There is only now . . .

Meira says . . .

Zen Masters throughout the world agree that “There is only now,” yet the uninformed are motivated to the point of war by religious and political leaders everywhere on the premise that history is everything. The long running saga of Ireland and its relations with Britain, the new Britain, have become quiet of late which at first glance would appear a mystery. Despite arguments that are frequently referred back to William of Orange, or earlier, recent news of sectarian killings and car bombings is suspiciously thin on the ground. Could it be that Irish leaders and populace alike are too busy enjoying a booming economy to worry whose banner is flown highest? Because if that is the case, if all that is needed to stop the children squabbling and pulling each other’s hair is some shiny new toys with which to play, then they should be given before hostilities break out.

Mothers have long known that a child can be controlled by punishment both corporal and mental, but if you want to retain the spirit and seek a return for your investments, love is a better way to go. Whether it is a pet, a child, or another adult behaviour can be modified without the use of force or sanctions by making the desired behaviour the most attractive. Talk of intervention forces, of UN sanctions, and of buffer zones may sound like sound advice, but it is only rhetoric, and a poor comfort for those with nothing. Shiny new water services, electricity generating stations, medical supplies, transport networks and food, food, food, food, would serve much better. Israel can lay claim to a successful outcome of their military hard line policies in the past, but “There is only now.”

When Palestine becomes a more attractive place to live than Israel there will be no incursions.