In contemporary Western culture and, most particularly, in North American culture, there's a deep tendency to medicalize what are, in fact, political and existential questions. Which is not to say that there aren't medical dimensions to the traumatic experience. … But the real question is what do you do with what you now know, and for me, the choice was very clear: that I will do everything I can to confront a political system that allows for a genocide to take place.
The article further quotes him as saying:
This thin veneer of civility that allows for relative peace and prosperity here, is kept alive by people who … constantly challenge and reassert the very basic ideas – that you respect people, that even your enemies you will not torture, that you have a duty as a human being to ensure that civilians who are suffering as a consequence of a war that you are engaged in have basic humanitarian rights.
He is currently promoting his book An Imperfect Offering: Humanitarian Action in the 21st Century and will be speaking on the following dates:
- May 1, Toronto, Church of the Holy Trinity (presented by Pages Books and Magazines), 10 Trinity Square, 416-598-1447.
- May 4, Vancouver, Capilano College Performing Arts Theatre, 2055 Purcell Way, 604-990-7810.
- May 13, Waterloo, Ont., Knox Presbyterian Church (presented by Words Worth Books), 50 Erb St. W., 519- 884-2665.
I'm kicking myself that I can't make it to see him in Waterloo (or even Toronto) but if you get the chance, please consider going. I'm sure it will be an informative evening for anyone interested in humanitarian work.
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