In a Perfect World...

For me, a perfect utopia would be a world without any violence at all.

Instead of beating each other up because of principles, why can't the world's problems be solved with dialogue and comprimise? As the principles of Buddhism state: There are two extremes, and the middle road is the most harmonic to follow in this mad, mad world.

I am most concrned with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Recently, western countries including Canada have stopped "official" funding to the Palestinians. Of course, this is the result of Hamas being elected. One side claims they are liberators tending to a nationalist cause. The other believes it is a terrorist group bent on destroying Israel. This is further complicated by religious devotion and value.

For the record, I do not support the definition of Hamas from either side. You can claim that you are trying to fulfill a patriotic cause by liberating your people, like in the toppling of the monarchy in China, but there is an ill cause where a group is bent to violently destroy another nation. This, I find absolutely unacceptable.

I don't believe that violence is an answer to anything. Open dialogue is what I believe is the best way to go.

Being pragmatic and peaceful is a lot better than destroying the Israeli state violently. So is abruptly ending aid to a government struggling to put food on the table.

Why must the world draw blood, like inconsiderate barbarians? The pen is way mightier than the sword, and whomever is causing human suffering regardless of side should be ashamed of themselves.

Cold Blood

Never in my right mind did I ever expect anything like this happening in Ontario.

Eight bodies were found just south of London, Ontario. Police believe the victims knew each other. News organisations scramble to delve out as much information as they could grasp, even though the authorities have been tight lipped. Residents are interviewed by the scene, wondering, like the news crews, what went on.

To be honest with you, this has caught me by surprise. I normally viewed the Southwestern area of Ontario as quite the quiet place. I thought most gang-related murders happened within the Greater Toronto Area. Of course, I was naive with those thoughts.

Even the police were caught by surprise, the first investigation into so many deaths.

Mass murder isn't exactly a common occurence, even in the Greater Toronto Area. Actually, crime itself isn't rampant here. Bu when you hear news like this, it definitely concerns you; what can you do to prevent further crime and such.

But what CAN we do to prevent crime? It is such a puzzling component to society that I do not understand.

Therei s always the examination of what leads to the crime. Community service workers believe that one's economic state could play a factor in committing said crime.

You could bet on teen angst, anger or just plain stupidity that results in breaking the law. But for this specific investigation, organised crime could be involved. That, and only that makes the investigation even more complicated.