A Libyan parable

Earlier this week, I and some friends - each one of us strong, healthy, and with legally held weapons - were walking along the street.  On the other side, we noticed a frail elderly couple, and some young children, who were being attacked by a family from the area, well-known for their nastiness and violent behaviour, and some of their thuggish friends.

It was quite sad to see the unequal struggle, and to hear the cries for help that came from the victims.  We did spend some time discussing whether or not we should go to their aid - but that would have required crossing the street, and we were unsure as to whether or not that would constitute an illegal act on our behalf.  After all, that side of the street had been controlled by the family for over forty years!   Eventually, the situation sorted itself out. The victims were disposed off; the family continued to strut along the other side of the street; and we walked on, happy in the knowledge that our weapons had not had to be used.  We regretted the loss of life of the victims, but they had probably upset the family, so had really brought their troubles on themselves.

That is, of course, merely a 'parable' of the ongoing situation in Libya.  While westerm leaders talk among themselves about the legality, or otherwise, of dealing with a family that is headed by a mad despot, the Libyan people are being systematically destroyed.  Listening to the Today programme on BBC Radio 4, this morning (16th March), left me in no doubt that the cries for help are genuine; that the ordinary Libyan people are in danger; and that if there is any further delay, not only will Qu'adaffi regain complete control of the country, but also that his revenge on those who dared to oppose him will be swift, and uncompromising.

I trust that those leaders who are still full of nothing other than rhetoric will be able to live with themselves.  However, I know that I could not - because the Libyan situation is not a parable!