As children, we saw pictures and heard stories of Nazi Holocaust and wept in disbelief, guilt, and shame. The entire world swore that it would never happen again even while Soviet Empire was killing millions of its own citizens. 60 years after megalomania of Hitler was crushed, world is still filled with hate and violence. Barbed wire festers across too many bloody and doomed landscapes.

Where shall we find a new and better generation to carry our torch into a brighter future? We look to our children, busy playing violent video games, listening to hate rock music, and watching destructive films where carnage and will to power reign supreme. Are these to be world's saviors?

Mankind falters along evolutionary road that brought us out of swamps and created a world of luxury, knowledge, and immense creativity. Our goal must always be to stamp out evil destructiveness that seems to be an integral part of being human, while nurturing civilization, intelligence, willingness to give and take, and love and forgiveness that is also part of our complex nature.

On January 1, we are 5 years into new millennium. It has not been an auspicious beginning. It is up to us to stand up and be counted. By our lives, by every act we do, by every word we speak, we must bear witness to beauty, creativity, and altruism of mankind and forever disavow base part of our beings which has held sway for far, far too long.

Happy New Year.

We might be able to lay in supplies where we are and wait whole thing out. Whatever choice, if it is made in advance of widespread hostilities, we can resist demand that we choose sides and fight or support those who do, which, in Iraq makes one a target in either case. Or perhaps we have no interest in lessons of Iraq because same thing can never happen in our country. After all, we have assurances and guarantees from people we love and trust, at end of whose guns we could be conscripted if we are betrayed, as we will be.

No one wins next big one. The commitment is made, credit dries up and everyone fights with what they can afford. The playing field will be level and bloody. The survivors will be those on sidelines - uncommitted, uninvolved. When this one is over no survivor will give a damn about dominion. Like Iraq, all we will care about is cleaning up mess, rebuilding our infrastructures and social order. In truth, today’s Iraq is microcosm of global conflagration that follows. Count costs in Iraq. Count casualties in life and limb. Multiply Iraqi numbers by one thousand and make your plans.

One exception to present situation in Iraq should be considered. During big one all currencies in warring nations will be totally worthless and you will only buy goods with other goods or services. Now is a good time to convert any monetary savings to goods and survival supplies that will increase your comfort and security for years of global non production. Not only will this war end Western dominion, it is truly war to end all wars. If you cannot yet sense this as an animal senses an impending earthquake, try to find someone who does and spend some time with them. Iraq is blueprint of our Western future. Pay attention to it.

Freelance writer published on many websites and newspapers.