We would probably all agree that one of the most troubling facets of the current Middle East situation is the very real possibility that the violence will escalate. In a part of the world that reaches for weapons before striving for diplomacy, peace has lost its hopefulness. There are little moments of compassion but a massive renewal of hatred. Even the weakest part of society, little children, are not protected in this conflict. In fact, they are being used as pawns without apparent guilt.Might is the only path that many nations travel and saving face and honor is a primary motivation. History shows us that nations that rely on aggression and violence rarely maintain peace at home. When civilizations trade the Christian beliefs of "love your neighbor as you love yourself" for the "eye for an eye" philosophy we have fallen off the right path.
America has always stood as a strong lighthouse in this chaotic world. In so many ways we still represent the best hope for world peace and stability. We still lead the world in giving and our charity at home and abroad is unquestionable. But our history of being a country largely based upon individual rights and freedoms is at risk. Now our country seeks ways to spy on it's own citizens and keep future citizens at bay. Our country stands as a fortress of suspicion not a beacon of freedom. We have traded fields of grace for walls of distrust and that is not a very wise bargain.
I love and pray for this country. I have family members that have given the ultimate sacrifice to maintain the freedoms we enjoy. I'm not advocating a peace at all costs mentality. I freely admit to the rights of defending ourselves against our enemies. I'm just saying that to win at all costs is to have already lost. To represent aggression to the world instead of justice is costing us the only battle that counts, the battle for the hearts and minds of the neighbors we share this planet with. Going to war should be a last resort after all other possible options have been explored by the best minds our world leaders can call on. One of those great men said the following:
“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final world in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger then evil triumphant.” - Martin Luther King, Jr. - Acceptance Speech - Nobel Peace Prize 1964
