Competing Voices


It was refreshing to read Kaye’s invitation to reflect on the question Parker Palmer raised in his book Let Your Life Speak:  “Is the life I’m living the same as the life that wants to live in me?”  Coming as it did on May 1st those words provided a welcome antidote to the outburst of “patriotism” in this country which also began on that day.

Kathy Kelly, a co-coordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence, quoted Matt Daloisio in an article published on the Common Dreams website

Matt co-coordinates the Witness Against Torture Campaign.  Both of them gave voice to a different view of global politics. "Ten years," Matt wrote. "Over 6000 US Soldiers killed. Trillions of Dollars wasted. Hundreds of thousands of civilians killed. Tens of thousands imprisoned. Torture as part of foreign policy. And we are supposed to celebrate the murder of one person? I am not excited. I am not happy. I remain profoundly sad."

Finally, another voice, belonging to Martin Luther King, Jr. almost 50 years ago, said: “I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

Whose voices are you listening to during these Easter days?

Ruth Poochigian, O.P.
Madison WI

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