“Hope Springs Eternal” was an oft-mentioned maxim of my late mother’s. I am sure she would have told me where she read or heard that, if so, I have long since forgotten. However, with all the negative stuff going on around us, it’s a good one to remember.
Last week I visited two old friends who were in the last weeks of their lives. It was probably the last time I would see them. One just a few years older than me. The other in his 90s, was unable to communicate, but I believe he heard my voice. He died the following day. It was a stark reminder that death is inevitable for all of us. A reminder that at 73, my clock is running down too.
But I find that more motivating than depressing. I am grateful that despite a heart attack, other health issues, and serious non-medical life-threatening experiences, I am still fit and healthy. Still able to walk before dawn every weekday morning, cut and split wood at weekends. I find age brings a sense of contentment and acceptance. Allows one to hope. Even with all the bad things going on in the world right now. I am reminded of the Latin “Amor Faiti” to love – or at least accept, fate – the way things are. It is often quoted in reference to Stoic philosophy, in particular “Meditations” the writings of Marcus Aurelius.
Hypocrisy
As you may know, I belong to a group of displaced Zimbabwe farmers. Over 5000 of us lost our farms in the illegal land invasions orchestrated by Mugabe’s government in 2000 – 2002. We have been fighting for compensation ever since. Three years ago the Zimbabwe government agreed to pay us for the improvements to our farms – but not the value of the land. The offer was a fraction of the true investment value. The amount had not been adjusted for inflation or interest for the 20-plus years we had been denied access to our farms. 20 years without homes or income. 20 years of adversity for many of us and hundreds of thousands of our former Black farm workers.
The government was unable to pay. It asked for an extension which was granted. Despite a further extension, there has been no progress. The deal has now collapsed, we are working with a South African organization the South African Agricultural Initiative, to get some action. We are not holding our breath waiting for a solution, but we are not giving up hope.. Many of our colleagues are dead, and many others are old and destitute.
In the photo above, political thugs and some of our former workers block the gates to our security fence to prevent us from leaving while a group of up to 60 shouted death threats. It went on 24 hours a day for days at a time. I wrote about it here.
The ANC government in South Africa has been attempting to drive White commercial farmers off their farms by stirring up resentment in the Black population and either ignoring or facilitating the murder of White farmers and their families. Calls for bloodshed by politicians and youth leaders go unpunished. It’s racially motivated genocide that goes unreported in the mainstream media.
Now as happened in Zimbabwe, the government is acting illegally to drive White farmers off their farms. Using a different tactic, farmers will not be permitted to export produce nor use water for irrigation unless they surrender 50% ownership of their farms. Or more. From this article in Frontline News.
South African farmers provide food for millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa. It seems the ANC government in South Africa is determined to follow Mugabe and his successor’s conversion of food basket exporting Rhodesia to basket case food importer Zimbabwe.
The West wrings its collective hands over the self-inflicted disaster in Gaza while conveniently ignoring mass murder and property theft in the two countries in Africa that were, formerly the most stable and economically successful.
There is Hope
Why do I believe there is hope? Several unconnected experiences and observations.
A rising backlash against the indoctrination of children in schools. A rapidly increasing number of children are being home-schooled.
Resistance to “woke.” It seems people have had enough of progressive propaganda.
Distrust of politicians, the legacy media, and NGOs (UN, WEF, WHO).
“Climate Change” losing its appeal as more scientists prove it’s a myth.
Resistance to lax immigration policies.
A swing to the right in many countries.
Searching for spiritual answers – some Christian church congregations are growing rapidly.
Do you share my faith that the human race will survive? Do you hope for a better future?
Here are some of the tools I use to produce this blog and The Yakking Show podcast.
Hostgator for website hosting.
Podbean for podcast hosting
Airtable for organizing our guest bookings and automations.
Audio Pen for transcribing voice notes Clicking on some links on this site will let you buy products and services which may result in us receiving a commission, however, it will not affect the price you pay.