09/09/06 Observe fifth anniversary with pledge of peace
Submitted by WNPJ member Jean McElhaney
While Monday, Sept. 11, is the fifth anniversary of terrorist attacks in the U.S., it is also the 100th anniversary of satyagraha, the name given to Gandhi's path of strategic nonviolent resistance to injustice. It can be translated as "the force of truth and love or nonviolence."
Three thousand people gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sept. 11, 1906, in response to discriminatory laws against Indian nationals. Gandhi and his colleagues vowed that while they would never submit to the degrading laws, they would remain nonviolent. Ultimately they were successful. He demonstrated a way to break the cycle of violence.
Our government has responded to the violence of Sept. 11 with more violence. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have led to far more deaths than the terrorist attacks. They were based on lies and have fostered anti-American sentiment that endangers us. The cycle of violence continues.
We mark anniversaries to remember, to mourn, to celebrate and to learn. Let's remember these two paths, mourn the dead, celebrate the birth of satyagraha, and learn more about truth and nonviolence. We like to believe we value peace and love. Then let's act accordingly; let's break the cycle of violence. We can view and discuss the movie Gandhi with friends, support organizations that promote nonviolence, or participate in a nonviolent campaign to stop the war in Iraq. See Declarationofpeace.org or contact the Wisconsin Network of Peace and Justice.
-- Jean McElhaney, Lone Rock
Wisconsin State Journal
Sept. 9, 2006While Monday, Sept. 11, is the fifth anniversary of terrorist attacks in the U.S., it is also the 100th anniversary of satyagraha, the name given to Gandhi's path of strategic nonviolent resistance to injustice. It can be translated as "the force of truth and love or nonviolence."
Three thousand people gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sept. 11, 1906, in response to discriminatory laws against Indian nationals. Gandhi and his colleagues vowed that while they would never submit to the degrading laws, they would remain nonviolent. Ultimately they were successful. He demonstrated a way to break the cycle of violence.
Our government has responded to the violence of Sept. 11 with more violence. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have led to far more deaths than the terrorist attacks. They were based on lies and have fostered anti-American sentiment that endangers us. The cycle of violence continues.
We mark anniversaries to remember, to mourn, to celebrate and to learn. Let's remember these two paths, mourn the dead, celebrate the birth of satyagraha, and learn more about truth and nonviolence. We like to believe we value peace and love. Then let's act accordingly; let's break the cycle of violence. We can view and discuss the movie Gandhi with friends, support organizations that promote nonviolence, or participate in a nonviolent campaign to stop the war in Iraq. See Declarationofpeace.org or contact the Wisconsin Network of Peace and Justice.
-- Jean McElhaney, Lone Rock
Submitted by wnpj on Thu, 09/14/2006 - 11:24am.