According to a report in yesterday's news, New Zealand is ranked number two (behind Norway) on a list of the most peaceful countries in the world. I didn't really don't know what to think about that.
The report says -
That got me thinking about it - what is "Peace"? There are many dictionary definitions, such as 'the state of not being at war'.
But I think that the 'peace' we want is not a watered down kind of peace that means giving up all the beliefs and morals that you hold dear in order to avoid strife. It can't be created by appeasing everyone, without losing the heart of the country. Sometimes peace must be hard-fought for. Sometimes it may even mean going to war. I also looked up 'appease' and it means -
I think a lot of 'appeasement' is happening here in NZ at the moment. Appeasement of the wants of smaller groups at the expense of Justice and moral right.
The report says -
The index was comprised of 24 indicators, ranging from a nation's level of military expenditure to its relations with neighbouring countries and the level of respect for human rights.Now, admittedly, our level of military expenditure is very low but I don't know whether this is a good thing. We have no air force to speak of since Helen sold it off and are pretty much defenseless in the sky. And what's the bet that civil unions, prostitution and smacking also came under the banner of 'human rights' in the 'indicators' used to determine our ranking?
That got me thinking about it - what is "Peace"? There are many dictionary definitions, such as 'the state of not being at war'.
But I think that the 'peace' we want is not a watered down kind of peace that means giving up all the beliefs and morals that you hold dear in order to avoid strife. It can't be created by appeasing everyone, without losing the heart of the country. Sometimes peace must be hard-fought for. Sometimes it may even mean going to war. I also looked up 'appease' and it means -
To yield or concede to the belligerent demands of (a nation, group, person, etc.) in a conciliatory effort, sometimes at the expense of justice or other principles.
I think a lot of 'appeasement' is happening here in NZ at the moment. Appeasement of the wants of smaller groups at the expense of Justice and moral right.