Much of human history is a relentless lesson in how often we succumb to the lure of corrosive beliefs. The illusion of nationhood turns quickly to the poison of patriotism ~ small minds warped by politicians and billionaires seeking votes or power or dominion over poor lives so disenfranchised, so crushed beneath dull meaningless work in the small hours that they look for any simple answer to complex problems – even if those simple answers are bloodthirsty and divisive.

George McGovern, the late American diplomat, historian, and politician, once said:  “I’m fed up to the ears with old men dreaming up wars for young men to die in…” – that quote seems all too familiar, like a broken record, and all too relevant in 2026, as the skies over the Middle East blacken with missiles, smoke, and drones. This ancient region, once home to the great Achaemenid line of Persian Kings, is on fire once more – just as Alexander’s soldiers set fire to Persepolis in 330 BC. It’s a place I’ve wanted to visit since I was a teenager. I’m not sure I’ll ever have the chance.

And so, I vainly edit photos from my Nikon Z5 and remember that even though the skies are clear and blue in my view, the skies are dark and violent for others.