United We Stand

Peace on Earth

In this mini-series on postings tied to a common theme, here's one that both amuses and bewilders. The idea that Peace on Earth might somehow be tied to "alien intervention" (see this posting) is one that was taken seriously enough to get a mention at the United Nations. When he was in power US President Ronald Reagan made several speeches with regards to the challenges humans would be met with in the face of an alien invasion. Open interpretations, of course and take with a pinch of salt or several if you need to, but also consider the latter part of this message:

"... when you stop to think that we're all God's children, wherever we may live in the world, I couldn't help but say to him [Gorbachev], just think how easy his task and mine might be in these meetings that we held if suddenly there was a threat to this world from some other species from another planet outside in the universe. We'd forget all the little local differences that we have between our countries and we would find out once and for all that we really are all human beings here on this earth together." 

International Day of Peace

21st September. Peace Day.

Dedicated to everyone. Click here to find out more.

First of all:

إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون

 
There was another high profile assassination in Afghanistan on the eve of International Peace Day. There's a long history of 'blame' in the ongoing Afghan conflict, but right now, let us remember all those who have suffered. May Allah continue to inspire hope and determination to people wherever they may be in the cause for peace and reconciliation.

My feelings remain mixed about the some of the over-simplified representation of this day. I really want the day to have significance. The possibilities post-peace makes the struggle for it worthy of high priority attention. But somewhere I think two things on this website sit uncomfortably with me. Firstly, I not so forgiving of Europeans who overlook the fact that people in conflict zones need to have a full stake in their own peace. Don't get me wrong - every little bit helps, but peace is not something that can be delivered by the egos of pop star and celebrity appearances (who often seemingly miss the point). But the other question which arises, and one that I think is crucial, is the one that asks, "How can we have peace when the causes for disharmony and division are not part of the dialogue for peace?"

Theme continued in the next posting.

Klaatu Barada Nikto

We Come in Peace ... 

Robert Wise's 1951 film, The Day the Earth Stood Still inspired by Harry Bates 1940s science fiction short story, "Farewell to the Master" is essentially a story of alien humanoid and his seemingly motionless robot companion who comes to Earth with a message of peace coupled with a stark warning to humankind.

Throughout the story, the robot Gort (Gnut in the story by Bates) appears motionless, only reanimating by firing a laser from an eye/visor when protecting Klaatu, the alien protagonist. As a way of pacifying the robot the words "Klaatu Barada Nikto" are spoken. What is never explained is the exact meaning of the alien language and so the words are purposely left open to interpretation. The line has made it into contemporary science fiction (and political) culture and the popular conjecture is that the words are a fail-safe, "shut-down"/"do not retaliate"/"we come in peace" type inter-galactic message. The message still resonates strongly and as an example, try inserting about:robots into your Firefox Browser. 

Theme continued in the next posting.