The collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, and growing evidence of collapse in Ukraine remind us of this:

It is nothing new, of course: sooner or later, the impacts (the results) of our choices catch up with us. For some, it may be after (physical) death. For others, their own death may be a consequence.

It is not just stupid actions and choices that result in disastrous consequences, of course. Sometimes, people are brave enough to risk death – and die – because they love someone so much.

But all too often the stupid actions of people result in immediate consequences of death, wounding, injury, impoverishment and other calamities – to other people. LOTS of other people. Not just immediate, of course, but longer term as well.

The bloodbath submerging the Middle East today is just such a consequence. Stupid decisions made by people – by politicians and generals and others – going back a century and more.

Ditto for the Russo-Ukraine War. And dozens of “low-intensity” conflicts around the globe. Is it really low intensity when it is your loved ones that die or suffer? When it is your children, your parents, your neighbors? Hardly.

Just one more reason – or a whole bunch of reasons – to limit and prevent government. To be free. At least we are less likely to suffer from the consequences of other people’s actions as badly.

Just something to think about on this 9th of December, 2024.