Perhaps these new  friends are  explaining to this little one just what she can expect and the challenges she may face as time passes. Maybe that's the reason for the very serious attention being paid and the somewhat apprehensive expression on her face.  I can't say  I blame her  as the years will bring many things. Many of them, if she is  fortunate enough to be allowed to grow up,  happy  and good times but also a fair amount of  trouble, heart ache, and worry.  If I could add my two cents worth to the briefing I think I would tell her  "don't worry Sweetie, so long as  we hold them to account and our governments act in a responsible manner, there will never be anything you won't be able to deal with one way or the other. All it takes is a bit of courage, a lot of optimism, and  the faith and strength that you  will need as you encounter what ever life has in store for you."

 Of course, that is assuming she will have a life. Given the situation in the world today that could well be questionable. Just what future will await this sweet little  innocent  if the course of world events is allowed to proceed on it's present course?

 This quote  is applicable to today's state of affairs in so many ways.  If we don't wake up and question the planned objectives  and actions of our governments it could prove to be horrifyingly prophetic.

"Why, of course the people don't want war ... But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a Fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a Communist dictatorship ... Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger.''

The author of the words?

Nazi propaganda minister Hermann Goering. 

 The recent demonstrations world wide should have been given so much more attention and coverage than they have received, not only by our governments but by the press as well ! The fact that this has not been the case frightens me more than  anything which has happened to date. It is my heartfelt belief that the press is not acting in the responsible manner which is absolutely  in keeping with the standards and examples set for them by those who have gone before in their profession. So much of the news today is best described as editorializing. Too many of the present day reporters seem to be choosing  to  deliver their news more as commentary than as unbiased reporting.

 At a time when it is so crucial that the people be as informed as possible without sacrificing security  I do not believe we are being well served.  To hear the politicos and pundits dismiss anyone who dares to question as 'radical liberal trouble makers' or even 'communists', because they dare to demand reason and accountability from  those in authority, is contrary to everything our countries stand for in a democratic society. I find this infinitely more threatening than any outside threat we may face.

 Those who demonstrated for peace in recent days in countries around the world came from all walks of life. From Second World War veterans to housewives and school children. All, or the vast majority, decent, sincere, patriotic citizens who  are frightened for the future of our way of life and who believe standing back and staying uninvolved is far more unpatriotic  and irresponsible. 

The unfortunate side of the equation is that those who have brought us to this place in time will of course jump on the dissent as sympathy for their cause and attempt to capitalize on it. This will be given even more credibility, because of the reaction of our governments and those who believe  war is the only answer , as their criticism of those sincere fellow citizens who have dared to stand up and be counted would appear to  be so damning. 

What has happened to the right of dissent in our countries? It has always been a viable means in extreme circumstances  to demonstrate to our governments  where we stand on issues. Is it now traitorous to disagree?

 In other words.. we are damned if we do and damned if we don't. Thank God those who preceded us on this continent were not restrained by such logic !

The criticism  and scorn  which the 'film actors' and other  well known figures who enjoy  a measure of exposure in the news media are subjected to because they add their voices to the movement  to ask for restraint and  patience is blatantly unfair. Are these individuals not citizens ? Do they not have the right to be heard ? How does it follow that if one has a talent of some sort one is  lacking in the ability to think and to care about the future of their children and country? Must one forfeit the right to  be actively involved in the dialogue of concerned citizens simply because they are a public figure?

 Which individual has more of a right to be heard  on the subject of going to war than a war veteran who has fought for our freedom?  A politician with a hidden agenda ? One who aligns himself or herself where he or she sees the strength and wants to ensure they have IOU's to collect at election time ? Any politician of principle should applaud the involvement of the electorate. Is that not what helps to make democracy strong?

I can only hope that the public posturing is just that  and that in the privacy of their own thoughts those who are in a position to  decide all of our futures will take a more deliberate and  cautious look at where they are taking all of us and  seek the counsel of  all those, in this country  and elsewhere, with something of value to contribute to the dialogue.