- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2018
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I share your perspective, and wish that we lived in a world where these poor desperate people feel as welcome at the end of their journey as we do when we reach Santiago.When we start planning our Camino walks, we save up some money, try on different packs, experiment with footwear and sock combinations, discuss rain wear choices with others, look into booking accommodation ahead where there might not be many options. We look into Spanish SIM cards and hope there is good WiFi access so that we can keep in touch with our people back home. We expect to meet buddies along the way.
Lately in the US, there has been news about a "caravan" of people fleeing poverty and violence in Central America, currently traveling up through Mexico toward the United States border. We are talking about a journey of more than 3000 kilometers. There are similar refugee groups elsewhere in the world, leaving their homes (where, in most cases, many generations of their families have lived and died), heading off into the unknown because the conditions where they came from are that intolerable.
People are often impressed when I brag about how I walked 1000 kilometers. But with my Camino experience in mind, I am trying to picture the experiences of these desperate migrants.
Most of them likely don't have money "saved up" and aren't using ATMs along the way. There are many women, wearing thin-soled "ladies' shoes" and sometimes carrying babies or accompanying children. None of them can let knee pain or blisters delay them. There are no yellow arrows, no albergues, no camaraderie with others traveling the same route. Really, I don't know what they eat, where they sleep, or how they know what route to take. Sometimes they face hostility from others along the way or at their destination. They carry what they can, however they can carry it. They walk through weather they can't prepare for.
I have walked long distances, but I know I can't put myself in their shoes. Nobody will congratulate them on the adventure they probably didn't want to - but felt they needed to - undertake. Who knows what will happen and what will "greet" them when they reach their destinations. My heart breaks for these folks.
A deep bow to you!!!When we start planning our Camino walks, we save up some money, try on different packs, experiment with footwear and sock combinations, discuss rain wear choices with others, look into booking accommodation ahead where there might not be many options. We look into Spanish SIM cards and hope there is good WiFi access so that we can keep in touch with our people back home. We expect to meet buddies along the way.
Lately in the US, there has been news about a "caravan" of people fleeing poverty and violence in Central America, currently traveling up through Mexico toward the United States border. We are talking about a journey of more than 3000 kilometers. There are similar refugee groups elsewhere in the world, leaving their homes (where, in most cases, many generations of their families have lived and died), heading off into the unknown because the conditions where they came from are that intolerable.
People are often impressed when I brag about how I walked 1000 kilometers. But with my Camino experience in mind, I am trying to picture the experiences of these desperate migrants.
Most of them likely don't have money "saved up" and aren't using ATMs along the way. There are many women, wearing thin-soled "ladies' shoes" and sometimes carrying babies or accompanying children. None of them can let knee pain or blisters delay them. There are no yellow arrows, no albergues, no camaraderie with others traveling the same route. Really, I don't know what they eat, where they sleep, or how they know what route to take. Sometimes they face hostility from others along the way or at their destination. They carry what they can, however they can carry it. They walk through weather they can't prepare for.
I have walked long distances, but I know I can't put myself in their shoes. Nobody will congratulate them on the adventure they probably didn't want to - but felt they needed to - undertake. Who knows what will happen and what will "greet" them when they reach their destinations. My heart breaks for these folks.
Of topic close
What to do starts with that questioning, and then we each live into our own answers. Culture is made by individual people. And I so love the Dalai Lama's encouragement: "If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito."
And since this forum does not allow anything that could be labelled political discussion the answer is: charitable acts like donation of material goods and one's one time in the form of volunteer work at home. And superficial comparisons between asylum seekers, refugees from war zones or economic migrants who travel long distances and camino walkers who walk hundreds of miles on foot in their leisure time. It is uncomfortable to write this but I have to agree with @as gaillimh.we all should do whatever we can to help those walking a road because of war, famine or economic necessity.
... superficial comparisons between asylum seekers, refugees from war zones and economic migrants who travel long distances and camino walkers who walk hundreds of miles on foot in their leisure time. It is uncomfortable to write this but I have to agree with @as gaillimh.
I see the same images on TV. I have the same reflections. I still regard it as off topic because of the restrictions on speech on this forum, and I mean everyone's - not mine. Of course, one can try to force any topic under the header "camino spirit" and "how can I become a better person after my camino" ...@Kathar1na , the OP didn't make superficial comparisons, rather @JillGat described how the events she describes had prompted a certain line of reflection which is somewhat different.
Thanks for this thoughtful piece. I was talking to a ‘Camino amigo’ from Hungary who expressed strong views about ‘illegal migration’. The majority of people walking on any single day are probably refugees.When we start planning our Camino walks, we save up some money, try on different packs, experiment with footwear and sock combinations, discuss rain wear choices with others, look into booking accommodation ahead where there might not be many options. We look into Spanish SIM cards and hope there is good WiFi access so that we can keep in touch with our people back home. We expect to meet buddies along the way.
Lately in the US, there has been news about a "caravan" of people fleeing poverty and violence in Central America, currently traveling up through Mexico toward the United States border. We are talking about a journey of more than 3000 kilometers. There are similar refugee groups elsewhere in the world, leaving their homes (where, in most cases, many generations of their families have lived and died), heading off into the unknown because the conditions where they came from are that intolerable.
People are often impressed when I brag about how I walked 1000 kilometers. But with my Camino experience in mind, I am trying to picture the experiences of these desperate migrants.
Most of them likely don't have money "saved up" and aren't using ATMs along the way. There are many women, wearing thin-soled "ladies' shoes" and sometimes carrying babies or accompanying children. None of them can let knee pain or blisters delay them. There are no yellow arrows, no albergues, no camaraderie with others traveling the same route. Really, I don't know what they eat, where they sleep, or how they know what route to take. Sometimes they face hostility from others along the way or at their destination. They carry what they can, however they can carry it. They walk through weather they can't prepare for.
I have walked long distances, but I know I can't put myself in their shoes. Nobody will congratulate them on the adventure they probably didn't want to - but felt they needed to - undertake. Who knows what will happen and what will "greet" them when they reach their destinations. My heart breaks for these folks.
Why would an empathetic discussion of refugees be regarded as political - I don’t see anyone offering particular solutions? The current refugee crisis is a global humanitarian issue, to which there are no simple solutions. But in walking we have time to think about big things like this. It would be disappointing if the forum couldn’t deal with a gentle reminder of how lucky we are to be walking by choice rather than necessity.And since this forum does not allow anything that could be labelled political discussion the answer is: charitable acts like donation of material goods and one's one time in the form of volunteer work at home. And superficial comparisons between asylum seekers, refugees from war zones or economic migrants who travel long distances and camino walkers who walk hundreds of miles on foot in their leisure time. It is uncomfortable to write this but I have to agree with @as gaillimh.
Perhaps instead of discussing it on a one dimensional forum, those concerned could volunteer to assist the less fortunate hands on. Discussing it on here solves nothing and makes nobody's day better.
I thank you for this post. I’m a priest in a Parish that has ministries to the refugees and asylum seekers at our southern border. One of my parishioners just got back from the border where she encountered refugees and immigrants with painful stories of treacherous journeys on foot. I, myself, have walked the caminio with parishioners to raise awareness and funds for the plight of refugees. The Camino can be a powerful way for us who have so many blessings to “connect” in spirit with those who are making such perilous journeys escaping violence and poverty. It’s all about perspective and making the Camino in a spirit of simplicity and peace.When we start planning our Camino walks, we save up some money, try on different packs, experiment with footwear and sock combinations, discuss rain wear choices with others, look into booking accommodation ahead where there might not be many options. We look into Spanish SIM cards and hope there is good WiFi access so that we can keep in touch with our people back home. We expect to meet buddies along the way.
Lately in the US, there has been news about a "caravan" of people fleeing poverty and violence in Central America, currently traveling up through Mexico toward the United States border. We are talking about a journey of more than 3000 kilometers. There are similar refugee groups elsewhere in the world, leaving their homes (where, in most cases, many generations of their families have lived and died), heading off into the unknown because the conditions where they came from are that intolerable.
People are often impressed when I brag about how I walked 1000 kilometers. But with my Camino experience in mind, I am trying to picture the experiences of these desperate migrants.
Most of them likely don't have money "saved up" and aren't using ATMs along the way. There are many women, wearing thin-soled "ladies' shoes" and sometimes carrying babies or accompanying children. None of them can let knee pain or blisters delay them. There are no yellow arrows, no albergues, no camaraderie with others traveling the same route. Really, I don't know what they eat, where they sleep, or how they know what route to take. Sometimes they face hostility from others along the way or at their destination. They carry what they can, however they can carry it. They walk through weather they can't prepare for.
I have walked long distances, but I know I can't put myself in their shoes. Nobody will congratulate them on the adventure they probably didn't want to - but felt they needed to - undertake. Who knows what will happen and what will "greet" them when they reach their destinations. My heart breaks for these folks.
I so applaud your post. When I set out from Canterbury for Rome I was so very conscious of my expensive new boots and rucksack etc, walking south when so many were struggling to come north through Europe. All I could do was set up a JustGiving page for Refugee Action. I also since felt I must do a stint with Help Refugees in Calais, as a small way of "giving back." I doubt these poor migrants encounter the kindness of strangers in the way I have done as a pilgrim.When we start planning our Camino walks, we save up some money, try on different packs, experiment with footwear and sock combinations, discuss rain wear choices with others, look into booking accommodation ahead where there might not be many options. We look into Spanish SIM cards and hope there is good WiFi access so that we can keep in touch with our people back home. We expect to meet buddies along the way.
Lately in the US, there has been news about a "caravan" of people fleeing poverty and violence in Central America, currently traveling up through Mexico toward the United States border. We are talking about a journey of more than 3000 kilometers. There are similar refugee groups elsewhere in the world, leaving their homes (where, in most cases, many generations of their families have lived and died), heading off into the unknown because the conditions where they came from are that intolerable.
People are often impressed when I brag about how I walked 1000 kilometers. But with my Camino experience in mind, I am trying to picture the experiences of these desperate migrants.
Most of them likely don't have money "saved up" and aren't using ATMs along the way. There are many women, wearing thin-soled "ladies' shoes" and sometimes carrying babies or accompanying children. None of them can let knee pain or blisters delay them. There are no yellow arrows, no albergues, no camaraderie with others traveling the same route. Really, I don't know what they eat, where they sleep, or how they know what route to take. Sometimes they face hostility from others along the way or at their destination. They carry what they can, however they can carry it. They walk through weather they can't prepare for.
I have walked long distances, but I know I can't put myself in their shoes. Nobody will congratulate them on the adventure they probably didn't want to - but felt they needed to - undertake. Who knows what will happen and what will "greet" them when they reach their destinations. My heart breaks for these folks.
I have had to delete one post and edit another. Please be sure to keep your discussions to general principles, and avoid contentious political issues, in order to keep this thread alive.
We could do with a separate discussion board where anything can be said.
As @William Marques has said, moderators will watch this thread closely. But we would like to see it thrive.
I guess rules are rules and we have to play by them if we don't want thread to be closed and/or be banned ourselves (I know what I'm talking about the laterWhat is the point of telling each other how well off we are if we cannot discuss inequality, it's causes and possible solutions?
We could do with a separate discussion board where anything can be said.
Camino unplugged, unhinged, unfettered, or something
@JillGat I share your concern. When we did our 2014 camino we made and collected 100kg of clothing and blankets which we took to Spain (using our checked baggage allowance) and gave to a refugee organisation on arrival (they came to the airport to pick it all up). We are involved with our local refugee organisation and count among our friends now a family from Zimbabwe. But mostly I feel like we don't do enough, I feel uncomfortable in my comfort.
A photo sparked some words a few years back:
Be Honest
Outrage at exploitation
Who took that photo?
Sensational.
Undignified.
It shouldn’t be paraded
for all the world to see.
A nameless child
Red t-shirt
Blue shorts
Two shoes.
Face down
On the sand
Sea lapping
A foreign land.
A single death is a tragedy,
a million deaths is a statistic-
said Joseph Stalin.
Last week seventy-one suffocated
In a truck.
It was news
for a day.
71 is too lose to a million
To be much more than a statistic.
But let us wake up.
The one.
He had a name.
Aylan.
He was three years old.
He had a brother.
Five years.
They laughed with a big white teddy bear.
They had a Mama
And a father.
Only he remains,
The father.
Everything that matters lost.
No family.
No freedom.
Certainly no country, job, car, insurance, healthcare, food, house, home.
He lifts his hand to his face.
The morgue behind him.
Heart shattered with grief.
His babies.
Gone.
His love.
Gone.
Dreams destroyed.
Desperation personified.
A future unfathomable.
Uncertain.
This one remains.
And how many million more?
We'll do what we can.
Will we?
Will we really?
Or will we settle for what doesn't hurt us?
Will we really sacrifice
for our brothers and sisters in humanity?
We are neighbours.
Are we Good Samaritans?
Or will we turn away, hurry on by,
Say they are too far away?
And too different to us anyway?
Will we justify our complacency
Defending ourselves
Insisting
we have problems in our own backyard
As if helping is an either/or proposition?
Will we take coins fro our pocket
To pay for a a refugee's care?
Will we take time from our day
To help?
To do something?
To find out what we could do?
Will we give up anything
For those who have lost everything?
Or will we sigh
The problem's too big
And do nothing?
Will we open our hearts?
Our homes?
Our lives?
For even one?
We have seen.
The photo has spoken.
We have no excuse.
A week later I was still mulling it over. Still am.
CONFESSION
I feel comfortable.
We have so much food it is overflowing from the pantry.
We have so many friends we can't keep up with having them over
We get to zip off to Portugal or the mountain at a moment's notice.
We have books and toys and tools.
We have a pizza oven and a pool.
We have access to medical care, education and entertainment.
We have a television, computers, laptops, tablets, phones and a gazillion chargers and cables.
We have camping gear stashed away in the ceiling when there are people without so much as a tarpaulin for protection from the elements.
Even our youngest boys earn more on their paper runs than millions of families are trying to survive on.
I feel uncomfortable.
We know what is happening in the world.
But we can forget.
We have the luxury to ignore.
We have enough to fill our time that we can turn a blind eye.
We can be challenged to our own apathy,
to stop justifying our complacency,
to stop defending our inaction....
And still do nothing.
I don't want to be in love with "the idea" of helping;
I want to help.
I don't want to be "in love" with the idea of making a difference;
I want to make a difference.
I don't want to be "in love" with the idea of sacrifice.
But I am.
I don't actually want to sacrifice.
I want to be able to stop giving before it hurts.
I want to appease my conscience without changing my lifestyle.
I want to make sure I have enough.
But I'm slow to define "enough".
When I stop, when I take time, when I pray, when I look deep into my heart
I realise I do want to sacrifice.
I want to prove that I believe the last shall be first.
I want to prove that it is in giving that you receive.
I want to put my trust in the Creator of the universe, not in a bank balance.
I want to prove that God is enough.
More than enough.
The internet is full of spaces where anything can be said: places where invective, insult and falsehood are seemingly welcome. I am glad that this forum is not such a place. That said, there is nothing in the rules of this forum that constrains discussion of "inequality, it's causes and possible solutions?" provided that that discussion is conducted within the boundaries set by the rules of this forum.
There has been good discussion here before on the differences between pilgrimage, migration and a nice walking holiday. I've been impressed by many posts in this thread, particularly those that have expressed an attempt at understanding the lives and life experience of migrants, forced or aspirational and those that have offered, without pride, their own contributions to change.
As @William Marques has said, moderators will watch this thread closely. But we would like to see it thrive.
The Camino does work on us in ways we neither expect nor perceive. I find myself reacting to the situations in both Europe and North America with much more empathy and compassion than before I started walking.
It seems to me that it is really iI guess rules are rules and we have to play by them if we don't want thread to be closed and/or be banned ourselves (I know what I'm talking about the later) but similar provocative thing happened a bit more than a year ago before and after Catalonian referendum and the group within the forum was formed and we still discuss the matter without constraints and in civilized manner to this day. Maybe you could start such a group? I would gladly join!
Thank you. You've expressed my feelings. Now, I, too, need to find a way (ways?) to act.
Thank you. You've expressed my feelings. Now, I, too, need to find a way (ways?) to act.
Thank you!
Most refugees get to Europe by sea. But still more than 20,000 have already come to Europe this year on land. Given how intensely so many of us are engaged in this discussion, I am just wondering (perhaps a little foolishly) whether our daily slog of walking and the associated tiredness gives us just a little bit of insight into the experience of moving each day, a new place to rest each night, living with less than most of do in our lives in comfortable homes, and so on. Is it a gift of the Camino that it gives us a little bit of insight into the lives of those with whom we share little else?Thank you. You've expressed my feelings. Now, I, too, need to find a way (ways?) to act.
Most refugees come to Europe by sea. But still over 20,000 have already come here by land just this year. I wonder, given the intensity of this discussion, whether the Camino does give us a little more insight into the plight of refugees? I know this sounds a little silly, but what a gift that would be, if the experience of walking daily, tiredness, the need to find a new home each night, living out of what we can carry on our back, gave us some little inkling or empathy for those who are really deprived.I think this is why I continue on this thread though it is unlikely I will be able to make another Camino. This posting of musings about refugees touches me in ways it could not have done before my Caminos.
That is what i was answering to, never say neverit is unlikely I will be able to make another Camino. .
I don’t know, maybe start with flash cards? You know, with drawings?I am struggling with how I might help some Yazidi women who now live in Calgary and want help to learn English. I have worked at helping refugees learn English in a group which met weekly. That group has, at least temporarily, disbanded as the latest refugees moved on to full time classes in English. No one seems available to take on the Yazidi women. I have never led the group and have no idea how to begin to teach English to persons who are illiterate in their own language. The task is so far beyond me that only the fact that there is currently no one else pushes me to consider it. This is not about pilgrimage, but about refugee women whose horrific experiences have urged Canada to admit them and Canadians to help them. If anyone can suggest where to start, I would be very grateful. If this post is inappropriate to this forum, I apologize. Any moderator may delete it.
I totally agree that this is a Human Thread. All about humanity, the beautiful, the good, the unfortunate and the bad.@JillGat and @Kiwi-family, thank you. It is so encouraging to read your words and realize others on the Camino thought many of the same things I did while walking. For the most part, the people with whom I walked did not want to talk about the real world while I was aching to find some insight and viable actions I could take to help in the real world after my Camino. I so appreciate this thread. I do not consider it a political thread in any way but more a human thread - written by thoughtful humans wanting to help other humans. I think discussing our humanity and learning from each other is exactly the point of the Camino. Again, thank you.
I know this sounds a little silly, but what a gift that would be, if the experience of walking daily, tiredness, the need to find a new home each night, living out of what we can carry on our back, gave us some little inkling or empathy for those who are really deprived.
Off topic close
I see the same images on TV. I have the same reflections. I still regard it as off topic because of the restrictions on speech on this forum, and I mean everyone's - not mine. Of course, one can try to force any topic under the header "camino spirit" and "how can I become a better person after my camino" ...
Yes. Just...yes.I mainly wanted to point out how walking long distances gives you empathy and admiration for others who walk long distances for other reasons and in other circumstances.
Yes. Just...yes.
The quivering of the heart in response to the pain of others comes directly from our own experience pain, and understanding that we have it in common.
In this sense the camino can be an engine of compassion.
Lovely analogy - about the kind of ‘inkling’ we have! Thanks for your thoughtful input to my silly question.I think it does give us an inkling, sort of like how skydiving gives you an inkling of what falling off a 43rd floor balcony feels like. Yes, we have walked many miles in admittedly better shoes, but no pilgrim seriously doubts the outcome of their journey. The only real question we face is whether an injury will force us on to public transit.
One of my daughters did an internship in Greece last year, collecting data on health status of some of the refugees who had made it that far. Her faculty made it into an exotic vacation highlighted daily by coming face to face with the grim, stone faced, fearful, determined people who really didn't know what would happen next, but were grateful that the shelling seemed to have stopped, and food and shelter were available.
About the same time a Syrian family that had been supported by a local church moved into a house less than a block from me. It did not seem as if the parents spoke any english, but the kids could get by. Since I walked past pretty often, I had a chance to speak with them, and it was all very cordial. There was lots I could have done for these people, but I did Nothing. Nothing at all, except saying good morning. In retrospect, I guess I thought they we being "taken care of" by their sponsor group, and thats probably true. I felt as if these were the lucky ones, and there was no need for me to intervene. Upon reflection, this was not my finest hour.
Those people stayed only a short time, and then, presumably, moved onto to something more permanent. They took the scars they acquired on their Camino with them. I never saw those scars, but they must surely be horrific.
I am sorry but I have deleted the last comment by Finisterre as it was directly encouraging a political discussion.
I am sorry but I have deleted the last comment by Finisterre as it was directly encouraging a political discussion.
I like the fact that the word 'pilgrims' is the focus but am at a loss to understand why it is that posts sharing how walking the Camino has had an impact on our thoughts about what is happening in the wider world, should have to be under the threat of deletion.
Thank you Moderator William for your efforts to keep this discussion civil and apolitical. Although I've yet to see or read those posts that are considered political anywhere in this site (you guys are doing a good job), I have no desire to engage in politics in this forum. However, I will say that I had about abandoned the site as it seemed like there was very little of substance happening here. As far as allowing me to prepare for my caminos last spring, you did that exceedingly well. But I am relieved and delighted to participate in this thread about those profound and meaningful experiences and thoughts we had during and after walking our caminos - such discussions help us re-frame our experiences as they relate to current events. Helping us explore what our experiences mean to us today is essential, IMHO. I hope you let us continue.Such posts are fine and under no threat. But you are probably old enough to discern what is political and what is not.
As Tincatinker has said there are plenty of places where people can argue with one another about politics. We try to keep this forum an oasis of peace away from personal animosity which is what happens when political posts are allowed.
Thank you @Tincatinker, @wayfarer, @Kanga for your good humoured and benevolent work as moderators, it has always been much appreciated. To save further disagreements I am sadly leaving the forum. Buen Camino pilgrims!
That is the crux of it, isn't it? Connecting.The journey was the most profound learning experience of my life,. It involved the letting go of negative attitudes often prompted by the meeting with others from diverse backgrounds and as Joni Mitchell expressed it, who came from 'different sets of circumstances'.
Ditto.But I am relieved and delighted to participate in this thread about those profound and meaningful experiences and thoughts we had during and after walking our caminos - such discussions help us re-frame our experiences as they relate to current events. Helping us explore what our experiences mean to us today is essential, IMHO. I hope you let us continue.
Surely you realized when you started the thread the topic was at the very least, semi-political and that there are strong opinions on both sides and that there would be reactions.I am not trying to force any topic under the topic of "camino spirit." Here I am patting myself on the back for restraining myself/editing the political stuff I could and am tempted to write. I mainly wanted to point out how walking long distances gives you empathy and admiration for others who walk long distances for other reasons and in other circumstances. Again, I don't know how it can be "off topic" if I started the thread. Moderators: please allow me to say this. I won't fuel any arguments, but I want to make this point. I don't see the harm in expanding a discussion on what it is like for others who travel long distances on foot for a variety of reasons. It would be a shame not to be able to talk about this here sometimes.
Wish I’d got to read what got deleted (mostly to work out what is considered ‘beyond limits). But I guess, I’ll survive tooNo problem.
I thought I had managed to keep within bounds.
Oh well.
I shall survive....
I, for one, did not even think about any political inference that this tread could have taken. My immediate reaction was how we, as Pilgrims walking to Santiago, might have some empathy on the thousands of migrants, leaving all their possessions behind and in their case "walking with bare necessities" ( don't many of us ask the Forum what to carry and how much weight can we carry) and these unfortunate people are undertaking a Camino far, far worse than any of us have done! Again thanks JillGat for having brought our attention to this ongoing situation! I for one, do relate to their plight!Surely you realized when you started the thread the topic was at the very least, semi-political and that there are strong opinions on both sides and that there would be reactions.
For me personally, IMO, walking any of the Camino routes has nothing in common (besides the actual physical act of walking) with a group of present day migrants walking anywhere. Gentrified, modern day actual pilgrims and tourist pilgrims cannot relate with any plight/exodus/egress/escape/exploitation/immigration etc occurring now anywhere in the world.
Surely you realized when you started the thread the topic was at the very least, semi-political and that there are strong opinions on both sides and that there would be reactions.
For me personally, IMO, walking any of the Camino routes has nothing in common (besides the actual physical act of walking) with a group of present day migrants walking anywhere. Gentrified, modern day actual pilgrims and tourist pilgrims cannot relate with any plight/exodus/egress/escape/exploitation/immigration etc occurring now anywhere in the world.
I regret that I have been unable to participate recently with as much frequency as I would like. Reading this thread now that things have blown up and then slightly calmed down, here are my thoughts. This thread started when a member decided to express her personal feelings about how walking the camino made her think about the tragic situation others are facing and living. It surely is a sad day when people reading those heartfelt feelings interpret them as a proxy for a political opinion. Surely it cannot be that expressions of empathy and compassion are political statements.
And the insults and denigration, oh my.
As we have said many times, moderating is difficult and not a science. If any of you have comments or disagreements to express with the moderators, they should be directed to a PM and not posted as a public comment. But you can be sure that we are all trying our hardest to keep the discussion within the rules Ivar has established.
If your camino did not give you the same compassionate and empathetic attitude about other, far less fortunate people who are putting one foot in front of the other, just like all us peregrinos, then that’s fine. But it seems to me that a better response would be to ignore the thread and move on to something else.
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