ThirstyFish

What is peace? Aloha, shalom, salaam, pax. Peace is commonly understood as the absence of hostility and conflict, freedom from civil disorder. Most religions associate many problems of the human condition to the absence of peace. Nonviolence, kindness, consideration, respect, tolerance and justice are concepts associated with peace.

Unfortunately, words like love, justice, freedom and peace have become glowing generalities. During his first year in office, President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize for "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples". I guess, somehow, extra-judicial killings "strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation". On a local level, NYPD, who is supposed to be the "keeper of peace and order" has shown by their heavy-handed response to the Occupy Movement and their stop-and-frisk policy that they are the protectors of corporate interests, not of peace. Peace eludes us.

Song of the Day: Peace Train - Yusuf Islam (2006)