There are times in our life when it's important to remember, no matter who we are and where we're from, we can all be David. Thousands of years ago a teenage boy went toe to toe with a fierce warrior to defend his nation when everyone was too afraid to. It is my belief that peace should be everyone's default position in their minds and hearts.
No individual person, government, or country has the right to attack another.
To ensure this is the case every citizen should have the skill and will to defend themselves; on the condition it is only done as an act of defense.
"So don't you be afraid of giants in your way. With God, you know that anything's possible. So step into the fight, He's right there by your side, the stones inside your hand might be small but watch the giants fall." ~ Francesca Battistelli, 'Giants Fall'.
If we believe in democracy, freedom, and human rights we must be willing to join shoulder to shoulder against what the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison calls an arc of autocracy.
Ukraine has proven there will be times we have to stand strong for peace. I believe all people above eighteen must be willing to do this. I know there are hundreds of thousands of people, even with disabilities like me, that would be willing to do their bit to defend their countries.
We must remember what it says in the United Nations Charter: "We the peoples of the United Nations determine to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war."
The majority of humanity has lived in peace for a long time because we have united in our respect for the rules based order.
We must not forget our common humanity and the equal rights of men and women and nations, be they large or small. To live under conditions of justice and respect.
Our only mission in life should be to live with dignity, love, and freedom for all. We have surpassed the days of empire. The great speakers of history have all taught us the importance of fraternity and social friendship.
So citizens of the world, never forget any time a power hungry Goliath appears, we can all be David.
Steel Sunflowers
The pictures on the news might seem quite surreal
But they have taught me, sunflowers can be made from steel.
Citizens of the world order, we must protect and respect each nation's border.
Sunflowers have been sown next to the poppy field.
A tyrant does not care about a soldier's blood on the shield.
When the shadow of spite threatens to overtake the light,
Lovers of freedom bring on the good fight.
It is true Goliath might be tall but put me in the shield wall.
War is never just or fair but if it comes down to it,
I'll go toe to toe with a tank in my wheelchair.
To protect my own I am more than strong enough to throw a stone.
At night when you pray for peace, every time you kneel,
Remember even a sunflower can be made from steel.
Chris Van Ingen | 25 March 2022
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