TheBanyanTree: Peace, pees, pais, paiz, pes

[Sachet]

I rarely offer my opinion on the newest war (unless asked), because to 
do so is moot at this point, and 'tis guaranteed it will either offend 
or hurt someone else, because we all differ within our various 
viewpoints. Which is to be expected I think, because life is nothing if 
not interesting and the people are the best part of it all. My choices 
as an average citizen are what they've always been....to contact my 
governmental representatives, including even the office of the 
President/Prime Minister and to join organizations that support my 
opinions. If I don't utilize at least those freedoms then all I am doing 
is spouting off and really not effectively trying to change things. If 
I'm not willing to direct my efforts either in support or opposition, 
 to where my actions can have a realistic impact, than hot air is all 
I'm producing and no one needs that blowing in their face. If I've 
chosen to do these things, then I have to decide whether or not my 
friends, neighbors and relatives wish or need to hear my viewpoints. 
Especially in places or situations that do not lend themselves to 
debates or pontificating.

It's been intriguing to listen to my teenage kids compose their own 
thoughts about this whole situation. This is their first awareness of 
our country being involved in a war. Some days they make blanket 
statements without considering their words. Other days I can tell that 
they've been researching the topic and contemplating their words before 
they speak. I think that's the best thing I love the most about watching 
them mature into adults; their thoughts and how they share them now. I 
have to stop and consider my words before I voice them and they are 
learning to do the same. We have learned to remember that many people we 
come in contact with have relatives in the military and so their hearts 
are going to be understandably sensitive.  We have learned to keep in 
mind that some people we meet  live in countries other than the US. We 
are learning to accept that peace is like a multifaceted prism and it 
shines differently in an array of colors for every single person. We 
have decided that we have to think,  _really_  stop and think; because 
we are accountable for our words and for trying to peacefully integrate 
ourselves within our community and our families....and even here in the 
Tree.


We need bridges and mending, not chasm creating and bridge destroying, 
hidden under a rainbow, ironically named Peace.


 From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Peace \Peace\, n. [OE. pees, pais, OF. pais, paiz, pes, F. paix, L. pax, 
pacis, akin to pacere, paciscere, pacisci, to make an agreement, and 
prob. also pangere to fasten. Cf. {Appease}, {Fair}, a., {Fay}, v., 
{Fang}, {Pacify}, {Pact}, {Pay} to requite.] A state of quiet or 
tranquillity; freedom from disturbance or agitation; calm; repose; 
specifically: (a) Exemption from, or cessation of, war with public 
enemies. (b) Public quiet, order, and contentment in obedience to law. 
(c) Exemption from, or subjection of, agitating passions; tranquillity 
of mind or conscience. (d) Reconciliation; agreement after variance; 
harmony; concord. ``The eternal love and pees.'' --Chaucer.



...Sachet

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