Where will SHE go? Suggestions?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Violence on My Behalf
Pulling up behind an SUV today, I was perplexed by a bumper sticker which read:
"We sleep peacefully in our beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on our behalf."
Wow. I mean, WOW.
Now, this is a quote, I was soon to discover, attributed to George Orwell. (There was some small dispute to that end as well, but that's another story.) Since reading this line, I've been trying to ascertain its intent. If Orwell was indeed the author, I can assume that its meaning may have been tinged with irony.
However, the original context in which I came across this message.. without attribution, but placed beneath another sticker which read: "Support Our President, Support Our Troops"... gave it a slightly different meaning, as you can imagine.
Either way, I think my emotional response would be the same. I do happen to sleep peacefully, blessedly peacefully, each night, knowing full well there are willing people doing violence; and unwilling people being killed as a result. I have been reminded through a variety of phrasings and admonitions that I should be grateful for my freedom earned through bloodshed.
What can I say to that?
Can I be sure that my way of life could have been gained through less violent means? Is there a way I can request for violence NOT to be done on my behalf, please? And be prepared for whatever may come as a result?
How, then, shall I read that quote.. as an accusation of ingratitude, or of complicity?
(My immediate response: leaving a small peace crane in the dish soap aisle of Wegman's, while I ponder this some more...)
"We sleep peacefully in our beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on our behalf."
Wow. I mean, WOW.
Now, this is a quote, I was soon to discover, attributed to George Orwell. (There was some small dispute to that end as well, but that's another story.) Since reading this line, I've been trying to ascertain its intent. If Orwell was indeed the author, I can assume that its meaning may have been tinged with irony.
However, the original context in which I came across this message.. without attribution, but placed beneath another sticker which read: "Support Our President, Support Our Troops"... gave it a slightly different meaning, as you can imagine.
Either way, I think my emotional response would be the same. I do happen to sleep peacefully, blessedly peacefully, each night, knowing full well there are willing people doing violence; and unwilling people being killed as a result. I have been reminded through a variety of phrasings and admonitions that I should be grateful for my freedom earned through bloodshed.
What can I say to that?
Can I be sure that my way of life could have been gained through less violent means? Is there a way I can request for violence NOT to be done on my behalf, please? And be prepared for whatever may come as a result?
How, then, shall I read that quote.. as an accusation of ingratitude, or of complicity?
(My immediate response: leaving a small peace crane in the dish soap aisle of Wegman's, while I ponder this some more...)
Monday, August 04, 2008
Spectacular Sight
Last evening I was able to time my return from the beach with a visit to the unveiling of 1000+ paper peace cranes at Central Baptist Church in Wayne PA, for the beginning of Hiroshima/Nagasaki Memorial Week (August 3-10).
This event was timed along with their monthly "peace dinner' and vigil.. on this day, focused on preventing another war in Iran, and an even greater threat of nuclear holocaust, more deadly than that in Japan 64 years ago.
I, and three of my sons, were welcomed to a Japanese-themed meal, highlighted with messages of peace, hope and inclusion of all faiths from various members of CBC, and a video viewing of the story of Sadako. Of course, the highlight for me was the stunning display of the paper birds, hung around the MLK Commons... adorning the windows and the walls. The most impressive aspect was the two mobile-type hangings, on either side of the stained-glass window depicting 'swords beaten into plowshares'... the intention being to simulate the graceful flight of hundreds of cranes. Breathtaking. (And personally thrilling to know that many of my own little ones were soaring with their kin..)
And now, more photos:
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