Practice of Peace in Sweden--A reflection on the Issue

[Chris Corrigan]

Judy wrote:

> On the other hand, I am a realist and I do not believe that there will ever
> be 'World Peace' because not everyone is willing to use those constructive
> ways to deal with conflict.  I recognize that conflict isn't necessarily a
> bad thing......it's how each party handles the conflict.
>

I'm a realist too.  When I look out at the world, I see a lot more
peace than war.  Even in war torn countries, there is a lot more peace
than war.

This doesn't diminsh the importance of poverty or illness or social
equality and all those other things.  I do think though, that in the
western world, the lens that the media provides into other places
gives us the impression that certain countries are living in a state
of utter and complete war all the time.  When was the last tim we saw
images from Iraq, Israel or Rwanda of people celebrating birthdays,
reading a book or painting their house?

I think in one way we ARE a long way from world peace, but in another
way we're not that far at all.  Almost everyone on earth carries a
little bit of peace with them everyday.  That's remarkable considering
what the world could become with all of the weapons of mass
destruction hidden away in silos on the American Great Plains, the
Russian steppe and the Chinese hinterland.  As long as each of us,
leaders and citizens of this planet holds that little bit of peace, I
think we are not likely to plunge into complete war.

Of course, whatever happens is the only thing that could have.  But we
CAN improve our chances by opening space.

Chris

-------------------------
CHRIS CORRIGAN
Consultation - Facilitation
Open Space Technology

Weblog: http://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot
Site: http://www.chriscorrigan.com

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