A need for change
Peacemakers will make the difference
By Jeff Flashinski
E-mail
Print- Share on Facebook
-
Seed Newsvine
- Text size:
There are reasons for the feeling of despair that exists in the United States. The culture portrays us all as having social lives that consume our every waking moment. Those who do not fit into this picture become further alienated and depressed by it.
In a society that commits mass murder on a whim, for no reason other than economic interests, the dominant culture that permeates throughout that society would be expected to be void of moral content. As the people in this society remain ignorant or apathetic to the atrocities for which they are responsible, the culture mocks compassion and modesty while praising greed and egotism.
With the nuclear warfare threatening the destruction of all life on this planet if it ever occurs, the narrow-minded and compassionless individuals in our world lead us all straight toward ultimate destruction. Their lack of introspection, along with their concern only for themselves and their own well-being, is the reason why we have global policies that are unsustainable, irrational and barbaric.
Hope lies in those who understand there is significant quality and depth to this life of ours, and to destroy it would be beyond sin. What is needed in this age is for a great many people to be willing to work and die for a cause that is more important than their own individual value.
The cause should not be for a particular state, nation or religion, but instead should be for all humanity. Global policy must be shaped by the majority of the people, not just by a tiny sector that is only concerned with continuing its domination over the world.
The level of apathy and depression that exists among the general public is very convenient for those who hold power in this country. A meaningful truth must be found to eradicate this cancer of egotism and viciousness that exists.
As ours is by far the most powerful and influential country in the world today, political activism here is extremely important. That is the reason there is such a huge campaign to convince people that activism accomplishes nothing and that only through politicians can concerned citizens voice their opinions.
There are reasons for the feeling of despair that exists in the United States. The culture portrays us all as having social lives that consume our every waking moment.
Those who do not fit into this picture become alienated and depressed by it. We work low-paying jobs with few benefits and little chance to improve our social status. Meanwhile, our own government participates in various acts of genocide around the world – genocide that we feel we can do nothing about. It is natural and right that most will become depressed because of these things.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
In America, to be modest is considered a trait of weakness or cowardice, but what did Jesus mean when he said, “blessed are the meek” and “blessed are the merciful”? When you are cut by the thorns of love do not respond with bitterness. Embrace all your sorrow as it is inseparably intertwined with all your joy.
After grief takes its course, you will be put at ease by the wisdom and love you will have acquired. Such is the meaning of Jesus’ words, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Those who have experienced significant emotional highs and lows are the salt of the earth. It is because of such people who come before us that the world has been moved towards a form of peace and justice.
Such persons are needed now. The political arena is won by the rich and our hopes should not be placed with politicians who are constrained by powerful interests. If you want change, you must create change.
Those who are humble in thought, speech, action and longing are supreme in wisdom, understanding, spirit and joy. Societies have often killed the people who have helped to change those societies for the better.
These people were met by hostility and indifference, but those obstacles did not deter them because they were struggling for justice and standing up for the powerless. Such is the meaning of “blessed are the peacemakers.”
A long life that is shielded by ignorance is worse than a short life that is guided by justice and compassion. Those of you who suffer the world’s pain in isolation, do not succumb to despair. The world’s injustices can seem insurmountable, but search this world with compassionate eyes and you will find a world worth suffering for.


> Comments
Johanan Raatz on Apr 29, 2008 at 11:33 AM:
Don't be so doom and gloom. If you look at it nuclear weapons have actually made the world more peaceful. Einstein commented that he hoped the atom bomb would make war unthinkable but said he was wrong after it was used. It turns out that (like with his belief of the cosmological constant) he was right the first time. After WW2 there haven't really been any significant wars between large powers. Yes there have been more small wars but the threat of total anhiliation combined with other great foreign policy development of the 20th century(clandestine warfare) the threat of large scale warfare is now thing of the past.
JF on Apr 29, 2008 at 02:31 PM:
Read this when you get the chance, by Einstein, Russell, among others. I read it last year and it was probably the most depressing thing I ever read: http://www.pugwash.org/about/manifesto.htm