PASSIVE PACIFISTS

Some of us are pacifists. Not only that, some of us are passive pacifists -- leading us to resist the very idea of taking initiative, even toward peace. (I include myself in this group).

I know my passivism stems from things that happened in my childhood -- I was often disbelieved, because I made outrageously intelligent comments for one so young, and if not so much accused of lying, well, that is how it felt.

To this day, when confronted, the most natural reaction for me is to retract my head, turtle-like, and assume I've somehow made a mistake, am wrong, or have lied. rather than explain my position or fight for it. It is a gut reaction, and has nothing to do with the truth or untruth of what I have said -- if someone questions me, I must be in error. (Needless to say, starting a blog is quite a risky venture for me!)

Yet, at the same time, blogging feels safer than speaking. It takes time to think, and time to do. I can formulate my words, and people do not see my red face, which reddens more whether I am flustered, upset, or happy. In a blog, if a reaction to a confrontation becomes necessary, that, too, can be formulated over time, after the fear from the cowering inner child has been comforted.

How then, can we turn passive pacifists into activive pacifists?

I applaud the use of the "click this button and we'll send an email to your legislator" or the President, or whomever is in need of prodding toward a more acceptable political position. It has revolutionized political activism, especially for me.

But there is a need to make a greater impact than the email can do, and for the disabled. The physically, emotionally, and as in the topic today, the passive pacifist all need help to advance. We need to brainstorm, together, something stronger for them, to take the next step.

Some people cannot take the next step -- they cannot for example, pick up the phone and make a call - either from fear, or financial limitations. They cannot take the step to canvass their neighborhood -- because they physically are shut in, have trouble walking or standing, or, psychologically, cannot face another person, eye to eye.

Peace begins with Compassion, today, for those who are afraid. Let's all reach out collectively and give them the energy to grow beyond their passive pacivism.

I ask also for your support, your help and encouragement, as I myself try to grow beyond clicking the button and sending the email. Maybe I'll graduate to writing letters . . . someday.