Cross posted at Peace is Active
I really believe peace is on the way.
The world has been going through growing pains for quite awhile as populations first meet each other.
Cities fought each other, then decided to live in peace.
States fought each other, then decided to live in peace.
Nations fought each other, then decided to live in peace.
The human species will continue to make the decision that it is better to live in peace.
We just need to go through our growing pains as we get to know each other.
There are millions of people who support the goal of peace...and most of the people who support peace know that we can achieve the goal without needing to use the tool of violence.
Using violence to influence the course of our growing pains is one of the worst mistakes being constantly repeated throughout history.
We will live in peace.
Instead of being a military force for peace, I propose that we, as the citizens of this country, be a political force for peace.
Being a political force for peace is a legitimate way to support our military forces.
The generals are saying this is a political war more than a military war. We should engage ourselves in the battle. We can use citizen action to improve our democracy, our markets, and our environment. We can elect leaders who will talk to the world about hope and peace instead of warning them about shock and awe.
If we want the world to adopt a system of representative governments and open markets, we have a duty to make sure we are setting a positive example.
We can lead through example. I don't think the people in the Middle East will choose religious, military, or royal dictatorships if they are presented with the option of legitimate governments, fair markets, and healthy environments.
We will never win the war on terror if we fail to talk about peace.