Libya & Egypt

"Non-violence is the law of our species as violence is the law of the brute.  The spirit lies dormant in the brute and he knows no law but that of physical might.  The dignity of man requires obedience to a higher law - to the strength of the spirit." - 'The Doctrine of the Sword', Young India, 11 Aug. 1920 (from The Essential Writings of Mahatma Gandhi edited by Raghavan Iyer)

It is with sadness but no surprise that I watch the brief civil uprising in Libya crumble.  When the 'protesters' became 'rebels,' the end was in sight.  Gadhafi could claim that he was not killing 'civilians' but 'armed insurgents,' and there is enough truth in that to stymie those who would lend aid. 

In Egypt, the protesters struggled with how to react to violence from the government.  We watched them struggle and we watched them choose non-violence.  This choice opened the heart of the world to the Egyptian people.

The situation in Libya is undoubtedly very different from Egypt.  I am certain that many, many unarmed, peaceful people would have died in Libya before Gadhafi gave up power.  But many people have still died and many more will die.  And which ever side in this civil war wins, my heart will go out to the victims of the fighting on both sides, the women and children caught in the middle, and not the victors.  My spirit does not go out to the armed men on either side.

The spirit of humanity versus the spirit of the brute. 

The Contribution of Non-Violence

"Dr. Mott: 'What do you consider to be the most valuable contribution that India can make to the progress of the world?
Gandhi: Non-Violence."  - Interview with Dr. John Mott, Young India, 21 Mar. 1929

And what a valuable contribution it has been.  Gaddafi condemned and sanctioned for killing peaceful civilians.  The amazing video of the lone man standing up to the tanks in Tiananmen.  Rosa Parks and lunch counters and the Edmund Pettus Bridge.  Draft card burners.  Labor unionists occupying the Wisconsin State Capital.

The list goes on and on.

And in my own life, my wife and I ride our bicycles for ten years and don't own a car.  We decide to become foster parents.  I write scripts and novels and poetry that emphasis non-violent methods for resolving problems.  (They don't sell, but that's a whole different can of worms.) 

I know in these blogs, I have often written about my failings (and they are legion), but there are many, many successes.

And that's why I started and continue this blog.  It is one of my daily disciplines to help me remember what is important in my life today.  I consider it prayer.

Difficult Times

"These are difficult times.  If all want power who will render silent service?"  Notes to Baba Raghavdas (H.), Hindustan, 16 Apr. 1946

This morning I did the dishes, kissed my wife, took the girls to school.  I realized that I needed to find some way to give each a morning affirmation before the pain and boredom of their daily grind was fully upon them.  They are so weary, broken, and angry before their days in class.  It's hard to watch them get out of the car and drag themselves toward the entrance.  It makes me sad.

I planned dinner for friends tonight and shopped.  I cleaned the girl's bathroom so that our guests would not know what slobs we are.

I checked my email.

I listened to the latest news from Libya.  I wonder if I could stand, non-violently, when a madman's thugs show up with machine guns to kill all who protest against him.

And if a man broke into my house to rape my daughters, or kill my wife, or just to steal my TV, what would I do?

I'm glad these are not decisions I have to make today.  I'm glad my choices are cleaning floors, and cooking meals, and having lunch with a friend.

Difficult times, indeed.