So how do we deal with this thing called War?

Ok, first off, I do acknowledge that war is sometimes unavoidable, as much as I hate to say that. Hopefully one day in the future, this sad fact will no longer be true... And I do recognize the bravery of the soldiers who fight for peace and protection of one's homeland and the sacred human rights of all individuals, this is a very patriotic and honorable act and I see it as such.

However, what if I was to suggest that you can be just as patriotic, honorable, and courageous fighting for peace (and for your country) off the battlefield? Many interpersonal conflicts arise out of a lack of true understanding, education, and appreciation of the 'other'. What if your actions, interfaith dialogue, intercultural dialogue, and interest in bettering the human condition on all sides (not just your own), what if these things prevented a war in the first place? Even if just one war, in just one region of the globe; for good -- like evil-- has a way of multiplying rapidly. Even in Israel and the Palestinian territories, for example, the majority of 'regular' Israelis and Palestinians just want peace. Period.

If serving one's country on the battlefield is honorable, how much more so preempting the need for loss of life in the first place? And this can only be achieved by bettering the human condition and making lives better on both sides. Fighting for the hearts of both your own people and the civilian opposition, for what we have in common is far more than the few little things that make us different.

Now, if only more military leaders and right wing activists would hold my view. Hmmm...perhaps if I sent them a basket of cheese and wine, with an envelope saying "Please open me when you're feeling sufficiently happy". My ideas would be inside, of course ;) Or perhaps I should rent them a Big Bounce. How can you be upset or angry on a Big Bounce? Better yet, I should get the leaders from both sides of a conflict together for a Bouncy talk/"play date" or an afternoon at Disney World, and they'd end up laughing so much they'd shake hands afterwards and work out their differences. I wish...may it be soon, in our time!