Let's Be Different

Day 701, 09:45 • Published in Austria Austria • by Rangeley


There are many countries out there. Many have had events in their history where they were exploited, and taken advantage of. Some have a history of being invaded. Some have a history of occupation. Some have seen takeovers, some have seen their treasuries stolen. Austria has seen all of this.

And we aren't alone. It's happened elsewhere. Often, almost inevitably, the response was to seek revenge. Do unto others what they have done to us. Let them feel what we felt, then they will be sorry. Let's bring upon them retribution, let's do more than defend ourselves - let's destroy them.

But let's be different.

We have felt the sting of occupation. Let's not put others through this. We have dealt with the pain of takeovers. Noone should deal with one at our hands. When our friends in PEACE GC come to our aid, and come to our defense, we should give them our utmost thanks. We should not hesitate to return the favor, and come to their defense, in their time of need.

But when this group of friends gets the idea that they should start to do the very thing that was done to us, to others, let's be different. Let's tell them no. We were exploited, we should not be the exploiter. We should be standing up for the exploited, no matter their race, their ethnicity, or the region of the world they hail from. No matter their friends, no matter their enemies.

Let's not just be different, let's be better. Let's do what is right. We know power is tempting. It's easy to speak of fairness and equality when you are in a position of weakness. But when you have strength and power, this is truly when you are weakest of all to temptation. The temptation to use this power to further yourself, at the expense of others.

Then there is the temptation to fall in line. Do as your friends do. Give in to peer pressure. Who knows, you might even get something out of it. But our dignity should not be sold for any amount of gold, hospitals, or defense systems. It should not be sold for any amount of pats on the back, or high fives. It should not be sold.

Let's be Austria, the little country that was taken advantage of, and grew up into something better. Let's take a good look at what is wrong with the world, and try to fix it - not just accept it. Let's be different.