Another Has Fallen

Another Has Fallen

2004 marks somewhat a watershed year for the world - deaths, violence, elections, civil unrest, natural disasters...

A few memorable people have left us, among them former President Ronald Reagan, PLO leader Yasser Arafat, "Superman" Christopher Reeve, and jazz singer Ray Charles. The list is intentionally kept short.

Much violence has been reported in many parts of the world but most notably, the Middle East. I hope the war will come to an end soon. I wonder how many people understand the human cost of a war - a war takes away three generations of good men! Either way, I wish that the killings will stop but I also know that it does not work out that easily. Still, a wish is a wish and I do hope that the trouble makers can be eradicated and in so doing, the world becomes a safer place to live in.

Elections. Self-explanatory.

Civil unrest has been reported in many countries. Main cause of such violence stem of poor living conditions. Many of these countries, if their GDP were to be raised by some US$3,000, might not see any of such unnecessary activities going on. To think about it, when you are in a job that keeps a roof over your head, food on your table, clothes on your body, shoes on your feet and knowledge in your mind, would you actually bother to riot about things? You'll probably think twice. Perhaps a solution to such problems is indeed education. If education (brain-washing) could spur youngsters to become suicide bombers for their religion, then perhaps education can spur them to become the next generation of rocket scientists. Who is to say not?

The world this year is also ravaged by many natural disasters. Typhoons, cyclones, earthquakes, and what not have rocked us. I'm getting rather immune to seeing pictures of dead people on the news. Too much death.

I actually meant to write about Yasser Arafat's death. I think it marks the passing of an era. I still vividly remember him as this gun-toting, checkered head-scarf wearing, uniformed man on TV, with whom a lot of deaths, violence and unrest are often associated with. It comes to my surprise that he was already 75 when he died! I am getting old!

The occurrences this year have profoundly affected my life. I suddenly feel so "old", so vulnerable. I feel so inadequate, yet I also sense that so many people around me are beginning to value what I say, and some have even come to me for opinions. It seems to me that in the unpredictable world, I seem still predictable. I wonder if I'm alone.

Indeed, I do feel that age is creeping up. My hair is turning white (more visibly so now!) and I'm getting less bothered about the nitty-gritties of life. I now keep worrying that I do not live my life fully enough. I've stopped futile pursuits and have started prioritising and deciding what is worthwhile.

Fortunately, I've not lost the sense of adventure. In fact, my adversity quotient is rising. I thrive in challenging environments and I am very happy to be at the forefront of stuff. I still love a good argument and I still enjoy breaking new frontiers in research (even though what I do seem small-scale). I learn the importance of letting go yet I temper it with the good sense of knowing when to persevere.

I know I've aged when I've stopped looking around. I have found some focus. I hope I will age with grace and intellect. I hope to leave my mark and if not remembered by the world, at least be at peace with myself that I've done my best and lived a life that's full. It would be quite a crying shame if one day when I'm gone, I'm just another statistic.

Another has fallen.

It's Bush for another 4 years!

It's Bush for another 4 years!

What can you say?

I heaved a sigh of relief when I found out that Bush was re-elected to another term. Seriously. Although America is not less than 20 or so hours from me, I still feel that who is the President of the Unites States matter to me.

We thrive in a world where there are attempts to keep peace. I don't think Kerry could provide that.

We need an environment where clear leadership is seen - a leader is someone who does what is right, even if it is unpopular, not just heard. Bush has shown what he is capable of.

We are again at cross-roads nonetheless, not knowing whether to hate or to love the man that the world's only hyper-power put in the president's office. But we should still look back in anticipation and hope that with age and time come maturity and wisdom.

I think and hope I'll see a better Bush.