XII - Political Ponerology

Ponerology: Study of Evil.

In Andrew Lobaczewski's book, Political Ponerology, he presents "Evil" as a disease. In a nutshell, Lobaczewski performed clinical studies showing that a small percentage of the human population lack the ability to empathize (a.k.a. psychopaths). This small group of humans has learned to use their deficit as an advantage through evil actions; as a result, they have risen to places of power - hence "Political Ponerology."

While I witness the distress of our brothers and sisters on a daily basis, I remind myself that some of the people "calling the shots" do not "feel" the way I do. I spend a large percentage of time reminding myself to forgive them. Lobaczewski recommends psychologically screening all those who are in a place of power or jobs with the responsibility for the safety of people. Perhaps our world leaders would stop playing with human being's lives like we are living a big chess game.

Since arriving on Lesvos, it was obvious to me that the energy was shifting here. I heard volunteers speaking in fear of being stopped by police, or detained in prison for helping refugees. I began to see articles that spoke of the EU trying to pass a law to criminalize volunteers helping refugees (Statewatch Article); meanwhile, the people of Lesvos are nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize! What a paradox! It makes me wonder, who is making these decisions, and why?

The refugees I have met are fleeing ISIS, al-Qaeda, or a devastated home. If you have not seen Homs, Syria yet, check this video out: Syria Drone Footage. The refugees are normal people, just like you and I. They carry iPhones and leather jackets, they care for their children and elderly, they eat with their hands and put their pants on one leg at a time. Where is the empathy?

Together, we have the resources to provide safe passage for all the refugees. Here is the catch: the refugees are seen as a great business. They spend all of their money to travel through life threatening situations to safety, without the guarantee that they will be accepted into a new country or have the chance to make a new home. Along the way, their money is funneled to criminal organizations.

Since humanity did not work together on this crisis earlier, the process was done sloppily - leaving refugees scattered through Europe without a firm plan. Now, parts of the EU are angry with Greece for letting so many refugees through, that they have threatened them with their Shengen rights (ability to pass through the common border of 26 European countries without a passport). Greece has a few weeks to tighten up the border and create a plan.


Greece has a pile of their own problems economically, not to mention the refugees. This situation is putting a great deal of stress on the common people and the government. As the winter begins to fade away, the volunteers expect a new wave of refugees to cross. Lifeguards are manning our posts, facilities are continually being upgraded to receive people in distress, and donations continue to arrive. Even though the massive military vessel is scooping up many refugees to bring them straight to the ferry, we expect to continue to receive refugee ships.

The last three days have been very stormy - high winds, rain, and freezing temperatures at night - boats have not been arriving on Lesvos. Anais and I have revisited the Hope Center, where spirits are high. A church group from Holland arrived to help for the week. They are full of energy with a strong work ethic. It seems like the lawyers representing the Hope Center are optimistic that they will be able to properly register the hotel to receive refugees. The project continues! Painting, landscaping, plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry (the list goes on).

Today we made it down to Moria - the main camp - to visit with Refugees. We only saw a couple of people in the overflow camp, versus the hundreds we saw a few days ago. It was a testament to the low numbers of refugees arriving to the island in these days, and the efficiency of the registration process.

Every day is different here. No one knows what is going to happen for sure - as the shores of Turkey and government action remain a mystery. We are here to serve, and we will continue to inject this island with positive vibrations.

Thank you to all the supporters that have helped Anais and I get out here. Sat Nam Foundation is sponsoring us to be out here, and to provide the refugees with the care they need. Please support us at: http://satnamfoundation.org/index.php/campaign/lesbos/