Despite much rhetoric and lofty promises, leadership is sadly lacking. The reason is more than political calculation, vested interest or personality inadequacy, though these factors play their strong part in this chaotic world situation: it is about living in the past, too. Presidents and prime ministers who gather in Wales today for the NATO summit are seeing the problems with the eyes of history, trying to find solutions to predicaments that are both old and new with tools that may have been successful 50 years ago, but which do not work in the 21
st century.
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The New Consciousness[/caption]
No-one noticed or seemed to care as ISIL took advantage of modern technology and communications to try to radicalise a generation of young Muslims, creating meanwhile lucrative sources of wealth from hostage ransoms and the seizure of assets. It is like the Hydra now: to cut off one head through western military action leaves many others that almost are untouchable, particularly since some Middle Eastern leaders have their own links with ISIL. Meanwhile, as Putin continues to try to change the map of Europe through conventional military tactics in Ukraine and elsewhere, the West looks on impotently since war with Russia is unthinkable.
Because the world has changed, it is time to look at world problems differently too. For weeks now, politicians have travelled, met, talked, made statements – and nothing has been achieved to bring peace. Where is the honesty, where is the vision, where is the recognition that the politics of before does not work in the troubled world of today?
The New Consciousness is about true community without ego. We can see the struggle between the old ways and the new through these many crises, but, one day, sense will prevail.
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I suppose we can all help by finding peace in our own hearts...it is so easy to get distracted by what is going on in the world and loose sight of our own batlles...or avoid them. It is very easy too to feel powerless in view of these worldwide crisis. We are all involved and it impacts directly or indirectly on everybody, so my answer to it is to do that, to find peace in my heart and trust it will spread out.
Thank you, Mia. Yes indeed, this is a shared responsibility and we all have a part to play.
G'day, Claire!
Something else worthy of attention here is the *practical effects* of actions taken: Does the common good get served? Do those walking left (i.e., ISIS) get negative reinforcement?