Violence and hatred can in no way lead to peace and brotherly love. How much damage must be done in order to realize that we have been going at this the wrong way? How much blood must be spilled before we realize that raising arms against one another will only lead to those arms bringing destruction until ultimately they bring the destruction to those bearing said arms? Why do we look at Social and political leaders such as Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. and call them weak? Why are we so near sighted that we cannot see that if we overthrow anything with violence it will only lead to more violence?
Life is worth living, ironically the value of life is so heavily weighed that life itself is worth dying for, but it should never lead to a life worth killing for. Once you cross that fine line you become one of the oppressors. The individual that uses might to prove a point only does so because they lack the strength to do otherwise. In a true test of strength only the strong willed will survive, anyone can shoot a bullet at another living being, but only few can withstand the test of self-restraint in order to achieve peace. The ultimate goal in our daily lives should be to live in the moment while setting the foundations of tomorrow. How, then, can we expect to a better future if the foundations we set are based on hating an enemy, internally or externally? We must stop pointing fingers at each other and show solidarity in our ideals. We must not accept our rights to be taken away from us, but we cannot defend our rights by taking the rights of others away. If every time someone strikes us, we strike back it will give cause for more strikes. However, to take those strikes and negative emotions and move on, without retaliating in the same way is to show true strength. Do not submit, be strong but strong willed not strong armed. Show respect for life, even when that respect is not granted to you. This is not a sign of weakness it is a sign of truly understanding that we are ready to build the proper foundations for a health and brighter future.
I do not expect many people to agree with me, in fact, I know most won’t. But I have faith that within time all the people that believe I am too soft, or don’t have a grasp on reality, or don’t understand the politics or history of the region will too believe in what I am saying. Once people can let go of the violence and hatred in their hearts they will read this differently. Before I end this I would like to leave you with this one thought: throughout history it has taken bold men to challenge the way of thinking, way of life and most of those men have died for their cause; but at least paved the way for future generations to carry on their battles. I may not be a Gandhi or a Martin Luther King Jr. but I am someone who believes in the greater good of humanity and that we can overcome any obstacle with the kindness and respect. Let our weapon of choice be knowledge and respect.
It is easier to deal with a wound of the flesh than it is to deal with a wounded conscience.
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