If you look at some of the instruments of torture that humans have invented over the years and how cruel we can be to each other in the name of ideals, religion, politics etc., there is no limit to our capacity to be cruel.
The treatment of Russian sports men & women since the Ukraine war is another highlight of just how cruel we can be. Ok, few would disagree that Russia attacking Ukraine for whatever they say their reasons are, is not right and military intervention should never have been a step they ever get to. But these athletes did not make that decision, did they? Most of them owe their career to the Russian state funding them, so what do we want them to do? Many of them probably also fear reprisals for themselves and their families, should they speak up in dissent. And in any case, why should they? They are not politicians! They may not have all the facts they need to take one side or the other. Wimbledon’s decision to ban them last year was not an issue; sometimes there are consequences based on association and right or wrong, it was Wimbledon’s prerogative and they took it, albeit, a little bizarre, given they have now allowed the Russians back this year (while the war is still ongoing – so, what changed?) and in any case, last year, while Russian athletes were banned, it was still a Russian representing Khazakstan who won the ladies event.
The issue of ‘Reparation’ regarding the circa 4 centuries of transatlantic slavery is just so DUMB! The context should be more logical. It should be transactional. America for instance, needs to make up its mind. What is the use of the ongoing discrimination and hate? It is so counterproductive. If descendants of slave make us say 10% of the American population, then having those folk banged up in jail for dealing drugs may well make some money for those running those private jails, but for the overall economy, having those 10% gainfully employed, properly educated and treated equally and as humans, is a lot more profitable to America as a whole and would be a massive boost to their economy.So, call it reparation or call it whatever else you want to call it, getting those 10% out of perverts and out of the housing projects and slums, into prosperity, should not be a matter for debate! But debate it has been and remains, while they have allowed all sorts of daft prejudices to influence what really should just be a sensible economic discussion that really is a no-brainer! And it is exactly the same for the situation in the Caribbean, Africa and those old colonies. Who gains from those folk wallowing in poverty? Who gains from them embarking on these risky journeys where they fall prey to people smugglers and drown at sea in their hundreds?
we are much better off pumping money and incentives into their economy and doing it in a manner where individuals there will not be able to embezzle funds or move it abroad. It is very doable, but won’t be done!
Some of the language being used to describe these unfortunate migrants (regardless of whether or not some of them are purely economic migrants or opportunists or criminals mingling in etc.) has been absolutely inexcusable. They are human beings! Much as we MUST secure borders and enforce the rule of law, with migrants coming in via due process and not forced entry via small boats across seas, to think that using humane language will lead to more and more coming, is just an excuse. We need technological solutions and means to secure our borders, it words and certainly not demeaning words such as what Trump used throughout the years 4 years he was in office.
The entire situation has been most unfortunate! Our governments do have a job to do, to ensure the rule of law is seen to be in place, which includes not allowing tens of thousands to repeatedly bypass our borders, but the politics needs to avoid fanning the flame of hate – yes, it is easier and simpler to command votes by whipping voters up into a frenzy, but somehow, decency must come into this and we all should take a step back! However, there are no examples in our history of humans being able to take that crucial step back. Instead, we will seek to justify and carry on
We continue to build more prisons, bang more and more people up; they come out and reoffend almost immediately and the crime gets worse or more violent and we do not know how to sort it! It’s the same conundrum! Can’t appear soft on prisoners by providing rehabilitation which would include stuff that will appear to make prisons soft and we may lose the deterrence….
The state of today’s world is just so sad.
Knowledge can improve the world we live in 