It has recently come to my attention that the word Peace somehow denotes a negative connotation for a majority of Americans. I had to ask myself, how in the world could a concept such as Peace even be controversial? Surely this is an issue that crosses every political and cultural line. Doesn’t everyone want to live in Peace and Non-Violence?
Then, I was told that there are variations of Peace. Peace can simply be accomplished through martial law, but that would be Peace with no Justice. So is that where it gets so complicated? Surely in America, everyone would not only desire Peace and Justice, but champion it.
It was George Washington who initially wanted to create a US Department of Peace in America. But even the Father of our Country was unable to accomplish this seemingly non-controversial task. Legislation on this issue has been put forth at least 100 times since that time and still has not passed.
Why is that? Could it be the fear of images of the counter culture war presuming long hair, bare skin and drugs? Or is it the increase of greed and pure machismo in America? Perhaps Americans would have to admit they are wrong about the meaning of being strong. Considering the state of this country, and indeed, the world, it is definitely time for a completely new direction.
We have been destroying not only human life, but also our planet. This country’s glorification of violence is threatening not only war, but continuing domestic violence, gangs, crime, school shootings and a host of issues that are killing our children and families. Surely the future of our country, as well as the world, can only be assured through promoting Peace and Prosperity. Perhaps the difficulty is in reaching within ourselves for Peace and projecting it to others from that place. Can you find your own inner Peace, and can you contribute that Peace to the world?
Isn’t it time the leaders of this great nation stopped the pursuit of money and political calculations and just did the right thing? A US Department of Peace made perfect sense during the foundation of this country and can wait no longer. We are literally talking about saving not just our country, but the world!
