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Peace! ‘Nough Said

By Christopher Aquino

I am a pacifist.  There.  I’ve said it.  At last it is visible for all the world to see.  So, “What’s the big deal?”, you may ask.  Well, it was something I had to come to. It is something that has taken a lifetime to figure out.  I think anything that takes a lifetime must be important.  Peace. Lovely and glorious Peace.  OK, let me give you the skinny.

I will not knowingly do violence to another living entity.  Yes, that includes plants and insects. You’ve heard of a carbon footprint.  Well, I have a peaceful footprint.

There is a book I’ve read that is a must read for anyone who wants to be less (or non- ) violent.  It’s called ”Non-violent Communication.” The author is a man named Marshall Rosenberg.  Mr. Rosenberg has figured some things out.  In his book he says that we need to communicate better.  Almost always in a conflict, we don’t articulate what it is that is really bothering us.  Almost 100% of the time it is some need that isn’t being met. We are afraid that this need will never be met. In our fear we lash out at people. The same thing is going on with the other person. So they lash out. Pretty soon a beer bottle is thrown, weapons are brandished and everybody is hurt and unhappy.  Person-to-person violence is just a microcosm of violence perpetrated between nations. Is it any wonder that our nation is involved in at least two armed conflicts?  Look around at our society. The news (print and electronic) is filled with violent acts. So what can be done about it?

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” If you want a more Peaceful and happy world you must be more Peaceful and happy.  “Well”, you might say, “how do I accomplish that”? The comedian Steve Martin used to tell people how to become a millionaire and not pay taxes .  He would say, “First you get a million dollars.” Well, being Peaceful is kind of like that.  To be Peaceful, first you have to do no violence.

In a national sense there is a way to create a more Peaceful nation. We must have Peace-building as a cornerstone of our society and our government. I have been working with the Campaign for a Department of Peace. It is a national grassroots organization working to create a cabinet-level U.S. Department of Peace and Non-violence.  Sound like a good idea (website alert coming)? Please visit www.thepeacealliance.org . You’ll be amazed at how many people think it’s a good idea..

One last thing before I end this article.  The Mountain States Peace Conference will take place on June 18-20, 2010 at the Sheraton Uptown, Albuquerque, N.M.  The main speakers will be Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) and Marianne Williamson.  For more info please visit: www.peacenm.110mb.com . Peace be with all of you.

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