I’m starting a movement and I’m inviting you to join. If you are an older progressive like me, this will be a return to our roots, nostalgia as activism. For the youngsters among us this will allow a certain unity between generations, a connection with an older generation that isn’t unilaterally aligned against them.
When I say goodbye to someone, I say “Peace” and flash them the victory peace sign.
It feels right. It is the essence of all the disagreements we have with the current administration. Peace for all people. Not cages. Not support for tyrannical regimes. Not encouraging people to rough up protesters.Not bloating a military budget to create a debt crisis that could only be solved by taking aim at the safety net. Not an economy that is a free-for-all for the very rich, and a nothing-at-all for the rest. Not an administration that has been populated by white nationalists and xenophobes and not so slowly making that ok. Not cruelty and bullying toward those you disagree with.
I will stop there or this will be a two hundred page document.
Peace.That is the message that is the counter to all things Trump, and sadly now, Republican.
This is strategic as well. How does anyone rebuff a message of peace? How can anyone attempting to follow the Prince of Peace reject this symbol that should be one of intersectionality?
The very essence of Trump’s administration is chaos. He has said so himself. He loves it when people are sweating bullets in fear of what he will do next. He thrives in others discomfort and suffering. He giggles at making those that disaree with him victims. Hate and cruelty are legitimate political tools regardless of the devestation caused personally and professionally to his targets.
The very cure for chaos is peace. John Lennon asked us to give peace a chance. Collectively, we haven’t. That movement was quashed, vanquished.
Or was it? I say no. Will you join me? Send a message that peace is the goal. Peace is our political target, our emotional target, our philosophical touchstone.
To the Christian who has lost sight of the heart of the faith, Paul points the way home. The Fruits of the Spirit are his description of a person who has actually accepted and been indwelt with the Holy Spirit.
Peace, love, joy, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.
This is what a genuine Christian should be, according to Paul, and it all begins with peace. Non-believers are no less empowered by the concept. It transcends religion or philosophy.
Wiil you join me? Bring back the peace sign. Fly your flag. Let people know you are willing to give peace a chance.
