War,Peace and Justice for All

It has often been stated that, in times of war the first casualty is the truth. If we look around us, the sad reality of the world is that we are at war. War is everywhere, the worldwide war on terror, civil unrest in Haiti and Sudan, brutal dictatorships in Burma, Eritrea, communal violence in Thailand and India, and daily bloodshed in Israel-Palestine. War is out there, much of the world is currently affected by war, violence and brutality.

Logically, this would mean that the world is also experiencing a profound lack of truth, manipulation of facts, and the distortion of reality. Indeed, a parallel front of this phenomenon of global war, is the propaganda war. With the unprecedented flow of information around the world, ideas and beliefs, truths and untruths are being spread like wildfire. The necessisity to influence public opinion during war is nothing new, its quite rudimentary in fact, if you want people to support your side in a battle, it is important for them to believe in your cause.

The problem is, often in a conflict one side spreads lies about another or distorts facts, to justify their battle against them. This has the effect creating a mentality of good and evil, or us versus them. Sadly, this often creates intense hatred, intolerance and prejudice but worst of all, blinds people to their own atrocities and wrongdoings. In a conflict, there are always at least two sides of the story and both sides passionately feel that they are right. However, what do you do when neither side feels that they have done any wrong?

Culture and religion, something people cling to with sheer passion, provide a excellent way to whip people into an irrational frenzy, by highlighting supposed differences or a perceived threat, which in turn is often used to justify a swift and brutal response. Furthermore, by identifying an entire group as an enemy, they are effectively stripped of their human value or worth, paving the way for an acceptable demise.

In the aftermath of September 11th, much ink has been spilled on looking at the philosophical differences between religions, and how some may or may not be inherently violent or oppressive. After reading about how different, in a negative sense, the "other side" is, many people start to actually believe that maybe there are some inherent flaws with people of different cultures and creeds. This is where the truth becomes sacrificed, when only one side of the story, from one perspective is told and introspection is not practiced, nor encouraged.

It's true that Muslims were guilty of committing the September 11th terrorist attacks, against the United States. There is no denying this, but to use this as an example to label all Muslims as violent, is not only non-sense but untrue. Not so long ago, there was a group of people that believed in racial and religious superiority, and the need to cleanse the earth of a so-called "inferior" race. Their leader was a devout Christian who frequently quoted the bible and spoke of doing God's work. His name was Adolph Hitler.

Shocking, you say, well not really. Throughout history people have used religion to justify acts of violence and oppression. In a far away country in South-east Asia called Burma, the military rulers of the country, that can been seen on the nightly newscasts going to pagodas and expressing their devotion to Buddhism, are the same people who routinely use extreme violence and brutality including, the systematic rape of women, to subjugate their own people. But, isn't Buddhism a peaceful religion, not like Islam or Christianity?

Yes, it is confusing but let us further our spiritual inquiry on to India, an ancient society with a Hindu majority, home to the great leader of non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi. Also, a choice destination where western tourists, disenchanted with their lives pay enormous sums of money, to visit the various temples and ashrams, to embark on a quest in search of god. Call it a coincidence, but the state of Gujarat, where Gandhi was born, is the very same place where in 2002, Hindu fanatics brutally massacred up to 3000 people in a matter of days.

These are just a few examples of atrocities committed by each religion. Countless more examples can be found for each. It would be pointless to do some kind of bodycount to see who has killed less, thereby being a more "righteous" religion. The point is they have all done wrong. This close minded mentality of condemning an entire religion or race, for the actions of certain individual members of that faith or, thinking that you are better than those that are different, without analyzing the faults of your own people, is intolerance, plain and simple.

One would be extremely hard pressed to find a single, religious or cultural group, around the world that has not unleashed some horror or violence on the world. The world is filled with good and bad, but we cannot say it is because of race or religion. Similarly, there have been great people from all races, religions and sexes. If you actually look, they are living among us in our communities. Don't let the actions of some, tarnish the reputation an entire group. We must challenge those who fuel the flames of hatred and smash intolerance and bigotry, before our hatred and violence consume us all. Often those who do promote hate have selfish motives such as attaining power.

If we as one entire human race cannot accept that all people have done wrong and continue divide each other into groups, only to blame one another, then we will never rid ourselves of the plague of violence and hate. In these times of war and hate we need radical new thinking to solve conflicts. If both sides in a conflict are incapable of admitting their faults and are unwilling to start taking measures to redress them, then the battle will indefinitely rage on. We have seen it time and time again, neither side will budge so no progress is made.

It's time to take a stand and unite with our brothers and sisters around the world. If the corrupt have used war and religion and race divide to us, let the lessons of history and the truth unite us. We all live on this planet together, let's rise above these man made lies and propaganda and fight for unity and equality and stop the violence and hate.

The battle rages on, its time to stand up for what is right!