I have never had faith or confidence in Band-Aids.

Any cut, wound or laceration that could be solved with a Band-Aid could not have been that traumatic or serious. Since most wounds heal from the inside to the surface of the skin, the healing process is not helped that much by a plastic cover. Keeping with nature, the scar formed is a better aid to healing than the skin-colored or multi-hued dressing.

I began thinking of Band-Aids while reading the News of the World last week. Let me explain.

A) Only six months ago the world rejoiced in the news that Britain and the IRA had solved the intricate problems of Northern Ireland. George Mitchell, the former Maine senator and senate leader, was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, for bringing the two sides together. All seemed to be moving toward a secure and peaceful future.

Last week the Band-Aid was torn off: The IRA refused to disarm. Britain rejected the treaty and it was back to square one.

B) On the same newspaper page: Israel and Syria break off peace talks after violence erupts in Southern Lebanon. Only three weeks ago they sat at a table together and declared that they would definitely find an answer this time.

As the bombs flew, another Band-Aid was ripped from the covering of a long festering trouble spot.

C) In Kosovo another Band-Aid refused to stick.

At one time the Serbs were committing atrocities against the Albanians. The UN sent troops (including GIs) and the problem was solved or was it? A religious problem dating back to the 14th century was solved in a flash by the injection of foreign troops. Or was it? Last week the Albanians were harassing and perpetrating hostile acts on the Serbs.

It would be an idyllic world if these century-old conflicts did not exist. If neighbor would only love their neighbor and abide by the "Golden Rule," the universe would be awash in kindness and peace.

The pretense of a solution is worse than no solution at all. The placing of a Band-Aid does not cure cancer. It only gushes up false hope and unrealistic expectations.

The pain of tearing off the useless Band-Aid is far worse than using common sense and realism in approaching difficult and almost impossible situations.