25 November 2023

Archduke Ferdinand?

Many government schooled young citizens will see my title and say, "Who? What?"
And isn't that scary?

This cruise through the Panama Canal will take two weeks. I'm not sure whether it's the cruise duration or (like me) the fascination of passing through this historic piece of geography, but there are a LOT of people on this ship speaking a language I don't understand. (And some like the guy I chatted with yesterday from South Africa that my damaged ears can only understand with considerable difficulty.)
He was interesting. Born and raised in England, he has worked as a mechanical engineer in South Africa since 1970. So he's seen some **it unfold there. He's VERY worried about the election that is upcoming in a year and thinks it likely the several black tribes there will go to war with one another over control of that country. Asked why South Africa has not gone the way of Rhodesia he said, "Mandela... he was so admired, the people were willing to be patient for change. Now his influence is gone".

With all the actual "hot" spots and potential hot spots popping up around the world and here in the U.S. it's easy to see the boogeyman behind every bush. But when you're on a boat with interesting people from all around the world and (unprovoked) conversation gradually slides into the possibility of Civil War, it's easy to fear the shadows behind those bushes. And this ship is FULL... I can't help wondering if a lot of folks are now sailing to "eat dessert while it's available".

Wars have started over Soccer games.
Does anyone remember why that Serbian Dude shot Archduke Ferdinand and what happened afterward?
Sadly, few do.



4 comments:

Old NFO said...

Those who do not read/learn from history are doomed to repeat it... sigh

Ed Bonderenka said...

Secret Treaties.

Gerry said...

Why did have to shoot his wife? Bull shit move.

Greybeard said...

Gerry, why did Hamas think it would advance their cause if they beheaded babies with shovels?
Hate. Evil.
We can deny it, but it DOES exist.
Killing it makes the world a better place.