Editorial Open your eyes and minds

Author: [no author name found]

In recent memory, the relative size of the world has shrunk. This is apparent to anyone who has ever chatted online or e-mailed a friend who lives in another country. The time it takes to circumnavigate the globe can be measured in hours, not months. As a result, events that occur on one side of the world can significantly affect people a hemisphere away.

It is an unfortunate reality that this closeness is most pronounced during times of tragedy. It is hopeful, however, that -- though normally indifferent to the situation of a family down the block - when the tsunami blanketed the coastlines of nations surrounding the Indian Ocean on Dec. 26 people stood up to help in any way possible. In response to the death and destruction caused by the 9.0 earthquake that occurred off the coast of Sumatra, affecting 10 countries including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and India, the global community mounted a tremendous effort to aid the region giving money, food or time, sending well-wishes to the survivors and collectively mourning the extreme loss of life. Within two weeks of the disaster, donor countries have promised an unprecedented $717 million to a United Nations appeal for emergency aid. This figure does not account for the efforts made by individuals acting out of the goodness of their hearts.

Global movements like this occur in response to many scenarios outside of natural disasters, however what has not been as prevalent in this case is conditional help based upon race, religion or situation. People now are going out of their way to help other people, not because they are being oppressed by a rival ideology, but because they are in need of aid. It is at times like these when true human compassion shows through and sends a hopeful message to all that we truly are a global community, that we are willing to lend a hand to neighbors in times of need. Petty differences or arguments are put aside as people focus on what is important, the welfare of those around us.

After the media coverage eventually goes away and reports of the continuing situation in South-East Asia is given fewer minutes on late-night news, the recovery will still be on-going. Let us not forget how the world stood together. Continue to act in ways that works towards improving the quality of life for everyone. When disasters pass and wars subside, the world will still be a small place and it will be comforting for others to know that they are not being ignored or overlooked.

Do your part - volunteer some of your free time and go to some of the weekend work sites that the Middlebury Volunteer Service Organization arranges. Drop spare change in your common's change jar. Write a friend or family member far away from you a card to say you are thinking of them. Take time to learn about a different culture or ideology, increase your awareness about the global community that we are all a part of. Take a moment and think about the people who lost their homes and livelihood to the tsunami. Think about those who lost their homes or lives to the mudslide that took place in La Conchita, Ca. this past week. Think about troops stationed far from home, or those who live their lives faced with the constant threat of warfare. Be thankful for the heat in the dorm rooms and the plentiful food and fresh water in the dining halls. Do not take anything for granted if you can help it. Live your life in ways that makes it better and makes it better for others around you.