On Self-Defense and Self-Sacrifice?
February 2004
At the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, U.N.
Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated that international terrorism "has
the potential to exacerbate cultural, religious and ethnic dividing
lines... "The most privileged members" of the United
Nations said Annan are "currently and understandably
preoccupied with terrorism and weapons of mass destruction."
Annan said it is understandable that the nations like America are
preoccupied with terrorism. The question then is, "What
will Americans do? Will they focus on self-defense? Is it possible
that the American public could contribute to
the
healing
of relationships
with Muslims and others
throughout the world? Must the American public rely solely on
its military to intervene?" For those who do not approve
of the American government reaction, is there
any
alternative
to protest?
You may have learned already that I am not a fan of protests and
marches. It is not whether I disagree with the marchers
or agree with American policy, it is simply that I believe there
are
far more
constructive options for creating peace than to state one's disagreement. Rather
than state what we are against, why not practice what we are
for?
I recommend service instead. Service is the most beautiful
thing we can do for others. It is creative, supportive and
not destructive. Service shows love. Services dissolves
hate. How many Americans are willing to go overseas
and do service work
in
South
Asian or
Middle
Eastern
nations? Is self-sacrifice an real alternative response?
I know some will think this approach is
hopelessly naive. I
also know that the root of disharmony among people is the failure
of people
to love
each other.
The people in American government will continue to do what they
think is best. I choose to be more concerned with making a
contribution in the way I think is best. After the events
of September 11,
2001, many Americans went into 'self-defense'
mode. My first reaction was
to start a project in
South
Asia
healing
the rifts
among
people
of
different
religions. I called my good friend Khorrum Omer and started
developing Global PeaceWorks with him in 2002. In 2003 we launched
our first project in India with hopes to expand to other South Asian
countries.
At the same meeting,
Annan stated that "the U.N. must also protect millions
of our fellow men and women from the more familiar threats of poverty,
hunger and deadly
diseases." This responsibility is something
we all can take upon ourselves. Why should we depend
only the UN, or on the American Government to tackle problems like
poverty, hunger and disease? There are millions of people around
the world like you who can help in poverty alleviation, and more
importantly, with healing the spiritual wounds suffered by so many
people.
Global PeaceWorks is just one of many organizations providing
such opportunities for volunteers. Our focus is the integration
of spiritual wisdom and service. Other organizations
have great opportunities in other areas of focus like environment
and
women's
issues. You can learn more about our program here or find another
opportunity on websites like idealist.org or volunteerabroad.com.
- Eric Wenzel
January 2004
return
to previous page
|
