News
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February 4, 2010
Peace, please
Now I know this comment is a little after the fact- but it is still relevant. I was a bit nervous posting it because of the political subject matter. Even some of my own family members disagree with some of my views. Still, I’ll risk it, proud that I live where I can express my opinion.
I had lunch with a friend, someone I hadn’t seen in awhile. Lots to catch up on, we talked much more than we ate, and sort of glazed over a multitude of topics. Kids and schools, movies, crazy events, what’s called news- the usual. After our 2nd try at goodbye, when my friend really had to get back to her job, she said “Oh, we didn’t talk about Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize Speech”, and she said it in the way that meant she hated it. That was surprising. My main thought on the drive home from downtown was I need to get a copy of that speech. I had seen parts of it from an airport lounge during a particularly stressful trip. To me he seemed regal and distinguished, though I kept scanning audience shots for Will and Jada Smith. Weren’t they supposed to be there? (That seemed such a random choice of guests, though if I was president, I’d have my lists of wannameets too- you know they are not gonna turn down Oslo on Air Force One!) While driving the typical traffic jammed late-afternoon roads, it occurred to me that I couldn’t recall any part of what he actually said, nor why there is any sort of discussion that needs to be had with my fellow Obama supporter.After reading it, I realized the obvious issue my friend took offense to was the notion of a man sending thousands of troops to war as he accepts the prize for peace. In fact, the speech is almost a history of war, even though its title is” A Just and Lasting Peace”. I started wondering, which came first- war or peace? Could one exist without the other? I tweeted the question to see what came back to me. Eden was peace, with Cain came war was one reply. Then what about that war within? Did that not lead to a bitten apple? I’m not sure that there really is a pure pacifist solution, ever. If one were to consider Gandhi or King, their power really came from their inspirational behavior, their fortitude to endure the consequences of their beliefs- yet still violence occurred. Was it really impossible to wage war and still be labeled peaceful?
I have always been a supporter of Barack Obama. I was thrilled when he was elected President. Yes, I agreed with many of his policies. I also thought the historical implications of his winning would benefit our nation, at home and abroad. He was the antithesis of Bush, whom I had become embarrassed by. Still, what I was most impressed with was how thoughtful he was. He seemed to be a man who considered things. A great leader is always first a thinker. I have high hopes for my six year old. He always makes better decisions than his older and younger brothers. They go for immediate satisfaction while he considers what would bring about the most satisfaction in the bigger picture. I want the president who sets the table and watches a 30min cartoon tomorrow, rather than the one who chooses 10 more cartoon minutes right now. It is only ignorance that breeds our worst human traits. To have a president who would carefully tread through the world’s minefields of power, greed, hatreds and cruelties. To pay attention to the lessons of ancestors, yet be mindful of constant change. To have the courage to remind us all to pay more attention or to admit that there are more lessons to be learned- that is who I want as my leader.
His speech to accept the Nobel Peace prize was his doctrine, I think. He had considered his place at that moment carefully. His infancy as a world leader, how his legacy had come to be, how deep the divisions are that he attempts to straddle. I felt pride when he reminded that “the United States of America has helped underwrite global security for more than six decades with the blood of our citizens and the strength of our arms”. That is true, yet is it that I now have become so disconnected and ambivalent to war that statements of such obvious patriotism embarrass me? A dose of pride in one’s country can only be a good thing. He points out “the belief that peace is desirable is rarely enough to achieve it”. In today’s newspaper there are countless examples of failing diplomacy and dialogs. At some point there is always a line drawn in the sand, whether you’re trying to stop the neighborhood bully or nuclear proliferation. Still, one needs to think carefully, to really consider, where to draw that line. Rash decisions and posturing can defeat patriotic feelings as well. Better to not beat one’s chest and hold ground too early. On the world stage, such disregard of ideals can make “our action appear arbitrary, and undercut the legitimacy of future intervention- no matter how justified.” Hmm. Think I know who put us in this position.
He instead calls to reaffirm relationships. Strengthen the beliefs that originally banded agreements. Do not turn away, or pretend, or ignore. It begins with respect of every human’s rights. If every human is afforded the same rights, it is then that a just and lasting peace begins. As even my children constantly remind me- there are two sides to every story. Boundaries can only be drawn when much is considered. Considering the experiences that can shape a bully, we are protected by checks and balances. It is not one who decides these rights, but committee- it takes a village! President Obama calls for the countries to redefine themselves as an international community in his speech. He reminds us all to maintain and honor rules already in place. Democracy is the strongest hope for a peace. It wasn’t my parents who made me into me alone. It was both sets of my grandparents who brought very different perspectives; it was my hippie uncle, and little brothers. Various babysitters, school chums, and boyfriends. You got your education, and then you got married. You got a job, and then you moved out. If you finished 1st grade, then you got to go to 2nd. Even if my world changed suddenly, I had to adapt. One was never rude to an elder. Even when for two months my grandmother grew a sort of beard due to medication, I still acted like her kisses felt like always. In any culture, any religion, it would be rude to poke fun at one’s grandmother at that moment. Her dignity is our common ground. He is ready to draw his line, but with a prayer it won’t be crossed.
It seems that human rights are the bridge that connects different ideologies. Obama credits his direction toward this bridge to a ‘moral compass’ that leads him to, and defines his peace. This is what he strives to protect, and this is why he is being honored. Though he finds himself in a time of war, he calls for a joint tuning of this compass, to clearly point the path to justness, to justice. To acknowledge violence as it exists is the only way to a peaceful solution. It took him a long time to make the decision to send more troops to Afghanistan. It was a decision worthy of careful consideration. To all of us, this recognition “is the story of human progress; that is the hope of the world; and at this moment of challenge, that must be our work here on earth.”
Thanks to my friend for bringing it up. I’m so glad I read it; it made think about a lot, and carefully. It was a great speech.
