Generosity as a National Policy
I generally enjoy John Dear's column in the National Catholic Reporter, but this one (column of June 5, 2007) is so good it must be shared. It's good in the sense that it's well-written, but it's also good; i.e., moral. Don't you think it would also be far more practical than what we're doing right now? It would make a huge difference in Iraq; it would make a huge difference in the third world; and we might actually reclaim some international respect.
posted by Deacon Denny @ 11:17 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
Thanks for the link. It is a good idea. I especially like the having Muslim forces take over in Iraq, and the new Marshal plan. Maybe if the democrats win the presidential election, there will be a chance that a little of this could come to pass?
John Dear is such a good example for me. He is willing to say and do the stuff that is right, even when it gets him in trouble. I read his books and sort of cringe inside, knowing that I will never have the courage he has.
John Dear IS a good example. And yes, I think he's courageous. But it REALLY helps being surrounded by a community of friends, when one is stepping out on the limb a bit.
In the '70's here in the Seattle area, the government was building the Trident submarine base at Bangor, and there were a lot of groups that were trying to stop the building of Trident, on the grounds that it is really an OFFENSIVE weapon (in other words, since it can strike from close to an enemy's boarders, it can essentially destroy an enemy's ability to retaliate).
What made the difference to so many people was that sense of community. There was also a lot of training in non-violent resistence, and a lot of time spent in decision-making by concensus.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that as isolated individuals, it's very difficult to take principled stands on things. You need support and encouragement, and you also need other like-minded people to give the important constructive criticism that you need when you're so far "out there."
It also helps to have friends who will raise bail for you! :)
Ha :-)
I came to know about John Dear and Pax Christi when I asked a Jesuit friend if he knew any peace activists. The friend had been a marine before he joined the Jesuits, and now he's an army chaplain, but he still admired Dear for his integrity.
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