Today, its time to blog.
A friend called me 5 years ago and told me one of the World Trade towers had exploded and collapsed. After checking the news 24/7 and watching the first tower and then the other one collapse, the whole situation appeared unreal - it still does today.
A few months later I sat down with a friend of mine, Rob, in Chicago and we discussed the possible upcoming invasion in Iraq. Looking away from the evidence of “hidden weapons of destruction” that we today know as the biggest propaganda SCAM in modern time, I told Rob that an invasion could become another Vietnam for the US, and that is bad, but the worst result would be new seeds for angry people and hate against the US and Europe. As for Rob, the process of making Iraq democratic after a western model was a reason to do it anyway, and thats a noble idea. In hindsight I’m sad that I and not Rob were closer to where we are today.
Since 9/11 has web-blogging become popular, and it is becoming an interesting way of open communication between people in and outside of a conflict. No borders are visual, blogging is free if you have a computer and a web connection, so it’s makes it easier to communicate where content varies from fillings to really good stuff. Just think about it, we just unleashed the power of 500 Million reporters!
Today, inhabitants of Israel and Lebanon communicate on blogs their feelings, meanings and every day experience. Chances are there will be a greater understanding about why these terrible things are happening, and the next time around may the leaders be forced to find a better solution. Maybe Hisbollah is prevented to launch rockets, and the prime minister of Israel misses out on the next election for office if Israel attacks? All this, because the local support team knows better?
War, should of course always be the absolute last resource, but this is never followed.
Improved communication should have an impact, before, during, and after a conflict. Lack of communication and understanding between 2 conflicting parties increases chances of war.
Sure, we can increase the security with the result that personal rights are gradually removed and we’re on the fast track to George Orwells 1984 (George, you where 20-30 years too early!), and maybe prevent some disasters, but does it help us in the long run? NO! (reason not stated, think about it)
The best way is to listen to angry people and find solutions (same stuff as in negotiations, you win and I win, and we get something better…) and not try to make grounds for more angry people, tell me... who benefits from that?
Did we learn anything from 9/11?
Probably not, but preventing terrorism from either side starts with you and not your neighbour. By being open to the fact we're all influenced by well directed propaganda. Luckily web-blogs are the new toolset to close in on the truth by including more people in the discussions. In the end we all got some power, because we're all part of the local support team, and that counts. The danger is reduced personal freedom, but the freedom of speach has never been better.
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