We need people who will work for peace and goodwill, without division
By Mark Reiner
Reader Contributor
Every paper, including this one, is running one or more articles concerning the split between the right and the left, between liberals and conservatives. Ultimately, it is a reflection of this universe, one of duality. One side requires the other for its own existence. That’s why it is written that dualities arise together. We may accept the need for duality in order to provide contrast, but now emotional responses are tied to the contrasts, thus engendering every emotion from joy to hate based on the perception of one side winning or losing.
These emotional responses have now been whipped up to provide rationales for mental, emotional or even physical violence. Is a solution possible? Yes, but it requires people of goodwill to stand up.
No specific person, party or group is being singled out — we are concerned with only one issue: the ushering in of peace and justice. We need a group of people who respond to peace and goodwill, without interfering with specific efforts or loyalties.
This is not an effort to promote a Christian society, nor any earthly government. It is a group of those who belong to every religion, every political party and every nation. They need to be free of the emotional spirit of hatred and separative reactions so prominent now. Such attitudes have permeated to the lowest depths of humanity, and colored all fields of humanity’s thinking. Let’s look first at the world picture.
Grasping materialism in all of its forms — plus human ambitions and ignorance — are obvious reasons for the divisions. They lead to inequalities of supply and demand, trade barriers, resulting in war and talk of conflict, which in turn further futile expenditures of time and money.
Yet, no energy is being expended towards enabling those of goodwill to cooperate. Instead, every effort is made to erase apparent enemies: “them.”
Simply look at where the vast majority of money is spent.
Further, the concept should be clear, to boldly confront the person or group opposing you simply strengthens their resolve. Instead, be an example of your peace and justice that others may see the situation in a different way and start to think in different terms.
Those who evidence goodwill tend to be responsible people. A sense of responsibility toward the whole is an indication of those who are forward-thinking. This group is steadily growing.
Individuals are found in every group who seek world peace, equality and justice. These individuals engage in no separative political activity, take no position either for or against any government or religion, nor do they make attacks on any existing individual or group. They do work to breach the divisions between people, evoke a sense of brotherhood, foster mutual relationships and encourage others to look beyond national, religious or racial barriers.
These people represent an attitude of mind, but are not out in “la-la land.” They know exactly what to do and are doing it in their own way.
If they are pop musicians, they write songs of unity; if they are writers, they write pamphlets or books calling for internal and external unity. Each person does what he or she knows is best in their own field, but none will say or write anything that feeds the separative feelings of those around them.
There will be no attempt at coercion. Their larger interest will not stop them from being “good citizens,” for they will serve on juries, be teachers and otherwise accept the situation in which they find themselves. They will always work to break down barriers, promote peace, trust and goodwill.
One important point needs emphasis: None of these people will form an organization. There will be no leadership, nor headquarters. What will happen is a subjective realignment of thought. Each and every individual will reflect their own understanding. Some will be more influential in helping, others less so. That is the way of the world, but because there are so many people who are responding to the demand for peace and justice, a true groundswell will continue to slowly grow.
Please consider being a part of it, and join with those who are an expression of practical loving understanding.
Mark Reiner is a longtime Bonner County resident, composer, orchestra director and writer.
