“Peace is coming because the people are making peace.”
I saw this banner when I joined the antiwar movement as a Vietnam Veteran. It gave me hope. I wanted peace for the Americans I left behind, all civilians, our allies and those we fought.
Americans came home, the demonstrations stopped and the war continued through an embargo that punished all Vietnamese while we Vets sought peace in our souls.
America is polarized again. That banner haunts me. I am reminded of our goal to make peace. I also want social and economic justice. I want to keep my progressive values and feel a personal and civic responsibility to compromise, be a better listener within my family, among friends and as a citizen. Bishop Tutu spoke of humanity, Ubuntu, an African ideal that says I am a person because you are also a person. We occupy the same space with those we fight. Tutu sought truth and reconciliation.
I ask for your help. How do you balance values and politics with hope for peace with those you disagree with?
Here is my attempt. I developed a website and blog to facilitate dialogue. I share my values and perspectives and ask for responses. Please comment on the issues I raise whether you agree or disagree. I will listen. We can practice respectful communication about tough issues and show our leaders it is possible. Peace is possible if we find ways to live peacefully in our families and community. Then our leaders will join us.
I love this concept Ed. Thank you. I’ll be happy to participate as things unfold.
Jerem, Thank you. I am excited about fostering conveersations.
Fantastic! I’d love to see what you’re thinking and participate in a good discussion.
I look people in the eye. I say “I’m glad I share this world with you”. Usually the person is dumbfounded, but will sometimes respond with something. It is my chore to figure out how we might have a common connection and I’ll keep the conversation going.
Look the person in the eye and do your best to connect.
Thanks Dave
What a wonderful idea Ed!
Thank you Ed for reminding us that each of us can be peacemakers.
It must be synchronicity that I thought of you yesterday and here you are. Thank you for including me on your email list. I do believe that if people truly listened to each other we would soon all realize that we have much more in common than we originally thought. I look forward to participating with you and others.
Ed,
I’m usually very optimistic about things, but I don’t think having a meaningful conversation/discussion with those on the far right is possible. We share the same set of facts and I don’t see any common foundation on which such a discussion could take place. But please keep trying.
Phil Blitz
Thanks Phil. I appreciate your friendship and encouragement over many years.
PEACE BRO
Cool.
I too get immensely frustrated at not just all the sound and fury but that it could at least signify SOMETHING with a bit of humility, bridge-building, etc. Great to have a space like this for such efforts. I wrote a piece about Sargent Shriver recently who also thought deeply about this – he is still someone who serves as an inspiration … but also a cautionary tale. Stay in touch!
https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2023/01/19/review-sargent-shriver-spiritualizing-politics-244537