“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” – Mother Teresa
I’m asking my Dad if he watched the RNC and the DNC on television. And he says, he’s fed up of hearing about American politics. Besides, he adds, it doesn’t concern us in India. So me, being me, I start to argue about how the world is no longer what it used to be, and everything that happens in the world does affect us. He says that we ought to focus on the politics in our country, and how the present government is slowly crushing minorities here. I tell him that Trump’s hate politics targets groups of people based on religion and ethnicity will affect our country….
A phone call and the rain put a stop to the discussion, but his argument stays with me.
It makes me recall one of Anthony D’mello‘s parable which I’d like to share with you.
There was once a country where it became possible for everyone to develop and acquire their own nuclear bombs – small ones, the size of hand grenades, but powerful enough to blow up an entire city.
A bitter debate raged over the right of private citizens to possess such explosives – till they came to the following compromise: No one would be allowed to carry a nuclear bomb in public without a license, but what people did in the homes was their private concern.
I’m talking to a group about missing children. Someone tells me that since most of the children on the streets are from poor backgrounds (her opinion), the country would be better served if compulsory family planning was enforced among the poor. I have no argument to offer in response. What can I say? I thank her for her opinion and move on.
When did we become so immune to the pain of others? When did we stop caring as individuals and groups are the target of hatred? How can we sit by and watch injustice rule? How can we let hatred divide us and seek to govern our countries and the world?
We cannot say what happens to another does not affect us. We must speak up.
We cannot and must not play into the hands of evil forces causing hate and division. We cannot let our fears of things and people who are different from us rule our lives. Black or white. Rich or poor. Hindu or Muslim. Christian and Jew. We belong to each other. Until we realize this, we will have no peace.
Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it.
Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it.
Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Oh yes. As Baba Ram Dass said once, we are all just walking each other home.
Yes, we are. And we ought to keep each other safe, Carol. Thank you for stopping by.
Wonderful post, Corinne, and so true. The current furore around Trump’s statements to the family of the fallen Muslim soldier speaks volumes to your point.
I have yet to see the Republicans come out in numbers to decry Trump’s words. John McCain has issued a rebuke, but he hasn’t withdrawn his endorsement.
Until we take a physical stand against this type of rhetoric, any “condemnation” will just silence. And silence is an act of complicity.
It’s time to push back and be better people. For all.
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Rightly said Corinne. We all should speak up. And we should feel the pain of others. Great post as usual.
Wonderful post and you are right that we need to stand for each other. The more we sit back and do not raise our voice, the harder the world will become. We will never be happy. Speaking up for what’s not right is so important.
Parul Thakur recently posted..Gratitude List – July 2016
Well said Corinne. We are all connected and love does trump hate!
You sound like a very wise woman, anything that happens in the world affects us one way or another.
Someone’s right is someone else’s wrong. We cannot let others dictate us in any which way. The most important thing is compassion for others. Great post Corrine!
Thoughtful post, as ever. I have to admit that politics makes me almost nauseous. I’m a US citizen and always exercise my right to vote but end up feeling it’s pretty pointless. Money seems to rule, regardless of what is best for my fellow citizens and the world. I hope we can someday all find peace. Be well!
A very thoughtful and poignant post, Corinne. There may be many opportunities to ‘speak up,’ but many will remain silent. Perhaps from fear of retribution, rocking the boat, etc. Speak first in the mind, then allow the words and emotions to emerge. Thanks for the post!
Rightly said Corinne. Trump’s opinions on racism and women or any other politician’s hatred will impact us. That’s why people have to spread positive thoughts and be compassionate to others. Because, it impacts others, whether it is good or bad.
My heart aches for this world and for the lack of love I see so often, so callously displayed, so thoughtless, so…routine. All I feel I can do is try to show love the best *I* can.
Beautiful post, gorgeous sentiments and YES to love. Always to love. <3
Thanks, Kristi! There is no other way, is there?
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..All Or Nothing Day
Good post. Unfortunately, as an American I have a front row seat to this crazy (and disturbing) election. I agree that we’re all in this together. We rise together and fall together. Unfortunately, not enough politicians seem to know that. Let’s hope someday this changes.
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Love is always the answer. I live by the words, “The opposite of faith is fear.” I refuse to live in fear. That’s not living.
It almost seems unreal what is going on with the election in the US. But you are right – love is the way!
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Those are wonderful quotes to remember. And this is really thought provoking.
I think we have not only forgotten, we allow life to make us drift apart from each other.
Your Mother Teresa quote says it all for me. It’s hard to keep on believing that we all belong to each other when bad things are happening but we MUST keep on believing we do and act accordingly every single day, no matter what people throw at us. Thank your this post.