Give Peace a Chance

Thoughts on war and conflict

Give Peace a Chance

I have been privileged to travel the world as a woman farmer, always feeling at home with "farmer talk." Many of the meetings would end when we formed a circle, held hands and sang "We Shall Overcome." "We shall live in Peace, We shall live in Peace, Oh deep in my heart, I do believe that we shall overcome someday." This verse brought tears to everyone's eyes; it brings tears to my eyes as I sit here and write this.

My memories of working for peace and justice in domestic and international settings gives me hope that harmony in our world will prevail. It is hard to have hope in today's chaotic world.

Threats to a democratic social agenda by wealthy, land-owning, white males have occurred since 1788, when our constitution was adopted. One need only to study political history to understand that throughout our history, money drives elections. Look at how much money has been spent to grab decisions away from local government. Until there is political will to remove money from politics, the U.S. will continue on the path to authoritarianism.

Democracy prevailed and the people’s voices were heard on November 7, 2023. Moms for Liberty, an organization that shouts freedom and patriotism, resoundingly lost local school board elections in six states that include Iowa. Their advocacy against school curricula that includes LGBT rights, race and ethnicity, critical race theory, and discrimination did not work with voters.

In Ohio, women retained the right to make decisions about their own bodies, by voting for a constitutional amendment that protects that right. Lawmakers in Ohio have talked of overturning the popular vote. Hmmm..... I'm not sure they can legally do that.

The people's voices have not been heard in Iowa. The majority of Iowans are against vouchers for private schools and support a woman's right to choose. In 2010, Iowans voted by 62%, a constitutional amendment to fund natural resources and outdoor recreation, IWILL; thirteen years later it has not yet been funded.

Approval of our governor, a budding autocrat in her own right, and the Iowa legislative branch is slipping. Iowans are beginning to understand the damage that can happen when one party controls all three arms of government, a trifecta. The consolidation of power that the Reynolds administration is forcing on the citizens of Iowa undermines local decision making, the heartbeat of democracy. The punitive laws passed in 2023 endanger women's health, put the LGBTQ community at risk and weaken our public schools.

So many times the path to protect our country from authoritarian rule is war. In 2020, the U.S.  military budget was $778 billion to keep our world safe. The United States spends more on the military than any other nation in the world. We have been convinced to appropriate huge amounts of money to the military to keep dictators at bay. In 2022 there were thirty two wars or conflicts going on around the world.

The war that caught most of our attention until October 7th involves Ukraine and Russia. Now of course, attention is split with this war and the Israeli-Hamas War. We hardly have the capacity to acknowledge the rest of the world. The resources that are wasted on guns, tanks, ammunition, and caring for the wounded and dead could be put to better use. The pain caused by death and destruction must be excruciating to ordinary people.

Millions of people have been killed in wars and conflicts, too many times the victims are women, children, and innocent bystanders. Israel's war to destroy the Islamic Resistance Movement has taken thousands of lives. The attempt by past U.S. Presidents to bring peace to the region has basically failed. There appears to be no political will to resolve how Palestine and Israel can live side by side. In the meantime thousands of people die.

Our country remains relatively safe although there are organized groups within the U.S. that work hard to undermine our fragile democracy.

On Veteran's Day we honor the military that served and continue to serve our country during war and peace. The men and women in our armed forces are treated to special events, meals and public recognition of their commitment to democracy.

How many of us observe September 21st - World Peace Day? Do we honor those who have committed their lives to peace through the Peace Corps and non-profit organizations like Iowa's Self-Help International?  Do we have special sales, swag, dinners and other public events to commemorate their peace-making efforts? Hundreds of governmental and non-governmental organizations strive to bring peace and understanding to this conflicted world but rarely receive recognition.

The United States was founded on slavery and genocide to protect the rights of European colonizers to flourish. We have a sad history of domination and exploitation. Our democracy has been for few rather than all. Authoritarianism rears its ugly head when attempts are made to create a more equitable society, to right past wrongs.

Our sovereignty has been preserved and we live in peace, but we teeter on the brink of autocratic rule. Complacency is our biggest enemy in preserving our fragile 235 year old democracy. We must not ignore our responsibility to educate ourselves using facts and science to vote and encourage our family, friends and neighbors to participate in our basic right. It is important to elect people who represent their constituents and not just the corporate interests of their party. This goes for both Democrats and Republicans.

I am grateful that I live in the United States - I mourn for others who cannot live peacefully in their countries that are torn by war and conflict.

The refrain from Yoko Ono and John Lennon's song "All we are saying, is give peace a chance" has never rung more true than in today's world.