11/23/12

Notes From Peace Demonstrations: Seeking Peace, 11/21/12

As wars rage in Afghanistan, Syria and also in the Congo, among other hot spots across the world, and Israel and Gaza are at each others throats yet again after eight days of fighting, while Iran is constantly threatened by war, one must ask the question: Why?


What can possibly be gained from all this killing and maiming, as mothers and fathers bury their children and other children become orphans. What can be gained by the destruction of cities and towns, villages and homes?

The answer to why turns out to be remarkably simple. The ego of people at the top demanding more power and greater control over others. Except to further the need for power, money is a secondary consideration, although not a secondary consideration to arms dealers, oil companies and others who profit immensely from war.

Of course revenge is always a factor as we saw when the U.S. invaded Afghanistan shortly after the 9/11 attack on the U.S. Because 19 young men trained in Afghanistan conducted 9/11 the U.S. launched a war that continues today, 11 years later, and has killed thousands of men, women and children.

Some people claim there is a religious purpose to war but the claim falls when one recognizes that those who perpetuate that myth violate the fundamental tenants of their religions in their pursuit of power and their waging of war.

Then there are those who claim we must fight wars to have peace. Instead, one war just leads to the next war. This contradictory logic that war leads to peace is used to justify war to those who don't question those in power, the very same people who don't personally fight the wars they cause, instead sacrificing the youth of their nations.

All of this violence will continue endlessly, for it is self-perpetuating. But there is hope, as mankind may finally hear the messages of its sages from Jesus Christ to Gandhi to Nelson Mandela and puts down its arms, which is the only way peace will ever be attained.

Dick

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