The Second World War was triggered by the delusions of a single man whose unhinged ambition led to worldwide devastation. Today, the shadow of a third world war looms, not out of necessity or defence, but because of the reckless and unpredictable decisions of individuals in positions of immense power. Among them, Donald Trump stands out for his disregard for reason, diplomacy and human life. Despite the advice of experts, he has a history of ignoring good advice when it is not compatible with his personal or political interests. His judgement is easily swayed by power, profit and praise.
Appeals to his conscience, whether through letters, protests or the sight of innocent people losing their lives, have failed to change his mind. He is not a man guided by empathy or moral clarity. He responds only to displays of dominance, to wealth and to those who flatter his ego or feed his world view.
While Trump is inconsistent, others around him such as Benjamin Netanyahu, Senator Lindsey Graham, members of the pro-Israel lobby and the military-industrial complex are unwaveringly pushing for military escalation. These are not voices of peace or moderation. They are voices of entrenched interests willing to ignite violence for political gain, ideology or profit. In the face of this, we must recognise a hard truth: Governments cannot prevent war.
But people can.
We can refuse to be complicit. We can lay down our tools, stop shopping, stop the killing, stop working, and withhold our money that feeds the machines of destruction.
Yes, such action requires immense courage and involves hardship. But it would be still far less painful than the unimaginable cost of another large-scale war fought with 'new and improved' weapons that enable mass destruction on an unprecedented scale.
This is not just about one man. It's about all of us; whether we want to stand by in silence or raise our conscience. THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW, before history repeats itself in an even more catastrophic form.
- Cedar Rivers
Appeals to his conscience, whether through letters, protests or the sight of innocent people losing their lives, have failed to change his mind. He is not a man guided by empathy or moral clarity. He responds only to displays of dominance, to wealth and to those who flatter his ego or feed his world view.
While Trump is inconsistent, others around him such as Benjamin Netanyahu, Senator Lindsey Graham, members of the pro-Israel lobby and the military-industrial complex are unwaveringly pushing for military escalation. These are not voices of peace or moderation. They are voices of entrenched interests willing to ignite violence for political gain, ideology or profit. In the face of this, we must recognise a hard truth: Governments cannot prevent war.
But people can.
We can refuse to be complicit. We can lay down our tools, stop shopping, stop the killing, stop working, and withhold our money that feeds the machines of destruction.
Yes, such action requires immense courage and involves hardship. But it would be still far less painful than the unimaginable cost of another large-scale war fought with 'new and improved' weapons that enable mass destruction on an unprecedented scale.
This is not just about one man. It's about all of us; whether we want to stand by in silence or raise our conscience. THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW, before history repeats itself in an even more catastrophic form.
- Cedar Rivers
