In 1952 The Dutch Queen Juliana went to Washington for a
speech to congress. The minister in charge came to her and handed over the
speech that was written for her on which she opened a drawer of her desk and
took out some papers. “Here is my speech already,” she said to the much-surprised man. As he went through it, it became clear that this speech did not
even come close to the one written under the government’s authority. It is said
that one line was like “Throw all weapons into the ocean!” The minister tried
very hard to convince her that she really could not say things like this. “Your
majesty, this is not the view of the Dutch government”. Her answer: What then
do you want me to say? That all Americans should drink more Heineken beer?” She
played it hard, threatening she would not even go to Washington if she could
not have it her way. It is said that the Dutch government gave in. The
congress, as it turned out, was not much impressed.
The story is funny for sure but it shows what kind of Queen
she was. She simply hated war and violence. Most people in the Netherlands
loved her for being quite ‘common’. She really was like a mother for all. As a
matter of fact, she did not like to be treated like royalty. Unfortunately, she had
no choice. Being the only child she could not step back and leave it all to a
sister or brother. Also, Juliana was a pacifist. The Dutch government was not
too happy about that. And here is the idiotic thing; pacifists are too often
called crazy, silly people who are not realistic. Well excuse me; nobody in
this world is born with a heart filled with hate and violence. People are
taught to become like that. This now is something that always puzzles me. Ask
anyone around you and more than likely everybody will state that war is
disgusting. Then why is there always war in the world? Why is there so much
hate? Is the whole world suffering from bipolar syndrome? Of course, we all can
name some reasons. People being greedy, people who want to have power over
others and religions. The latter has been the cause of most wars throughout
history. Killing in the name of some god. The most stupid thing one could ever
imagine. People worship and praise their god and then kill their fellow-creatures
who were his creations as well? So they destroy his creations. –I have to state
here that this is definitely not my belief. I do not even think there is a
god. Funny to me; people ‘know’ that there is a god. Then why do they say “I
believe”? If you are so sure about it there is no need to say that you believe.
It is a contradiction!- Do they really think he will thank them for that?
How great would it be if all people could turn that switch ‘hate
and destroy’ off? The vast majority already only wants to live in peace. War
and terrorism (And who can tell me what the real difference is?) are only wanted
by some madmen. Say whatever you like, but who are the real crazy people in
this world? The love generation or the war generation?
The world has not become a better place since John Lennon
sang ‘Imagine’. Many people still like the song but it did not change anything.
That is saddening. Maybe there are some people out there, somewhere, who can
start a new ‘peace’ movement. The world needs it badly. "You may say I'm a dreamer. But I'm not the only one" (John Lennon)
Love the ones you’re
with and be loved in return.
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