If we have no peace, it is because
we have forgotten that we belong to each other.
we have forgotten that we belong to each other.
I was watching the news last night and was shocked when I learned that the Somalian pirates had executed the four Americans. Somehow I had never believed that that would happen. In my mind, I thought that the pirates, knowing they were cornered and could not escape would let their hostages go and turn themselves in. What was the sense in this execution? What did it accomplish? It makes me angry, and it makes me want to lash out. It makes me think of revenge, and I really don't like feeling this way. It makes me wonder what happened along the way...when and where did mankind lost its humanity, or is that something we never had?
Perhaps I am too naive about the ways of the world...especially after 9/11. But, I still like to believe in the best of people. I still hold the belief that all humans are inherently good, and in the long run, goodness will outweigh the evil. Sadly, I just don't see that happening anywhere in the near future. Yes, I know that life in Somalia is not easy, but that gives no one the right to take another person's life...to take the lives of innocents who never harmed you in any way....to line them up and execute them rather than simply letting them go...which would have been the right thing to do...but we are not dealing with people who believe in doing right.
Since the beginning of time, there have been those who only want peace and happiness and there has always been those who would seek to take that away. Today brings about a new generation of predators who take personal pleasure in preying on the innocent. How does one even begin to understand the motivation for what the terrorists do? Religion? Poverty? Sorry, that's no excuse. And then there are those who hate the United States. Okay, so they don't like us, but does killing the innocents make it any better?
Sadly, the human race typically responds to evil by being evil. Even more bewildering to me is that this is something we have observed throughout centuries of history; we know it doesn't work . We feed it, and perpetuate its power over the human race, our planet, and our experience.
Until they extend the circle of their compassion to all living things,
people will not themselves find peace.
people will not themselves find peace.
Albert Schweitzer
I struggle with so much of the same things you talk about... I want to believe that man will ultimately choose what is best and right for all not just the self centered choices that they seem to often make...
ReplyDeleteI was also saddened by the death of the 4 captives and like you although I thought it may take a bit of time they would survive their plight and live to tell about it... We live in a hard times these days... It seems as if people are scared that if they dont get theirs they will not get any.... I hold out hope that there are still enough of the good ones left to keep this world somewhat of the place I want to think it is... Hopefully I am still not being too naive
I to hold the belief that all humans are inherently good. But it is obvious that some are given totally wrong information about life and some are just broken. But the human inside still has my respect and the human outside has my disgust.
ReplyDeleteI was on a rant, yesterday. You, today. Is there some celestial happening, causing turmoil?
ReplyDeleteNahhhh, I don't think there has to be some celestial happening, causing turmoil. Since I view the world, in the same way, I view the entire Universe...
All the Universe displays both beauty and horror. Stars are born. Stars die. Our tiny planet displays both, too. The beauty of a sunset and the horror of an earthquake, for example.
I view we, the people who developed on this tiny planet, the same way. With both "so-called Good" and "so-called-Bad" displayed.
I have no need, to explain these traits.
And I have no need to think that the "so-called Good" will prevail.
So we differ. And it doesn't make a bit of difference!!!!!!!!! You are my Blog-Friend and that's all that matters!!!!!
Gentle hugs...
When people lose the control over so much of their life...when everything seems to be so bad...that's when control over anything will help them feel like people...thus the control over someone else's life can be very powerful...
ReplyDeleteA tragic story, it's true. Devastating for all the families involved.
ReplyDeleteOh dear Mary....I, too believe that one should emit goodness in this life.
ReplyDeleteBut, unfortunately, there has always been evil.....and always will be...and I personally believe that evil done in the name of one's religious beliefs is the worst kind of evil.
Let's both of us stay positive, dear lady.
Jo
The easiest emotion for many people to express is anger. Unfortunately, that anger can be as simple as swearing under ones breath or as brutal as murder. Soft heart, soft hand.
ReplyDeleteI am one of those people who have trouble expressing emotion and my comfort zone is anger and sarcasm. I only truly let my guard down around my small circle of friends and family I love.
Having a soft heart takes more courage than raising your hand in violence. It's the easy way out.
Brilliant post Mary, as always.
It was a shock to hear that. So incredibly sad and senseless!
ReplyDeleteI do understand not wanting to respond to evil with evil, however why is the US allowing this to continue to go on with these folks? I don't understand why these Pirates do what they do. There is just no logic in any of it. Wishing you a tranquil day!
ReplyDelete(((HUGS)))