How do you solve the problems facing western democracies?
Let me start by saying that I'm not
actually going to attempt to answer this question. At best, I could
comment on the challenges facing my home town of Huyton, known
affectionately as 'two dogs' (from 'two dogs
fightin'), but that's for another blog altogether.
Given my tender age and relative experience I'm probably not
best placed to lecture you on global affairs, specifically areas of
conflict. I was, however, fortunate enough to be in the company of
Senator George Mitchell recently, who can more than lay claim to
this role.
As the architect of the Good Friday Agreement Senator Mitchell
probably needs no introduction. His illustrious career almost
defies summarising, but suffice to say they don't give the
Presidential Medal of Freedom - the US Government's highest
honour - away easily.
After listening to his lecture it was difficult not to be inspired
by how much one person can achieve. In fact myself and my colleague
who shall remain nameless were given so much food for thought that
we were almost flattened by passing traffic upon exiting the
Philharmonic Hall.
Of course I'm lucky in my line of work to have been able to
listen to a number of influential people speak, including
humanitarian Terry Waite, who when involved in negotiating the
release of hostages in Beirut was himself held captive.
It was this that got me thinking about what makes some people
remarkable. One common theme was that whilst neither profess to
know all of the answers both have the courage to ask the question.
I've no doubt that it was by asking the most difficult
questions and getting to the root of the conflict that Senator
Mitchell was able to facilitate peace in Northern Ireland and Terry
Waite was able to secure the release of hostages in Beirut.
Of course this doesn't bring me any closer to a definitive
answer on the problems facing western democracies…but at
least I'm thinking about it and I'm asking the
question!
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