Finding peace in a world seemingly intent on war

For the children of the Cold War era, those born in the 1950s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, the constant threat of nuclear annihilation was an ever-present fear. It defined us as human beings, and set its stamp deep in our psyches.

Even today those born in that era still recall horrific images of nuclear bombs going off in public service messages and the sleepless nights and dread-filled nightmares brought on by movies like “The Day After.” Nuclear war was a terrifying prospect to be avoided at all costs.

That’s why it is difficult to comprehend how we have come to this pass with North Korea. North Korea may not be Soviet era Russia with a global threat capacity, but if even one nuclear missile gets through from this dysfunctional state to hit Japan, Hawaii or Guam the consequences would be catastrophic. The United States under President Donald Trump is also not blameless in this current situation. Trump has so far focused on antagonizing and goading North Korea rather than on diffusing tensions.

For those who follow the Bible, Jesus once said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God.” It is extremely difficult to discern in the high school antics of our southern neighbour and the mad diatribes emanating out of North Korea where those peacemakers are in the current situation. Russia has been largely silent on the issue, and China’s efforts are clearly not bearing any fruit on the ground. The United States in recent months has neglected its global responsibilities while it turns its attention inward toward FBI investigations, race wars and Hollywood sexual harassment.

In Canada, our prime minister talks a good game about inclusiveness and tolerance, but has clearly shown he has very little influence on the world stage as a potential mediator. The world has taken Trudeau’s measure now, and has found it wanting when it comes to the larger issues of peace and war.

So where are the peacemakers? Maybe Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Albert Schweitzer once said it best: “Do something wonderful, people may imitate it.”

We all are the peacemakers, or have the potential to become such. It is time to start putting pressure on our leaders to exert themselves for peace more strongly; to go beyond the empty platitudes of inclusive messaging and meaningless apologies. Mr. Trudeau you were elected to lead, not to sit back and smile knowingly while the foundations of the world around you shake.

And beyond this message to the prime minister, our opposition politicians have to get their heads out of their own buttocks and start speaking out forcefully about Canada leading the way, and paving a way for peace. This is not the time to continue to harp on and on about less consequential things. Do what you were elected to do and lead, or get off the scene and make way for others who will.

We must strive to be our best selves at this moment, and not live down to Dr. Schweitzer’s assessment of the human race. “Man is a clever animal who behaves like an imbecile,” he once said. Time for all the imbeciles to get off the ship. We must sail forward with only the best and brightest, and find a way to create peace in a world seemingly intent on making war.

“We must sail forward with only the best and brightest.”