learning

i've Learned some things in the past 24 hours. Or at least Realized some things. First i have to address the Tragedy in Japan. A lot of people may dismiss this Disaster because it's happened to an Affluent "Western" Country, the 3rd largest economy in the world; however, it is important to recognize that all Tragedies are Equal despite what standard of living the victims may or may not have had before the Tragedy. All Humanitarian efforts are Worthy causes whether they are in seemingly cursed nations like Haiti or seemingly Utopian nations like Japan.

the second thing i learned was that no war is just. In discussing this topic with someone i consider a Friend we came to a Disagreement. He believed that war could and often was Just and that Pacifism was a naive philosophy. I finally realized the problem with this is that by defining wars as just or unjust we are defining sides and in the process establishing Conflict. By saying that war is just or unjust we separate the world into us and them, when really the people who perpetrate injustice upon others are Humans just like us. In reality, every act of war is an error which reflects upon the Values of all of Humanity. No one can say that Gandhi and King's non-violent Pacifist Activism was naive and served no greater purpose. War is simply not the only way of fighting injustice. War which brings an era of peace and freedom is in reality the exception not the rule.

the other thing i've increasing been coming to terms with is that the vast majority of people will not agree with me, whether by their own intelligent decision or out of apathy. Whether the topic is political, concerning an individual's belief that public debate on the Israel-Palestine issue is important or whether it is a question of appreciating the progressive rock of RUSH or the cult following of Meatloaf or even none of the above (god forbid). The fact is we are impossibly divided even considering that we all strive for the same basic things. Love, shelter, freedom.

today, the Rebel of the Day is a guy named Nick Day, who spoke his mind despite criticism and refused to step back even in the face of overwhelming opposition from those who elected him. It is this level of moral conscience which is desperately needed in our society. And I hope that others can see this and make an intelligent decision to speak out.