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LETTERS Good News We see fewer flags in our town and on cars these days, and the “reality” television show about training for the Air Force had so few viewers it was canceled after the second episode. We are trying to start a national movement to have peace signs visible all over the nation. When the “war” began, I made a sign for our lawn. One side reads “Peace to the World” and the other “No More War.” One of my students liked the idea and put a well-designed sign with only the peace symbol and the word “Peace” outside her apartment. The Friends Committee on National Legislation building in Washington has a huge sign reading, “War is not the Answer.” Finally, Yoko Ono has paid to have billboards displayed in various cities here and in Europe with words of peace from John Lennon’s song “Imagine.” Such signs are like permanent vigils and let others know that not everyone supports this killing. —Larry Gara Wilmington, OH Sara and Frailty As someone who at age 23 completed a prison sentence for refusing to submit to induction and as a father of a 23-year-old actively and publicly committed since high school to nonviolence as a vehicle for social change, I was deeply moved by Chris Ney’s tribute to the life of Sara Ann Bilezikian (March-April). As Chris so accurately said, “some events defy our understanding.” I don’t presume to understand either, but I did have a strong reaction: Our movement pays too little attention to the loneliness, anxiety and depression that some activists experience periodically, or, in some cases, over a long period of time. Most of us experience a life-affirming sense of satisfaction as we act on our deepest beliefs, even though our short-term impact may be limited, particularly within the United States at this time. But it can also be costly and isolating to do so, particularly in communities where the nonviolence movement is weak or nonexistent. It can be downright painful if taking one’s stand means the loss of family or longtime friends. It can be hard to situate oneself in the world with any comfort and I am sure I am not the only one who has seen friends buckle and retreat into lives of dysfunction, guilt and despair. None of these is reason enough to turn our back on our beliefs or activist stance, especially because we can prevent much of the worst from occurring. We can prepare and guide our young people better. We can respect their frailty, recognize their inexperience in dealing with adversity and their limited repertoire of mechanisms to cope with stress, personal rejection and the fact that no one knows when nonviolence may ultimately prevail as a way of life for even the barest majority of human beings. We can let them know that we respect and welcome whatever they are ready and capable of contributing to changing the world through nonviolence. Where we can, we should be available to comfort, counsel and be compassionate. We must be as honest about the potential costs as we are of the satisfactions that come from a life devoted to nonviolent activism. Going a step further, we should pay particular attention to young people who seem to come out of nowhere and jump with no hesitation into the fray. What drives them morally may be all that is best in humans, but we cannot assume that their enthusiasm means they are unshakable emotionally, or that they are ready to take on any task available. What I have appreciated most about the activists my son has grown close to in his college community—some of whom were among my heroes 30 years ago—is that they know that nonviolent civil disobedience, arrest, prison or living outside the mainstream requires spiritual and psychological depth as well as careful guidance, compassion and nurturing from us “veterans.” Let’s be thankful when young people join with us, but allow them their moments of doubt and fear; let them take a lower profile if they begin to feel overwhelmed or depleted. Respect that their family and friends may react vehemently against their new political and social awareness. Most of know us what they may be going through and what lies ahead. —Marc Levin Ocean, NJ |
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