Caveat Emptor

"The aftermath was more bloody,
more awful, more terrifying than
anyone could have imagined. I can
say that never did I guess the
nightmare that unfolded."

Yes, a butterfly unfolding its wings to dry,
then flapping off into the adventure of its
lifetime may influence other events that may
afterward occur, seemingly unrelated to its
existence, in a demonstration of the concordance
in nature of all elements of life and natural
proceedings emanating from the unfolding
of chance, circumstance and destiny.

Yet humankind is gifted with the discreet
options of informed, reasonable and rational
choices. Knowing that for every action there is
reaction, for every purposeful choice there will
be inevitable consequences. Such thoughtful
introspection does not grace the minds of
sociopathic dictators, careless of the impact
and aftermath of their self-absorbed decrees.

Such can, however, haunt the memories of
world leaders whose inadequately considered
choices refer hindsight to history's fresh heap.
Regrets there may be, internalized, even gravely
admitted, as elder statesmen seek to burnish
their legends and leave behind an untarnished
legacy for posterity to cherish in nationalist triumph.

The tempest of the times chained to motivations
that steered toward poor choices. Later lamenting
lost lives that weigh on a conscience, assuaged
by the self-assured belief that there was no other
choice recognizable. The leader, acting in post-haste,
reports, long afterward, at leisure. He committed
to what he felt was the correct course of action at
the time. In retrospect regretting his decision,
committing his country and its youth to sacrifice.

"I feel desperately sorry for them, sorry for the
lives cut short. To be indifferent to that would be
inhuman, emotionally warped." And he is not "that
sort", you see. He has shed tears for the sad
and sordid outcome of his decisions: "All I
know is that I did what I thought was right."

Lesson learned? Never. Mankind remains
tendentiously inhibited to the rigours of self-
discipline. And the great crowd of humanity
seek those among them to act as plausible
stewards of the public weal. A tradition we
are wedded to, in our stolid need and belief in
a higher order of responsibly-elite minds setting
a course toward justice, equality, purpose and
prosperity. The dead are mourned, tucked away
in memory and old politicians find new ways to
expeditiously and profitably get on with their
distinguished and honourable lives.