Hermann Gonng
Naturally the common people don't want war... but after all it is the leaders of a country who determine the policy,
and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament,
or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy.
All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked,and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country
to danger. It works the same in every country.
....found inside an old academic magazine in 1998
Mediator Ken Cloke
...yet because conflict has no border, nor does compassion, nor our capacity to make a difference, we can only choose whether we will be distant, helpless
victims of what we regard as other people's tragedies, or active participants in resolving disputes in our own family, regardless of where they may occur.
More importantly, if we cannot learn to resolve our conflicts without war, coercion, grief, and injustice,
we will find ourselves unable to survive, either as a species or as a planet. By responding to international conflicts in preventative, heartfelt,
and systemic ways, we prepare the groundwork for the next great leap in human history - the leap into international cooperation and coexistence without war.
Through these efforts, we may hope someday to achieve the transformation promised in a pamphlet published by the South African Truth and Reconciliation
Commission:
Instead of revenge, there will be reconciliation.
Instead of forgetfulness, there will be knowledge and acknowledgement.
Instead of rejection, there will be acceptance by a compassionate state.
Instead of violations of human rights, there will be restoration of the moral order and respect for the rule of law.
Let's make it happen, starting with us.
.... from http://www.mediate.com/articles/cloke5.cfm in August 2005
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