Ashamed

UNESCO stands for the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organization, and according to their website, their mission is "to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information." This group is admirable in its works, and should garnish our support. However, if you haven't heard in the news already, the United States has pulled funding from UNESCO. Now why would we do that, as the world's most prosperous nation?

Apparently, the president and higher government has enacted this because the UN disagrees with us on a matter between Israel and Palestine. The UN supports Palestine's proposition for their own separate nation from the Israelites, and because the United States are so politically intertwined with Israel, we decided we must punish the UN. We recognize that UNESCO does great things for so many people around the world, but its a matter of principle, darn it, and we have to make a point to the UN, that we will not stand by there stance.

I don't get mad or angry often. My blood pressure remains pretty level, unless I am flying or under certain physical strains throughout the day. But hearing this really makes my blood boil. I really want to apologize in advance for my swearing in this next sentence, and I do not take the Lord's name in vain often, but hear me out. Hearing all this news about UNESCO, all I can think to say is, "These are human beings, goddammit!" We are fucking with the lives of so many people in need, around the world, especially in the so-called "third world." These are people. They have two lungs and heart, all fighting to breathe and beat, just like the rest of us. They aren't as well off as us, but they have the same needs as any of us do. Representative Robert Wexler, of Florida, is quoted as saying "the American government's hands are tied, here." The leaders of UNESCO, he goes on to say, should have thought of the consequences of their actions in supporting Palestine.

Yes, UNESCO should have considered their consequence. Are you kidding me? These are human beings who we are choosing to not help as Americans, the people of promise and good fortune, the people who are better off. This is not the only thing that upsets me. It is just the tip of the iceberg for me. It highlights a greater problem: to us first-worlders, the lives of the third-world is about as valuable to us a common housefly. What is wrong with that? There is no greater injustice in this world than to have the means to help those who do not, and choose to do nothing.

A better man once said, "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” That good man was Jesus, of course, and not Robert Wexler. We are all the same anatomically, but even more importantly, we are all equally human and equally created in the image of God. So why are we not treating those among us, though far away, like we are their brothers and sisters of a single, loving creator?

I for one refuse to stand by, much longer, and do nothing, while people go hungry, tired, needing relief, in so many different ways. Shame on you, US government, for pulling funding, just because your closest ally in the Middle East is caught up in a multi-decade argument over land. Shame on you, for deeming the political future with Israel more important than the support of people who direly need it from us. We are the world's most prosperous country, and we are actively choosing to end this support. I am American, and today, I am ashamed.

Third-world children, 

Please know that the choices of my government does not reflect my feelings towards you, at all. I am so sorry they cannot see what I see in you. I will be there soon. I am praying for you every day, praying you stay safe until I can come help you. Keep pushing on.


I love you,


Nikko