Remember what Remembrance Day is about.

Most of us have lived during a relative time of peace. Although we covet the opportunity to grow old with our families, our history contradicts that. It seems that humanity has a penchant for war. Much of the conflict is centered around resources, religion, and revenge. The underlying driving force for these is both pride and greed, and pride gets a lot of its motivation from greed. In essence, pride whispers to the listener that more is deserved.

We all suffer from this affliction but often recognize that the avarice leads to ruin. Unmitigated credit card spending, gambling problems, and enormous debt to income ratios are signs that point ultimately to destruction. Getting bitten by the acquisition bug is often short-lived though as the consequences for such behaviour generally act as negative reinforcement. It is when acting on these desires are rewarded that serious problems arise. This is especially true when that person is a leader, someone in control of others. They can pursue goals at the expense of others; they benefit from the reward without experiencing personal loss. It leads to a positive feedback cycle that can only spell ruin for many.

Remembrance day helps us to consider the consequences for what we know so little about. Our leaders are supposed to help build our nation, facilitate trade, develop wealth, and foster international ties of goodwill. It is when they become corrupted by greed that nations fall and the masses suffer. The age of expansionism and empire building has thankfully come to an end. Or has it?

Looking down at what is going on in the US right now with the election causes me great consternation. Trump, the west's unheralded prima donna, has all the markings of somewhat who wants more and will let others pay the price to get it. Do you really think that another four years would satiate his universal-sized ego? I can see him wanting to become "President for life." After all, who is better to "make America great again"? If he gets in, the fourth reich is just beginning.

Take a good look at Remembrance day. Remember the cost of wars to the millions of dead and injured from the unsatiated greed of fanatics in power. Considering Trump's past with his business dealings, multiple bankruptcies, and ever-increasing desire for power and domination, I think that this is the perfect time for Remembrance day. Evil can be defeated, but usually at great cost. Let's hope that we are not witnessing the rise of another megalomaniac.

Thanks for reading.     Ericspix     Eric Svendsen