Peace, pees, pais, paiz, pes

I rarely offer my opinion on the newest war (unless asked), because to do so is moot at this point, and 'tis guaranteed it will either offend or hurt someone else, because we all differ within our various viewpoints. Which is to be expected I think, because life is nothing if not interesting and the people are the best part of it all. My choices as an average citizen are what they've always been....to contact my governmental representatives, including even the office of the President and to join organizations that support my opinions. If I don't utilize at least those freedoms then all I am doing is spouting off and really not effectively trying to change things. If I'm not willing to direct my efforts either in support or opposition, to where my actions can have a realistic impact, than hot air is all I'm producing and no one needs that blowing in their face. If I've chosen to do these things, then I have to decide whether or not my friends, neighbors and relatives wish or need to hear my viewpoints. Especially in places or situations that do not lend themselves to debates or pontificating.


It's been intriguing to listen to my teenage kids compose their own thoughts about this whole situation. This is their first awareness of our country being involved in a war. Some days they make blanket statements without considering their words. Other days I can tell that they've been researching the topic and contemplating their words before they speak. I think that's the best thing I love the most about watching them mature into adults; their thoughts and how they share them now. I have to stop and consider my words before I voice them and they are learning to do the same. We have learned to remember that many people we come in contact with have relatives in the military, that they take great pride in them, as we most certainly do, and so their hearts are going to be understandably sensitive. We have learned to keep in mind that some people we meet live in countries other than the US. Therefore, their perceptions are going to differ from ours.

We are learning to accept that peace is like a multifaceted prism and it shines differently in an array of colors for every single person.

We have decided that we have to think, _really_ stop and think; because we are accountable for our words and for trying to peacefully integrate ourselves within our community and our families....

We need bridges and mending, not chasm creating and bridge destroying, hidden under a rainbow, ironically named Peace.


From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Peace \Peace\, n. [OE. pees, pais, OF. pais, paiz, pes, F. paix, L. pax, pacis, akin to pacere, paciscere, pacisci, to make an agreement, and prob. also pangere to fasten. Cf. {Appease}, {Fair}, a., {Fay}, v., {Fang}, {Pacify}, {Pact}, {Pay} to requite.] A state of quiet or tranquillity; freedom from disturbance or agitation; calm; repose; specifically: (a) Exemption from, or cessation of, war with public enemies. (b) Public quiet, order, and contentment in obedience to law. (c) Exemption from, or subjection of, agitating passions; tranquillity of mind or conscience. (d) Reconciliation; agreement after variance; harmony; concord. ``The eternal love and pees.'' --Chaucer.