A New Education

Let's agree everywhere
to simply bring a family
of a different race or religion    
into our homes on Sundays
for lunch and then a chat.

They would probably invite us back...

We might enjoy the taste
of unknown recipes...

We might have fun
and  make good friends....

The man or woman on the street
does not want war...

Let's also ask our leaders (or better,
oblige them with a law)    
to study compromise, fair play,
and how to just give in a bit
when necessary...

(Though we all know, sadly,
that at times that can't be done...) 

They could receive a doctorate,
but it would take them many years:
politicians are not  talented
in such mild ways...

The works and life of GANDHI
would NOT be an optional subject.

They would learn that negotiations
can go on, and on, and on,
and that war is only a ghastly,
desperate, ultimate resort.

Because up till now, at least,
these people have been stubborn
and obsessed with giving orders.

Once they had the bit between their teeth
they found power hard to leave,
as if they wore great Tolkien's  ring.

They were basically control-freaks.

All you had to do
to be a well-paid politician
was go to party meetings from an early age.
If you hung on in, and had a little back-up,
you would become a decision-maker.

Why not give them all
a thorough psychological test -
such as young executives might take -
before we hand them privileged jobs?

Why not demand they speak a foreign language
or perhaps even two?  Why not ask them
to travel extensively and observantly
before taking decisions which may affect
so many  countries?

My children need all that
on their long resumés
in order to even be considered
for a decent job...

Aspiring leaders
might also be required
to live for several years
with low-income families,
to improve their understanding
of economic realities....

WE should be controlling THEM
(not the other way round -
and not just at election-time...)

THIS IS JUST A PLEA FOR AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF EDUCATION FOR ALL POLITICAL LEADERS AND FOREIGN MINISTERS EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD, REGARDLESS OF THEIR POLITICAL AFFILIATION.  READERS ARE INVITED TO SUGGEST ANY  SUBJECTS THEY BELIEVE MIGHT BE INCLUDED IN A NEW STUDY-PROGRAMME FOR THESE PEOPLE WHO RULE OUR DESTINIES...