I MISS PLANET EARTH
I Miss Planet Earth
At 68 years old, I find myself grappling with a profound sense of dislocation, as if I've been transported to a different planet. This unsettling feeling—this dissonance between the world I remember and the one I see now—grows sharper every day.
The alienation I experience is not merely personal; it’s a profound unease with the state of our global society. Corruption, immorality, and unbridled greed now seem to seep into every facet of life. The ethical fabric of the world I once trusted feels irreparably frayed. The values that shaped our shared humanity—integrity, kindness, and accountability—seem to be eroding before my very eyes.
Adding to this disquiet is the alarming rise in crime, not just in war-torn or economically unstable regions but even in places like Europe, long viewed as bastions of relative safety and order. Violent acts and lawlessness are no longer distant occurrences—they dominate headlines, infiltrate communities, and chip away at the sense of security we once took for granted. These aren’t isolated incidents but an ominous trend, a reflection of deeper fractures in our global psyche.
The political climate is equally unrecognizable. Intense polarization, the breakdown of civil discourse, and a ruthless pursuit of power now overshadow the principled debates of the past. Governance has transformed into a battleground of tribalism, where compromise and common purpose are rare commodities. It feels as though the mechanisms designed to unify and uplift humanity are disintegrating before us.
I find myself yearning for a simpler time—a time that feels increasingly distant and almost mythical. I miss what I think of as “planet Earth,” a place where there was a shared moral compass, a sense of collective decency, and a belief in the possibility of progress rooted in empathy and respect. This isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a deep longing for coherence, a world where I understood the rules and trusted the structures that held us together.
Compounding this longing is the relentless speed of change. Technology and globalization have transformed how we live, communicate, and relate to one another, often at a dizzying pace. While these shifts bring innovation and possibility, they also bring disruption and disorientation. The very things that promise to connect us seem to isolate us further, as though we are all caught in a whirlwind that moves too fast to understand.
So here I am, trying to make sense of this new reality. I am struggling to reconcile the person I was with the world I now inhabit. It is a journey fraught with moments of reflection, frustration, and melancholy. I can’t help but wonder if I’ll ever feel at home again—or if I must simply accept that the world I knew is gone. Perhaps, like an explorer on an unfamiliar planet, I must chart a new course, even if it means walking on terrain that feels alien and unwelcoming.
I miss planet Earth.
Sabri Bebawi ©
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November 25, 2024
The Season
Today is a symphony of nature's beauty and the season's magic. The sky is a canvas of wonder, with clouds shaped like ethereal beings drifting gracefully, their forms evoking both mystery and peace. Below, the trees sway in rhythm with the playful wind, their branches dancing like joyful companions to the melody of the day. The bay's water mirrors this harmony, calm yet alive, moving in a gentle, mesmerizing dance. Adding to the enchantment are the Christmas trees placed in the middle of the bay, their shimmering ornaments and twinkling lights casting reflections across the water, filling the air with the warm and festive spirit of the season. It feels as if the universe herself is celebrating the joy and unity of this time of year.I can't help but reflect on life and all the days and years that have passed, leaving behind only joyful memories of moments that can never be repeated. Each one feels like a fleeting treasure, etched in the heart, reminding me of the beauty in the ephemeral nature of time.I can't help but reflect on life and all the days and years that have passed, leaving behind only joyful memories of moments that can never be repeated. Each one feels like a fleeting treasure, etched in the heart, reminding me of the beauty in the ephemeral nature of time.
I can't help but reflect on life and all the days and years that have passed, leaving behind only joyful memories of moments that can never be repeated. Each one feels like a fleeting treasure, etched in the heart, reminding me of the beauty in the ephemeral nature of time.
Sabri Bebawi ©
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November 25, 2024
Moslem Terrorists
Two of the Paris attackers were Iraqis but most were born in France or Belgium, and had fought in Syria. Some of the attackers had returned to Europe among the flow of migrants and refugees from Syria. The terrorist's murderous act in Paris on the night of Friday 13 November that hit a concert hall, a major stadium, restaurants and bars, almost simultaneously left about 130 people dead and hundreds wounded. The city and the world mourned the loss while calling for resilience and solidarity in the face of terror. Such events serve as reminders of the importance of unity and strength in overcoming adversity. Communities must come together to rebuild and heal.
However, w cannot just be repeating the same phrases and words each time such horror occurs, but must take meaningful actions to address the root causes and prevent future tragedies. Also Europe must be vigilant in ensuring these actions are effectively implemented across all member states. Furthermore, international collaboration is essential to tackle cross-border challenges comprehensively. Accepting refugees is a noble act, but must not be a free for all act, ensuring that proper systems and protocols are in place to manage the process effectively. Europe must prevent Moslem fanatics from entering their countries by implementing stringent immigration policies and thorough vetting procedures. It's crucial to balance security measures with humanitarian responsibilities and ensure fairness in policy enforcement. While doing so, Europe must have the interests and security of their citizens
at the forefront of any strategic decisions made regarding migration and asylum seekers.
While what had happened in Paris is heartbreaking, similar events are becoming a common occurrence, and this must stop by any means necessary to preserve human dignity and ensure safety for all individuals seeking refuge.
Sabri Bebawi ©