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debbe

What you have started here has prompted an examination of conscience in me. What am I doing? What more can I do? What can I share about my own journey for peace that might inspire others.

I've known that having a self-proclaimed war president is not good for any country or the world. I believe we manifest what we imagine, dream, believe and work to create. The war in Iraq is a deadly symbol of the results...as are other such crimes against humanity throughout the world. So I am committed to do something each day in the name of peace.

With deep humility, I offer these examples not as big things but small things, perhaps seemingly insignificant things, but small things manifest big things over time if we believe they do. I write about peace in public places. I talk with friends about it. I protest where I have an opportunity for influence. I dream about a better world. I spend my money toward creating it. I invest in candidates that support it. I strive to be an example of non-violence in how I live. On days when I have only quiet to give at a minimum I pray for peace.

For those read this, the WORLD needs you. If you are doing something worthwhile help the rest of us do more by sharing your ideas.

"...An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. Be the change you want to see in the world." --- Gandhi


arjuna

James Garner tells us the REAL cause of war

From the movie The Americanization of Emily (1964)

Charlie, an American admiral’s dog-robber, played by James Garner
Emily, a driver for the Royal navy, played by Julie Andrews

Charlie, Emily and Mrs. Barrow (Emily’s Mother) are sitting to tea in the garden. Charlie has just met Emily’s mother and was told by Emily beforehand that she lost her husband and son in the war but carries on as if they are still alive.

Charlie has just described his view as a “coward” and self preservationist. ( A wonderful dialogue in itself)

Mrs Barrow: After every war, you know, we always find out how unnecessary it was. And after this one I’m sure all the generals will write books about the blunders made by other generals and statesmen will publish their secret diaries and it will show beyond any shadow of a doubt that war could have e-easily been avoided in the first place and the rest of us, of course, will be left with the job of bandaging the wounded and burying the dead.

Charlie: I don’t trust people who make bitter reflections about war Mrs. Barrow. It’s always the generals with the bloodiest records who are the first to shout what a hell it is. It’s always the war widows who lead the Memorial Day parades

Emily: That was unkind Charlie and very rude.

C: We shall never end wars Mrs. Barrow by blaming it on ministers and generals or war mongering imperialists or all the other benile bogies. It’s the rest of us who build statues for those generals and name boulevards after those ministers. The rest of us who make heroes of our dead and shrines of our battlefields. We wear our widows weeds like nuns Mrs. Barrow and perpetuate war by exalting its sacrafices. My brother died at Anzio.

E: I didn’t know that Charlie.

C: Yes, an every day soldier’s death. No special heroism involved. They buried what pieces they found of him. But my mother insists that he died a brave death and pretends to be very proud.

Mrs. B: Your very hard on your mother. It seems a harmless enough pretense to me.

C: No, Mrs. Barrow, no, you see now my other brother can’t wait to reach enlistment age. That’ll be in September.

Mrs. B: Oh. Lord.

C: It may be ministers and generals who blunder us into wars Mrs. Barrow but the least the rest of us can do is resist honoring the institution. What has my mother got for pretending bravery was admirable? She’s under constant sedation and terrified she may wake up one morning to find her last son has run off to be brave. I don’t think I was rude or unkind before, do you Mrs. Barrow?
Mrs. B: No. You better push off Emily if you've got to get to work.

E: Give my best to father then.

Mrs B: You’re father died in the Blitz and your brother died a brave and pointless death in December 1940. I’ve carried on much too long with all this as it is. Now do go, I’d much rather be alone. I mean, I mean it. You’re a kind man commander. I hope you come again.

Charlie: Thank you ma’am.


and Charlie could have added, "it is the rest of us who fund war". How many hours did you work for the feds this week?

arjuna

Debbie,
So glad to hear of your efforts for peace. I must speak about the "invest in candidates" statement. All political power is based on violence. All laws, taxes and regulations are backed by guns. Supporting gov't or candidates for gov't is supporting violence.

http://non-voters.org/

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