A Worthy Thought

A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. Mohandas Gandhi

Sharing the Gift of Peace

PeaceWeb is thankful for the following offering by Susan Skog, author of “Peace in Our Lifetime: Insights from the World’s Peacemakers”:

What if we give to each other what we really desire: a bit of peace? Millions of us will come together this season, and the peace from those moments can change the world. Here’s 10 ways to offer the gift of peace to yourself, family and friends, and everyone sharing this beautiful earth.

v Wherever you stand, make it Camp David: Spread good cheer through your daily walk. Carry the song of peace in your heart, thoughts, words, and actions. Drive respectfully, breathe deeply, listen well, smile often, and love wholeheartedly.

v Create space for peace in yourself: Spend time in nature, meditate, play, pray, sing, dance, practice yoga--whatever centers you. Calm your inner world, so you’re kinder in your outer world.

v Focus on the good: Others may be busy focusing on the perceived ugliness in the world. Be the infectious one who focuses on the positive, and others around you will feel your glow.

v Believe: This is a magical time to believe in the power of peace to transform struggle. Believe in peace. Imagine hope and prosperity flowing across the earth. Visualize your family gatherings and communities around the world as cooperative and loving. Dream big. Make it so.

v Be the bridge: Get to know the genuine part of others. Try to find common, shared experiences and hopes. Connect on that holy ground. And peace will flow out from that moment.

v Celebrate: Life is sweet, and what a time to remind ourselves how blessed we are! Tell stories, laugh, look into one another’s eyes, and let your differences melt down with the candles.

v Practice self-responsibility: Wars break out over our holiday turkeys—or in the world--when we try to control someone else. Accept that you’re only responsible for your own values, thoughts, beliefs, and choices. Cheers to that!

v Forgive: By year’s end, release one individual--it could be you--from your anger and judgment. If you can’t change what happened, change your thoughts about it. Let it go. Forgive. This present is free, available 24-7, no shipping required, and the best present you could give yourself.

v Wish Your Highest Wish: Get clear on what you really want in life. Find moments of stillness in this commercially loud season, to connect with your true desires. Wishes do come true—all the time.

v Light up the world: One person’s intention to stand for peace, to shine for peace, has often changed the course of history. The world is asking for your light. Light up the world.

Source: Susan Skog, Author of Peace in our Lifetime: Insights from the World’s Peacemakers. (Available at http://www.susanskog.com/)

A Middle East Foreign Policy Review

"War on global terrorism was destined to fail"says John Judis. That's not a very uplifting view but one from a reputable source. The essay touches on the high points of our Middle East policy's response to terrorists attacks dating back to the 1980s and forward to current times. The overview gives a snapshot of the big picture.

Please note, sometimes the above link does not take you directly to his essay. If you get a Error Occur!!! Page then Click on the "Click Here" link. When you are at the home page of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace home page (just below their title find the word experts, click on Experts, click on Alphabetical List, click on John Judis, click on the above title. Web sites just don't always work right.

Where in the world is Michigan's District 11?

Here is the map of District 11.

Words of wisdom from MLK--"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies but
the silence of our friends". What will it take for friends everywhere to find their voice for
peace and nonviolence. Rosemary

Here are some suggestions to create more peace in our world!

This has been a very active two years serving as the spokesperson for the Citizens for Peace of the 11th District! I am so appreciative to everyone involved in moving all of us closer to peace!

• Some of our activities include:
• Participating and presenting a workshop at the Global Nonviolence Conference held at Cobo Hall in Detroit in April, 2005.
• Publishing the Michigan Department of Peace Political Action Guide.
• Providing four training courses in Communication: the Human Connection, based on the work of Marshall Rosenberg about nonviolent communication.
• Offering two inner peace retreats.
• Showing and discussing the films “Critical Mass”, “Peace X Peace”, and “Peace One Day”.
• Publishing several op-ed pieces and numerous letters to the editors.
• Tabling many events around the state to educate the public about peace and nonviolence.
• Meeting with Congressmen and Senators.
• Doing a power point presentation at the 2005 Michigan Department of Peace Conference.
• Hosting the 60th Anniversary of the Bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 2005.
• Speaking at the opening night of the War Requiem Fine Arts Exhibit at Madonna University.
• Meeting with students and faculty of Madonna University all day on September 21, 2005 for the International Day of Peace.
• Bringing the film “The Consciousness of The Christ” to Madonna University for their Peace and Justice Week in October, 2005.
• Working on a library project that would bring peace books to the library, and organize a section on peace in the library.
• Sponsoring the Human Rights Film Festival at Madonna University on Wednesday evenings in November, 2005.

The Citizens for Peace meet the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm at Unity of Livonia, located on Five Mile east of Middlebelt. For more information, call Colleen Mills at 734-425-0079.

Here's a great podcast that will give you contemporary music and updates on the Department of Peace and Nonviolence. Check it out daily.

Kudos to Ann Abdoo

Yes Ann you certainly did connect the dots for who is benefiting from the policies of the current administration.

Your Op-Ed column (Westland Observer, November 13, 2005) is quite thorough, well organized and easy to read and most of all, to understand.

A masterful column!

Iraq: The Risks of U.S. Troops Leaving/Staying

Two retired U.S. Army generals anaylze the complicated problem set before our nation. It seems as if the question regarding when our troops should leave Iraq is in the news every day. Read what Robert G. Gard Jr., Lt. Gen. U.S. Army (Ret.) and John H. Johns, Brig. Gen. U.S. Army (Ret.) have to say about this all important question.