On Friday, my youngest son leaves for six weeks of basic training in the United States Navy, and the start of a six year enlistment. I have very mixed feelings as he starts this new chapter in his life. On the one hand, I am very proud that he is willing to take six years out of his life in service to his country. On the other hand, I am very concerned for his well being in light of the state of affairs around the world.
But the best thing I can do at this time is put my youngest son in God’s care and hope that the very fact that the United States has a strong military helps to maintain even the shaky level of peace we have today. I can also use my vote to put people in positions of leadership who value peace as much as I do. Arguably, the past eight years has seen decisions made which did anything but foster a lasting peace.
I am not in favor of ignoring direct attacks against this or any other country in the world when those attacks are unprovoked and against innocents. By the same token, I think it is wrong for countries to seek to impose their beliefs on other countries through threat, intimidation, or invasion. In that vein, I think it is time for the United States to re-examine our foreign policy where it relates to advancing our brand of democracy in countries that have not asked for our input. Yes, speak out for human rights, as every person should. But do not involve ourselves with forcing democracy on anyone.
I think it is also time for our country, which has so much, to begin looking at how we can help those in the world who lack even the basics. While we are turning corn into fuel for our automobiles, there are people starving to death in the world. While corporations are increasing their profits by moving work to places on the globe with the cheapest labor there are people trying to survive without adequate shelter. More an more, when one hears of the “Global Economy” what comes to mind is the fact that the wealthy are benefiting from the exploitation of those desperate to make a living and support themselves and their families.
If one looks at everything that is involved in the idea of “Peace,” it can be overwhelming. There are no black and white answers that will allow peace to be a reality. What is very clear is that the status quo is not an answer either. Somehow we have to address the issues which cause so much division in the world: Arab vs. Israeli; Pakistan vs. India; black vs. white; China vs. Tibet; and the list goes on and on. Beginning on a micro scale is a beginning. How I treat each person I come into contact with on a daily basis should be a reflection of my value of that other human being. Hopefully, that will result in a chance at dialogue and understanding. One relationship at a time, perhaps the world can be changed.
NOTE: Queen Mimi, at Mimi Writes, is the creator of the Blog Blast for Peace. She wrote this post that really puts into words what this movement is all about.
