Peace or?

Other than the Cold War, my life has spanned 6 hot wars – World War II, Korean War, Vietnam ‘War,’ Afghanistan War and the Iraq Wars (2). There were minor skirmishes in other places like Panama and Granada but then there were other war like events in Somali, various parts of Africa and Micronesia.

When we think of peace, do we include ourselves? Or is our role as ‘Policeman to the World’ not war like, but peace building? Do we see it that way, assume it to be that way? Or are we not peaceful? Do we even think about this?

General Omar Bradley once said: “The world has achieved brilliance without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about killing than we know about living. If we continue to develop our technology without wisdom or prudence, our servant may prove to be our executioner.”

Those are strong words. But wise ones. Have we listened to them and adopted them? Are we more willing to go to war or go to peace?

It is easy to get upset with other nations who appear to be working at cross purposes to us; but then they must see us doing the same. China and the dissident Chen. Do we stand up for our principles and protect the man? Or do we leave China alone to deal with their public problem? Do we rub this problem in China’s face, or do we seek a civil and peaceful solution? Do we rave about American values and freedoms, and sneer at China’s lack of those? Which do you think is peace building? Which is war building?

We fought a terrible war in Vietnam. Most with history’s hindsight will agree it was a pointless war with no clear goals and no peaceful direction. But look at our relationship with Vietnam now! The trade and cultural exchange. The tourism. A bustling country built on the rubble of a long and disastrous war.

Are we building toward peace? Are we applying General Bradley’s observation to the reality of today’s world?

As we continue to live in the present and with our neighbors throughout the globe, we also need to think peace and intentionally construct the means of allowing it to happen. The first step might be developing tolerance. Acceptance of difference. Foreknowledge that we don’t and should not control what others think or do. Just so they don’t harm us. And no, trade imbalances don’t count!

Getting mad at another country, government culture or philosophy, is the first step leading to war, or at least lack of peace. We prepare for unpleasantness. We do not build calm. We allow emotion to distract our attention from the goal. And the goal is…what? Do we even know? Do we even do the homework to set meaningful goals? Or are we just intending that China or Russia or some other nation will not pose a problem for us, and if they do, watch out!

How much do we believe in the future? How much are we willing to do to ensure peace survives throughout the world? Do we really want peace? Do we understand what it is and what it means for us all?

I think not. The diplomatic corps has sustained significant losses of talent and wisdom over the past 30 years. Rebuilding that takes time to attract the talent, the well intentioned, and those educated well enough to understand the cultural differences of our partners. Our ambassadors and foreign affairs staff need to support peace as a goal with each partner nation; and to intentionally build partnerships with each nation.

The global economy has flattened the playing field greatly. We deliver our products and services throughout the globe and receive the same from throughout the globe. More and more we are the same; we are partners in trade and cultural exchange. We share mutual understandings. We grow to like and appreciate each other. We become friends. We allow differences among friends. We laugh and prosper together. We treat our sick and dying together.

Why then don’t we drop the war mindset and think peace?

Keep the military lithe and flexible. Prepared and well trained. Equipped and technologically savvy. But use them sparingly; as deterrent; as an asset of hope.

Will we be the ‘ethical infants’ or will we aspire to Chiefs of Peace?

May 7, 2012