Kakahead

My apologies: I usually try to write something funny or uplifting every week and call it “Happy Friday.” However, this past week my funnybone just didn’t have any tickles; so when I sat in the chair Thursday my writing fingers went brain dead.

This past Tuesday was December 8, the date a beloved musician and peace activist by the name of John Lennon was shot dead near his home in New York. When I first heard the news early in the morning of December 9, 1980 I cried. I cried all the way to work. Such terrible sadness.

Then, this past Thursday; Barack Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize. That should be a source of joy for a guy like me…

I’ll come out and say it: I voted for Barack Obama this past November. Along with many others, I had high hopes… and was especially smitten with his stance on world peace; global equality; and environmental stewardship. This guy seemed like an old peacenik tree hugger hippie’s dream come true.

I’m an idealist, a pacifist, an old hippie. What can I say? I have some silly notions that since humans proclaim themselves to be the dominant species on this planet, we have responsibilities. These responsibilities include wacky things like protecting the environment, treating all creatures (including other humans) with love and kindness, and sharing the bountiful resources with which we are blessed. I believe that The Creator loves everyone; and the least we can do is to live by the “golden rule” to the best of our ability.

Boy am I naive. Or am I? Well, lots of other people have similar “silly ideas.”

I’m very happy that Mr. Obama is not much like his predecessor. He and his administration have already repaired a lot of damage done to global relationships. Unfortunately, however, some things just don’t seem to veer too far from the status quo.

Many feathers were ruffled when Mr. Obama was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. I must admit it seemed a bit over the top, but I believe the Norwegians were laying down some expectations. I think they saw great potential in Barack Obama; much like what I perceived during his presidential campaign. Obviously the rest, as they say, is history because he actually won the award.

My sadness springs from what I consider to be some discouraging words in his acceptance speech:

“We must begin by acknowledging the hard truth that we will not eradicate violent conflict in our lifetimes. There will be times when nations – acting individually or in concert – will find the use of force not only necessary but morally justified.”

Morally justified? Silly me again… I never quite got the hang of believing that killing and maiming was ever morally justified. Am I naive enough to believe that we can lay down our arms and live happily ever after? No, I quit doing drugs many years ago. However, when I see our president sending troops overseas and putting them in harm’s way, I shake my head and wonder how this can be construed as “defense.”

I’m a Vietnam era veteran. I was never placed anywhere near a combat situation but I have friends who were. Combat should always be the very last resort to any conflict. And in my mind such a last resort should be reserved for a direct threat to our soil. In other words, bring the soldiers home and let’s focus on protecting our own; right here.

Idealist. That’s me. I still am astonished at so-called “religious” people who advocate killing as a way to solve problems. Anyone heard the commandment: “Thou shalt not kill” ?? I don’t recall any “unless” clause written into that one.

Anyway, I’ll continue to advocate for peace in my own meager way. I’m grateful that my wife and I succeeded in raising two wonderful offspring who also have these silly peacenik tree hugger ideals. And we have friends and they have friends… and all we are saying is GIVE PEACE A CHANCE. PLEASE.

Click here for a video – Let's at least just try…