in the air, or an unintentional collision on the ground, or at sea, .. or by blunder, – or simply …by insanity! …Not the sanity based on a “complete education” grounded in the principles of justice, avoiding prejudice, – but the insanity based on incomplete education, grounded around calculation, and revolved around prejudice, – and at times… filled with hate perhaps.. the narrow views.
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We have plenty which should keep us together. Not being allowed to separate us on the ruling of not really forward-thinking leadership, – the last being in place at far too many areas in the world… A world which has so much to lose in escalating conflict, – but also in a world with so much to gain when the frame ofmind evolves along different principles than that it has done in the past.
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Not that this world or our countries or our cities can be safeguarded from wrongful and immoral acts, – as proper law enforcement we need. Not that globally we can be free of conflict as historical sense and perception are not always the same, – but globally we can’t allow the insanity of major war and destruction!
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Hence the need, still, to stand strong on the believe and the power of both mindset and education to change society, which starts already at the age we begin primary school, which starts actually being embraced within the context of the family where we are born, – in the ideal situation.
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Ideal such situation never has been, nor will it be. We see this everywhere. Young people today having more problems than ever before. Many families increasingly disrupted within the complexities of society.
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However, education based on more justice in interpersonal dealings may give direction and a focus. Not the focus and the spirit only which is often measured by the average of the stock market index. Not even the focus only which often may be exalted by achieving the economic performance of the industrial sector of our country, – as the last includes damaging the ozone layer and enhancing climate change, like it cultivates the production of missiles. Besides, somehow, – the proclamation of violence on television and other media…
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The focus of change in society includes e.g. enabling health in families, and not restricting facilities or access. It is the protection of children where far too many prove to have been abused in institutions or elsewhere.
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It is the quality of education with equal access for everybody willing to learn.
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It is e.g. the ability in 2 leaders at a personal meeting … as it happened between Reagan and Gorbachev at the end of the last century, and reaching a deal against all odds, and against most advise of military leaders who did not believe in the power of genuine interpersonal interaction. This resulted in the breakdown of “The Berlin Wall”.
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Simply,.. the list of examples is too long to discuss for now.. But it is all based on complete education, the last which includes justice at the personal level, justice at the interpersonal level and justice at collective level, – and allthis can be grounded in education which is helping youngster to prepare for society, which is helping students to get a degree and so forth.
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And for all this we don’t need to go back to ancient Greek societies, full of creativity and wisdom, – both in culture and thinking…. but we can do it again(!), inourculture and our society and our world with the imperfections we face!
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More than that we know, we are not the product of our culture and Gross National Product, though real culture helps.
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We are neither the product of our environment nor the tool of the political design of our country, though in the positive they all may help.
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We are the product of the choices we make, the thought processes at personal and collective level. On the last often which we see the ramifications on incomplete and inadequate performance in governments, for some decades already, – both here and overseas.
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About this performance , often we can say: – it lacks justice!
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Again, a nation’s culture resides in the hearts and soul of people and cultivating it we can, by choice, – through an education which is touching the hearts and soul of people as well. It is at this spectrum from which we make decisions, and it is in those decisions where our future lies.
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Democracy is as good as educated the people are in their thought processes where it comes to values and principles, and at large ..one canlearn this at least in part through education, one can learn even the right mindset for the right time .. or not at all!
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The world is full of problems created by men and those problems can’t be resolved by cynics or pessimists. We need people who can imagine things beyondtheir own horizons, based on justice. With educational and problem solving tools,besides the expansion of the mindset, – this may help to solve the nearly impossible, based on justice.
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For this reason, again, it is not enough anymore to get education in a trade or any other profession only. It is not enough to be a plumber, a lawyer, a truck driver or a doctor etc, – and only being educated for this. The prime education at this level does not touch the heart to refrain from screwing up people. In politics it does not prevent people from deranging countries, as that what they should have learnt, never came to them through broader education.
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All this has to do with education, and as suchreforms through education may contribute to transformation of society, as the leaders of the next generation then may be able to touch base on what they learnt in the past, – based on the dimensions of justice.
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Our public forums, both in industry and politics, too often have been the battleground of people with more than a fair share in colourful narcissistic dimensions. And if we look at the world where historical errors are due to be repeated, the same happens again.
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An adjustmentis required with our task to shapeboth a generation and a world with more fair play, where those who are fragile are secure, those who are more powerful are both legitimate and correct
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The last will not be possible during our life time, the last perhaps will neither be even possible during the generation to come, nor during the generation afterwards, – but let us at least begin. Let us start at least to turn the tide – and include education – as the swing of history is in a downward spiral. A downward spiral which can only be reversed by human efforts, where the sum of all cultures, all our actions, are either helping those willing to overturn the low ebb of history by proper humaninteractions, – or in the worst case scenario enforcing the creation and the further breakdown of this world.
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We are neither incapable on a new mission of change, nor helpless in it’s achievement.
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But by enjoying and employing all our joint efforts, – not towards conflict and potential eradication of humanity, but towards an approach of harmony, – with a mindset of humanity andreconciliation based on justice, we permit an enlargement in the sum of all cultures.
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And this is what we should take away from the University grounds, not the buildings itself, not the site, – but from the quality, the courage and the strength of the founders within the Sydney University, who acknowledged already at such an early stage the concept that true education may change society, and true learning includes the learning of a proper mindset where this is possible.
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And as such .. mindset and education should be intertwined in any education, – and by its very nature I do hope that this longstanding University in Sydney will bring forth the splendour of such choice in the creative diversity being available. This creative diversity once interlinked with the need for society to change, – may give rise to a shift in the many thought processes being needed. The last as a spreading model, – to line up education as a process with the different needs of our culture, our nation and at long last for our world. A world with very different entities for so many new options. A broken world with so many different needs.
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On the long journey of bending the arch in human history towards more justice, there are many dimensions and many colours…..
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If we are able to apply this in education, the main contrasting colour lacking then, in this education, is …simply… both prejudice and hate!
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Lacking hate and prejudice!…
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And if people learn this already as kids, and education is guiding them down the line with at least some of the dimensions of being just and justice in whatever trade they learn, whatever degree they get, – we bring forth a generation with both more justice at the interpersonal level, and with leading-edge justice at the collective level…
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What do you think?..
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Is this worth beating this drum???
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Well again, a nation’s culture resides in the hearts and soul of people and cultivating it we can, by choice, – through an education which is touching the hearts and soul of people as well. It is at this spectrum from which we make decisions, and it is in those decisions where our future lies.
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I think it is vital enough to make a transition towards a broader way of thinking and asking at least: In which way are we preparing our youngsters for the future?..
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Leadership as such is not resonating with the world and the people as they are, – but from a deeper understanding showing the way to go.
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And as long as systems of education are unable to look at future systems of education, – they fail to take the lead at the cost of a future generation, – walking the same inflated pathways, as we’ve done already for so long!
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Makes sense?..
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For this reason, lastly again, – it is not enough anymore to get education in a trade or any other profession only. It is not enough to be a plumber, a lawyer, a truck driver or a doctor etc, – and only being educated for this. The prime education at this level does not touch the heart to refrain from screwing up people. In politics it does not prevent people from deranging countries, as that what they should have learnt, never came to them through broader education.
And therefore , with what I said earlier, – I hope from this perspective, that some Universities may change finally some inflated trends in the way they guide their students, like it should already start at primary and secondary school..
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Despite an increasing inclination that some universities are largely driven by a focus on financial interest, that “a degree” more often represents “a product” with financial trade value, and that cutting corners on the costs pay the price on quality, – I hope, in particular, that Sydney Uni, in line with the pioneering thoughts of the late Charles Badham ( who did start this University) will start to give education from this perspective a new flavour, – a new direction, ..and that other Universities both in the US and Australia may follow…. and more and more elsewhere as well.
“A man may be a tough, concentrated, successful money-maker and never contribute to his country anything more than a horrible example”
(Robert Menzies – Prime minister)
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Being askedwhat brought me to Australia and what my perceptions are about Australia I would first say that I am happy to be here, – to live in this particular country, – having had and still having the opportunity to look after my family, and lastly being in the fortunate position to be a Family Physician in a rural area, with great diversity and with the scope to help some sort of way..
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In my case in the providing of primary care, which is quite fortunate and I am grateful for the opportunity…In other words healthcare is my domain of work,.. which does not take away I want to speak on other aspects of Australia, besides the wish I would be able to do more..
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Australia is really a most interesting country, both beautiful and multicultural, with plenty of scope for a positive future.
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Hence being happily prepared to say a few things and I will try to keep it brief.., but can’t resist perhaps to give for a moment a context and a further outlook..
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As originally largely born and bred in the Netherlands, my family and I came to this country of Australia because of a fondness being created for this land, …..settled once by the Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon in 1606… And for sure for a different challenge as well….I arrived as a medical professional, – neither as a navigator as such, nor as a British convict….In fairness I have to say that I have been working in both England and Scotland as well in the past, before arriving here, – with lots of good memories on my roots overseas, old friends and many other things…..The journey in Australia proved so to say – a refreshing new journey, both for my family and myself.
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Definitely with some challenges as well..
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Similar applied perhaps somehow to both the for sure far more adventurous British and the Dutch pioneers, who explored eastern , western and southern coasts in the 17th century… Often I have been wondering as how they e.g. have been cooping with the then existing heat waves and wide-spread bush fires, which went across this large continent in the Summer season….
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One may get used to those things, … both as they were…. and both as they are…
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I am fully aware that those explorers were not the original inhabitants of this country and that the real native inhabitants of Australia are believed to have arrived between 50000 and 70000 years ago, and established a spiritual artistic and musical culture which are among the longest surviving traditions in human history, – traditions so ancient that they deserve anciently to be cherished… Those Indigenous Australians were greatly weakened and their numbers diminished by introduced diseases and conflict with the colonists in the 17th Century and beyond… Those original and very early inhabitants had to coop, however with far more!
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As masters of both the land and the deserts they knew this continent from deep in the earth better than we would ever know, – adapted as we are through the latest centuries to modern civilisation.. Still, the after effects of this once hostile frontier between those who lived here – and came here, has not completely diminished as yet from Australian soil, – despite a formal apology from the former PM Kevin Rudd….
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History however will likely show that the last scars of this once wrongly grounded bondage will be wiped out when the working foundations have been laid out for the next frontier of Australia. Finding and refining its own identity with a broader purpose, – for the future of both this young and relatively rich country… Finding and refining as well e.g. it’s policy to those who arrive from far away, who would like to embrace this country as their new homeland, – simply because their right to exist with meaningful purpose would be better respected here than in the countries where they came from… We know some of the predicaments of people living abroad, and even though we can’t fix the worldly problems inherited by troubled generations in various countries, at least we can contribute to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, – both at our own shores and far away…
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It’s a difficult subject, largely to be answered by ending conflict and sectarian violence in those often so far away areas, so that people can start to get on with their lives… The problem with refugees, which applies to Europe as well, is that it is at large related with the international community facing major problems of maintaining or creating peace in war stricken areas, – combat the evil of terrorism in some of those areas as well…
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Australia impacts on the international coalition of forces in embattled areas as such, more than it does on the dilemma of refugees, – but at least it could do more on individual cases knowing that the spirit of law enforcement never goes without justice or fairness.
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Somehow every day in Australia we may consider as a confirmation , a celebration actually of liberty and freedom, “accountable freedom” being the better word perhaps, .. – every day with new choices to be made, in a land with a huge variety of people… A celebration actually that we have the freedom of speech, the right to express ideas as well to a better future for those with whom we share this country, for the benefit of both our distinctive multicultural heritage and the future of our children. The last who will make up the next generation, and carry forward the responsibilities when we are finished, and they are both worth the investment of education , the investment of all-round protection and the investment of job creation.
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With an increased foremost educated liberty, through decades of peril and hope, emancipation and freedom, we can choose, – not to follow the inflated whims of some politicians which proved not to work, – not to follow those who by cheap manipulation of the media may gain access to positions of power without the wisdom to use this power with restraint and proper judgement for the common good, – but to keep the sacred rights of western society that each man or woman in Australia may become that which he or she is gifted of becoming.
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This is in essence our difference with various countries around us, countries which worship the state over people and the systems of state over human and collective rights , – the so-called totalitarian states, where freedom of speech, press and of religion are suppressed at various degrees…
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But not mistakenly even our country is a culprit where it comes to the risk of a destructive gap between appearance and promise, display and assurance, – as if this should be the normal pattern in politics, where election campaigns are festivals for pledges with at times very contrary performance once elected… Where e.g. at some stage personal contention and party politics may lead to closed-door decisions with e.g. one Prime Minister walking in, – and an other one walking out…
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It is one of the many reasons people may get disengaged on the cultural dynamics of their own political system, despite the Aussie media covering this in quite excellent ways and uncovering cock and bull stories in many presentations…With a few exceptions, longer ago, the various Prime Ministers we had in recent years were neither Presidential nor Executives with a great embracing vision for finding Australia “its new identity”, in both a changing country and a changing world….It looks like Australia is still searching for its real identity amidst the various changes in society, and the provided political structure in its present-day format seems not to be the strongest motor to invoke progressive , balanced, .. and sustained positive change for the future of this increasing multicultural society.
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Many nations set forth their own pattern of uniqueness in the developmental stages they face, – but often they have an older tradition that fits the country on the original brand of their political system, rather than a borrowed one that will prove to be inflated one day… The last here in Australia, – when a growing majority proves to be receptive for this perspective and gains momentum as a driving force to change this, – it will, and with this it will change the motor of “the train”, like such thing can change the tapestry of a business, the colours of an improved painting and more important the outcome of a changing culture, – one that will attract, and one that will be more dynamic and break new ground …
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And this should be the future of Australia, speaking briefly about the future of this country… But for the moment we have a “workable” system, where as always applies that it is made by the people who work it with genuine intentions, rather than that is purely based on the strict lines of Party politics and lobbying associations.
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However, courage in politics and examples of men and women who are pushing through with both bravery and spirit, with both their inner genius maintaining original standards as a shining light for others, are fairly rare… apart from ordinary people in the circumstances they face, either by fate or accident…”If Athens shall appear great to you,” said Pericles, “consider then that her glories were purchased by valiant men, and by men who learned their duty.”….This applies for Australia as well, …. you can’t push change but people need to be ready for it through the insight and vision of their leaders.
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That is the foundation of largeness and abundance in all societies, and it is the cornerstone of daring advancement in our own time, – made by people who are larger than life or politics….We live in a country where all this is possible, and it is a matter of thanks giving not to retreat in isolation but ask what together we can do for our human destiny.
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Both for God, councils and government we share the same human rights, regardless colour or religion, – in this country by law … Despite many obstacles to get things right, to improve the living conditions of all, – we face the injustices of our time as well, – the variety of the objective living conditions of so many people and likewise both the political and economical imperfections in this country, – the last only however to be resolved long term by a moral tapestry with the increasing colours of justice… You know,… it is beating the drum the right way and keeping the best possible balance, – tuned into the focus to enhance opportunities at home and abroad… Knowing that surrounding countries have a different pace and nobody likes it to be dictated… Knowing as well that not always we need to follow the footsteps of the US, our greatest ally, but that we have a way of our own, an Australian own-made brand, – regardless the drummers in other countries, – and that we can contribute to solutions elsewhere, in very distinct and humane ways.
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The moral authority of a country is not based on the amount of ammunition, but on the ability to ease a deal without throwing oil on the fire. And this is a lesson from the past, not always applied, – though applied it should… Not always considered as strong, but strong it is….
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As a Nation we can either try to help countries or areas at risk of getting increasingly flawed on moral authority, – or retain a face of indifference… However, our common humanity does not end in the town we live or the community we share, and as a Nation we have an obligation to help to bring Nations together and resolve their differences in peaceful ways. We live in a time being more dependent on each other than ever before and even though each country has both different problems and goals, – common citizens of each country are often more close in their desires and hopes for the future than that their governments are…
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An Australian traveller crossed various countries supported by 2 horses and his dog and crossed e.g. the territory of Kazakhstan, historically inhabited by nomadic tribes.. On each encounter with people and families he met, the first day he was a guest and the second day he was part of the family… Our 2 Nations have perhaps not much in common, but the bottom line is that all people all over the world in the diversity there is, – do share at large the will to live, want to do this with purpose, and like human company, – not willing to have war.
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Once you provide fascination as a human being, often you receive back…Once a country provides invitation by the fine standards it provides, without force and willing to negotiate in the positive, – it will receive back, and often in the positive as well. The last does not take away that also Australia will not permit the undoing of principles to which this country has been bound and dedicated to maintain.
Those who have power need to use this with wisdom and restraint because as a people, as a Nation as part of many Nations, we all had our fair level of scars caused by the injustices of history. It is the task of the current generation and the coming generation to wipe out the last remainder of that merciless believe that real influence of powerful Nations is dependent on the amount of cruise missiles in their possession, – and the willingness to use this stockpile if it suits one’s military need. …
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Australia signed up with the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treat (NPT) but the Australia – India nuclear treaty is really a travesty by principle. India did not sign the NPT and even after the recent NPT review on the 27th of April – with a strong message from the Obama Administration – none of the countries who did not sign this treaty changed their stance in matters…
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For Australia applies that if they supply the ingredients for further nuclear processing to a country not signing the NPT, – it does not show being principle centred on this aspect of trade and foreign affairs.. India’s failure to both feed its people adequately and to stop e.g. gang rapes, the last with the law enforcement innocent people deserve , – warrants help of a different nature and not the potential material for nuclear weapons… With all respect to all the good things of India and its ancient culture.
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All this shows the shortcomings of human justice with examples everywhere, the flaws and limitations of human grace, the insufficient awareness of the suffering of others and as a Nation we need to make at least the effort of showing compassion where we can, as this will decide the real Australian standard where we stand today and tomorrow.
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And for this it is so important that we protect and look after our children, and try to live for them by example, – as they are the future of people who labour on the street, labour in education, politics or any other domain of society. We can make or break this youth, this
new generation, in the level we support them. We can nourish the qualities of the next generation into the awareness that we are in essence an international community of people trying to find purpose in their life. A world where the basics of human dignity and freedom are respected with the law enforcement it deserves. The last which means we have no other choice than to wipe out the importation of drugs like “ICE” and identical variations, – and punish the culprits in line with the law’s of each country…as they destroy the minds of many children and adults.. It means as well that we have to wipe out the evil of human trafficking and child pornography in all its dimensions… We have no other choice, by law, than to do this with the greatest proactivity and vigilance.. It’s a matter of both responsibility and social justice, like it is a matter of social justice and responsibility to enhance the efforts of preventing terror in the way it manifest itself. We have really no other choice, and like Australia already does within the last domain, even in Australia itself the protection of children has scope for improvement.. Not only this but also to enhance their right to pursue their talents and hopes for the future, by stimulating education and financially support it.
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We are living in a country with a good healthcare system and Medicare serves a good purpose, but even here the strains on the healthcare system are clear as a result of budget restriction, with accelerating waiting times both in A&E and hospital treatment. The gap fees on top of Medicare are increasing whilst the majority of the Australian population has difficulty as well to coop with increasing costs for daily living, .. electricity and all the others.. We face challenges as well in this country at various levels, but our land is still a land rich in natural resources and a huge variety of people of all walks and colours, which makes Australia interesting and a good country to be part of.
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For the future at least in this part of the Pacific, Australia could play an eminent role of leadership in the domains required to contribute to a better and more stable world.. The last obviously at large dependent on the quality of its leadership, the selection process and the level of expertise being used, – which for sure this country has. There are thousands and thousands of people who could change the life of so many others provided their skills are used, provided the seed for the next generation is both protected and nourished, provided we see the common humanity in each men and woman, provided we break the barriers of both religion, social class and disregard.
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It’s a hard thing to be on the steering wheel for the future as part of dynamics are not always easy to control, wherever this applies, – in business, education, healthcare, government or any other dimension of society. But we need to be careful with inflated convictions and outmoded catchphrases. The world can’t be moved by those who are attached to the present and existing conditions, – but can only be moved, in this country as well, by those who have the state of mind, the creativity, and the attitude, along with the courage to stand strong, – and for this reason we need to get the new generation on board to take eventually the lead. The lead against adversity, brutality, shallowness and injustice…. The road to the death camps in Auschwitz has never been paved by those who did oppose it, – but it was the silence of those who knew and did not act against the evil of their authorities, and they were the majority, besides those who did not know.
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High desires along with principles and idealism are not opposed to pragmatic and resourceful concepts for the future for the things we want and ponder about… Those who enter the list of engagements with proper values on humanity and love, – can climb the hill to “the high city”, – whilst efficiency only may lead to other concentration camps and mass slaughter…as we have seen elsewhere.
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Each of us has his or her own work and responsibility, along with the problems we have to coop with, – and at times perhaps we may feel lonely or isolated, due to competition or being let down or other things. – But matter of the fact is that with shared compassion we are somehow wired together, and as such we may glue a joint future with both our collective vitality, both our unified dedication and faith, – and this may cause a ripple effect on our collective hopes and an effective endurance… And from this longing we can build on this future of Australia, – as this ignites a chain of events being required to build on the next generation, .. both within ourselves, our families, and the communities where we live.. This is possible in Australia and anywhere else.. This is possible in Australia as we don’t have to resolve the burdens of civil war, sectarian conflicts and all the others ,.. and also because we are still living in a free society with still both the opportunity and the responsibility to make sensible and creative choices. And for sure as such Australia is worthy as well.
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We are a generally a compassionate people which shows in people reaching out in flooding, bushfires and all sorts of other tragedies… We are a people able as well to face challenges and more than that, – Australians are known to be generous. And generous as this country is, with optimal policies in place, generous and compassionate our Government can be, – and as such should bea true reflection of what we are, and with a real driving force among the heaps of bureaucracy, – government for the people and by the people can make Australia even a better place,.. defining its future for the best of what we can be as a society and for the best of what we can be in the region…
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We may not see the outcome in our life time, in our generation, – but we can pave the way for the next generation, – as a process of goodwill, as a process of being visionary, … and finally as a process of demonstrating the best possible quality and excitement in our activities… Knowing that we can do more than we do now, knowing that good intentions are always subject to prove, – and knowing that trying and failing are not a weakness but a strength, – as long ..we learn from what we do, wherever we are..
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I am confident that many of the men and women who have the benefit of being part of this free country will be able to give from their lives and from their gifts, and as a measure of service render the best measure of striving.
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And this is to despise ignorance and seek to know. This is to observe truth and make others see…
I would like to raise the opportunity today, in remembrance of “Anzac” and actually to all the Anzacs of the world, to write briefly to you about the senseless and growing threat of increasing global violence… Knowing that those who follow this blog in different countries, may not have heard of “Anzac” as such… I would like to ask to try to take it as highlighted…”to strive, to seek, and not to yield”.
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Whilst “Anzac Day” in Australia and New Zealand bring to mind the Anzac landing at Gallipoli in 1915 on the 25th of April, a day where many were killed during both an epic and horror event against the evil of a major enemy, – Anzac remembrance is in someway overrated in it’s prime focus on the past, .. rather than a more rightly and joined focus on the future where the evil of major wars should be prevented …
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For Australia this particular event, 100 years ago, was a profound loss and disaster.. Apart from this, many Australian soldiers and others died on the battlefield of Gallipoli whilst they have been under the illusion that they would go there for some adventure, very young in age, and often ill-prepared…Often misled, somehow, by the authorities who did recruit them with incorrect information, – propaganda as well…It’s a never-ending story which repeats itself time after time, propaganda and war, – war and propaganda. And the stories are rarely fully correct. Those poor soldiers in those days had really not the faintest idea where they were in for… This massacre was a shame for so many who lost their lives, for their families, – but also perhaps a disgrace for Government authorities who did recruit them the way they did, and the way those young soldiers were prepared. Being in the hands of government authorities and the military, who may wrongly guide you into defeat disaster and death, – is in essence a cheat against human life and not often highlighted in the public domain, – where governments do fail in wise assessment on the risks they take.
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If those who died could speak from their graves today, Anzac would not be about the past but about the future.
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War and conflict, where ever it was, where ever it will be, marks both the souls of those who are involved and the countries which are affected, – either by major destruction or escalating sectarian violence.
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This will be the picture of future war’s… Close to, or, total destruction perhaps, where even the sounds of propaganda get silenced, whether they were right or wrong.
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In past war’s soldiers returned to their country of origin with hardly any after care for the trauma’s they sustained. Often with things they don’t want to talk about anymore. But torments still festering as a sickness in their souls, with so many PTSD and other human disorders in those people who sustained the particular horrors in monstrous combat.
Those who died, died alone, – those who were able to survive came back and often had to live a very isolated and lonely life, in a different world, often misunderstood and undervalued…
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Gallipoli – is only one of the many battlefields of the past century. One was worse than the other. Some battlefield’s were totally senseless and ill-selected by those who did decide to go to war, – not rarely for the wrong reasons at a cost of many innocent people.
The Australian sentiment from ” Anzac” commemoration could be: This never ever again! …Like people who visit the Auschwitz extermination concentration camps – built and operated by the Third Reich during the 2nd World War. Those people, so many years later, may also feel that this should never happen again. However the slaughter of people goes on and on in different identities, and those being responsible not often held accountable.
The victims however in the future are of all kind, – not only restricted to the poor, but also to the rich. Not only restricted to one religion, but potentially to all religions. Not only restricted to two countries but to many countries…It is not a concern of any one race, it is the concern for the all human race where human dignity suffers on the potential and mindless onslaught across nations.. Where human dignity suffers, because humanity became inhumane by not avoiding the last choice of murder carnage and perhaps extermination.
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When we think about those who died in the past, we need to be mindful of those who may die in the future, as just this should be the lesson of history, – how to prevent this happening again.
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We live in a time where quality and quality improvement is so important, but the last seems to be restricted to some areas of life and manufacturing, – but not to all life and the improvement of life.
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People often do live in joint circumstances today where resentment can grow in unexpected ways….
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Violence never created, rarely accomplished, – and so it will never do in the future where the voice of reason is not heard or ignored. And so where modern violence is ignited, it will create new violence and possibly massive and unpredicted retaliation. The last with perhaps the same repetitive propaganda to make people go to war. War and violence, violence and war, – both massacres and slaughter where the law of civilisation does not count anymore.
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We can see glimpses on this from Afghanistan to Yemen, from the deserts in Syria and Iraq where ISIS tries to prevail in not less than barbaric style, – glimpses on the conflicts of African countries, and the tensions between Israel and the Palestinian people. But also the dynamics around Iran and the Ukraine…The list goes on, on and on….
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We live in a time where collective obsession may reach epidemic proportions, supported by social media. As we have seen already at an early stage…
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Whilst we increasingly and calmly seem to accept the reports of civilian butchery in far away lands, we tend as well to enjoy the television entertainment of movies with all sorts of violence – without restrictions for our children, who should be able to learn and live by example. But many of those youngsters are already confused by what they see at home, by what they experience on the street and via television or social media. Some of them in dysfunctional families. Some of them even willing to join ISIS, and travel to Syria to join this mindless evil of all evils, – at this time…
Countries, now, make it easy for other countries of all shades of sanity, to get whatever weapons of destruction they desire. Not recognising that unpredictable collective behaviour may affect us all in a chain reaction of violence. Things can easily have a domino effect.. Too many Governments preach peace with their lips and consider wars with intentions. Intentions on which strategy makers may get locked in political decisions, from which there is no escape anymore.
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The question is what we really learnt from Anzac and all those other Anzacs of the world. The fact that so many people from Australia, New Zealand and other countries died in one particular lost Gallipoli battle, with particular facts not highlighted, – should at this stage not be the sole sentiment, – but merely the realistic concern for the future, – our future. A future where governments proved to have learnt from the past , a future where we have a greater awareness of what to expect from our governments, where the last being possible. Propaganda is a dangerous thing when used for the wrong reasons to mislead the public….whether it is used in e.g. Russia or the US, or anywhere else…
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The sickness of the human soul is able to consume and breed violence, create repression which produces retaliation. And so the Anzac’s all over the world should not only cherish those who died in – as they may say – “noble conflict”, but cherish life for the living and make a call for joint efforts to slow down the destructive brutality which is breeding everywhere and anywhere. The brutality which affects the poor and the children. The brutality which poisons the relations between men because they are eg either a Jew or Muslim. The violence among Muslim states. But also the potential still,- of escalating violence around the Ukraine. We see the slow destruction of children as well, – not only by trafficking, but also by hunger and lack of the most basic schooling and living eg in houses with neither comfort nor heat…
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They are the future, but what sort of future if care and respect for life are insufficient? .. A new generation as such can spiral down in savagery and destruction, both at home and across the world.
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Prejudice among group dynamics in those children and young adults is the future we have to face, with even more advanced instruments of social media. With even more hatred, more bitterness and more combat missions… And as we see the western world is neither immune nor always right.
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I have no answer for those problems , neither principles to change all this.. There are simply no final answers, but when you teach to hate and to fear your neighbours because they are different in colour or beliefs, – you may lose part of your own identity if you don’t respect the other as yourself.. It starts with our children and all the youngsters.. It’s all about mastering the concept we have to learn to live with each other, however with the law enforcement and protection we all deserve, – based on being equal, regardless race or religion, based on being creative as a species, creative this way, – and not the other way!
When we learn to respect each other, recognising we share the same short moment of life, recognising that we all deserve a chance to live our lives in purpose … and respect that ways can be different without conflict on battlefields, – there will be less future Anzacs anymore and this should be the message among communities, cities and countries… And if we so look around us as fellow men, – we may be able to dress the wounds among us, and so we may become in our own souls brothers and citizens of this world again, as part of an evolution of conscious… As part ofan evolution over decades and centuries… As part of an evolution that actually, – actually we have no other realistic choice with all we have to destroy if mass hysteria gets grip on those who hate.
Is this easy?… No, for sure not, – it is the biggest challenge we face on this planet….
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It is like the Indian diplomat and politician Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit once said:… “The more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war.” ..
No matter how necessary or justified a war may seem, no matter that wars are as old as humankind, – a new large and widespread, and – or – all over war, will take away from us the ability to live and makes all of us the victim. And once most of us are dead, crippled, or burnt, or poisoned, we have seen the end of war.. But at what price?.. It is simply better neither to risk it nor to come too close to it, as there is no common international law that war’s – if any – should be restricted to any one or two countries alone. And even then it is better to decide on the lesser evil, as even though not always true, – an unjust peace can be better than a just war.
…To strive,.. to seek in peace – as Alfred Tennyson, the British poet once said – to find, ..and not to yield in foremost peace, – the last one, however, … the only battle worth waging….It’s all a matter of wisdom, understanding and respect, mutual respect, – but also to make a mutual and united stance against evil…No act of peace however, no matter how small, is ever wasted.. And this, – this should be the baseline education for future generations and an understanding for almost all people around the world, young and old, – as humanity has never been created to sustain the potential of future warfare at the scale it can escalate and destroy each other.
What kind of genuine agreement is reasonable, within the context of an escalating economic crisis in Russia, and to support the so important international coöperation between superpowers and other countries?
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As the Russian rouble crisis may have a global fallout, affecting potentially the word’s financial markets, just a few words about this crisis. A crisis as a result of both many sanctions and dropping oil prices, within apparently unresolved issues in and around Ukraine.
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For those who blame Russia for the current sanctions it is good to challenge their own perceptions against those of Russia.
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Some would say that it is useless to speak of an agreement with Russia and lifting sanctions until Russia shows a more cultivated approach towards the status of Ukraine, which I hope they do….But they can be supported to do this as well..
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An attitude however of allowing Russia going into an economic meltdown has repercussions for all Russian citizens and some may say this is almost reaching the point of economic warfare at this stage, – with potential implications which can’t be underestimated.
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What can we say about this?
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Reaching an attainable agreement can never be achieved by forcing a super power on its knees with economic sanctions, without offering a more genuine effort of solving problems, – the last being based on a practical and necessary process…. It is a matter of leadership to do so and looking further ahead….
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Adopting an approach in 2014 of far-reaching economic confrontation without reasoning an acceptable deal on Ukraine, and some principles to be shared in international relationships, could lay down the seeds of a further military confrontation, – the last in that case being evidence of the bankruptcy of the current perceptions being used, when short-sighted and short-term policies are applied with the wrong propaganda and the wrong sentiments…
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It is likely not to work out this way!
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Like the Americans, the Russian people have an impressive culture with important accomplishments on a multi range of issues, success in science and space, achievements in economic and industrial growth, – even so when the last seems to have diminished lately… Neither Russia, nor the US or Europe have ever been at war with each other….. During the second World War the Soviet Union, as it was called at that stage, suffered more than any other nation.
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For all nations, and for some more than others , is the challenge to refrain from interfering in the self-determination of others, – the last being so important to keep the balance right… No country can be allowed to take over other countries which are free, and made the choice to be free… On the other hand, since the fall of the Berlin wall there has been no real justification in NATO’s eastwards expansion, – which has been clearly perceived by Russia as a potential threat. On the other hand Russia has not more than 2-3 military bases abroad, – whilst the US has many bases elsewhere… The EU and the US have imposed several rounds of sanctions on Moscow over the seizure of Crimea and because of Russia’s backing pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine, – during a conflict that has killed about 5000 people…. Russia’s economy is heading into recession as due to both induced pressure of low oil prices, western sanctions related with the Ukraine, besides some global economic fluctuations, – the last which is almost out of any countries control.
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The economic pressure now is a real threat for Russia, and will hit all Russian people in sustained ways.
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The recent Russian rouble’s “free fall” is hard to predict, hard to predict how matters will evolve from here as well, – but history shows that countries being cornered this way – like eg Germany after the 1st Word War in other ways, – may enter a process which could make the way free for nationalist hardliners to take over. .The propaganda has been started already, the relations between the superpowers and Europe are already deeply disturbed…
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Had oil prices fallen as part of unpredictable market forces, Russia would have been able to turn to international financial markets, but the sanctions being in place closed this door. It would almost seem that Russia has been really cornered now, and for sure they don’t like it.. It is feeding the wrong sentiments in this country, still being a super-power.
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US Secretary of State John Kerry said that the world is closely watching on what is happening in Russia , referring to the rouble. But he defended the continued sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine crisis as President Putin was invited to make a different set of choices with those sanctions being in place, indicating as well that what is happening now in Russia is not just related to the sanctions… However, it seems that oil prices are low at present due to significant background dynamics with the involvement of Saudi Arabia included, a trend to increase oil production with generalised dropping oil prices. There is mention of making Russia as such see little revenue from their vital oil production, with reduced export as result of this.
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The wisdom of such current policies being in place to get a deal within reason about Ukraine may be questionable and will prove to be possibly a very risky one. The relationship with Russia will be further eroded as a result of this, like it would have happened if the US or the EU would have been cornered when their status quo would have been a vulnerable one.
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Whilst the principle of refraining from interfering in the self-determination of other countries is highly valued and accepted, an unequivocal peace deal with Ukraine and a withdrawal from Russian support to separatist should lead to an immediate lifting of all sanctions… The start then for a real process of improving dynamics and Russia eventually being incorporated as a participating non-member of NATO, in the first instance. The last as cold-war dynamics “as a process” is a reflection of poor and inflated policies. Policies reflecting too little real insight are the cornerstone at the background of the Ukraine and its related problems, – a dilemma which asks for a swift resolution and wider views, – without unhelpful propaganda, propaganda in Ukraine included.
Despite failures of dogma in the past, the Soviet army, as well, liberated Europe from fascism and Russia’s backyard is not free from fascistic elements, – the last which should be watched like all countries with those elements need to be watched….
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Propaganda only works when it falls into fertile ground. We have seen this in the pre-second World War dynamics… One may blame Russia for this current crisis, as part of propaganda with narrow views, but fact is that when people say that Russia is trying to re-establish its level of influence towards the boundaries of the former Soviet Union, – it is clear as well that this may be well provoked by NATO’s eastward expansion since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Both is or has not been sensible politics, – but the point is not who started this. The point is how to fix this in a process of discussing a more positive outcome, and a far more constructive way forward. The last without prejudice on participating leaders being involved in this process.
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History, in retrospect, may say that the current adopted policy was an inflated policy and that the better option would have been to be more inclusive of Russia, like the US was inclusive to Germany after the second World War. Obviously the dynamics were different, but if Germany already after the 1st World War was approached in a more inclusive way the nationalistic sentiments in those days which created the dynamics being fertile ground for persons like Hitler and the 2nd World War, would likely not have been taken place the way they did.
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This was a 19th Century policy and we should not go back to this…After the fall of the Berlin wall and the USSR disintegration, a different European approach towards Russia would have been possible, – and is still possible.
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One could say that President Putin should stop from meddling in the affairs from Ukraine, but a potential future Ukraine membership of NATO would be for Russia evidence of increasing NATO influence, – in its former backyard. They simply don’t want it as there is no need for this, – which is the Russian perception.
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Anders Fogh Rassmussen, NATO’s Secretary-General said that the reality showed that Russia does not consider NATO as a partner, the question however is when did NATO consider Russia as a partner after the fall of the Berlin Wall?.. Has there ever been a process in place to incorporate Russia in equal inclusive ways as shown to other countries in Europe?
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The answer on those questions are not really in the affirmative, and the way matters evolve now only feed the Russian perception of “a conspiracy against Russia”.. This poorly progressing process, the result of many complex acts together, will feed nationalist sentiments in Russia with propaganda supporting that Russia is under threat, – which it is, in economical ways.
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Needless to say that Ukraine has legitimate interests, but the process leading up to the Ukraine becoming an issue of international concern has at least in part to do with NATO’s inconsiderate expansion to the east, without considering – as part of a process – Russia to be a partner as well...
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Reversal of this process is in the hands of leaders with a true sense of genuine and positive historic perceptions, and, a willingness to solve this problem now for the better before Russian sentiments will decide the long-term Russian response, – the last which may well fire back if no swift resolution and support.
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We need to think about what history is able to teach us, rather than returning to inflated politics at international level which proved not to work, – the last being dangerous for international stability….. Our interest lies on an international stable order among the world’s most powerful nations, – not rejection and isolation of each other out of fear, – but inclusion based on common interest, – provided no real threat is provoked effecting the international community.
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If such process starts early, there is no need for derailment.
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Russia, being cornered now in far-reaching economic ways, with the imposed sanctions, the forced dynamics in the oil price reductions, and the Russian rouble being rock bottom now, including perhaps a potential change in leadership, – might become a more dangerous Russia as due to its isolation and nationalistic sentiments.
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Like the US showed different styles of Presidential leadership in the past, Russia showed different Presidential styles as well… One may have different opinions on the 62 year old President Putin, but he neither provoked any major war nor is he be allowed to be compared with Hitler at this point in time… He is clearly a Russian nationalist and he is allowed to be so as part of the responsibilities to his country at present. He is clearly different than the former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, but this does not take away that one can reason a deal with President Putin and to invite him to play his role in international coöperation, but vice versa as well to stop NATO expansion to the east, and include Russia more in the affairs of Europe.
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Russia like the US are historic players on the word stage and need to be taken seriously, – not in a sentimental way but with recognition that historical national interests are not always the same.
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Pushing Russia at the brink of economic collapse over the Ukraine crisis, after a longstanding increased NATO expansion closing slowly in on the borders of Russia – based on the wrong post Berlin Wall perception on European military defence expansion, for so long already – will prove to be the wrong policy, as it is just this NATO policy of expanding its influence to the east, – which may have triggered Russia’s unfortunate policy towards the Ukraine. However, – insight from both sides as how those dynamics work, the background of it, – is a starting point to discuss, to reason and to resolve those issues from a realistic and genuine perspective.
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It’s time to re-evaluate ones perceptions on each other and to consider whether there is really any wisdom on an approach asking eventually for conflict. Both perceptions and perceived positions in Europe, the US and Russia, – are now getting more dogmatic and less flexible due to the cooling down of the relationships.
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The question is who has the courage and the ability to embrace a more workable approach and change the line of history in those potential dangerous dynamics, following both relentless NATO expansion to the east for many years and finally the Russian response in the affairs of Ukraine as a result of this, – with all sanctions and reduced oil prices happening afterwards, and Russia as a result of this now economical in a vulnerable position.
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This current process shows neither beneficiary nor victory for any party involved and asks for serious review on the positions being created.
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Only free men can negotiate as free men, and we are all free men if we see our future to remain free. Leaders in Europe and Russia need to reason , to compromise for the survival and prosperity of their own people, – looking at broader perspectives and the last with the full support of the US, – this with the view to a good outcome, a solution which leaves nobody in the shadow.
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All this is neither about seeking the Russian answer, nor about seeking only the European answer or the US answer. All of this is about finding the right answer, seeking the right way forward in ways not escalating the wrong direction.
It is not about fixing the blame but fixing and accepting the responsibilities for the future, with enough things already going on without the domain of much influence or control…
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As reasonable people, terror – as it may happen at times – is hard to control. But the issues around Ukraine and the financial crisis are to manage, – as it is within reason to solve them with the response of free men.
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Bushfires and earthquakes are hard to control, only the after effects. But the after effects of escalating conflict are very hard to control, even as free men.
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So let us control what we are able to control as part of our unified responsibilities. When we see a future we can make a future as free men. As long as we are creative and inventive, with neither being repetitive in our failures nor dogmatic in our perceptions as a people who lost the freedom to make both proactive and sincere choices. We have to conquer this freedom, in our imagination and actions, – day by day, – week by week, – and year by year. Conquer this freedom as mental slavery within the contest of war and economic downfall is not an option, not an option for those who are really free in both Russia, the US, Europe and the rest of the world
There seems no end to the tributes at Martin Place, which has now spread to a second site in Elizabeth St Picture: Britta Campion
Just a few things to say to you today after the 16 hour hostage drama in Sydney, where 3 people were killed during a siege in which 17 people were taken hostage at the Lindt Chocolate Café in Sydney’s Martin Place.. There will be a lot still to be written about in retrospect, by others, – … further questions to be raised perhaps as well.
A totally senseless act of violence through the hands of a sick minded Iranian cleric with an extensive criminal violent past. Unfortunately, he has not been on a security watch list of the homeland security spy agency (ASIO) , which would have been part of due diligence because of his well known obsession with extremism..
I will say a few more words on this later on… – The culprit in this drama used a flag with in the world of today a symbolism of the ISIL death sect, – however though, this siege appeared to be clearly an isolated incident. – Sydneysiders now leave floral marks of respect in Martin Place in an expression of profound grieve and unity with the victims of this siege. Respect as well for the courage shown, both by the victims but also by the police, – all of us not being used to this type of new terror in Australia. – A sad day for this country and the families who lost 2 loved ones. However, .. it brought Australia, for sure, more together from various directions. There are signs as well for the rest of the world that if those things can happen in a café in Sydney, they can happen anywhere. And in a world with changing dynamics, with more sick minded people being close to (or in contact with) evil forces – through modern media of connections and other contacts – there is the challenge not to mix the good ones with the bad ones. Not to retaliate in the wrong way, neither in our country nor in any other countries with so many multicultural and different believers… There are many different religious views, and they are all fine, and they are all supposed to be treated with respect…
Any individuals or groups however, who violate the human rights of any other person, or persons, regardless their religion, – should be subject to the law enforcement in proportion with their acts of injustice.
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What we heard as well, after the Sydney siege, is that militants from the Pakistani Taliban, attacked a school….The unexpected can happen anywhere, at any time, and there are no easy answers, besides at least, – that neither judicial systems, nor systems of close surveillance on suspected groups or persons, . . should fail in any serious raised suspicions.
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– For those who are not related with Islam – considering the evidence that the Sydney gunman was a Muslim, there can be a desire for revenge.. But this would as such, and really seriously, undermine all what we love most in this country, and its way of life.. Besides this, the fact is simply that the far greater part of Muslims in this country feel that those acts of violence are profound repugnant, – and share in the grieve of what has happened over the past days. – What we need in this country is compassion and love. Hatred fuels hatred and violence fuels violence, – the last which is the risk of prejudice and not making the right distinctions, – in case of any future events at a larger scale perhaps.
So let us not get infected by the hatred elsewhere in this world, even when acts of senseless violence would recur in Australia, – or elsewhere… Let us continue to use common sense and base our decisions on values and respect for life, and not getting into a descending spiral, – the last which is the weakness of violence as it aims to destroy..
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In the history of the world, we often see that violence multiplies evil rather than that it is able reducing it.. However, – on the other hand, there have been instances where military force was required to end powers of evil, – ..this being the last means of civilization.
Opposed to our desire to civilization is the evil direction of e.g. ISIS, a large powerful death cult without any connection with the real Islam, and those who want to live in peace.. Even though they claim to be the true representatives of Islam, they kill their Islam brothers and sisters and anybody else in most barbaric ways as a way to resolve their differences .. Those extremes want violence and killings in this world, – likewise militants of the Pakistani Taliban and others.
So let us never get caught in a trap to retaliate in the wrong direction, – as the last is what ISIS or equal groups so dearly want.
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They already sacrifice their own people on the altar of hatred, – and hope this fire will spread across the nations to set people up against other people, – countries against other countries.
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What we need in Australia is not division; what we need in this world is not hatred; what we need here and elsewhere is not brutality and lawlessness, but is appreciation for what we are able to do together as a people in the positive.. Wisdom to overcome obstacles, and kindness towards one another, besides a feeling of justice toward those who are hurt or grieve, – whatever their origins or believes.
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Today is not the end of violence, not the end of uncontrolled people or groups.. People will continue to mess up in terrible ways, as shown again now as well by the brutality of Taliban militants in Pakistan… And this type of violence, sadly, may happen anywhere.
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And therefore let us dedicate ourselves to try and discipline brutality into humanity, wherever we can, in both small and large ways, – and expand the culture of tenderness and warmth, here, in Australia, – and elsewhere.. But let us be prepared as well, to protect ourselves as a country, together with other countries , – against the inhumanity of forces which put our cultures to the test.. Like that group of Taliban militants, which walked into a school in Pakistan and massacred 141 people, – 132 children included…..Just children..!
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The flowers at present in Sydney’s Martin Place are signs of respect and dignity, a tool and not a couch. For certain not a couch to rest on but a tool to move on and correct what strictly spoken could have been dealt with differently in the lead up to this drama – and this is the way we need to use time…
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Dignity and respect lies in the hearts and minds of many people as a willingness, in our case, to support the best of what the Australian culture represents… It may not always work out that way, but as a society we seem to know that the boundaries are narrow,- but the responsibilities however being clear…
One may conclude that both a more proactive Australian justice system and this Iranian gunman being put on the ASIO watch list in the past, at an early stage (for both his passion for extremism and his violent criminal history), could or should have prevented perhaps this deadly siege in Sydney, if he was stopped, – if he was stopped at anearlier stage with a justified prison sentence. And this is one of the lessons to be learnt from this tragic event.
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Terror prevention is not merely a distant goal that we search for, but a process through which we arrive at that goal, .. a learning experience, and a journey, which we need to travel, – as due to the increasing dangers we face – as a country with other countries..
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And to travel this, – we have to do this with the highest possible safety, – and with the highest possible speed, – and with the highest possible strategic and efficient efforts… All this, – and more, as part of the quality efforts our country and our citizens deserve!
Just a few things to say to you tonight after the 16 hour hostage drama in Sydney, where 3 people were killed during a siege in which 17 people were taken hostage at the Lindt Chocolate Café in Sydney’s Martin Place.. There will be a lot still to be written about in retrospect, by others, – … further questions being raised perhaps as well.
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(as due to additional information this article has been revised now)
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See next at the right side, upper part of this page:
Terror prevention is not merely a distant goal that we search for, but a process through which we arrive at that goal, .. a learning experience, and a journey, which we need to travel, – as due to the increasing dangers we face – as a country with other countries…And to travel this, – we have to do this with the highest possible safety, – and with the highest possible speed, – and with the highest possible strategic and efficient efforts… All this, and more, as part of the quality efforts our country and our citizens deserve!
“…………..each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation”
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“If we believe that we, as Americans, are bound together by a common concern for each other, then an urgent national priority is upon us. We must begin to end the disgrace of this other America.”
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– US Senator & Presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy (1925-1968)
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Looking at very recent events in the US on which many African-Americans, – besides others,… feel at least discouraged as a result of specific police injustice within US systems of authority, – one may say, on a more positive note, that despite this injustice, much has been achieved over the last 50 years.
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This to start with..
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However, racial prejudice, which is the issue here, is still at the heart of a number of citizens, and some US institutions.. It resembles the roots of an inflated past.. a past, – coloured by bloodstained violence..
Yet, again, – in certain areas of the US, – there is a police force still, without optimal correctional systems when African Americans are shot or killed by the same police… The last, evidently, whilst those people did not impose a real threat.
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Worse is when tribunals then fail in their verdict to seek real justice, – or when courts fail to come up with measures of prevention & restraint in the future… The quality of justice in the US seems to be met with more obstacles when it applies to African American citizens.
For two and half century this country has battled to overcome the self-imposed disadvantage of intolerance, prejudice, injustice and often hatred, – largely based on social class, nationality and race…. In the last almost 50 years measures to improve the quality of African Americans have been in some ways profound, but in other ways still insufficient… The realities often show the remnants of a tainted past.
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Whilst still millions of African Americans, along with many others, did not receive the training for simple jobs, – many though, live in so called 3rd world conditions, – and for all of this many things are outstanding as part of a progressive movement to the next chapter in American history.
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Still, with the legacies of Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela,.. the growing legacy of President Obama as well, – one must look at the best possible legal ways to overcome those predicaments in a country which is still somehow divided by the nature of it’s history… A country with almost various different societies in the only one US.
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As such, – sustained acts in the positive are better than social unrest in the negative.
One may say this might be the learning experience looking at recent events surrounding the circumstances in relation to both the Ferguson case and that of Eric Garner. ..Both died as a result of disproportionate police force.
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Unfortunately African Americans, citizens in the US, are more on their guard with the police force than anybody else -as they seem to be more “at risk”- .. and regardless the fact that the police force has a vital function in regards to the protection of US citizens, – undeniable there is still considerable institutional prejudice against those African-Americans on the street, – ..both at night and during the day.
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The late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, – apart from many other things, – was perhaps best known for his African-American Civil Rights support.. He spoke in 1966 for an enthusiastic group of people in South Africa on the ability of each of us to change a small portion of events in favour of positive changes in society… And referring to what he said on that occasion, – I would like to say a few words…
A few words only, – as his concern for his country and the world, – the often senseless violence and injustice, still applies… Apparently still echoes in the present day, and it seems so easy to get caught up into it, – just as easy it is to retreat from it into isolation… Likewise, – still applies somehow that to cheapen the civil and human rights of any group of citizens on the altar of injustice, imprisonment, or any sort of violence, – cheapens the lives of all citizens, – including that of ourselves.
If we turn a blind eye to all of this out of fear, .. if we allow the detention of our own selves with the other eye, – the silence this shows against all this will not be merciful to our blindness to our fellow human beings, – whether they are black or white.
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Where we have the choice for the better, … we have to stand besides those being put in the shadow, – as our own shadow will fall short as an inner-light, when we miscarried the required justice, – when we miscarried the required care and respect towards our fellow human beings, – whatever background they may have.
Speaking out against injustice and using the free media is always the first step..
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Failing humanity we can, enhancing it we must, – both with reason and compassion, – as this is the standard for any progressive movement forward.
Only if by choice humans meld their perspective towards the protection of each other, including the will and the ability to live and let live, wherever the last does not come at a cost for other human life, and without racial or any other prejudice, – only then the heavy lifting can be done to help a different society waiting to manifest itself, an environment with more gentle and open-minded conditions… The realities might be often different but the dilemma of any authority is always how to realize proper and accountable use, – instead of thoughtless actions without sensible purpose… Authority, from this point of view, needs to meet quality standards in any democratic society, -and the prime quality here is fair justice.
However, – no reason to get cynical or pessimistic..
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The last did neither bring a man to the Moon, nor did it release the Civil Rights Movement…Cynicism will never cure e.g. a disease, will never build a cathedral or build a business, or feed a young mind.
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Cynicism about progress, even when there is misfortune or defeat -like we see at many places in the world- is simply a poor option and hope will always be a better choice. .. As long as the efforts support any realism within the concept of hope, – as long as those efforts support any realism within the concept of respect for human & civil rights, – and as long finally, support any realism on the topic to create the law enforcement a country deserves for the protection of all citizens…A quality requirement within potential further legislation passing US Senate… Control mechanisms in place for Grand Juries to see the full facts rather than turning away from what everyone else saw… In this case one can’t blame the jurors, but the prosecutorwho presented the case and guided the grand jurorsthe wrong direction. The last, regretfully, not uncommon.
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Positive is that there will be a Federal Civil Rights investigation under the office of US Attorney Loretta Lynch
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Neither trouble nor hardship, or hard work, should separate us as members of the same species in one country, nor on this planet, – and the failure to fully value black lives as white lives needs to be sorted at American soil, as part of a better Union still to be formalized where legislation is insufficient to make those things.. “as a matter of fact”, – so to say.
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As President Obama once said during his eulogy of Ted Kennedy in 2009: ..”What we can do is to live out our lives as best as we can with purpose, and love, and joy. We can use each day to show those we are closest to us how much we care about them, and treat others with thekindness and respect that we wish for ourselves. We can learn from our mistakes and grow from our failures. And we can strive at all costs to make a better world, so that someday, if we are blessed to look back on our time here, we can know that we spent it well; that we made a difference; that our fleeing presence had a lasting impact on the lives of other human beings.”-
Let this – “treat others with the kindness and respect we wish for ourselves” , be our comfort, if we wish “to see”… As this most simple concept is stronger, eventually, than the injustice of institutions, – and the demons perhaps of those who are the prisoners of their own dungeons, – and fortunately not being the guiding forces of society…
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For the police force applies that they need to be on their guard, – always, – but the assessment when somebody is a real threat is a critical one, and there is neither need to kill in any perceived threat, nor is there a need to use disproportionate force against African Americans who are harmless when an unprejudiced assessment is made.
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This applies for any country in the world where the police force has to deal with the multi cultural background of it’s citizens and where prejudice might be an issue.. The difference is that both juries, guidance and prosecutors, – not to speak about “cultures in police force” and the general culture, in democratic countries, are recognizable contrasting.
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Not to speak, this time, – about countries without a historical heritage of being a Democracy!
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There are people who say there are problems in Australia as well – (as I speak from Australia) – ..and the answer is: “correct !”… Australia has a significant past re the injustice on Indigenous Australian People… Australia has been always however a multicultural country… Still a long way to go ..!…and for sure not everything is perfect…But even when Australia is named the worst performing industrial country on climate change -(as far as a recent report released in Peru)- the divisions in the domain of multiculturalism are for sure less strenuous.
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But anyhow, coming back on the world’s largest superpower…
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….You know, – . – American citizens wrote a recent letter to the US Senate telling them they were a bit sick of this, – as the story goes on and on and many people have their own story.
..The American Senate did sent a certificate of special recognition of “the founder” of the concerns being raised,
and the vote was 41 to 41.
…By the way, ..this was after this year’s November elections for the US Senate…………..
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>>>>>>>>( I’ am just kidding here, but I hope everybody gets the irony )<<<<<<<
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There you go, …for 2016, – with just 2 years to go for a new chapter in US Presidential history! …But real legislative powers will not change meanwhile.. However, courage in the use of Judicial power could be the testing point on various occasions now.
Let’s hope, … let’s hope this works out well, – for all involved… As for the greater number of people in the US of all origins class and colours applies that they simply want to live together, – that they just want to help their children grow up in peace and safety, – and that they just want to have basic harmony and justice for all US citizens.
We dream of things that never were and say: "Why not?"