This week has been particularly challenging.
Currently in the news – earthquakes, collapsing buildings, and shootings in the USA… sexual assaults occurring in India, Bali, and even locally. A terrorist attack in the USA and threats of terrorism in Canada… injuries, fatalities, and suffering are evident globally.
In Syria, the ongoing war drags on while the UN and USA remain inactive.
Many nations are starting to pull back their forces from conflict zones, including the French troops in Mali. Nearly all assert that their interventions have yielded positive outcomes.
Who believes that Iraq, Afghanistan, and Mali are now safer than before? Shouldn’t there be a clearer plan for withdrawal before commencing wars… and an understanding of whether fighting will lead to more peaceful nations?
An increasing number of countries are altering their laws related to same-sex marriage and adoption. New Zealand and France are celebrating these legal changes. To me, this signals a somber period…and history may reflect that this century has made the greatest missteps. Family life and the institution of marriage are changing irreversibly.
Religious institutions have not sufficiently voiced strong objections or exerted influence on lawmakers to safeguard the lifestyles many of us enjoyed in our youth.
In the realm of finance, we anticipated significant tax profits from mining and carbon regulations. Instead, we’re informed to brace for substantial losses in annual budgets. Naturally, with elections on the horizon, it’s expected that whichever party wins will blame the other and declare innocence.
It’s once more time to acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom during the two world wars. Anzac Day featured marches and television broadcasts commemorating the courage and the toll in lives and suffering borne by our soldiers who have fought, and continue to fight, for liberty.
The phrase “Lest we forget” serves as a poignant reminder of those times.
by Tommy Taylor
