March 19 begins the
9th year the United States government continues its war on the people
of Iraq, in the name of the American people.
While we cannot undo
the death and destruction brought on by this war, clear thinking people
must bring it to its end. People of Peace need to consider the
consequences of sitting idly by as those who choose war for our people
are the voices heard.
People who believe
in war often tell the same lie - peace is not possible - and with this
phrase, People of Peace are often silenced. I have been studying this
and listening as intellectuals and pundits talk of war, the need for
war, the complexity of war, and the impossibility of peace. Sometimes I
almost get confused. And then I realize the people speaking have no
idea what peace is, or if they do, they have forgotten. It is like
arguing that the sun will not rise again, or worse, that it is not
needed. This betrayal of peace reduces the "I have a dream" of Martin
Luther King to little more than fairy tale. It is a slap in the face of
our children, a shrug instead of effort made to do something different.
It is convenient. And it is time for this mistruth to be challenged.
I am tired of being
defined by people of war. I am tired of the good human name being mired
by those who were never taught that temper tantrums are not okay. Yes,
the good human name. I am tired of the selfishness and greed default. I
am tired of war. And while we are at it, I am tired of people going
hungry and homeless...and I am way over drilling for oil, mountain top
removal, nuclear fallout and the fear that it brings.
You want to balance
the budgets and pay for renewable energy? Bring our children home from
war. Let's not stop at Iraq. The peace people of Afghanistan would like
their country back.
I am counting on the
fact that there are People of Peace who are as weary as I and ready to
be heard. They come in all shapes, colors and beliefs. It is time for
the voice of peace. It is time for the voice of one people, one planet,
doing what we do best, enjoying and celebrating life.
When I ask myself
how this will come to pass, and I feel the "doubt maker" eager to
destroy what I know is possible, I remember a little story about how a
stick is made smaller without touching it. The answer? By laying a
larger stick next to it. So, People of Peace, pick up your stick of
Kindness and lay it down. We can lay a bigger stick than the one which
has been laid before us. It is time.
GLOBAL DAY
OF LISTENING - "LIVE WITHOUT WARS"
3:00 p.m. on March 19 to 3:00 p.m. on March 20, EST
Listen to what it is
like to live in war-torn countries and about the wish to live without
wars. Talk with ordinary people from Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine,
Israel, Egypt, Yemen, and countries on every continent. You are
encouraged to ask questions and join the discussion.
Enjoy this beautiful bread making slideshow
without the technical error. Music by Charles Rhyner and New
Territory.
Pictures by Noho
and
Meg Novick. A/V by Meg Novick.
DOUBLE YOUR
DONATION
An anonymous donor has offered to match $15,000 in donations made to
Echo Valley Hope, Inc. this year.
There is currently about $12,000 left to match.
If you share our
enthusiasm for peace and
sustainability, if you recognize the practical and powerful
efforts that we undertake, then
please consider a tax exempt monetary gift of support.
To make a
tax-deductible donation, send a check or money order to
Echo
Valley Hope, Inc., E 14604 County Rd. F, Ontario, WI 54651,
donate
online securely through
our website,
or donate on Facebook here.
