Tag: world peace

September 11 – Let There Be Peace

Flag On Angel's Wings Drawing by BZTAT
“On Angel’s Wings” Drawing by BZTAT

September 11, 2001 ushered in a new, dark era for my country. We were injured, and out of our injuries, we lashed out at those who we thought caused us pain. That war is still going on – in Afghanistan, in remote parts of the world, and within the hearts and minds of the American public.

It goes without saying that mistakes were made.

Overzealous politicos overplayed their hands, and we went way beyond righting wrongs. We perpetrated wrongs ourselves in the name or righting wrongs caused by others.

Now, our leaders are paralyzed to act when other purposes arise. We played the classic “Boy Who Cried Wolf” with the Iraqi War, and now, no one believes it when our president sees a need for world action.

I cannot say that I understand the current crisis facing our world’s leaders with the horrific actions of the Syrian government against its own people. I also cannot say where I stand on President Obama’s call for military action in Syria.

I CAN say that it causes me great sadness that there is so much mistrust and anger that our country’s leaders, and other world leaders, are completely incapable of acting when a need arises.

How do we get to a place where Americans act out of reason instead of anguish? How do we move beyond partisan politics and work towards collaborative solutions of our country’s and the world’s problems?

How do we let there be peace?

I still believe it is possible.

Today, I recommit myself to letting it begin with me.

 

 

 

 

Where does a dreamer go from here?

Rising Dove of Peace - Drawing by BZTAT
“Rising Dove of Peace” – Drawing by BZTAT

When I was younger, there were things in my world that I aspired to change. I have always been one to wax philosophical, and I have often held to lofty dreams.

As a child and as a young woman, I dreamed of what my world would be like when I reached the age that I am at the present. And I did all that was in my power to make changes happen so my dream world could come true.

I dreamed of a world where fighting nations found other ways to settle disputes. I dreamed of a world where child abuse, domestic violence and other social ills would become obsolete. I dreamed of a world where human beings became smarter and kinder and more effective in their pursuits of happiness.

I dreamed of a world where gun violence was gauged according to it being a rare event, not according to how it rated against last year’s numbers.

I dreamed of a world where our growing body of intelligence helped us learn to work together instead of developing technologies that made it easier for us to blow each other apart.

I dreamed of a world where common sense became more common, and selfish rationalizations became rarities.

I knew that these hopes and dreams would not all come to pass in one lifetime, but I honestly thought we would be closer to them than we are by now. Instead, I look at my world and wonder, how can it be that we are farther away from these things than ever?

At age 50, I struggle to reconcile the fact that, despite my efforts, and others’ efforts from my generation, my world totally contradicts that which I had dreamed it would become.

Was I a fool to think it would be any different? Am I bitter and cynical and not seeing the forest for the trees? Am I having a “mid-life crisis”? Or is life just bigger than I thought, and beyond my limited imaginings?

I have no answers. I am not even at a place where I can posit any assumptions.

Recent events (Newtown, CT shooting; Webster, NY fire and shooting; 2012; “fiscal cliff” negotiation breakdowns; Syrian Civil War; etc.) have shaken my usual optimism.

Where does a dreamer go from here?

Life is an Adventure!

BZTAT