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...)

Peace activism comes in many forms

Taking to the streets is one way to bear witness to the cause of peace, but there are many other ways -- many small actions we can throughout the day, every day to widen the circle, and start living as though world peace were a reality here and now (which it is... we just have to choose to live like it.)

- Think before speaking.
- Simplify your life.
- Let the other person go first.
- Smile at anyone who meets your eyes.
- Listen.
- Call that friend or family member you've been meaning to.
- Turn off the tv.
- Assume good intentions on the part of the other.
- Seek clarity.
- Clean up your messes.
- Forgive someone.
- Forgive yourself.
- Chew your food well (trust me on this one..!)
- Help out a friend, or better yet, a stranger.
- Express appreciation and gratitude at every opportunity.
- Pay attention to your feelings.
- Just pay attention.
- Hug.
- Hug more.
- Take responsibility (but avoid guilt)
- See yourself in someone else, and vice versa.
- Believe that there's enough for everyone, if we share.
- Find something to laugh about as often as possible (try looking in the mirror!)
- Realize that everyone, and I mean Everyone, has the same basic wants and needs as
you do.
- Extend your wishes to everyone that they will have those wants and needs met,
regardless of your feelings about them.
- Choose being kind over being right.
- Whatever it is, let it go.
- Suspend judgment whenever possible.
- Be totally present when saying good-bye, even if it will only be for a short time.
- Have faith that every little thing you do makes a difference.
- Breath in.
- Breathe out.

Anything else?