Back to the good old days and good old ways

Back to the good old days and good old ways

I have been thinking deeply about how to solve the Crimean situation, the Syrian crisis, the China-Japan and all international disputes – all of which are either already violent or threaten to break into great violence. I realise we need to go back to the good old days and good old ways of sorting out such issues with minimal bloodshed. It appears we have lost our way and failed to learn from the examples of our ancestors. They would truly hang their head in shame looking at us now.

So, here’s how I suggest we go about it.

Whenever two countries express a disagreement over an issue or over a piece of land, we organise a fight - No! No! Don’t jump to conclusions and jump the gun (the starter’s gun, not the killing kind). We have a nice, well- appointed ring or stadium and schedule a well televised and supervised fight between its two leaders – No substitutes allowed! The two presidents or prime minister or whoever is the supreme leader, must wrestle, box or fight each other to the finish, or until one of them ‘cries Uncle’. The whole show should be televised the world over and people allowed to bet. This will encourage goodwill between the two peoples, even if their leaders disagree vehemently.

Once a combatant wins, all simply accept that person’s rights over the dispute and move on. This would also be a great way to have domestic elections and referendums. Anyone, who wants to, can challenge an existing official or leader to a fight, a bout or a duel – both provided with the exact same agreed weapon (unless otherwise agreed by both parties) else, it should be unarmed, one-to-one combat.

This would be truly fair, sensible and along the lines of a time honoured tradition of millions of years. Look at how the wolf pack or a pride of lions choose their leader. The animals still have the common sense not to go commit genocide and mass-murder. Our own human ancestors practised this clean, nature’s way of settling disputes. Only willing participants will need to fight, those that dare not fight for their rights have to simply accept the outcome. What could be more sensible than that? How often we tell each other - “If you are not willing to fight for it, forget it. You don’t deserve it!”

 We have strayed from the honourable path. No wonder our ancestors would be turning in their graves.

Now, I want to see Obama versus Putin on prime time TV to settle the Ukrainian crisis, since they seem to be the real players in that crisis. Anyone taking bets? Or willing to?

Keep in mind that Obama has a long list of scheduled bouts since the USA has put itself in the position of staking a claim of national interests in all corners of the world.

And the meek shall inherit the earth…


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2014

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