Post No. 10: A Tale of Two Schoolboys, Part Two

In part one of this tale, Vladimir was on top of Volodymyr violently punching him as Volodymyr valiantly fought back. Both of them were bloodied and exhausted. But they kept fighting. Volodymyr had many friends who were cheering him on and giving him energy to fight back.  Vladimir had some friends who looked on with dismay but continued to support him in his fight.  Volodymyr’s friends hoped that he would eventually win and that Vladimir would leave the schoolyard with head hung low and never come back.  But they also worried that Vladimir was a little unstable and that his father had an AK 47 in his basement. It was somewhat unnerving to think that he might come back as a crazy person armed with this weapon as has happened in other school yards.  Some of Volodymyr’s friends were disappointed when an adult in the school finally stopped the fighting. Some others were relieved.

In part one the wise principal was still  “in a dilemma and not sure what to do” after the adults stopped the fighting. She was determined that in the future the adults would immediately stop and expel any schoolboy who attempted to commit violence on another.  Her dilemma was how to resolve the current situation In a wise way.  One thing she was sure about, Vladimir would not be rewarded and would have to pay medical bills for the injuries suffered by Volodymyr.

Yet the principal realized that both boys had friends who supported them and argued that their side was right.  Somehow she must find a solution that would avoid rancor and resentment from one group or another. A resentment that would  result in future violence between friends supporting the two opposing sides.

The principal knew of another principal who had heard of the fight between Vladimir and Volodymyr. This other principal was very concerned that the fighting might affect his own schoolyard. This principal’s name was unusual because he called himself “Shee” (perhaps he was ahead of his time?).  So she, the wise principal, met with Shee.  They delved into each other’s views on the topic and realized there was a simple way to resolve their dilemma.  Here’s what they did:

1. Vladimir must pay the medical bills incurred by his violence inflicted on Volodymyr.

2. Vlodymyr’s friends must stop taunting Vladimir.  They can no longer get “adjacent” to his face and threaten him.

3. Both principals were determined that violence among schoolboys, from any school, would be immediately stopped and the aggressor punished.  They both agreed to enforce this new PRINCIPLE themselves.  They would use their influence to make this a major new requirement that would be enforced among all schools who had membership in the United School District.

Not all the school boys were happy with this new arrangement, but the adults had taken charge.  Over time the solution devised by these two principals had excellent results. Peace, well being and good times were had by all the schoolkids in their respective schoolyards for a long, long time.

(Part two of this allegory is yet to be realized. As for me, I’m sending this tale to my elected representatives. I'm hoping a wise adult emerges.)

I leave it to the reader to interpret this “yet to be realized” allegory. Hint: "Shee" refers to an actual world leader whose first name is Xi, pronounced "Shee".