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By Wright, Robert. (2006, July 16). An American foreign policy that both realists and idealists should fall in love with. The New York Times.
IRAQ – I was driving down one of the war trodden main supply routes the other week. Concentrating on the road, looking for anything suspicious, I could not help but acknowledge to my gunner what destruction does to a society. It seems that every time we “roll out” our discussion includes this topic in some form. The trash piling in the dirt, the once emblazoned buildings, and the people, wrinkled, somewhat sad, and hardened by war and the stress it brings, paints a very plain picture of true struggle and broken will. With the exception of an occasional flash of traditional red, or the dusty green leaves of the palms, the image is bland and dry, leaving one in a pre-conditioned saddened state of mind even before realizing the true meaning of our presence here. Of note, up ahead, was an animal on the side of the road, lifeless, and still.
Even the grayness of this donkey seemed to fade. In part, abandoned, no master in sight, his eyes closed, as if he had chosen this very spot along the road to lie down and die, there stood above him the most saddening scenes of the day. Another donkey, obviously in mourning for his lost companion, he stood above his friend, loyal even in death, as traffic nonchalantly passed by. The passers by failing to acknowledge the fact that donkey or not, something or perhaps someone lost a companion and friend, continued on with their day failing to witness what was, perhaps, a most tormenting experience. The tears in the eyes of this innocent being, was too much for me to manage. I got back to my forward operating base, found a private spot, and wept.
Such is life…we come, we go, but what have we done to provide ourselves with the loyalty and commitment to each other that, even as human beings, we would stand with those lost. Regardless of background, race, religion, or sex, we as the residents of this world have responsibilities as caretakers, charged by God to manage and take care of the world he provided. Whether by natural causes or in war, who will come to the comfort of those who have experienced loss? The donkey, though his existence may be menial on a day to day basis, epitomizes what it is to serve and what it means to be loyal. They live in peace and experience only that which their master charges. We continue to forego peace and destroy that which our God has designated our responsibility.
So here we are, another holiday season comes and goes and another year approaches with promises of strained interpersonal, intranational, and international relationships. The will of the people moves with the ebb and tide of unpredictable governments and the struggle between what is right and not right ensues. We, as the responsible inhabitants of this planet must begin to realize that the happenings and events, not only within our designated borders and territories, but throughout, are directly the end result of individual decision-making and consequential actions. Recognizing that human beings, alone, possess the ability to influence the physics of nature (as it relates to climate and global conditions), of economy (as it relates to recession and the plethora of issues surrounding economy), and relationships along the full spectrum of their ability to exist (individual through international), is where we must begin before the seeds of peace can be planted.
Consider this…. Individuals make decisions; Decisions produce outcomes; Outcomes, both negative and positive, produce leaders; Leaders influence individuals and individuals decide whom to follow. Coagulated groups then form as leaders gain followers. Still with me? This is probably better depicted graphically, and I will provide one at a later time. This sequence then recycles itself and at times gains enough momentum to provide those identified as leaders with power. The power to influence people is only as strong as the collective group allows it to be. That said, should not the equation for peace be legitimately easy? Trust me, it is. The difficulty lies within the spirits of our global leaders. All may say they want peace, but few have decided collectively what exactly this means.
When considering the road to a peaceful world, the burden of leadership rests with those appointed and/or supported by the people. I would argue that the burden and responsibility is misplaced. Each of us, individually, remains wholly responsible for the status of our world. Whether it is peace or war, we the people of all states, make the decisions that influence outcomes. Whether it is who we vote for during an election or to pull a trigger on a roadside bomb, whether we throw our trash outside of a car window or start a recycling program in our own homes, the decision rests with each of us. We must honestly look inward and ask, “What have I done this year to bring peace to the part of the world that I remain responsible for?” We must examine the inner being, the self, and decide what we are capable of accomplishing toward making our world just a little cleaner, a little better, a little brighter. When we all, as a world, accomplish this and work together to achieve, then and only then may peace be possible. Leaders are no different than followers. They bleed the same blood; they breathe the same air and receive an education at the same schools. Leaders are people; the difference is that you and I, people, have chosen to support their dreams and desires. Consequently, we all remain wholly responsible.
I traveled the same route the very next day. The donkey, whose companion had died, was now lying next to his loss. Still along the side of the road, his head had come to rest on the stomach of his loss. I observed closely, and then, found myself sobbing. I could no longer hold back the tears that welled from within. I looked up at my gunner who was sobbing too; my driver was in the same state. The donkey, whose companion had died, had finally found peace. He too had passed…surely from a broken heart. The cars nonchalantly drove by, no one stopping, no one caring for anyone or anything but themselves. In a world that is torn by war, a world that faces climate crisis, a world that faces threats from our fellow mankind, can any of us afford to think of just ourselves? Where does this leave tomorrow’s children? Perhaps they won’t care either. After all, we’ve taught them to care only for the single most important person…themselves.
To all who are still reading, I wish you a sincerely beautiful Christmas and many returns for the New Year. The tone of this blog may seem dark, but the idea is bright! We have a world that needs some work. We must, united, stand together, roll up our sleeves, and do what we were originally charged with by God. That is to take care of that which he bestowed upon all of us…this earth…and each other. We must continue to pray but we must also continue to stand only for peace, differences exist, but let us hope that people, on the whole, are smart enough to see through these and find resolution. Our world calls to us. We must listen!
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