Barry Clifford: Indifference

Does it really matter what happens if a million children die in their world of starvation every couple of months, or that the aid destined for them fills some despots corrupt and deep pockets helped by his paid henchmen and mercenaries? Does it matter, though I believe in charity, I do not believe in charities, swayed by a growing indifference encouraged by the knowledge that less than 2% of any donations ever makes the conversion from hard currency to food to feed the wrinkled bellies of those children? Does it matter or make any difference that I now may find indifference easier to live with that continue to fight that which is wrong, not only in matters of corruption but on national and international laws that are plain wrong, immoral, and unjust. Yet, all life is local. But can I afford to be indifferent?

If a field or river is left polluted then future generations will never grow the wheat from the soil or fish the water to have the sustinance and giver of life from both. My indifference, if allowed to fester and mature, may not matter enough on it’s own, but matters a great deal if they are one two many that feels the same way. On a purely selfish note, it matters, for who comes after me will not survive or be given the wisdom to know the difference. For like corruption, if wrong becomes more acceptable than right, or where doing the right thing will have many wondering too hard is there something wrong with that person, then the lines of truth and justice are well and truly blurred and in danger of been erased altogether. My indifference too would amount to being little more than an appeaser

hoping that I woud be eaten last when all that mattered was eaten before me or after me that would effect my loved ones when I was gone.

As democracy falters and struggles along it will not be a foreign enemy that will destroy what free people have died for but the twin enemy from within led by the lack of transparency and accountability that has already and still is overseeing our economic destruction; these terrible twins too are what shields corruption.

Whether I want to be indifferent or not I simply cannot afford to be in the end despite all life being local. Small towns and villages die because of it and cities do too. Take Flint in Michigen; a town much larger and more industrialized that Galway and Limerick combined. But it was not just the fleeing automobiles giants that was it’s death kneel, it was aided and abetted by it’s own indifference.

On the deathly suffering of others, I can only relate this cautionary note from Martin Niemoller (1892-1984) 

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out-because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the trade Unionoists, and I did not speak out-because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out- because I was not a jew.

Then they came for me- and there was no one left to speak for me.

Caring is more than sharing; it can be survival itself and a hell of a nice feeling to boot. 

By Barry Clifford