What can we do as a global community?

Local Content - Editorial

Written by production

Thursday, 28 January 2010 17:25

American president, John F. Kennedy once said “ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country”. The underlying ideal of throwing yourself into a greater work, of giving service to your fellow man instead of looking first for your own benefits, has made this an oft quoted phrase. In the modern world this question can even be re-phrased to include our neighbours everywhere, not just in our own backyards, our own countries, but those far overseas. Between media coverage and the phenomenal growth of technology, a tragedy or a triumph thousands of miles away seems close. And though there are many things about this modern world that make its citizens often concerned and sometimes, rightfully, cautious, this ability to see beyond ourselves is surely a blessing. From 9-11 to the tsunami a few years ago and now to the terrible earthquake that has devastated one of the globe’s poorer nations, many of us are able to experience a commonality never before felt for our brothers and sister who are suffering. The ability to move pictures and information in an instant means we are getting this news almost as soon as it happens. Our transportation abilities have moved forward in leaps and bounds as well. When at one time it took several months to cross the ocean, now we can traverse the world in hours. In combination, this technology allows us, as global citizens, to see a need and to respond to it nearly immediately. Certainly, as with all things, there are snags. The destruction in Haiti has made distributing the necessities of life a nightmare - but not one that will continue forever. Even now reports are coming back that aid is reaching those who need it. For some, of course, it is too late but for many others, it is only a matter of determination and a continued willingness to help. From famous people uniting in Canada and globally to earn money for Haiti through the telethons first broadcast Friday night to local students like those at Senator Gershaw School and I.F. Cox, people are reacting to the need, to the televised faces of children, some injured, some hungry, some thirsty. Doctors and nurses are looking for and finding ways to go and help in person. Experts are already considering better ways to rebuild the destroyed infrastructure. Aid is coming in from all corners of the globe, from Iceland to Venezuela and from Britain to Australia - and of course from Canada and the US. Differences are being set aside. They are being seen as petty and inconsequential in comparison to the real and immediate requirements of men, women and children just to live to see another dawn. When people unite in this way, they show their true potential, their amazing spirit and strength. Who knows how far we could reach if only we could unite in love like this everyday for every person in need.