View of the Week: On Europe, Patriotism & Love

It has been an interesting 24 hours around Europe.   The far right continues to make inroads in Europe with the surprising showing of the far right in Sweden and the continued successes the National Front is having in France.  This is as France awaits the impending return of  Sarkozy in France.   Sarkozy is right is one respect:  Hollande has been an absolute disaster.     

The past 24 hours has also seen the World step up to fight the scourge of the so-called Islamic State.   It was quite disturbing to review reports of Egyptian Soldiers being killed in the lawless Sinai as lives continue to wither away in the killing fields of Syria and Iraq. What is ever so tragic is what the thugs of the Islamic State who claim to be religious seem not to understand what The Dalai Lama reflected upon when he reminded us that, "....The Word God, in one sense, means infinite love.."    He also reminded us that although religion may well be a kind of luxury.  However, without basic human qualities such as love, compassion and kindness, humans cannot survive.   One wonders if the thugs of the Islamic State understand that.   

Such essential human qualities is also ever so critical to understand as policymakers and leaders should embrace this admonition from General de Gaulle that underscores that the people have to be loved first.

When will such men emerge?  

“Patriotism is when
love of your own people comes first;
nationalism, when hate for people
other than your own comes first.”
~ Charles de Gaulle

On the Dawn of a New Work Week: Yearning For Paradise.....

This beautiful piece by the great artist Kenny G underscores a desire to achieve a sense of purpose and the beauty that is Paradise.    It has not been an easy 24 hours as the World has been witness to another murder of a British Man, as Australia has decided to deploy a contingent to the United Arab Emirates and as the clamour for War yet again is heard throughout the World.    Outsiders was launched to reflect upon a centrist, realistic and yes hopeful reflection of the World.    There is no other way--to hopefull be able to see the day a sense of paradise, calm and together is developed.   It is within us all if we have the courage.

Remembering Ian Paisley

The name Ian Paisley may not resonate with ordinary Americans unless one is a bit of a "Politico" that researches and reflects upon the World.  But Ian Paisley was the big man of Northern Irish Politics who did more during the Irish "troubles" to insure the unity of the United Kingdom.   He was a colorful and interesting man that was always a joy to listen to.

He was also a man of conviction in his deep sense of faith and belief in service.   It was not surprising to see that his sons have continued his sense of service--with one of them serving in the British Parliament and another one serving as Minister for his own Parliament.  The UK recognized him when he was named to the UK House of Lords.

Of all the accolades that have been noted for him, this one said it best as noted by the BBC in one of its' latest reporting: 




This was written by the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Martin McGinnis as he signed a book of condolences for Lord Paisley.      He noted how Lord Paisley rose above it all join Sinn Fein to "..a better and peaceful future".  Although some analysts have said that there may be a clamour for Irish Unity if Scotland votes for independence,   that's for another day.  What he did is a lesson to learnt by all...and he ever so lived up to the admonition from Abraham Lincoln:

“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” ~ Abraham Lincoln