It�s possible that someday certain unlikely circumstances may arise and a war will be necessary. But for the most part, I do not believe in war. This is not unpatriotic of me. This does not mean that the death toll of September 11th does not horrify me. I just don�t believe that killing other people, destroying other countries, will bring us closer to a world of prosperity, security, freedom, and happiness. Why would it? A conquered country would just grow resentful, and the seeds of hate would be sown and blossom once more. Violence begets only more violence. It�s peace we need.
As much as I�d like to change the world, I know I can�t. I can only change myself. But maybe that�s enough. I�m going to wage PEACE on the world. I�m not the first to do this of course, nor hopefully will I be the last. Now, when I say I�m going to wage peace, I don�t mean that I�m going to get politically active and start campaigns to stop war everywhere. I�m not going to hold a protest on the lawn of the White House. That�s all well and good for some, but it doesn�t work for me. I was thinking that I�d wage peace in a more relaxed way. I�m thinking I should gradually change my lifestyle to integrate peaceful living.
By peaceful living I mean not promoting ill will, while at the same time promoting good will. Acts as simple as driving more gently, helping someone carry their groceries, smiling at a child, and talking to your neighbors are all acts of peaceful living. Now, I�m not saying that peaceful living means giving a stranger a ride home. This is still a world in which we can�t trust each other. There�s a fine line between kind and risky behavior these days.
As far as the war in Iraq goes, I don't support it. I don't trust our government's motivations. I have to question whether Bush is trying to ensure the safety of American people, or ensure the safety of the oil companies financial future. I realize that a lot of people are still angry about September 11th. But a war of revenge isn't just. I realize that a lot of people are afraid of what could happen if there were more terrorist attacks. But fear is not a good basis for decisions. By launching a preemptive war, we're being traitors to the ideals this country was founded on. I cannot support this war unless I get some reasons why I should. Anyone who's interested in expressing their well thought out, well researched, expletive free opinion is encouraged to write me. |
