A Travellers Document

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings, I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

The truth is the other day I felt the deep desire to be physically present in America for July 4th, American Independence Day. It was a yearning and a call that needed to be answered, so it had to be done, and I was very happy to journey to Buffalo, New York, America, it was like an adventure. No heavy luggage, a simple bag, and a bus ticket. Not knowing anything about where I would stay etc.

I was greatly pleased with my immigration through the border, and pleasantly surprised because the checkpoints at Niagara were located upon a bridge, called the Peace Bridge. This name stood out to me because of the bridges location, it is located between the meeting of the two countries, where nations actually have no choice but to work together. This thought also connects nicely with the inherent American value which is Love Thy Neighbour. This is a value that I have written about before, particularly with regards to the US / Mexico border wall. When I reached Buffalo, New York, it was a wonderful feeling be in my homeland. My spirit felt at ease. It was not my concern weather I was in California, LA or in any other state, my concern was to be in America, and given my circumstances - this trip was the quickest and fastest way to possibly ease the yearning of the heart. 

I decided to walk around, get to know the area - A beautiful cool breeze brushed against my face. I knew there was water around somewhere, I had to be close to this. To my delight I found a canal and decided to find a place to stay near this area. It was the best choice since I was close to the baseball field where I could watch the game, and also be in a space for reflection as well, with the scenic beauty. 

On July 3rd I decided to watch the base ball game, luckily it was a special night because there was a celebration as well. With a home win and a celebration of America, I don't think that I could have asked for more. I was so grateful and blessed to stand witness to all of the festivities and remembrances. And what astounded me the most was the love the American people have for the American Flag and anthem. It did not matter if there were disagreements between individuals or groups, when the anthem was heard, when God's name was called every single being stood to honor. My heart was filled, totally filled. I don't think any word can describe the immense love that I felt.

On July 4th I decided to take a walk along the Canal side and again, to my wondrous delight there was a July 4th Independence Day celebration, taking place within walking distance. There was a war museum displaying history and I am thankful that I was able to pay my respects, as I visited the war memorials of the lives that we have lost past and present. I was lucky to view a ship called Little Rock, and also U.S. Airforce planes as well. The enormity of this ship is truly something that has to be seen. These ships and planes are examples of hard power that countries invest in for the protection of their own nation and allies against threats. My mind began to wonder and ponder thinking that during these times everyone did the best as they knew how to protect their lands and people.

​What is happening today is the emergence of information / knowledge economies that are distributed across the internet, and media networking groups. Terrorists can easily use these sites to propagate their messages. These can also be viewed as a type of hard power. However, technologies can and should be used as a soft power to coerce and attract others without the use of force. These types of coercians can seek to grow and prosper, because of the wealth of information that we have. Human beings are becoming more intelligent, and also have access to information, in other words anyone can do their own research about any topic. Nations such as Africa, India, Pakistan, or any developing nation which is seeking growth in their economy, as well as the knowledge / education sector want to achieve diplomacy through other means than war. These nations also want to prosper, which is why there must be investments in these nations; not to be like the baby sitter of others, but to empower them so that they too can take care of their people and nation.

However we see the recent displays by North Korea, who is constantly revealing threats, displays of weapons of destructions. I think that these displays are more than barbaric, a disgrace. It is disgraceful to see powers use their strengths for goals that are not in line with that of peace, or hinder the prosperity and relations with other nations. We can link this thought to that of China. China is seeing growth and development and I actually do think it is in the United States best interests to seek to build good relations with this nation. However, if China decides to work along side North Korea, then I don't think the United States will be interested to work with China, because of North Korea's constant threats, unless of course North Korea decides to seek resolves, and resolutions with the US and other nations who are also deeply disturbed by their actions.

Nations want to empower and help other nations. However, the empowered nation then has a responsibility, a duty, and must be accountable for their actions. With any gain there is always a cost, a responsibility. China is in a position where it must decide who it wants to align with. This is also a key question that I recently posed in my class presentation.

Whilst the US has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, it does not mean that they are not concerned with carbon levels, or the environment. China may be re-emerging once more, however there are still areas, regions, where development is needed. Also the key question is - how will China control carbon or manage carbon levels? This is something that they have to think about. With the development of the Confucius Institutes that value peace, prosperity, spirituality, and intellectual growth, China must critically think how a relationship with North Korea will detract from these values. The cultivation of values are a type of soft power, they require the investments of time, effort, monetary, and human capitol. Results might not be immediate, but the effects are lasting.

The world must move forward along with the growth and development of human beings. War and destruction should never be an option, only an absolute last resort. Nations should strive to seek diplomacy. Diplomacy should never be viewed as weak. It is much more honorable to seek resolve through genuine displays and exchanges, rather than barbarisms. The question is --> Is Barbarism what we have to resort to? - I think not. What do you think?

Dedication: The word of this being are dedicated to the people of Buffalo, New York. I am grateful for the beautiful memories that are engraved in the heart. I pray for the prosperity of this region for all of the people. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

​Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on July 5th 2017. All photos are from my own journey.

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