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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.<br>
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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. <br>
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We need bridges and mending, not chasm creating and bridge destroying,
hidden under a rainbow, ironically named Peace.<br>
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From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) <br>
<br>
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.<br>
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...Sachet<br>
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