Tribal Integration
I know I'm not alone in thinking about this Israeli/Lebanon (Hezbollah?) war being waged, and waged at great cost to the innocent regardless of which side of the border they reside. Add to this the ongoing war in Iraq, which has gotten little attention in the media lately and all of the turmoil adds up to a sense of helplessness - What can I do about it?Knowing that there is actually very little any of us can do about the Mid-East situation, many choose to ignore it. Understandable given the fact that what is happening with Israel is a continuation of what has been going on with Israel all our lives, if you are a baby boomer or yonger. Nothing ever changes except the finger pointing, nothing is ever solved except respites from time to time where one side or the other has time to reinforce munitions until the next dispute rolls along.
The war in Iraq is but yet another continuation of America at War, something our politics just can't seem (or refuse) to not pursue against some constant threat to our freedoms and liberties. How many must question if our own freedoms and liberties are at constant threat, how many other countries who feel they have freedom and liberty are out threatening the world? None that I am aware of.
True, the threat of the radical fringe of Islam threatens many countries, and will continue to do so if what has happened in the past several years is any indication, but who has challenged or questioned their motivation? Where is any level of diplomacy being attempted in any level of discourse? Many say that talking with these terrorists is impossible and indeed, it may reach that point, but if no attempt is made to speak with them that point can never be concluded.
Then again, maybe the whole mess is an inevitable conclusion to a poorly thought out attempt to bring one's concept of peace, regardless of which side we/they are on. Peace, at best, for the world is an absence of war. I'm in full agreement with the Dali Lama's comment that "War is obsolete," especially in today's nuclear capabilities. To continue waging wars that may ulitimately reach for pushing the nuclear button is an extremely dangerous, and not to mention stupid, proposition. The scenario is grim, brother.
If one would label me, I would possibly fall into the category of egalitarian - affirming, promoting, or characterized by belief in equal political, economic, social, and civil rights for all people. Arguably, the only enemy an egalitarian would encounter would be religious fanaticism. Although I would eschew the label, I would be more comfortable with those that would call themselves egalitarians. I am uncomfortable around people that believe war is the answer to show others whose superior in might of any form.
Historically the Middle East grew out of tribes, as did all regions throughout the globe. It matters little if the tribes were black African, Native American, Viking, Japanese... you name a region that is populated and its origins are tribal... which does not necessarily translate into 'primitive.' Tribes rally around a common cause, a common belief, a common religion, a common defense. All these commonalities of humanity, it follows that war is a common act. History pretty well establishes that fact.
Judasim grew out of the Middle East... a splinter group, not from Islam (it didn't exist at the time), but from whatever commonality of beliefs that united the area. But given that we are instinctively tribal, Judasim also became tribal... a common belief, a common religion and a common defense in order for the tribe to survive. And yet these two peoples, Arabs and Jews, both from the same original tribal grounds, are politically unable to share what once was, thousands of years ago, any sense of commonality that would insure understanding between the two. Is there an inherent genetic split that the Arab people feel wounded by to this day? Why is there not a social integration amongst the two peoples? Why aren't the two peoples able to fully integrate their societies?
So many questions, so few fulfilling answers. How long must this go on? Do the people of the Far East really care about the constant conflicts between Israel and the Arabs? Those apparently constant wars that Europe, Great Britain and the U.S. have been so eager to pacify for so many years, spending time, money and energy trying to bring together some common ground for these two factions? I think not. Nor do the peoples of South America.
The Dalai Lama is correct - war is obsolete. They cost precious lives and monies that could be better used integrating, not furthering the cause of insisting on the continued segregation these two peoples. The world is far too small to feel that separation of peoples will solve their problems. Even in the prison systems segregation is problematic.
Segregating peoples is discrimination and discrimination implies a sense of superiority of one person, one people or one country over another. That has always led to war which leads to unnecessary death and destruction of the innocent... an evil that all but the most insane amongst us does not condone. As it's been said: "An eye for an eye leads to all becoming blind."
The integration of the world is growing faster than it ever has. It is the future for mankind. We are all connected and will continue connecting as One Tribe thru the advances of technologies, sciences, philosophies and psychologies. Those that fear the inevitable integration of humanity will be left behind... much sooner than they realize.
Cecil
30 July 2006
Crossing the Lines
cross over all lines
that limit knowing
cross over all lines
separating the self
cross over all lines
joining the eternal
cross over all lines
and unite with others
crossing the lines
___
that limit knowing
cross over all lines
separating the self
cross over all lines
joining the eternal
cross over all lines
and unite with others
crossing the lines
___
