Both world wars were supposed "to end all wars". How are we doing with "the war on drugs" and "the war on terror"? We're going nowhere with "wars" because wars maintain violence.
Should we find and safely lock up individuals who pose a danger to public safety? Of course. Some individuals can't function in civilized societies. But even this should be done with kindness and respect. None of us is the masked avenger.
Each of us cultivates a small garden called our life. Our job is to ensure that we plant seeds that will ultimately produce crops to benefit society. Then we nurture these seeds: till the soil, gently remove weeds, provide water and sunshine.
Cultivating a garden requires personal qualities that differ from murdering and maiming innocent people. Each one of us is, at least potentially, capable of leading a wise, patient, nurturing life - or - lashing out with hideously ugly violence (perpetrators always feel justified).
We each make critically important choices moment-by-moment-by-moment ...
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| Bob Sacha, National Geographic |
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