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Peace versus War We Have a Choice
Peace begets peace. War begets war. When our leaders learn how to achieve peace by peaceful means, in due time we will have peace in the entire world. The underlying cause of war is fear, ignorance, greed, selfishness, and the lust for power. Truth is the ultimate solution.
[Pardon this interruption. I apologize, not for what I am saying, but because I did not take the time to condense it. And because of the significance of some of the things I am saying, they deserve repeating. I began this essay about two years ago (today's date is, December 14, 2011). In this complex world, things keep changing; however, far too many of the changes are in the direction toward war and national bankruptcy, rather than toward peace and prosperity. Intuitively, I knew that there is a much better way of achieving peace in the world than doing what our leaders in Washington are doing—particularly many of the things they are doing in the name of national security. In comparison to all of those things, achieving peace is quite simple. I confess; I have been overly repetitive and lengthy in trying to make it clear: There is a comparatively easy way of achieving genuine peace by peaceful means—the only way that will ever bring us a lasting peace. Knowing that what I am saying is consistent with the wisdom of the prophet Isaiah gave me encouragement. Isaiah said, "Come now and let us reason together." This is the simple secret for achieving genuine peace. I must tell you that I was delightfully surprised to learn (January 29, 2011) that former President Ronald Reagan (perhaps unknowingly) applied the wisdom of Isaiah. And it is no less than amazing what he accomplished; he might have been well on his way to transforming a seemingly evil empire into a friendly nation. It's safe to say that if other presidents had followed Reagan's wisdom of meeting and reasoning with leaders of other nations that we would have peace in the world today—or at least we would be well on our way. And it is noteworthy that what President Reagan did was contrary to the advice and many in the Washington crowd, including one of his top advisors, who wrote him letter, trying to persuade him not to visit with Mikhail Gorbachev, former leader of the Soviet union. This is explained near the end of this essay. If you read this entire essay, you will have a greater understanding and appreciation for what president Reagan did.]
Now, on with the essay. Deep within the soul of our being, everyone inherently desires peace within ourselves and peace with others. However, let’s face it. In this twenty first century, we are in a more perilous situation than ever before. We have many nations despising us and wishing for our annihilation. Radical terrorists would like to see us wiped off the map. Several nations have nuclear weapons, and other nations would like to have nuclear weapons. And the United States is in the crosshairs of more nuclear weapons than any other nation. And our leaders never ask, Why? As it is, anyone who has his/her finger on the pulse of the direction this nation is headed realizes that we are headed toward being utterly wasted (language of the prophet Isaiah). Regardless of how powerful our military is; regardless of how many nuclear weapons we have, we will not achieve genuine peace with other nations and feel secure, if we do not achieve peace by peaceful means. Our leaders in Washington would have us believe that they are looking out for us. Let’s face it: Many of the things that our leaders do in the name of national security are actually leading us down the path to being utterly wasted. And in addition to wars and conflicts, our leaders have led this great nation to the brink of bankruptcy; there are those who say we are already bankrupt. Let's face it: Our leaders are not looking out for us. Think about the destruction, suffering, confusion, and chaos that our nation would suffer if we are attacked with one nuclear bomb. In comparison, it would make the 9/11 attack seem like a spit in the ocean. If we are attacked with several nuclear bombs, America the beautiful would be America the wasteland. As it is, it seems that we fear the infamous 3 a.m. phone call. And as things are now, our leaders in Washington know that it is not “if” but “when” we will be attacked. Knowing that we will be attacked, our leader's reaction seems to be that we are a resilient nation, that we can and will endure attacks, but we will bounce back tougher and stronger than ever. They don't seem to give any thought to doing anything different from doing the same old things they have done for many years—things that keep getting us deeper and deeper into trouble. Let's face it: Regardless of how many people might die during an attack (it could be millions), dead people do not bounce back. Besides, there is nothing that would render this nation stronger than ever than doing the things we do from the center of love and truth. From the Proverbs (29:18) we know: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Our leaders in Washington have no vision for a genuine lasting peace; they seem to be addicted to thinking about war. We bring about the things we think about. Our nation seems to get out of one conflict and other conflicts are brewing. The prophet Job said, “For the thing that I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me” (Job 1:3 and 3:25). It seems that our leaders never ask themselves the questions: What is the real explanation for the attack? Why are we hated by so many nations? Isn't there a better way of stemming attacks, rather than doing the same old things we have done for decades? Why not try meeting and reasoning together, something our leaders have not tried before? Why not create a fact-finding mission whose sole responsibility is to determine what we must do — and what we must quit doing — to have peace with other nations? Having peace with other nations would render the problem with terrorists simpler to resolve. Although we are the most powerful nation in the world, things have changed. We are in the crosshairs of too many nuclear weapons to continue doing the same old things that our leaders have done for decades. There is an urgent need for a change in the mindset in Washington—for changing the focus from domination and war to a vision for peace. Let's face it, the foreign policies of the United States cause many problems, and the costs are exorbitant, and the suffering and chaos are appalling. We live in a troubled, unsafe world. Aren't things more perilous now than ever before? Pat Buchanan, author of Day of Reckoning, said, "We are on a path to national suicide." Do our leaders not realize what they are doing to America the beautiful by trying to impose our views on other nations and trying to dominate the world? Iranian president Ahmadinejad said, "American empire in the world is reaching the end of its road, and its next rulers must limit their interference to their own borders." Notice what he said about the American empire. Do our leaders simply gloss over things like this as if they are from someone inferior, someone bluffing, someone who does not know what he is talking about; as if what he is talking about is impossible for the United States? Do our leaders not realize that they are leading us on a path to national suicide? And about interference, our leaders don't seem to understand how or why other nations resist and resent our interference; they have no idea of how much more peaceful the world would be if we simply quit interfering. There is a sensible way of achieving peace by peaceful means. We could learn something about why we are hated by leaders of several nations, and consequently, why we get into one messy morass after another if we paid attention to something former President Kennedy said: “The United States is only six percent of the world’s population, and we have no right to impose our views or even our system of government on the other 94 percent.” There is the possibility that we could have avoided about 90 percent of our disputes with other nations if we had not meddled in their affairs and tried to dominate them. Isn’t the explanation of why we are not friends with Cuba because we cannot impose our views and form of government on Cuba? Let’s face it: We have no right to do that. And notice how simple it would be to avoid wars and the threats of wars: Simply quit trying to dominate and impose our views on others. Isn’t the explanation of why China is manufacturing 100 ICBMs aimed at the United States because we are meddling in the affairs of China? Does it make sense for our nation to be committed to protecting Taiwan from China and risk a war with China? Who owns Taiwan? Did our leaders not know that selling $6.4 billion worth of arms to Taiwan would irk China? The news about the sale did irk China. And China was prompt in making it clear that China will retaliate. Would not our trust and friendship with China be enhanced considerably if we were not committed to protect Taiwan from China? Who made such commitment? Of course we have preferences, but we do not have any business in meddling in the affairs of China and trying to police the world. Similarly, did our leaders not realize that plans to install a missile defense system in Poland would irk Russia? It did. And even though our President at that time explained that the missile defense system was not for use against Russia, but for use against Iran, Russia made plans to help build missile defense systems in Venezuela and Cuba. Does it really make sense for Russia to engage in a conflict with Georgia, wreaking havoc with that country, and then the United States giving Georgia a billion dollar foreign aid package to rebuild what Russia destroyed? We are talking abut tax-payer money. Isn't our government supposed to be a government by the people for the people. How many tax payers do you think would be in favor of that expenditure? Who makes those kinds of decisions? Let us use common sense and be truthful and honest. Were the foregoing decisions made by our leaders in the interest of national security? Instead of rendering things more secure, it seems that they stirred up the mire and dirt. By far, the greatest thing we could do in the interest of national security is to make genuine friendships with other nations. And the costs, both monetarily and in terms of the suffering, loss of lives, and chaos, would be insignificant. The best way of making friends is by following the wisdom of Isaiah: “Come now and let us reason together.” We like to think of our nation as being a peace loving nation. Yet, our leaders do not seem interested in knowing the answers to the following questions:
The leader in North Korea explained why North Korea developed nuclear bombs: “to deter a U.S. attack.” (According to an article by the Associated Press, January 1, 2010). Even if our nation has no intentions of attacking North Korea, a question remains: Why does North Korea fear an attack by the United States? If we were the peace loving nation we like to think we are, would North Korea fear an attack? If Iran is really planning to manufacture nuclear bombs (as some leaders think), could it be for the same reason that North Korea developed nuclear bombs? ... “to deter a U.S. attack.” From the mindset in Washington and with this nation’s foreign policies, doesn’t Iran have reason to expect a war with our nation? President Kennedy said: “Unconditional war can no longer lead to unconditional victory. It can no longer serve to settle disputes. … For a nuclear disaster, spread by winds and waters and fear, could well engulf the great and the small, the rich and the poor, the committed and the uncommitted alike. Mankind must put an end to war or war will put an end to mankind.” (Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations by John Bartlett). (Emphasis added). Let’s face it. With the continued buildup of nuclear weapons — and with the continued tension between us and other nations — we are headed toward the end to mankind. There is already more than enough nuclear weapons to wipe out all human life. And in addition to nations that already have nuclear weapons, there are others who want nuclear weapons. And it seems that the best vision our nation has at this time is for nations to lower their number of nuclear weapons. Let’s face it: That is a useless, time-consuming step to take. It suggests that we do not know how to achieve genuine peace. A top priority should be a world free of all weapons of war—a vision for nations to be as described by the prophet Isaiah: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:4). This priority of ridding the world of weapons of war would be far more acceptable to a vast majority of people in the entire world than simply lowering the number of nuclear weapons. And the goal of ridding the world of all weapons of war could be easier to achieve than getting nations to dismantle their nuclear weapons … if only we, individually and collectively, followed the teachings of Jesus and the prophets of the Old Testament (more about this later). Is the strategy of our leaders in Washington to increase our national security to have allies throughout the world? Prior to the nuclear age that strategy might have worked; it will no longer work. With our leaders attempting to negotiate with clinched fists, with all options on the table, they cannot scare anyone into genuine peace. They might scare so-called enemies into building up their military, including the stocking piling nuclear weapons. Isn't this what has been happening ... and to a great extent because of the mindset in Washington. Why not try something our Washington leaders have never tried: Making friends with our enemies. We claim to be a Christian nation. Why not practice the teachings of Jesus: "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you" (Luke 6:27) ... an excellent way of making friendships. In addition to benefiting from the wisdom of President Kennedy, we could also benefit from the wisdom of two other former Presidents. Former President Abraham Lincoln said: “The way to destroy our enemies is to make them our friends.” Former president Woodrow Wilson, said, “Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.” As things are now, our government is no longer a government for the people and by the people, but a government for and by lobbyists and special interest groups. If what special interest groups pay many thousands of dollars for was good for the masses of the people, special interest groups would not have to pay for them; most everyone would want them ... people who our elected leaders are suppose to serve. The way many politicians operate in Washington is based on the unwritten, unspoken practice: "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine." There are so many commitments and promises that it's difficult to get anything of any significance accomplished. Earmarks have mushroomed out of control. Although some earmarks might be desirable, none should be allowed; there is too much greed, crookedness, and lust for power in Washington to allow for earmarks. This powerful nation would help bring peace to the world if our leaders were guided by truth, humility, and morality. Truth and humility have the power for transforming the world from one that is risky and dangerous to one of peace and harmony. Do the actions and words of our leaders in Washington foster friendship and peace, or do they perpetuate distrust and tension? We will never achieve a genuine, lasting peace negotiating with clinched fists and keeping all options on the table (a form of threat). Truth is a prerequisite for genuine friendships; it is a prerequisite for developing trust, which is a prerequisite for lasting peace and tranquility. Truth is powerful enough to hold the world together … powerful enough to catapult us to a path of peace and harmony in the entire world. Remember, the leader of North Korea requested a talk with the President of the United States. Our leaders refused to meet without other national leaders being present. Requiring the presence of other leaders is a gimmick; under those conditions, no one takes responsibility for anything. If the leader requesting the meeting does not meet the demands and expectations of our leaders — with their clinched fists — then our leaders say something like: "He has defied U.S. and international efforts." Isn't it possible that meeting without other world leaders being present could be helpful for both North Korea and our nation ... and the very world itself? Clearly, the leader of North Korea was interested in talking about a problem (or problems) and a solution. In his mind, he believes he has something reasonable to offer. What is wrong with meeting with him and listening. Who knows? He might have a view point we have not considered. Too, the leader of North Korea met with the leader of China without China requiring the U.S. and other nations to be at the meeting. Would we rather fight than to meet and talk? An excuse our leaders often use for not negotiating is: “We cannot negotiate without preconditions.” What are preconditions, except knowing before meeting that the other party is going to do what we want them to do? The primary requirements for successful negotiating are truth and humility—with no hidden agenda and no desire to remain in the catbird seat … just doing what is the right thing to do. Thus, to achieve peace, our leaders must have an honest, sincere desire for world peace. The sincere desire for world peace must surpass the demands of Washington insiders for trying to dominate the world and meddling in the affairs of other nations. The prophet Isaiah’s advice, “Come now and let us reason together,” is the most rational, sensible, and effective way of achieving peace with other nations. And this might be news to many Americans: In 2007, this is exactly what Iranian President Ahmadinejad desired to do. In 2007, President Ahmadinejad said: “Before coming to New York, I announced that I am ready, in the United States, to engage in a debate with Mr. Bush, the president of the United States, about the critical international issues. So that shows that we want to talk, having a debate before the world public – before all the audience, so that truth is revealed, so that misunderstandings and misperceptions are removed, so that we can find a clear path for brotherly and friendly relations. I think that if the U.S. administration – if the U.S. government puts aside some of its old behaviors, it can actually be a good friend for the Iranian people, for the Iranian nation.” (Emphasis added). Notice the parts that are emphasized with italics. Would we not like for truth to be revealed, so that misunderstandings and misperceptions are removed, so that we can find a clear path for brotherly and friendly relations? Isn’t fear and ignorance the primary deterrents for accepting President Ahmadinejad’s request? If we put aside our excuses and rationalizations, how could we have gone wrong by meeting and debating as President Ahmadinejad requested. If things turned out disastrous — if our leaders were truthful, honest, and humble — then we would know for certain where the fault lies. And note that President Ahmadinejad suggested that we might become friends. Think about it: A world leader that opened the door to friendship—a golden opportunity. Instead of our president seizing the opportunity, President Ahmadinejad was rebuffed. Would we rather fight another war, than to meet and reason together? As it is, the thing we do not know for certain is what the outcome might have been; it might have been peace and harmony, rather than the drumbeats for war beating louder and louder. There are those who will strongly disagree with the viewpoints mentioned here, but let's face it: The mindset in Washington is not conducive to achieving peace. Reasoning together from the center of truth, peace, and humility has not been tried. Being truthful and humble and reasoning together has the potential for transforming a troubled, dangerous world to one of peace and harmony. There are those who say that President Ahmadinejad would only use a meeting with the President of the United States for propaganda purposes. Are we so spiritually weak and arrogant that we are concerned about such things? Let us give peace a chance. And for those who do not trust President Ahmadinejad, thinking that he has hidden evil intentions, let us not forget that other world leaders do not trust us, and they think that we are evil. Meeting and reasoning together — from the center of truth and humility — would obliterate negative thinking. Leaders of other nations would not think we are evil, and they would not hate us if we quit meddling and interfering in their affairs and trying to impose our views on them; if we did not try to solve problems by bombing; and if we did not negotiate with clinched fists, keeping all options on the table. Aren't these things the explanation for so many nations hating us? And consequently, isn't that a huge part of the explanation of the world being stocked with enough nuclear weapons to kill every creature in the entire world? Our preferences should not be demands and expectations of other nations. Besides, leaders of other nations would be much more inclined to agree with our preferences if we were genuine friends; if we trusted one another; and if we were in peace and harmony. Thus, any way we slice it, being in peace and harmony with other nations should be a top priority. Beside, there is nothing in the constitution about policing the world and imposing our views on other nations. Ultimately, truth is the solution for achieving a lasting peace … for spreading peace in the entire world. The underlying cause of war is fear, ignorance, and the lust for power. Truth has to power to eradicate fear, ignorance, and the lust for power. Truth and love go hand in hand. Sri Chinmoy Ghose, Indian spiritual teacher, said: “When the power of love overcomes the love of power; the world will know peace.” Any way you slice it, the wisdom of Isaiah, “Come now and let us reason together,” far surpasses anything our leaders do for achieving a genuine, lasting peace. Unfortunately, President Ahmadinejad was rebuffed (note that this was in 2007). Think about this: According to an Associated Press article (February 15, 2010), the U.S. Secretary of State said, “Iran … has rebuffed U.S. and international efforts to engage in serious talks.” Doesn’t that comment — along with things the news media and our leaders in Washington say about President Ahmadinejad — suggest that our nation is justified to engage in a war with Iran? The subject comment raises the question: Were the serious talks to be about: Global warming, human rights, the rights of women, lowering nuclear arsenals? Or what? One thing we can be assured of is that the talks were not to be about the underlying cause of the problems between our nation and other nations. It’s safe to assume that the talks were not intended to resolve the underlying cause of war and the threats of war. We do not solve problems by evading the cause of the problems. Talking about the types of things our leaders talk about while the drumbeats of war are loud and clear is worse than “Nero fiddling while Rome burned.” A goal of our leaders should be reasoning together about achieving peace by peaceful means. Remember the wisdom of former president Woodrow Wilson: “Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.” According to a June 12, 2010, article by the Associated Press, Iranian president Ahmadinejad said, “Obama ‘came to power by the motto of change. He said he would abandon the bullying of the former administration. Now he is marching on the same path as Bush did’”. As I recall, during his campaign for the presidency, President Obama promised to change the mindset in Washington; it definitely needs to be changed … and the sooner the better. Think about it: Simply meeting and reasoning together might have prevented a war with Iran. As it is, it seems that a war with Iran is imminent. The mind-set in Washington is disgraceful and appalling; it does not bring about what the American people desire, which is peace and harmony ... not wars and the threats of war. Do our leaders not understand something that Martin Luther King, Jr. understood more than 50 years ago? In 1957, he wrote a sermon: "Love Your Enemies." In that sermon he said, "The chain reaction of evil — hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars — must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation." Do our leaders in Washington not realize that they have us headed toward the dark abyss of annihilation? A duty of our elected leaders ought to be keeping us out of war; instead, they are keeping us in war or planning and preparing for war. Think about it: Truth and humility are the primary requirements for achieving peace. Truth and humility have the power to break the chain reaction of evil. Let’s face it: The way our leaders have been doing things for the past several years isn’t working. Our nation is in a very dangerous, risky quagmire. Why not try something our leaders have not tried: Meeting with foreign leaders and reasoning together about the underlying cause of our problems, instead of meeting and talking about human rights, women's rights, global warming, lowering the number of nuclear weapons ... evading a key issue: The underlying cause of wars. From some of the things Iranian President Ahmadinejad has said, it's easy to assume that he desires peace. After all, everyone — deep within the soul of our being, that place within in which we live and move and have our being — desires peace. Some of these things President Ahmadinejad has said are listed below, but first, why not meet with President Ahmadinejad, meeting with an attitude of respect, an attitude of something like:
Only good would come from such meeting if our leader enters into a meeting with a truthful, humble heart — free from fear and free from any hidden agenda — and consequently, focused on peace. Does it make sense to refuse to talk, and instead, continue plans for a war with Iran? Isn’t it possible to achieve peace with Iran, rather than preparing for war? If we win a war with Iran, we still do not have a genuine, lasting peace. Instead, we intensify the fear and hatred that other nations have for us. If we get involved in a nuclear war, isn't everybody in the entire world a loser? In addition to all the deaths, suffering, and chaos, a nuclear war would do irreparable harm to mother earth—contaminating the air, water, and rendering huge portions uninhabitable. If we as a nation survived, would we not begin planning for the most powerful military the world has ever known ... thus no end in sight, except the end of civilization ... all because of fear, ignorance, and the lust for power. There must be a better way; there must be a way to stop the insanity. The way to have peace with all nations is by peaceful means, not war. War begets war; peace begets peace. Incidentally, long after I thought I had finished this article (October 14, 2010), I discovered a comment by actor George Clooney (known for his humanitarian work) that I felt compelled to include here. The following is from the Wikipedia encyclopedia (the free encyclopedia on the Internet): “In 2003, he [George Clooney] opposed the Iraq war, saying: 'You can't beat your enemy anymore through wars; instead you create an entire generation of people seeking revenge.... Our opponents are going to resort to car bombs and suicide attacks because they have no other way to win.... I believe (Rumsfeld) thinks this is a war that can be won, but there is no such thing anymore. We can't beat anyone anymore.' " Notice the part: "Instead you create an entire generation of people seeking revenge." Isn't this a huge part of the explanation of many nations hating us; at least a part of the explanation for the world being stocked with nuclear weapons; at least a part of the explanation for the 9/11 attack? And who is it that gets us involved in so many wars and threats of wars except our leaders in Washington? We voters would do well to vote for leaders who promise peace, not war. Instead of voting for those who proclaim to know how to win wars, we need leaders who know how to achieve peace by peaceful means. Certainly Iran has done some things we don't like, such as selling arms to a nation that supports terrorism against the United States. The unanswered question is: Why would Iran do these things? We do not solve problems if we do not address them and focus on resolving them. Instead, we usually create additional problems. Something to think about: Is what Iran did any worse than the United States selling arms to Taiwan and Israel? For whatever the explanation, it seems that considerable unrest centers on Israel and nations surrounding Israel. Is it because of what Israel is doing or not doing? Is it because of their religious beliefs? Why is our nation going beyond the call of duty to help and protect Israel? Is it because of the love in our heart and we feel sorry for the way they were treated during the holocaust? Or, is it because we need Israel for helping in our defense of other nations? For whatever the explanation, we give Israel far more in foreign aid than we give to any other nation. It's my understanding that a considerable portion of this goes for their military. Egypt is second on the list of those nations receiving foreign aid from the United States. If I am correct about this, we have been sending Egypt about two billion dollars cash and military equipment since they entered into a peace agreement with Israel in 1979. Does it make sense for this nation to borrow money from China, Japan, and others (and print paper money, which will surely increase the rate of inflation) to send to other countries for foreign aid. In addition to Israel and Egypt, we send foreign aid to about 15 other nations ... and there are those who say that we are bankrupt. We might be more helpful to Israel than what we are if we were friends with Iran (as well as Israel), rather than treating the president of Iran like an evil dictator. We just might help solve a host or problems in the world if our leaders learned to achieve peace by peaceful means. And in comparison to all the costs associated with war and the threats of war — and the astronomical interest on the debt — the cost of achieving peace by peaceful means would be insignificant. It's incomprehensible the good that we could do for our nation and other nations with all the money associated with wars and the threats of war. All those costs could be avoided if we achieved a genuine peace with other nations. As it is, when our leaders talk with other nations, they never address the cause of problems. Primary topics from which we should choose for reasoning together are: What must we do, or quit doing, to have genuine peace with your nation? Why can't we be open, honest friends and stop the insanity leading to wars and the threats of war. We want a genuine peace and friendship with your nation. What do you really want? Why are we (our nation and other nations) afraid of each other? Why do we distrust each other? Why are we spying on each other, yet pretending to be friends? Why do we and other nations keep building up our military capability? Why do we not reason together about peaceful ways of achieving peace? In the final analysis, truth and humility will resolve distrust, tension, and the threats of wars. In regards to the above suggestions, our elected leaders seem to be out of touch with what a vast majority of the American people want, which is peace. Our leaders in Washington seem to think that our core value is human rights. There is noting in the Constitution about this nation trying to enforce human rights. However, there is something in the Constitution about protecting our nation. And at this time in the history of the world, the people in this nation are far more interested in peace than human rights. Certainly a vast majority of the people in this nation and the entire world prefer a world in which everyone treats others the way they wish to be treated. However, a top priority should be achieving genuine peace first and then take up the issue of human rights. As it is, our leaders keep striving for domination and imposing our views on other nations ... which stirs up the mire and dirt. According to things that President Ahmadinejad has said — things that the news media and our leaders in Washington do not mention — he might be quite reasonable to work with regarding peace. Could it be that our leaders have a hidden agenda? Could they want a leader in Iran other than President Ahmadinejad? Doesn't our leaders want a leader in Iran who tows the line according to the way our leaders desire? Let’s not forget that one of this nation’s best friends was Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who ruled Iran as shah (king) until he was overthrown by those who hate America. As things are now, if a leader emerges in Iran who is a friend with the United States, we can expect a disastrous turmoil in Iran and intensified hatred toward our nation. There are those who say things like: “President Ahmadinejad lies. You cannot trust him.” Let’s face it. Other nations do not trust us. Has President Ahmadinejad done anything worse than what other nations perceive the leaders of our nation doing? So, where do we start for a new beginning, instead of continuing to do the same old things we have been doing for decades—things that keep us bogged down in one messy morass after another; things that keep us planning and preparing for war and that has us fearing the infamous 3 a.m. phone call? If we begin with peaceful ways, we have a chance of being in peace and harmony. If our leaders continue trying diplomacy with their fists clinched (although they may not realize their fists are clinched) and expecting other nations to do what our leaders desire, we can expect wars and the threats of war ... we can expect the dreaded, infamous 3 a.m. phone call. Having a hidden agenda is a sign of having clinched fists. Think about it: Rather than hide behind unfounded, pitiful excuses for not meeting, our nation might not be in the threatening situation in which we now find ourselves regarding Iran had our President met and talked with President Ahmadinejad … something so simple, yet holding the potential for getting us on a path of peace and harmony in the entire world. Meeting and reasoning together might have meant the difference between peace and engaging in a war with Iran. Besides, there must be some honorable traits about President Ahmadinejad that Washington leaders do not acknowledge and the news media does not report to any great extent. Call me gullible or things worse than that; however, I changed my opinion about President Ahmadinejad (opinions I had formed from paying attention to the news media and politicians) after hearing him speak and reading three or four of his speeches. From the following things he said, he does not seem to be the evil dictator that our leaders and the news media would have us believe. Here are some of the things President Ahmadinejad said:
From those comments, it seems that Iranian President Ahmadinejad would be a friend if we let him be; if we did not meddle in the affairs of Iran; if we did not try to dominate and impose our views on Iran. Isn't our government supposed to be for the people by the people? If the American people had a choice, I venture to say that a vast majority would prefer peace and harmony in the world versus domination of the world. Would we not prefer to live in peace and harmony, rather than trying to impose our views on others, and consequently, being engulfed with wars and the threats of war? Another thing about the visit of Iranian President Ahmadinejad to the United States is that he spoke to the U.N. General Assembly. However, if the news media or our elected leaders reported on what he talked about, I missed the reports. In that speech, President Ahmadinejad spoke for about 30 minutes. He used the word God thirty three times. In addition, his use of the pronouns his, he and him refer to God. Thus, President Ahmadinejad referred to God 51 times in that 30-minute speech. None of the news reports that I heard or read mentioned anything about what President Ahmadinejad said in his speech about spiritual teachings. Instead, what they said was slanted toward President Ahmadinejad being an evil dictator. It seems that the negative reports we get from Washington about President Ahmadinejad are aimed at getting the American people to believe that a war with Iran is in the interest of national security, or if Israel gets involved in a war with Iran, we are committed to defending Israel. In addition, following his speech to the U.N. general assembly (2008), President Ahmadinejad was the guest speaker at a dinner meeting in New York City. This dinner meeting was sponsored by a coalition of Christian organizations, including the Religions for Peace. The Religions for Peace organization is active in more than 70 countries. This organization is dedicated to achieving peace, respecting cultural differences and promoting peaceful co-existence among all people. In regards to how Iranian President Ahmadinejad is misquoted, he was asked about Iran’s treatment of homosexuals. He replied, “In Iran we don’t have homosexuals like in your country.” A news reporter said, “Iranian President Ahmadinejad said that Iran does not have any homosexuals” … an example of how false information originates. For those who believe that President Ahmadinejad said, “Israel must be wiped off the map,” they ought to read an article on the Internet, “The Rumor of the Century,” by Arash Norouzi. Introductory paragraphs follow: “Across the world, a dangerous rumor has spread that could have catastrophic implications. According to legend, Iran's President has threatened to destroy Israel, or, to quote the misquote, 'Israel must be wiped off the map'. Contrary to popular belief, this statement was never made, as the following article will prove. Amid heated wrangling over Iran's nuclear program, and months of continuous, unfounded accusations against Iran in an attempt to rally support for preemptive strikes against the country, the imperialists had just been handed the perfect raison d'être to invade. To the war hawks, it was a gift from the skies. The mistranslated ‘wiped off the map’ quote attributed to Iran's President has been spread worldwide, repeated thousands of times in international media, and prompted the denouncements of numerous world leaders. Virtually every major and minor media outlet has published or broadcast this false statement to the masses. Big news agencies such as The Associated Press and Reuters refer to the misquote, literally, on an almost daily basis.” President Ahmadinejad said, “We love all nations. We are friends with the Jewish people. There are many Jews in Iran living peacefully with security.” I must explain that I am no expert on foreign policy and our relationships with other countries. To be matter-of-fact, straight forward and clear, I don’t have the foggiest notion about some of the things going on in Washington. What I do know is that we (our nation) would not be involved in so many wars and the threats of wars without being at least a part of the problem instead of part of a solution. I also know that we (the American people) — and a vast majority of people in the entire world — are fed up with wars and the threats of wars. We desire to live in peace and harmony. We are also fed up with elected leaders who are guided by lobbyists and special interest groups, rather than paying attention to what the American people desire. As it is, our leaders would have us think that we have the most powerful military in the world and that they can win any war. They don't seem to have noticed that things aren't like they used to be. We are headed toward the war of all wars, a war that has no winners. Being in the crosshairs of so many nuclear weapons, we could be utterly wasted. Let's face it: Our nation is in desperate need of leaders who know how to achieve peace by peaceful means. And one of the simplest things our leaders could do to assure us of genuine peace with other nations is to do what Isaiah said: “Come now and let us reason together.” There is nothing in the Constitution about doing the things our leaders do that stir up the mire and dirt. If we did an in-depth study of why many nations despise us and resist doing what we want them to do — why many nations hate the United States — we might discover that the answer is in something Pogo (the comic character created by Walt Kelley) said, “We have met the enemy and he is us.” Let’s face it: Several nations think of us as being war hawks, imperialists, of being Satan, and interfering and trying to dominate the world. Sometimes the things our leaders do remind me of something that Isaiah said: “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt” (Isaiah 57:20). It seems that the primary way our leaders think about resolving problems is by war or the threats of war. As it is, we are getting out of a war with Iraq. We are engaged in a war with Afghanistan; and we have troops in about 130 countries. A war with Iran seems imminent. About 10 nations have nuclear weapons and other nations desire nuclear weapons. And think about it: No other nation is in the crosshairs of as many nuclear weapons as the United States. Do our leaders not know why? And in addition to all the deaths, suffering, destruction, and chaos brought about by wars, think about the cost. There seems to be no end in sight. The direct and indirect costs of wars and the spending for national defense account for a huge portion of our 14 trillion dollar debt. A tree cannot grow to the sky. Our leaders who seem to be looking out for us has driven this great nation to the brink of bankruptcy. Not only is peace possible, but in comparison with all the energy, time, and costs involved in planning, preparing, and fighting wars, the costs of living in a peaceful world, comparatively speaking, would be like a glass of water over Niagara Falls. If we lived in a peaceful world, think about the trillions of dollars that could go toward the economy, the oil-energy problem, health care, education, developing natural resources, and on and on and on … and paying off the national debt. We could easily afford — and we must — take care of the sick. And a useless, time-wasting thing our leaders do is to point the finger of blame toward others. The mindset in Washington that keeps us entangled in one messy morass after another dates back to several administrations. A one-liner joke by the late Bob Hope is a reminder of how things have been. Here is the one-liner: Former President Eisenhower approached the ticket agent at the airport. The agent ask, “Where to”? Former President Eisenhower said, “Anywhere; we have problems everywhere.” We like to think that our leaders in Washington are protecting us. Let’s face it. They aren’t. A goal of our leaders in Washington ought to be achieving peace by peaceful means … making friends, rather than alienating other nations by our old behaviors. To achieve peace by peaceful means, we would do well to follow the guidance of Isaiah: “Come now, and let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18). Too, for achieving peace, we would do well to keep in mind what the apostle James said, "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:18). Again, peace begets peace. Solomon said, “Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroyeth much good” (Ecclesiastes 9:18). When we think of the dangerous, risky conditions that exist in the world today, one may wonder: Who are the sinners who destroyeth much good ... who stir up the mire and dirt. It seems that when our leaders think about peace they think about winning wars and having the most powerful military in the world. And of course this is important when we are in a war such as the one when Hitler was trying to take over the world. However, for the most part, if we achieved peace by peaceful means, it would be a genuine lasting peace; wars and the threats of wars would cease. Think about what a difference it would make if our leaders kept their mind focused on a vision of peace and achieving peace by peaceful means, rather than focusing on wars and the threats of war. In due time the world would be as Isaiah said, “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:4). Isaiah also said, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee” (Isaiah 26:3). Think about it: Peace cannot get any better than perfect peace. And we would have perfect peace if we kept our mind on that which is true, and consequently, walked in the ways of the Lord (language of the prophets of the Old Testament). When we are keeping our mind stayed on thee, we are abiding by that which is true. Truth has the power to transform the world from one that is troubled, risky, and dangerous to one of peace and harmony. Isaiah also said, “The nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted” (Isaiah 60:12). Serving thee is the same thing as abiding by truth. At this perilous time in the history of our nation, truth is our only hope for survival. If we, individually and collectively, understood and followed the wisdom of Isaiah, if we kept our mind stayed on thee — if we were guided by truth — instead of being on the path to destruction, our nation and the entire world would be as Isaiah described: “Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders … the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light … and the days of thy mourning shall be ended. Thy people also shall be all righteous” (Isaiah 60:18-21). Thus, for simplification, if we were guided by truth, “Thy people shall be all righteous.” All will be righteous when religious teachers begin teaching what biblical teachers taught—teaching in a manner people can understand, believe and embody. After all, the kind of life that biblical teachers wanted their followers to live is the kind of life that everyone inherently desires to live … an abundant life of peace and joy. Remember the sole purpose for Jesus preaching the gospel is that we might have peace and joy … that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Know this to be true: We would have peace, joy, and harmony in the entire world if people understood, believed, and embodied the gospel Jesus preached. There will never be anymore peace and joy than we have the potential for enjoying this very minute. Jesus said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand” (Matthew 12:25). Let’s face it: We, our families, our nation — and especially our leaders in Washington who keep stirring up the mire and dirt — are divided. With so many nations having us in the crosshairs of nuclear weapons, we are headed toward an incomprehensible fall … suffering and chaos that is incomprehensible. Ultimately, the ultimate peace and harmony in the entire world will be when religious teachers begin teaching what Jesus and other biblical teachers said more than a few thousand years ago. However, time is of the essence. We cannot afford to wait until fundamentalists break free from the shackles of fundamentalism and begin teaching clearly the gospel of peace Jesus preached and that he commanded his disciples to preach to every creature in the world. This is made abundantly clear in the book, Peace, Truth, Love and Joy: What the Bible Is All About. The one thing our nation could do that would strengthen the United Nations more than anything else — that would help enhance our relationships with other nations more than anything else — would be to demonstrate that the United States is the peace loving nation that we like to think we are—that our goal with other nations is peace and cooperation, not domination. Think about how simple having peace with other nations would be in comparison with all the time, energy, effort, costs, and doing the same old things our leaders have done for decades that keep us entangled in one war after another. And achieving peace by peaceful means involves no loss of lives; no injuries; no destruction; no chaos. And the costs would be nominal. By and large, this essay has been focused on peace and harmony with other nations of the world; it does not address the problem of radical terrorists who believe that everyone who does not believe as they believe are to be killed. However, would not the problem of dealing with terrorists be significantly different — perhaps much simpler — if we enjoyed peace and harmony with other nations? An ending thought: If we do not achieve peace and harmony with other nations now, when will we? If we do not become peaceful and harmonious with other nations, what is going to be the end result? And the primary requirement for achieving peace by peaceful means is being truthful — with no hidden agenda — and reasoning together with humility and an open mind.
In closing, here are some things to think about:
In summary, at this perilous time in the history of this great nation, we need a leader who has the courage, wisdom, morality, and humility for reasoning with leaders of other nations and achieving peace and harmony; the task would be comparatively simple (simple in comparison to all the stuff in which we engage that is leading us down a path to destruction). We have complicated the simple to the point that there are those who believe that we — and the entire world — are hell-bent on destruction. Often the simple is overlooked. The simple way to peace and harmony is truth and humility. A huge part of the explanation for so much unrest in the world, the explanation of so many wars and the threats of war; the explanation of why so many nations distrust and hate the United States is because of our foreign policies. Instead of a goal of peace and harmony, our leaders desire to dominate other nations and impose our views on them—which we have no right to do. Remember what former president John F. Kennedy said, “The United States is only six percent of the world’s population, and we have no right to impose our views or even our system of government on the other 94 percent.” Instead of trying to dominate and impose our views on others, our leaders should strive to achieve peace by peaceful means. And there is no better way of accomplishing this than following the wisdom of the prophet Isaiah: "Come now and let us reason together." We have the choice.
UPDATE: 8/9/2010
Earlier in this essay I stated: “We are getting out of a war with Iraq. We are engaged in a war with Afghanistan; and we have troops in about 130 countries. A war with Iran seems imminent.”
The following is comparatively recent news (just a few selected examples):
UPDATE: 11/24/2010 Although there are different opinions about the mysterious plume across the sky in California November 8, from a believable report on Fox News by a retired military expert the plume was from a missile. And according to Dan Smith, author of the book, So Far from Forfar, and author of an article, "No mystery: 'Plume' was China missile" (the article appeared in the November 22, 2010, issue of The Mountain Press, Sevierville, Tennessee), the plume was from a Chinese ICBM, which can be equipped with a 2.5-megaton warhead. Apparently our military did not detect the missile, and according to Smith, "There was nothing to stop it." Think about it! China might just have the capability of wiping us off of planet earth. Aren't the decisions of our leaders in Washington — with their mindset — responsible for getting us into a troubling, risky situation? Remember, earlier I mentioned that China was manufacturing 100 ICBMs to be aimed at the United States. This is according to a report released by the CIA. The goal is to have an ICBM force capable of striking the U.S. mainline if there is a conflict over Taiwan. This is according to an article appearing in the January 11, 2002, issue of the Knoxville News-Sentinel. Let's face it. China is not going to give up one square inch of their land. To use an old hackneyed expression, hell will freeze over — China would blow this nation to smithereens — before China would let Taiwan become an independent nation and an ally of the United States. Doesn't our leaders know that? Does it make any sense for the United States to be committed to protecting Taiwan from China? Aren't the leaders of our nation meddling in the affairs of China? Are our leaders looking out for us, or are they leading this great nation down the path to destruction? Remember that China was irked by our nation's sale of $6.4 billion worth of arms to Taiwan. Regarding another item of update, at the risk of irking Russia, President Barack Obama was successful in reaching an agreement with NATO for building a defense shield over Europe. This is to protect against an attack by Iran. Who says that Iran is interested in attacking anyone? What is the evidence? Is Iran interested in attacking or interested in protecting their nation? Remember that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad requested a meeting in 2007 with former President Bush: “So that truth is revealed, so that misunderstandings and misperceptions are removed, so that we can find a clear path for brotherly and friendly relations." And he suggested: "If the U. S. government recognizes the right of Iranian people, respects all nations, and extends a hand of friendship with all Iranians, they too will see that Iranians will be one of its best friends." Why not meet and check this out, rather than listen to advisors who might say things such as you cannot trust President Ahmadinejad? And in early August, 2010, Iranian President Ahmadinejad requested a meeting with President Barack Obama to discuss global issues freely for the entire world to see whose solutions are better. Again, I believe President Ahmadinejad was rebuffed; if president Obama agreed to meet, I missed the news. Think about it. A meeting might just hold the potential for averting war. Again would we rather fight another war than to meet and discuss problems and solutions? Does anyone have a clear, honest, straight forward explanation for our leaders to object to a meeting to discuss the cause of problems and how to resolve them? From the mindset in Washington it seems that our leaders are a part of the problems, rather than a part of a solution. I have alluded to a hidden agenda as interfering with meeting and talking about problems and solutions. Now we know from the WikiLeaks that Saudi Arabia pressed the United States to "cut off the head of the snake." This could be at least part of the explanation (a hidden agenda) of why our leaders have refused to meet and talk with Iranian President Ahmadinejad. Would we not be far ahead in the pursuit of genuine peace in the world if we became friends with Iran, rather than cutting off the head of the snake? Think about it. If we "cut off the head of the snake" because of Iran's nuclear program, in addition to all the costs, deaths, suffering, and chaos, we will increase the hatred of other nations toward the United States; it would increase the determination of terrorists to harm us. And what have we really accomplished? And the fact remains that we do not have proof that Iran intends to manufacture nuclear weapons. However, doesn't Iran have reason to be concerned about an attack by the United States or Israel (who has the support of the United States)? This concern could cause them to want to build up their military capability. Incidentally, some leaders in Washington have mentioned that the Wikileaks could interfere with our diplomacy. Let's face it. Our diplomacy, our foreign policy, and the mindset in Washington are not working to help bring peace and harmony to the world; they are not helping make friends with our so-called enemies. From the many things that Iranian President Ahmadinejad has said (which the news media and Washington do not report), it seems that president Ahmadinejad has a desire for the world to be in peace and harmony, and he seems to have considerable knowledge bearing on world peace. Could our leaders be afraid to meet and discuss problems and opportunities with President Ahmadinejad for fear that truth might be revealed; for fear that President Ahmadinejad might have solutions that might be more favorable to the world than the solutions of our leaders. Could it be that our leaders fear that a hidden agenda might surface? Are our leaders too arrogant to want to know what the solutions are that President Ahmadinejad has to offer? Wouldn't you like to know? From the evidence we know that the things our leaders have tried for decades are not working to bring peace and harmony. And think about it. Leaders of both North Korea and Iran have sought to meet and discuss problems and solutions. In view of our leaders refusing to meet and discuss problems and solutions — and in view of the mindset in Washington being focused on war — what is the likely alternative for the leaders of North Korea and Iran, except to prepare for war? And in this nuclear age, preparing for war includes the desire for adding nuclear weapons to the military arsenal. Actually what the leaders of North Korea and Iran did is quite admirable: Attempt to find a way to achieve peace by meeting and reasoning together, rather than fight another war ... which will not bring a genuine, lasting peace—but will cause increased tensions in the world. As it is, our leaders might learn something from the leaders of Iran and North Korea. Their approach of desiring to meet and talk about problems and solutions is a suggested approach for our leaders to try for resolving tensions with China, Russia, Cuba, and others. We like to think that we are on friendly terms with some of those nations. Let's face the facts: They don't really trust us, and we do not really trust them. And a fact is that deep within the soul of our being everyone desires peace. Everyone is fed up with wars and the threats of war. As things are now, the following comment appeared in the November 27, 2010, issue of the Knoxville News Sentinel: "... North Korea, which cites the U.S. presence as the main reason behind its need for nuclear weapons." Would South Korea be conducting military drills near the border with North Korea if we did not have about 28,000 troops in South Korea? If those two countries get into a war, will not the United States be involved in one manner or another? With the drumbeats of war being loud and clear, any way you slice it, things could not turn out any worse by meeting and talking than the way things are headed: Toward a war with no understanding about how it might end. We could end up utterly wasted. Let us be honest, truthful, reasonable, and use some common sense. Meeting and reasoning together has the potential for bringing peace, rather than this nation being involved in wars with Iran, North Korea and any other nation. However, let us be clear; our leaders cannot be successful in meeting and reasoning together if their fists are clinched, if they are keeping all options on the table, and if they have a hidden agenda. Could a hidden agenda be at least a part of the explanation for refusing to meet and discuss problems and solutions. Deceit can only create tension and distrust. Truth and humility have the power to change thoughts of war to thoughts of peace. Remember, deep within the soul of us, everyone wants peace … and all that is required to achieve peace with other nations is being truthful, honest, and humble and reasoning together. If our leaders had a feeling — an understanding for how to do this — this great nation could transform a troubled, dangerous world to one of peace and harmony. There is the potential for the world being like Isaiah said: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:4). Of course there are those who are quick to say that we can never have peace in this world. Why not give peace a chance? We have never really tried being truthful, humble, and honest. Truth is far more powerful than lies and deceit—far more powerful than threats (keeping all options on the table). Too, we know from the evidence that the things we have been doing are only leading us toward destruction. Know this to be true: If we individually and collectively believed and did what Jesus and other biblical teachers said, peace and harmony would permeate us and the entire world. Sometimes it seems that there are those — including atheists — who are against the teachings of Christianity. This is not to say that they are against the teachings of Jesus and the prophets of the Old Testament; they are against the false teachings of fundamentalists. UPDATE: 11/25/2010 North Korea attacks South Korea. The United States stands shoulder with shoulder with South Korea. We have 28,000 troops in South Korea. Remember that the leader of North Korea requested a meeting with a leader from our nation. However, our leader would not meet unless a few other selected national leaders were present. If you were the leader of North Korea, would you meet under those requirements? Why are our leaders afraid — or why do they refuse — to meet and talk about problems and solutions? Is the only way our leaders know how to solve problems by war and the threats of war? Peace begets peace. War begets war. The mindset in Washington desperately needs to be changed from a focus on war to a focus on peace.
Are things getting better or worse? Aren’t we headed toward one of the most destructive wars the world has ever experienced? ... deaths, suffering, and chaos that is unimaginable ... and the possibility of this magnificent earth (or at least huge parts of it) with which we have been blessed being harmed to the extent that is is uninhabitable. And I am not specifically referring to the imminent war with Iran. That's just a stepping stone toward the war of all wars—the war that has no winners. Just look at our history. It's characterized by this nation preparing for war, fighting war, and cleaning up the aftermath: burying the dead, and taking care of the injured, and on and on and on. ... and building up our military and preparing for another war. There are two possibilities to the end of this insanity: The destruction of this great nation or achieving peace by peaceful means. We have the choice. Albert Einstein, physicist and Nobel laureate, said, “If it (the hydrogen bomb) is successful, radioactive poisoning of the atmosphere and hence annihilation of any life on earth has been brought within the range of technical possibilities. … Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.” (The Great Quotations compiled by George Seldes). Let’s face it: We will never achieve peace if our leaders keep doing the same old things they have done for decades, things that are leading this nation toward being utterly wasted. Albert Einstein, a great scientist and philosopher, said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
UPDATE AFTER the 2010 UN General Assembly
One thing that made headline news is the seemingly outrageous comments that President Ahmadinejad made about the cause of the 9/11 attack—that the cause was an inside job, that it was orchestrated by people of this nation. What I discovered by surfing the Internet is even more shocking than what President Ahmadinejad said: Viewpoints that support the comments by President Ahmadinejad. Anyone who might be interested in knowing why President Ahmadinejad made those statements would do well to go to the following sites: www.charlierose.com/view/interview/11211 (If you visit that site, scroll down and click on “comments”) and www.911truth.org and www.911research.wtc7.net. I do not know what to make of the information I discovered. Perhaps more than anything else, the viewpoints I found indicate that many people do not trust our leaders in Washington to tell them the truth ... thus, we do not know what to believe. One thing is certain. The mindset in Washington is the underlying cause of much of discontent in the world, and consequently, is at least a part of the explanation for the attacks against this nation. My opinion is that our efforts should be directed toward peace and friendship with other nations, not trying to impose our views on them and not trying to dominate them, which other nations seem to perceive this nation trying to do; and they will resent and resist it to the bitter end.
Update December 9, 2010
According to Newsmax, Gorbachev: America 'Itching' for War With Iran. This is according to an interview that Christopher Ruddy, CEO and Editor of Newsmax, had with Mikhail Gorbachev, former leader of the Soviet union. An article about the interview will be in the February issue of Newsmax. The interview was conducted at the Moscow headquarters of the Gorbachev Foundation. This foundation is dedicated to helping achieve global peace. Gorbachev is totally against a nuclear war. And bombing Iran is not acceptable. Should not our leaders in Washington seek to meet with Gorbachev and seek his guidance for achieving peace, not only with Russia, but also other nations, including Iran? Gorbachev not only has considerable knowledge and wisdom about war and peace, but also very importantly he has a keen interest in Global peace. Don’t our leaders have a need for help in this area? And remember that Gorbachev was awarded a Nobel Peace prize.
Incidentally, several years ago I attended several sessions at the Esalen Institute at Big Sur California. Apart from the sessions, I learned that a co-founder of Esalen, Michael Murphy, organized a Soviet-American Exchange Program that led to Boris Yeltsin, former president of the Soviet Union, visiting Esalen. Later, Boris Yeltsin became president of the Soviet Union. In one manner or another, Yeltsin seemed to have had an influence on Gorbachev, who has a keen interest in world peace. Everyone in the world desires peace. Why can't our leaders focus on peace, rather than on war? Could it be that our leaders desire domination, rather than having peace with other nations?
Update December 13, 2010
North Korea threatened South Korea with nuclear war. And of course if there is a war, the U.S. will be in the middle of it. We seem to be committed to protecting South Korea. And remember that the leader of North Korea requested a meeting with our leaders, but they 0refused. Had our leaders met, could things have ended up any worse than they are now. Could our leaders have a hidden agenda? Would they like to see the downfall of North Korea? Leaders in Washington would have us think that they are looking out for us. Are they? Have they not figured it out yet? We are fed up with wars and the threats of war. We would like to live in peace and harmony.
Update January 29, 2011. This is special: Everyone interested in peace in the world should read an article written by former leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev. The article is in the February, 2011, issue of Newsmax magazine.
Our leaders in Washington could learn something about achieving global peace by learning from former president Ronald Reagan. Contrary to the advice of leaders in Washington — including a letter from his top military advisor, pleading with him not to meet with Gorbachev (former leader of the Soviet Union) — former president Ronald Reagan met with Gorbachev. In an article written by Gorbachev (titled, "Reagan and Me"), Gorbachev said, "In a dangerous world, and against all odds, the president and I became good partners ... in the best sense of the word." He also said, "I am proud of what we did together because it brought us closer to abolishing nuclear weapons. And it opened the door to a new kind of cooperation in the world." Did you notice what president Reagan and Gorbachev did? They "met and reasoned together," what the biblical prophet Isaiah said to do—the only way to achieve peace by peaceful means. And notice that what president Reagan did is in accordance with what former president Abraham Lincoln said: “The way to destroy our enemies is to make them our friends.” This is exactly what president Reagan did. Whereas there are those who could have seen evil in the eyes of former leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, president Reagan saw and opportunity for peace. Unfortunately the mindset in Washington, driven by fear, greed, ignorance, and the lust for power has essentially "closed the door" that was opened by Reagan and Gorbachev. And this great powerful nation — because of the mindset in Washington — is responsible to a great extent for the world being stockpiled with more than enough nuclear weapons to kill all human and animal life on planet Earth. Also notice that what President Reagan and Gorbachev did, did not cause the loss of any lives, and the monetary cost was nil—like a spit in the ocean in comparison to all the monetary costs of all the things our leaders do that they would have us believe are in the interest of national security. And for those of you who heard former president Reagan say, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" notice that former president Reagan did not have clinched fists, and there were no threats. Behind those words, Mr. Gorbachev knew that they were coming from the center of peace and love—from someone who genuinely desires peace—not war. And, the wall came tumbling down—demonstrating the power of truth and love. Thus, we have a chance for having peace in the world ... if only enough of the American people will let our leaders know that we desire peace—not war. And one way of letting Washington know of our desires is to elect leaders who demonstrate that they too desire — and will work toward — peace. Also notice that the article mentioned above speaks well for Mr. Gorbachev. Clearly he desires peace—not war. We know that he desires world peace because he set up a foundation for the purpose of achieving world peace. It seems that our leaders think of many foreign leaders as being evil. It might be fair to say that president Reagan, meeting and reasoning together with Gorbachev, was well on his way of converting a seemingly evil empire in to a friendly nation. And think about it: Most of the Washington crowd (if not all) were opposed to president Reagan meeting with Gorbachev. In his speech, which became known as his "Evil Empire Speech, to a meeting of the National Association of Evangelicals in Orlando, Florida (March 8, 1983), President Reagan said: "We will never stop searching for a genuine peace." Genuine peace is quite different from the peace of winning wars—what our leaders in Washington seem to focus on. This is not to say that winning wars and protecting the people of this nation is not highly important in some situations; however, having genuine peace like President Reagan was trying to achieve would lead to a world as described by Isaiah: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:4). A news reporter ask a student at Columbia University a question something like: What is the best way to fight and win wars? Her reply was brief and powerful: "With love." Love and truth go hand in hand; we cannot have one without the other. Love and truth have the power to bring about genuine peace. Did you notice that when president Regan told Gorbachev to tear down that wall that the words were coming from the center of love and truth? And did you notice how powerful these words were? We need people in Washington who think along the line of the student mentioned above from Columbia University. One may ask, "But what is her experience? What is her qualifications? Nothing is more important than doing things from the center of truth and love. When we have genuine peace in the world, we will cease having wars. Many believe that we will always have wars until the world ends. They believe this because they believe that Jesus said that we will always have wars and the rumors of wars. If fundamentalists understood the gospel that Jesus preached — a gospel of peace, truth, and love — they would realize that we would have peace when the gospel is preached to the entire world. Jesus said, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:11-14). Jesus was speaking about the end of suffering and the beginning of peace and joy. Remember, the gospel would bring us peace and joy if only we understood, believed and did what Jesus said. This is made abundantly clear in the essay, "The Gospel that Jesus Intended for Us." When we ponder and think about what a difference it would make in our families, our nation and the entire world if we believed and did what Jesus said, then we understand clearly why Jesus said, “Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). Thus, about the use of the word world, when the disciples ask about the end of the world, the word world refers to a sinful world of the ego—about people being ego driven, rather than believing and doing what Jesus said. Thus, the word world is used in the manner in which Jesus used the word world when he said that he had overcome the world and that his disciples were not of this world. When Jesus said the gospel would be preached in all the world, it seems that Jesus was speaking about the entire world as we typically think of the world (every nation). Remember that Jesus also said to his disciples, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Keeping in mind what Jesus said about him and his disciples overcoming the world, note what the apostle James said, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4). What this boils down to is that biblical teachings would transform this world from one characterized by sin, suffering, and violence to one of peace and harmony—if only people understood and did what biblical teachers said. The Bible has all the information we need to know to find peace and joy, if only religious teachers would decipher it, understand it, and teach it in a manner people can understand and embody. Achieving genuine peace in this troubled world is so important that a special Department should be established for the sole purpose of achieving genuine peace in the world. This should be given a very high priority. After all, what is America going to be like (if it survives) if we are attacked with nuclear weapons? And remember what former president John F. Kennedy said, "Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate." Successful negotiation involves "meeting and reasoning together" and being honest, humble, and truthful—with no hidden agenda. This is the only way we will every have genuine peace in the world. In view of the power and influence of this great nation, if our leaders would meet and reason together with leaders of other nations, in due time the world would be in peace and harmony.
Summary
In summary, our leaders need to change their mindset from satisfying and supporting allies to achieving peace and making friends with other nations. Perhaps our leaders believe that creating and supporting allies is a way of enhancing our national security. Let's face it. Developing allies is another way of strengthening our military position in the world; it's a way of getting ready for war; it's a way of being in a dominate position. Thus, the focus is on war, rather than focusing on achieving peace by peaceful means. Our goal should be making genuine friendships with other nations. China, Russian, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba would be excellent places to start. However, it must be understood: Genuine friendships do not exist where there is a hidden agenda. Would not it be more helpful to be genuine friends (rather than pretending to be) with both China and Taiwan, rather than trying to be an ally with Taiwan? Doesn't being an ally with Taiwan suggest supporting Taiwan against China? This must be what the leaders of China believe. Also, remember that Iranian president Ahmadinejad requested meetings with both former president Bush and also president Barack Obama. His desire is to have peaceful relations with the United States and for spreading peace to the entire world. Would not it be far more beneficial — would not this be in agreement with the desires of the American people — to meet and reason together with president Ahmadinejad rather than to do what our ally Saudi Arabia requested that we do: "Cut off the head of the snake." Could this be at least a part of the explanation for refusing to meet and talk with president Ahmadinejad? In his latest speech (September 2010) to the UN General Assembly, president Ahmadinejad said: "Man’s disconnection from Heaven detached him from his true self. ... Human instinct, then, replaced true human nature. ... The lust for capital and domination replaced monotheism which is the gate to love and unity." He also said, "Nuclear energy is clean and cheap and a heavenly gift which is amongst the most suitable alternatives to cut the pollutions emanating from fossil fuels. The Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT) allows all member States to use nuclear energy without limits and the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] is mandated to provide member States with technical and legal support. The nuclear bomb is the worst inhumane weapon and must totally be eliminated. The NPT prohibits its development and stockpiling and calls for nuclear disarmament. Nonetheless, note what some of the permanent members of the Security Council and nuclear bomb holders have done: They have equated nuclear energy with the nuclear bomb, and have distanced this energy from the reach of most of nations by establishing monopolies and pressuring the IAEA. While at the same time, they have continued to maintain, expand and upgrade their own nuclear arsenals. ... I would like here to propose that the year 2011 be proclaimed the year of nuclear disarmament and 'Nuclear Energy for all, Nuclear Weapons for None'".
Doesn't the many things that president Ahmadinejad has said suggest a leader who is more interested in genuine peace than war. Why do our leaders not meet with president Ahmadinejad and give him the opportunity to demonstrate that his intentions are honorable and authentic? What have we got to lose? A meeting just might help our leaders to shift their focus of attention from domination and war to a vision for peace ... what everyone desires.
Copyright © 2009-2011 by Dwight Nichols. All rights reserved.
Books by the author:
Listening to Ourselves: The Key to Everything that Matters Discover Truth and Be Free Life’s Greatest Lesson: The Message Jesus Intended for Us Commune With Your Heart: The Only Way to Find Peace, Joy and Happiness The Truth About The Gospel: How to Find Peace, Joy, and Happiness Peace, Truth, Love and Joy: What the Bible Is All About For Information about these books, click here: Book Information To see what readers have said about the author's previous writings, click the following link. Unlike testimonials some publishers use, these comments were unsolicited. Comments To return to the beginning of this Web site, click here: Beginning
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