Does Anybody Bury the Hatchet these Days?

Google Images

On our last trip through the United States we decided to avoid the large check line at the airport and make use of our NEXUS privileges. We had recently renewed our Passports to be sure they did not expire prior to our return to Canada. We cheerfully skirted the line of passengers and went directly to the "'next generation" kiosk that would provide 'faster, more reliable and more efficient' service' We were both rejected! In shock, we tried again with the same results. The uniformed officer at the desk called us over and checked our credentials on his computer. Apparently we had failed to confirm with NEXUS that we had made a change to our existing Passports, namely, replaced the old with new. We received a short lecture and were warned that we could lose our status as trusted travellers.

When we returned to Canada we drove to the NEXUS office at Toronto Pearson in order to make the necessary changes to our documentation. We were served by two officers. When asked why we had not made the necessary adjustments I replied, "It was totally my fault, I didn't read the instructions carefully". They both removed their hands from their computer key boards, looked at us and with huge grins and one officer said, "This is the first time we ever had an applicant who admitted his mistake!" From then on the service was quick and pleasant.

Probably most of us will admit that conflict is an integral part of life. We all have experienced wars, religious, workplace, family and personal differences. It would be pretty boring if all of us agreed on everything! The problem is, and this is a general statement I admit, not many seem to be able to manage conflict very well. Often a dispute arises and, after a short interchange, the parties walk away mad and often stay mad for a long periods of time. In the case above I had read the notification months prior to our departure and then forgot all about it.

Is this Where it Begins?

The early 'democracies' of the Greeks and Romans were based on the idea of 'rule by the people'. Philosophers in the 17th and 18th century attempted to define democracy in more detail and eventually including such ideas as basic human and civil rights, separation of powers and the separation of Church and State. Unfortunately, not only can individual citizens find it difficult at times to resolve personal conflicts, but whole countries, or at least the politicians in those countries, are unable or unwilling to  make the compromises necessary. When such major differences are not resolved, thousands upon thousands of innocent people can lose their lives.

There are those who say that all conflicts, both big and small, can be solved as every conflict contains the seed of resolution. Would that were true! But what is of greater importance is the skill to manage the conflict and the ability of the parties to adjust and accept the new reality. In other words bury the hatchet.

I wonder if our education systems, or parents, take the time to teach young people how to properly deal with disputes. Certainly Canadian politicians have seemingly lost that sacred art! Nor will our youth learn by watching violent shows on T.V.

I wonder what Vladimir Putin, President of Russia for the third time and outdoor sporty tough guy, taught his two daughters about conflict resolution?

And that's Dick's View of the world this Week

Did your know?

That in spite of the fact there are billions of users of our social networks it is still unclear where many generate their revenue?