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An elective peace
The presidential primaries are on in the U.S. and are making news. This has to be the longest presidential election cycle ever. I have a preference for who I’d like to see win the nominations, and I’m not going to tell you who.
What I’m going to do instead is ask a question.
Why aren’t any of the candidates talking about peace?
Sure, some of them are talking about getting our troops out of Iraq, and I’m totally for that, but no one is talking about peace, not even as a value to be pursued.
I’m beginning to think that until our elected officials start to treat peace as a priority, it’s not going to be in the consciousness of We, The People. And that’s where peace needs to be. In fact, even better, in I The Person.
There is a growing movement afoot in the United States to create a cabinet-level Department of Peace. Check it out at www.thepeacealliance.org. Their work is stellar, and this is a good thing. The trouble with it, though, is that it makes peace seem far away and something that needs to be taken care of by government.
I say it ain’t so. No, the peace we want is only going to be created by individuals who value peace.
When I was in college, the courses that weren’t a part of my major course of study were called electives. Who’s up for taking an elective on peace?
P. S. And don’t forget to elect peace when you vote!
Beautifully said. It is frustrating to watch the US elections from a progressive perspective. With only two parties to choose from, candidates end up trying to be all things to all people - which makes positive, progressive change very unlikely indeed.
Obama just raised $32million _this month_. So there's the "beholden-to-the-biggest-donor" aspect, to boot. Hard to imagine military contractors are skipping a chance to buy their way in...
I think you would agree that we need multiple parties, coalition-based government, and Instant Runoff Elections, along with a push for public-funded campaigns. That might be a place to start, although your idea of an "elective for peace" is a fine one too!
Eric
-- change the world, one post a time www.changeany1thing.com
posted by eheller on 1/31/2008 12:52 pm