Power, Peace & Politics

People often say, fight for what you believe in, fight for what you love, and for love. However, there seems to be a slightly contradicting message in these words. After all, fighting and war, and peace and love, are opposites in meaning.



Is war always bad? Is love always good? Is it wrong to fight for what we believe in, if it means we hurt others in the process? And of the same branch, is it wrong to fight for love, or something we love, if it means generating wars?



A example of a battle that currently is in effect is the American-Iraqi war. Am I a shameful American for admitting I have deep sympathy for those in the middle east? Hearing from some of the innocents there makes me feel such strong empathy. Their lives are in turmoil, bombings and gunfire are daily routines, and death numbers are appalling. We may be the other side of this war, but for the most part, we know little of what the war has brought upon them. While I do think there is much corruption in the middle east, who is to say, that we are not corrupted ourselves.



I have heard many people talk of president Bush as if he is the devil himself, simply because he initiated this war. A position of power, such as president though, will only ever be filled by a human being. A mere mortal. As humans, we all make mistakes, and when facing a critical decision, we do not, perhaps, always decide correctly. The difference is when those who are in power make errors in decision, the ramifications are far greater.



Power is like a double-edged sword, it can be abused, as well as, a fundamental aide in working for the greater good and for peace. Why is it though, that it seems people of power start more wars, than create peace?



Could it be that those who crave power, may often also crave fame and control, often also traits of a someone who is self-centered. After all, fame and power go hand in hand, and anyone who has no desires for fame, will most likely avoid placing themselves in position of power. And I don't imagine you can be a person who strongly hates controversy and nonetheless, run for president or another position of power. After all, politics are anything but harmonious. But it is those who are by nature and desire, peaceful, who would perhaps be most passionate and effective in obtaining peace on a larger scale.



Why though, would someone who truly seeks or lives in peace want to fight for a powerful position? Not only is fighting contradictory to the peaceful nature, but a political career or position of power will certainly disrupt their personal peace and place them in an environment of controversy and crisis.



Through all this talk of power though, I'm confess I am undecided on whether anyone should have control over another being's life? Are we not all human, who are any of us to play God and decide what another should do, or even whether one should live or die?



I have so many questions, and I feel, so few answers. I will admit that this topic is reaching beyond my capability in understanding, and perhaps I only sound flibbertigibbety speaking and sharing thoughts on it. However, I know that the best way to make sense of anything I don't understand is to think and talk about it. Perhaps you can enlighten me some with your own ideas, opinions and thoughts...



Additional questions that I would love to hear your opinions on: Do you believe under the right rule, with the right leaders instated, that world peace, or at least peace in country, is possible? Is any one of us truly worthy and deserving of immense power or control over a mass number of other people? Do you believe that at times that our government, and those who are in control, harm more than they help?



Photo Credits: All photographs shot by Wendy Bevan, and from Sharon (http://nearerthemoon.livejournal.com) & kissmesweet at www.thefashionspot.com