PEOPLE, POWER, POLITICS AND WARS…

 

Image source: The Daily Beast

PEOPLE, POWER, POLITICS AND WARS…

In this very first Editorial for BOOK of Thoughts, I am trying to wake you up from your deep sleep of ignorance; that says: I have no interest in politics, I am a child of God! Really? You will be pleasantly surprised that the whole Genesis of the Bible is actually based and founded on Politics. Of course, God is not the author of Politics; it was man drifting away from the Divine Plan of God which led to all the atrocities men have ashamedly witnessed since the Beginning of Time.

 We cringe, mourn, lament and scoff at what we’ve become as human beings: absolute self-destructive beasts. Killing ourselves is embedded deep down our very souls; our nature has been twisted inside out and left us morphed and caricatured into pure evils on two legs. To get something we don’t have necessitates killing in order to achieve that goal and ingratiate our insatiable thirst for Power.

This world hasn’t changed much from what it used to be since ancient days; those thousands of years before the so-called Western Civilization. Barbarism didn’t simply end with Civilization, it just took another sublime form and camouflaged deep into the colours of our modern lifestyles. As in etymology, barbarism, greed for power and unlimited wealth acquired through any means; even through the extermination of  innocent lives. This was called conquest in ancient days; and very much adored as a means for some men of valor to prove their worth; by navigating long distances into unknown horizons where they took possession of other people’s habitats.

This world has had two World Wars already; and from this experience, the most intelligent amongst us would expect our rulers to be expeditious in their unlimited efforts to put out every possible fire of wars. But, no; no lessons were learned after millions were slaughtered in the two World Wars: the unnecessary loss of human lives was only winked at and dimmed to be the part and means for getting at all cost.

After the end of the II World War (1939-1945), and looking at all the destruction of our plains and habitat; it was obvious to all the right thinking survivors: that nobody needed this war in the first place, by any stretch of imagination. The United Nations Organisation (UN) was founded a month later (24 October 1945) after this dreaded war. Since then, the UN has been on a mission to forge intercontinental diplomacy between different countries across the Globe and to circumvent hostilities which are likely to take us back to our regrettable past of two World Wars.

 All member countries are expected to live by and adhere to international laws of engagement between countries. The UN is actually acting as a surrogate mother to all the nations on Earth: every member state must subject themselves under her multilateral rules and regulations agreed to by all member states or countries.

In more ways than one, most people would agree that the UN has played a pivotal role when it comes to Global Peace and Sovereignty of all countries under her ambit. Without the UN effectively playing its pivotal role in Global Politics, maybe this world would have had the fourth World War by now. All said and done, even the UN does not have unlimited powers to wave against rebellious member countries; which means, it cannot stop mushrooming wars at the snap of her fingers. Wars have been started and waged for years, even under the nose of the UN. The image above, is a depiction of present day Syrian War; attests to this fact and fear of living under threats of war. War is the most cruel experience ever for all humans to go through.

People, Power, Politics and Wars; in retrospect, is a bit misleading: I believe the correct order is the summary and full definition of Politics hereof. Here it is; Politics: People, Power and Wars! Only this way does it begin to make sense for me; because, Politics derives its definition from People, Power and Wars. I have already done my best above in my attempt to simplify these matters which led to two World Wars. The human cost became the means to acquire more possessions and dictatorial powers displayed by warmongers in the name of conquests which eventually left this world in the quagmire of incessant wars. All wars are territorial.

In the Bible days, as early as in the days of Lot, we discover that wars have already been the norm even before God called Father Abraham to cut His First Covenant. Conquering and to conquer was the order of the day; it was never frowned at and there were no human rights to make a case for all the displaced and the destitute. We have Canaanites, Hittites, Jebusites, Artaxerxes I, Caesars and the Pharaohs. 

I’d like to take you deeper into these histories and the beginning of different dynasties which ruled the world for thousands of years: but time won’t permit me since this is just intended to highlight our present day challenges and warmongering. If you watch and follow international news, many should be aware of these threats.

Just the other day, as if Iraq, Afghanistan and Syrian wars were not enough; the world almost witnessed Iran and USA, coming into vicious military blows: which would have plunged this world into serious economic recessions which were never witnessed before. 

It is hard for me to separate myself from global politics because I know how much this would affect our daily survival as Africans. Prices would shoot up and be so steep, making it impossible to afford our humble staple food. Jobs would be lost, companies closing down in their hundreds and we’d witness the upsurge of crime and lawlessness resulting from dysfunctional states or governments. Currency devaluation will be the order of the day; where all your money in the bank could not afford to buy even a loaf of bread. All wars are cruel and sheer devastation of human capital: where starvation and cannibalism become the order of the day. So, don’t you be too sure that all the riches you acquired will one day be able to save your life in the abundance of war.

 In my mind, the picture of Iraqis pushing wheelbarrow loads of their devalued cash continues to play over and over again. Banks were broken down and people ran into safes and started plundering all the money they could carry; only to find out later: their money was not even worth a cent the paper it was printed on!

2 Chronicles 7:14-16

14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.

16 For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

This Promise from God to Solomon during the dedication of the Temple, is still valid even down to our day, today. Pray for the peace of this world and safety for all. Remember, this Earth we live in, is our House too; just like the Temple was to Worshippers in the ancient Bible days. Pray, pray and no excuse; this is your duty. God awaits your supplications and prayers.

First published June 22nd, 2019