I am currently reading The Heart And The Fist, by Governor Eric Greitens, an autobiography deemed “The education of a humanitarian, and the making of a Navy SEAL.” While in undergrad at Duke University, Greitens traveled to Croatia to volunteer with the Project for Unaccompanied Children in Exile. These were Bosnian children who were forced out of their homes by the Serbian Army in 1994. While in Croatia, he made two crucial discoveries. Photographs often portray refugees as people dressed in rags who are living in rubble, stripping them of their humanity. We must remember that they are human beings, just like us. The children like to play sports and learn in classrooms, even when living at a refugee camp. Upon returning home, friends and neighbors asked Eric what they could do to help the refugees, considering whether to send food or clothing. While these are important contributions, Greitens proposed something else. These people, especially the children, were vulnerable to stronger powers, in this case being the Serbian Army. Those capable need to step in and enforce peace, it is not enough to implement treaties and speak of resolution. If you see conflict, rather than stand on the sidelines, step in and stand up for others.
Lastly, 
I have a shameless plug for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton.” One of the final songs, “The World Was Wide Enough,” depicts a story all too relevant today. Hamilton endorsed Jefferson for President. Burr, upset by this, calls for a dual, saying, “It’s him or me, the world will never be the same.” Burr later kills Hamilton, leaving behind a wife and children. “I am too young and blind to see, but the world was wide enough for both him and me.” Burr may be the one living, yet now he has to pay for the consequences.
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