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30 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 15, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Peace appears to be easier said than done By Michelle Joseph Grade 10, Iroquois Ridge High School I t seems when you switch on the news all you hear about are the casualties of wars. A civil war in Darfur; more than 200,000 people killed and two million forced out of the country, to find shelter from the conflict. A civil war in Sierra Leone; more than 50,000 killed and 70,000 former soldiers scarred from actions they were forced to commit. The war in Iraq and Afghanistan, still claiming lives. Conflict between Israel and Palestine, involving many other countries like Syria and Lebanon. Families being split, women raped, children orphaned; innocent lives mutilated. And this picture frames only the Middle East, in recent years. Imagine the picture that frames the whole world, over the past few centuries, and DO NOT PAY FOR 1 YEAR! STOREWIDE! * * you would see a dark picture of the terrifying abyss we have fallen into. I doubt anyone can recall a time of veritable peace on the international scene, a time where you could hear of things other than innocent lives being taken in the midst of a conflict for land, wealth, riches or power. But what could a 15-year-old high school student, sheltered from the cruel acts humans impose on each other, understand about how to solve these global conflicts? Well, I'll tell you what I understand; perhaps you'll admit there's a certain iota of truth to it. We all have the same needs, and we all live on the same earth. Yes, a country's geography, history and surrounding countries lead to the differences in goals, morals and perceptions. And, yet, our basic needs ­ food, water, shelter, security, and love ­ are all one and the same for each of us. So ultimately, where it really counts, we are all the same. Could we not simply ignore our differences for a minute, if it seems impossible for us to accept them, and welcome our similarities? Instead of co-operating to mutually help ourselves and others satisfy these basic needs, we fight amongst ourselves, while destroying innocent lives. Even over history, our differences have divided us instead of similarities weaving us together. Were humans more accepting of differences, many of the conflicts that plague our world would not exist. Were we less concerned about what makes us different, we could achieve so much by working together. My spirit yearns for all we could accomplish, all the misery we could eradicate from the world, if only we learned to understand one another. Undoubtedly, most will deem my understanding of these conflicts too simplistic; perhaps none of these ideals could possibly be applied in the real world. It is, indisputably, easier said than done. However, the so-called reality-based, complex theories world leaders have been applying since the dawn of the century haven't illuminated a path to peace, mutual understanding or even acceptance. Perhaps, if one may suggest such a controversial idea, we should consider a more simplistic viewpoint. Perhaps it is time to approach global conflicts by first understanding that we all share the same world, and the same needs. See if it doesn't improve things a little. NOTHING DOWN... NO PAYMENTS...NO INTEREST!* HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! SPIRIT Dual Reclining Sofa Condo Love $ * $ * Dear Roger, How do I avoid getting sick this season? The air in your home can be more polluted than the air outside. 999 979 Monday - Friday: 10 am - 9 pm, Saturday: 9:30 am - 6 pm, Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm www.lazboytoronto.com free *Prices shown include all discounts. Products may differ from store to store. Limited quantities. O.A.C. on your La-Z-Boy charge card. See store for complete details. Limited time offer. askroger.ca Find out how at