Don’t know about you, but there are times when I feel like a helpless pawn in a game of chess whose fate (and that of my loved ones) rest in the hands of powerful players. In light of ongoing catastrophic worldwide events like the full-blown wars involving Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Hamas, and other less-publicized conflicts in Africa and other parts of the planet, these “powerful players” are the leaders of the mentioned countries and terrorist group (Hamas).
Of course, these include Presidents Biden and Xi of the United States and China, respectively, heads of the two most powerful (that word again) nations on Earth.
Whether we like it or not, the “moves” (just like in chess) of these world leaders, especially Biden and Xi, will directly or indirectly affect our lives positively or negatively.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stupid decision to invade Ukraine continues to cause so much death and destruction as that of Hamas’ cowardly attack on Israel which threatens to become a regional and even, (horror of horrors!) World War 3, if the proverbial “cooler heads” do not intervene and diplomacy fails.
What if the Asian bully China ruled by a power-hungry dictator also decides to attack tiny Taiwan? What happens then? Don’t these so-called leaders know that there are no victors in war, only victims? If there’s a time when our prayers for “peace on earth, goodwill to men (and women)” are greatly needed, it’s now. If not, and just one of these world leaders make an idiotic move, then it could be “checkmate” for all of us. Just saying.
By the way, a text message this near-sighted Ibaloy writer received last week from our friends at PIA-CAR headed by the always energetic Ma’am Helen Tibaldo stated Nov. 13 is “World Kindness Day” dedicated to the promotion and celebration of acts of kindness.
The day serves as a call to action for people all over the world to engage in deliberate acts of kindness and to spread compassion and generosity across society. Amen.
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep us all safe.
May 4, 2024
