By Steve Alvarez
Today’s world is frightening not because of the threat of wars and famine but more so because the world seems to have not learned much from the past. Let is look at some sobering figures. In World War 1, 15 to 22 million people died, between 6 and 13 million were civilians.
In World War 2, 70 to 85 million people died with over fifty-nine million being civilians. Approximately six million people died in the holocaust. In the bombing of Hiroshima, over seventy thousand people died instantly, leading to an overall death of over one hundred and fifty thousand people.
Despite these sobering figures many countries have in their war arsenal nuclear warheads capable of eliminating all life on earth. As of today, there are over 12,000 nuclear warheads spread among the USA, Russia, China, France, The UK, Pakistan, India, Israel and possibly North Korea.
Almost every time the world looks at the disaster created in the past, there seem to be a moment of sobriety that allowed for nations to try and not repeat the mistakes. In 1949, many nations of the world got together and agreed to the Geneva convention treaty which was further amended in 1977 and 2005.
This sought to protect civilians and infrastructure like hospitals and public building and transportation facilities as well as facilities needed for the good of the many. Unfortunately, many in the world today seem to have forgotten the mistakes of the past, and the world seems to be marching steadfastly to self-destruction or some major instances of mass destruction. This is totally avoidable.
Some may think that there should be some spiritual intervention, or the rise of some powerful leader to guide us to sagacious thoughts. The fact is the only way to avoid possible upcoming disaster is to understand clearly that peace, harmony and embracing that which is good makes sense.
It makes sense to talk and find solutions to the conflicts that seem to lead to wars. It makes sense to spend money on things like food production, roads, and water distribution instead of billions on bombs and weapons.
It makes sense to empower the institutions that seek to manage mankind and preserve peace, like the United Nations and world courts. It makes sense for leaders to meet and find mutual solutions to challenges like global disasters and the health challenges of the world.
There is only one genuine reason to stop, evaluate where we are and plan for living together in this our one and only world. And that reason is simply that “It makes sense”
God Bless Our World.
