In the wake of the recent bombings and killings in Paris, I offer this. But first, I must step back. Shortly after 9/11, I opined in a pre-Twitter universe to a creation similar to Twitter, something called “xnpc”, that the United States had stoked hostility by imposing sanctions and a killing machine upon Iraq. People differed, to put it mildly.
The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) has opposed all forms of violence and war since the denomination’s inception. Founder George Fox wrote that we are to live “in the virtue of that life and power takes away the occasion of war.” Aren’t we today called to live in the same condition? Does war achieve a lasting peace? No, it only sows the seeds of further violence. Ask Chicago’s west and south sides about retaliation. I believe the best hope for peace comes through diplomacy, promoting justice, and resisting oppression. Containment and diplomacy are better options than aggressive warfare.
Please urge President Obama and Congress to turn from the present course toward war, including drone killings, to a more peaceful direction that includes: 1) multilateral action through the United Nations; 2) agreement to the destruction of nuclear weapons; 3) commitment to non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and, 4) strengthening humanitarian and developmental aid to reduce human suffering.
War is not the answer.
