Dear Editor,

Some things make me think about whether what we believe is important.

For example, it is generally accepted that in July of 1969 man travelled 384,000 kilometres to the moon and came back safely, but with modern technology and better equipment they struggle to make frequent trips to the International Space Station, a mere 408 kilometres away. I always find it funny that in 1971 in the James Bond film
Diamonds Are Forever, the writer had a totally unrelated scene of the moon landing staged on a movie set.

I try to stay away from conspiracy theories, but I am always reminded of life in the context of a chess game.

The pawns are up front, very limited in their movements, they form the majority and are sacrificed at will to ensure the king is kept out of harm’s way. They are constantly moving forward, hoping that somehow they make it to the other end, and they can become a queen or anything they wish. Few make it to the other side, but just the possibility of making it motivates them forward.

Then there are the two knights, the armies that can be from either side of the aisle like the two bishops who can reflect opposing views of religion but still serve the common purpose of protecting the king. Then there are the rooks, which are the homes or castles. All these pieces are restricted in where they can go. All except the queen, she can do anything and go anywhere, as powerful as she is. Like the mothers of the world, she, too, must protect the king.

The king is limited in movement and totally depends on everyone to protect him. If conquered, the game ends and the conqueror celebrates victory. I often wonder in life: Who are the kings of the world? Are they the political leaders or some unseen hand using others towards an end that may up to now be known only to a few?

In life, I think it is important to understand that we are not all equal as we are asked to believe. The pawns of our life, ordinary people, are sold a dream that they can make it to the other side and become a queen but are sacrificed in that pursuit. The other pieces, as powerful as they are, remain limited in their action and are dedicated to doing things to protect the king.

It is clear to many of us that we are not kings. Some of us may be bishops or knights, and many of us are pawns. But we should take time to recognise who we are and understand our limitations. We are sold a story that may not be possible or even true. The journey we are asked to pursue, education, religion, and career, may simply be to protect a king who is limited in action and power.

While it is important to understand the power of the queen, the mother that is responsible for the continuation of life, and the power and freedom that she possesses, we may be reminded that she can be replaced or sacrificed to save the king.

Knowing who we are, and who we are not, may help in understanding that what we are told or asked to believe may not be factual. This realisation may help us to be free and not pawns in someone’s game.

Think independently.

Steve Alvarez

bilcoa@hotmail.com