GLOBAL VILLAGE

     Do you think of the world merely in terms of your own backyard, or as a global village?

     It's tempting to concentrate only on your own little corner of the world. 

     But what would happen if the entire planet were threatened by an attack from outer space, such as from a meteorite speeding toward the earth?  

     Would your perspective change then?

     The recent earth quakes in Haiti and Chile and the resultant tsunami warnings for the entire Pacific rim, should be reminder enough that we are all in this little boat together.

     This past summer I had the good fortune to learn to sail, in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.  Whenever I was not on duty at the QEH emergency room I was out partaking in the Mon. and Wed. evening sailboat races on Hillsborough Bay.  What a thrill to be part of that adventure.

     I learned many important lessons throughout the summer, but the most striking one, as it relates to life in general, was that if you find yourself in a boat and there is a race on, you are far better served if you cooperate with and help your fellow sailors.  Not only is your boat more likely to win the race but you will have much more fun in the process.

     LIfe is really that simple.  When we work together, good things result.  When we fight each other, misery follows for all.

     Wars, and other disputes, are fought based on one or more of three emotions; fear, greed and the desire for power.  

     Human values never really enter into it.  Those who make the decisions to go to war are not the same people who sacrifice themselves and their loved ones on the battlefield.  History has shown this to be the case time and again.

     For those who do the grunt work in a war, it is far easier to kill someone if it is an "us and them" situation.

     But what if "them" is really "us"?  Would you want to kill your own family?  Well, maybe some members of it!!  But, seriously, if you love someone you are less likely to be coerced into harming him or her.  We all want to protect those we love.

     I cannot think of anyone among the people I love, that I would be willing to sacrifice on any battlefield.  What about you?  Is there anyone you love that you can afford to throw away?  For corporate profits?

     It all starts at home, the kindness that generates love, and ultimately, peace.  

     The earth is our home.  We are citizens of the world.  The sooner we stop fighting among ourselves, the sooner we will all win the race.

Marlene Buckler, MD, FACEP

www.StayOutOfMyER.com