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Looking at the worsening international dynamics in both Gaza and Ukraine, not to speak about other potential hot spots in the world, – I would like to say a few words.
Words often spoken at different places and on different occasions, not rarely in the endless agony amidst the ongoing menace of violence. And often in a different context.
But again, it needs to be told.
I am not a politician, but I speak out my concern.
My concern is that the fate of this world, when it would come to war, is essentially in the hands of a few leaders only- and that this seems to be the accepted “norm “in a far more dangerous world, lately.
Dangerous both for for the many who are still eating and drinking and doing well, – but also for those not eating and drinking at all anymore, and definitely not doing well.
The pain of this world is already so incredibly concerning.
And often leaders add to the agony of this world.
Leaders can make or break this world.
It’s a choice.
If humankind had a clear voice, they would do everything to avoid the seemingly inevitable.
But humankind does not seem to have “this clear voice”
Their voice is lost on deaf ears of so many leaders, elected or not elected.
And so, – as we “gather” here today, – – there is a pressing urgency for people from all directions to come together and take action to shape a future that embodies the values of compassion, eloquence, wisdom, inclusivity, and international leadership.
This includes our obligation, where possible, to chose the best possible leadership where it concerns democratic countries.
But till so far, as it seems, we have been failing to do so.
Not only our fault: the propaganda machinery is easy at misleading people. And society is less educated than it could or should be, perhaps.
But fact is that we have no leaders anymore like e.g. Nelson Mandela, John F Kennedy, Robert F Kennedy, Barack Obama or Mikhail Gorbachev
Leaders can make or break this world, – but they should not (!) be allowed to break this world on an all out exchange of nuclear and biochemical warfare.
It’s that simple!
We are not made for this.
The world is facing a critical juncture, with a majority of leaders exhibiting concerning behaviour, as former US President Barack Obama once correctly noted.
There is an almost inflated paradigm that territorial defence, still justifies the possibility of nuclear warfare, creating a dangerous and volatile environment.
The level of being even prepared to use nuclear and biochemical warfare, is increasing by each year.
And the paradox is: what seemingly defends us now, will destroy all of us in the future.
If humanity can’t control it’s dysfunctionality, dysfunctionality will control humankind – in ways that nobody will be safe anymore, both the rich and poor alike.
It is our obligation, now more than ever, to prevent such a catastrophic scenario, as the consequences of nuclear and biochemical warfare would be unimaginably devastating.
Thousands years of civilisation could be destroyed in minutes – and everything (!) humanity worked for the last 50 years could be destroyed in just some hours – in a non stoppable domino effect of escalating nuclear violence.
What is the point?
Nuclear powers should NOT be “cornered” so that they don’t see any other alternative anymore than using weapons of mass destruction.
The surviving people, if any, would ask: “What did our governments really do to protect us as citizens against the madness of the current status quo?”
What did leaders really do, other than playing international power politics – at the detrimental effect for all people – over issues which could be have been settled by “reason” and discussion and agreement?
The last is the situation at the moment.
Weapons aimed to protect territorial borders against invaders will defeat it’s purpose, once nuclear powers in the hands of only a few leaders will be used through it’s lethal arsenal, – either by calculation or by human error.
Near miscalculations happened in the past and till so far we have been only lucky, nothing more than this
The US and Russian conflict about Ukraine is an illustration of this. A conflict where NATO follow the footsteps of the US by it’s – till so far – expansion of NATO territory, against past agreements.
The Cuban missile crisis brought the world almost to destruction in 1962. It was the decision of two men to avoid this in the last hours.
The world is even more complex now, and more dangerous because of more superpowers being within the arena of tension and conflict.
We must heed the words of wisdom from leaders such as John F. Kennedy, who recognized that war is no longer a rational alternative.
The use of nuclear weapons, as JFK advocated, should be replaced with peaceful dialogue and international cooperation.
It is imperative that we, as a nation, rise to the occasion as well, – and set an example on the international stage, wherever others stay behind.
Why Australia?
Australia can demonstrate the power of one, showcasing that ordinary people and nations can make a difference in the face of global challenges.
(With thanks to Uni of South Australia)
We cannot accept the status quo, where the prospect of all-out war is increasingly being considered by some leaders.
Instead, we must mobilize public support and galvanize our collective strength to turn the tide towards a future that embraces compassion, inclusivity, and peaceful international cooperation.
This is our moment to stand up and be counted, to demonstrate the human power of unity and positive action.
Let us commit ourselves to fostering a society and governance that embodies these values, and let us work tirelessly to ensure that Australia becomes a beacon of hope and progress in a world where others may falter, or stay behind.
I call all political leaders in Australia to act as such and not be blind folded and side-tracked.
Still, countries can build a future that is defined by wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to international leadership, – rather than falling asleep.
We can’t afford to lose this battle because one miscalculation in a tense situation can destroy the world , and most of the living , within 2-3 hours.
Irreversible.
This is factual.
So, – let us rise to meet this historic challenge with courage, determination, and unwavering resolve.
It’s our obligation to the living – and creation being gifted to us.
We can only destroy it once
But we can only live once as well
And we owe this to the next generation, more than ever.
Thanks for taking this on board, or at least considering this topic
Paul Alexander Wolf
We dream of things that never were and say: "Why not?" 