“All ‘isms’ run out in the end, and good riddance to most of them, patriotism for example,” wrote Frederick Buechner, an American writer, novelist, poet, autobiographer, essayist, preacher, and theologian, “The only patriots worth their salt,” he continued, “are the ones who love their country enough to see that in a nuclear age it is not going to survive unless the world survives. True patriots are no longer champions of Democracy, Communism, or anything like that but champions of the Human Race.” Frederick Buechner, may he rest in peace, penned these words long ago, but how true they ring today.
The statistics are staggering:
There are currently 56 armed conflicts with at least 10 major wars causing significant casualties and displacement. The Ukraine-Russia war has caused a minimum of 500,000 casualties. The Sudan civil war tallies more than 150,000 killed and more than 10 million displaced. More than 40,000 have been killed in the Gaza conflict.
Civilians account for 50% of casualties, with a disproportionate number of children affected. Around 200 million children live in high density conflict zones.
Global military spending is $2 trillion annually.
Last week, Deborah Levine, author, Holocaust educator, opinion columnist, posed a question on Facebook: What does July 4th mean to you? I responded:
This year I’m thinking for me it means celebrating the pockets of good that still exist in this country and all the folks who are seeking to move past the chaos and hatred to reestablish governance that is based on integrity, compassion, reason.
Perhaps I could add to that list: and seeking to root out the weeds of war and plant the seeds of peace. Albert Einstein so aptly said:”We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if mankind is to survive.”
To my American readers, prayers for a safe holiday weekend. To my readers around the world, many of us recognize that all that is going on here has impact on you and your wellbeing. Blessings on all those who affirm good and resist what undermines the human race.
The invitation is open to share two cups of tea anytime at Hope’s Café or anywhere you share companionship and conversation.
May we be bearers of hope, the “wait staff” at Hope’s Café, for each other and all those we encounter. Shalom, Kate
Hope's Cafe 