Saturday, May 21, 2011

Let's Learn to Live in Peace & Harmony

People are killing people everywhere. The drums of war are loud and clear. Violence, vengeance, exploitation, discrimination, grudges, hostilities and international terrorism and political unrest (especially in Arab world) are everyday vocabulary. Where is the good news? Has humanity lost its way? Have we failed to tame the beast within us? Have we given over control of our actions and responses to evil? Aren’t we entrusted with this earth and asked to keep it safe and secure? Humanity has not forgotten the two wars it once waged that left untold sorrow, pain and suffering for years. History tells us, if we read it right, that fanning flames of prejudice, hatred and arrogance leads to destruction.


How beautiful is the language of the U.N. Charter’s preamble! It captures the dreams of all humans, regardless of nation, color, race or religion: “We the people of the United Nations have determined to save succeeding generations from the scourges of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind … to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors, to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.” Many problems could be done away with if we think like one global family, under one sky, sharing one earth. Why can’t we replace hate with love, conflict with harmony and war with peace? Instead of escalating hostilities, let’s escalate tolerance and forgiveness. Those who have should help those who have not to drain the swamps of poverty and exploitation that breed bitter feelings of hatred and maybe terrorism. Dr. Martin Luther King famously said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hatred cannot drive out hatred; only love can do that.” Let the cries of the dying bring mercy to hearts, awaken consciences and help handcuff the brute within us. Let peace prevail.

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