We are united
17 Apr 2021Monkey Knuts
It is fair to say that politics and warfare walk hand in hand together. Without politics, there would be no war; and without war, there would be no politics. You see there is no real need to fight among ourselves, we chose this path willingly. When faced with the opportunity to stop fighting, in our ineffable wisdom, we always choose the harder path. Most wars are fought based out of greed and fear. One side has something that the other covets and they fear that it will be used to nefarious ends. To that end the politics begin, we want some of your thing, be it money, attention, influence; you should give us some and in return we won't hurt you. Now some will argue that is an incredible simplistic or shrewd analysis of conflict. You'd likely be correct but only up to a certain point - as when you truly stop and think about it - most conflicts will boil down to this simple fact.
Our squadron is under siege by a distinctly smaller squadron. It's older by quite some time and it's members have an incredible amount of experience between them but the fact remains; its numbers are not on its side. You could argue that they view themselves as an underdog. Bullied by the playground around them. On paper this assessment has weight. Our squadron has more bodies to field against them so why bother?
You could also argue that conflict is part of the nature of this universe so who really cares? Fight them, don't fight them, go about your usual business and someone will get bored eventually. Why does it matter?
I sat down the other day with the leadership of this squadron to hash out a plan for peace; I mentioned before that I didn't feel a conflict was necessary or justified in our case. We didn't want anything of theirs and weren't much interested in playing with them anymore. We met at their table to discuss our differences and to find common ground.
I spoke previously about my desire to negotiate in good faith and to give this opposing squadron the chance to prove my assessments of them wrong. Instead we were met with hostility from the outset. What were our terms, what were we bringing to their table, why can't we negotiate with your leaders so on and so forth. I asked them to clarify why it is that we were fighting in the first place but this was rebuffed - "That's not what we're here to discuss..."
So then, how does one resolve a conflict without mentioning the conflict. How does one negotiate peace when the other side will not acknowledge their actions?
Well, dear citizens, it is quite simple really. You hide behind role playing to justify blackmail and abuse. You make demands that sound like a spurned lover hurt by cheating spouse. You can't be friends with them, you can't talk to them, you should close up your squadron and take the ones that you like with you - just not them.
For those of you that are more savvy to the modern world of social affairs; this sounds a lot like Coercive Control - dictating who you can and can not be friends with - or you'll suffer.
You see this isn't a matter, in this case, of what we as a squadron, we as humans, we as an individual can do with this opposing force. Their terms are simple, we will stop bullying you IF you don't talk to our former squad-mates ever again and close your squadron. You should immediately shut down and leave our space, never expand from your home system and be shunned by the universe. I kid you not; this was the crux of their conflict with us. It goes beyond petty, beyond silly and beyond bullying.
You cannot negotiate with fanatics like this, nor should you try, you should shun this type of behaviour for it is not representative of our community and our universe. It isn't not acceptable at home, in work, or out in public. It's even considered illegal in some jurisdictions and most certainly against any codes of conduct.
Why? Because it is deplorable and no longer acceptable in civilised company.
Our allies have rallied around us to defeat this scourge, they have stood fast by our sides as we try to rid ourselves of a violent and abusive ex partner. For that unconditional love and affection we thank you from the bottom of our hearts now and forever. You are the community that we all deserve.
To our adversaries then, you may have your squadron beneath you now, you may feel strong because they stand by your side now but for how long?
I do not pity you anymore, I do not consider you as a bully either, you are not worth that time or headspace. This community is stronger than that and stronger than you.
To your followers, the victims of your leadership, things can be better, you deserve better. We as a community will support you if we can. You do not fight because of some honourable cause or because your friends are the victims in this conflict. You fight because of a petty vendetta against two people. One has retired from the squadron and, for the most part, this universe. The other isn't currently playing due to illness. I hold out hope therefore that you are better than this.
You may make excuses that they love YOU, they won't hurt YOU, they won't betray YOU - but they will and probably when you start thinking about leaving. Jump ship and spare yourselves the heartache later. They simply aren't worth your time.
Our negotiations are public knowledge, our bruises are in full sight of the world, you will not control us, you will not demean us, you will not club our new members, and you will not stop us from exploring the universe.
I would offer the olive branch of peace again but I don't think it will help. We don't want you to surrender - we just want you to leave us alone. It is that simple.
You are a dinosaur of an age that is dying and for good reason.
Will you grow, will you evolve and will you mature? I have my doubts.