COMMENT: Can we give peace a chance?
Millions have died, and that's just the conservative estimate.
But it happened far from you - so who cares?
That's an attitude that's dominated the Galaxy since as long as anyone can remember. Perhaps it has no chance of ever changing? Perhaps you want conflict?
It makes for good holos after all.
Unless you're in it.
The hopeful think this time will be different. This time, they say, suffering has been more 'evenly spread'. Basically it hits more people, so more people care.
Maybe they're right.
AMS tore through billions. It brought entire sectors to their knees, some planets still haven't cleared the infected. War devastated worlds, with numerous planets invaded and bombarded. Killik subjugated millions, even the Chancellor of the New Republic was turned, with disastrous consequences.
The pain of calamity has been felt by all.
But does the lust for revenge trump the desire for peace?
In the Galactic Senate this week we saw a chorus of voices unite in their shared cry for peace and unity. Yet rallied against them where those who demanded revenge, maybe with good reason. Governor Archer called for swathes of imperial servicemen, naval officers and sith to be drummed up on war crime charges.
If such a move goes ahead, it is hard to see how this will lead to leave - instead it could play into the hands of warlords.
And we're already seeing what 'warlord politics' can lead to.
Transosha provides the case and point.
A warlord there has emerged, previously senator of the planet under the now collapsed Alliance. Entering the Senate chamber bedecked in hunting trophies, including the flayed remains of his planets previous rulers, the 'Khagan' provides a sketch for what could happen if the newly independent planets allow themselves to be driven by revenge, lust for conflict as a succour for last injuries, instead of a drive for reconciliation.
The hopeful dream of peace and unity.
Others fear this may not be possible.
Our rulers in the Galactic Senate have a choice to make this week - hope, or fear.
I pray, for all our sakes, they chose the former.
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