While North Korea continues to flaunt its nuclear weapons, Israeli troops are crossing into Lebanon. Popular commentary says World War III has arrived.
I can't help but wonder: Will people never learn from their past errors? The 60th anniversary of the end of World War II has only just passed, but conflicts carry on as if we have learnt nothing from that experience.
Germany carries the disgraceful burden of starting the last great war and it remains a source of guilt and shame. Not to mention Japan. I wonder how they feel every time there is a movie or a novel that reminds them of that humiliating period of history.
Human beings spend huge amounts of money and resources inventing weapons instead of helping each other.
It's tragic enough that people die of starvation, floods or earthquakes. We don't need to kill each other to add to the misery. There's room enough for everyone in this wonderful world. Disagreement can always be solved by negotiation and compromises. Let's make an overall commitment to each other: Let's stop being hostile, and try to make this a better world for everyone.
Don't let the sacrifices of so many in past wars be in vain.
Cecilia Ma
Taipei
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