Toodeloo to Tuvalu
Back on AC, they had laughed derisively when he had told them. ‘The Aussie Saps have agreed to resettle over time the citizens of Tuvalu who become displaced by climate change,’ Alphy explained. ‘We knew they were up to their necks in it, now it appears that the impact of catastrophic climate change has sunk in, literally,’ replied one of the Guardians with disdain.
'So what do you think about the decision by the Australian Government regarding Tuvalu,’ enquired Alphy of Johnno. ’Well, it looks like it’s toodeloo to Tuvalu,’ he replied with raised eyebrows. ’Unfortunately, it’s just another in a long line of examples of the dominant industrialised cultures, destroying indigenous ones. Is this event a watershed moment in the ongoing debate about climate change? Alas, the answer is almost certainly no. The world is increasingly made up of people who don’t believe in science or facts. If they believe it to be true, then it is.’
'The other reality is that this decision was driven in large part, to stymie the Chinese desire for pacific Island takeaways,’ Johno continued. ‘Australia has implemented a clever strategy, by offering Tuvaluans, the one thing China couldn’t, Citizenship of a desirable democratic country. As a result, Tuvalu will be required to “mutually agree with Australia,” if it wants to strike a deal with any other country on security and defence-related matters.
'Pragmatism not altruism, then’ said Alphy rhetorically, with the hint of a smirk.
'I wonder if there was Pandamonium back in Beijing when they heard the announcement? Wisely not made public, until after Albanese had left China after his meeting with Xi,’ said Johno, smiling. 'The problem for Australia and Albanese is that we are catching up after a decade of neglect in the Pacific region by the previous Coalition government.’
'However, as the Chinese say, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today,’ said Janno.
'Sadly, in the Middle East and Gaza in particular, it may be too late to plant a tree of peace today, or in the near future, or ever. A problem that should have been addressed decades ago, reconciling the needs of both the Palestinian and Israeli populace, now appears irreconcilable,’ said Alphy.
One of the key problems with the Saps, he had often observed, was that there was a complete lack of an effective system or structure, for discussing and resolving conflicts. The United Nations had been originally formed with that intention, but for a myriad reasons, had failed in that regard, and was now impotent. Back on AC, conflict resolution was an integral component of Centaurian culture, a compulsory subject for all, and key to their aeons of peaceful existence.
'The ongoing carnage of civilians is an obscenity’, Alphy said, angry at the ongoing barbarity of the Saps. Janno and Johno were taken aback by his outburst, and could only shake their heads silently in agreement.
Taking a deep breath to control his emotions, Alphy continued, ‘as Mahatma Gandhi said, ’What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or in the holy name of liberty or democracy?’