Vol.21 No.199

Wednesday 29 December 2004    

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Editorial
Time to put aside differences

Editor
12/28/2004 11:47:07 PM (GMT +2)

At times it takes natural disasters to deflate our little egos and remind us that we are human, afterall. What a time to strike, as when the tidal wave that swept across South East Asia did over the weekend, when the world least expects to be landed with a disaster on its hands.


It is one of the inexplicable ironies of our times that with all the great strides in science and technology, the world was caught completely unaware by this disaster. This disaster should wake humanity to one of its most pressing challenges - the struggle to survive in a hostile environment that often presents a false sense of security. This, once again, calls into question the wisdom of spending huge sums of money on unnecessary wars, wasting resources and precious energy that could be used constructively to address the real challenges of the day. When disasters such as this one strike, they expose humanity’s folly in pursuing futile little wars while the real enemy regroups and plots its battle strategy without anybody noticing.

This is the time for the world to help the people of the affected countries. Governments should go beyond expressing “profound shock” at what occurred and render assistance to save the lives of the survivors. There is a real risk of a major epidemic breakout, mainly due to contaminated water. Even before governments act, communities should organise themselves and devise ways in which they can render assistance to those in need. As part of the global world, Botswana must contribute - no matter how little - towards bringing comfort to those hit by the disaster.

At a time such as this one, countries should put aside their political or religious differences and show love and care for those in need.

Today’s Thought

No one can make you feel inferior

without your consent.

- Eleanor Roosevelt

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