2 posts tagged “justice”

I’m starting a blog where I’m going to try to put into words my belief system as a pacifist along with thoughts on politics, philosophy and theology.  It should be an interesting adventure to write, I do wonder if anyone will read it.  My beliefs are so much in the minority in this society, though disgust for the war in Iraq is growing.  There is much that I feel needs to be said, so I’m going to set about saying my part at least. 

http://croseprose.blogspot.com/

Also, if anyone is interested in following our adoption journey as we begin the process of bringing home our children from Colombia, this is where you can keep up on the details.

http://shenkmullett.blogspot.com/

Hi all you lovely voxers!  How on earth are ya?

We went to see Desmond Tutu speak.  And it was good.  Actually, there were parts of it I found kind of fascinating in a sick sort of way.  All the presenting of awards and resolutions and flowery words of congratulations and glory, laud and honor… well…  It kind of made me a little sick.  I mean Desmond Tutu is human.  Not a god.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I respect what the man did and his current work for peace and restorative justice, AIDS and other issues.  He has my absolute deepest personal respect.  But what seems to be unsettling in the back of my mind is that it wasn’t that long ago that this man was living the hunted life.  And where were these self same individuals who were stumbling over themselves the compliment him at this event?  Were they involved in the struggle?  Did they speak out back then?  When the situation was life and death for many black South Africans?

When the little man walked into the arena the place went crazy wild with a thunderous noise.  And just for a moment a room full of diverse individuals were altogether pacifists with a shared deep respect for Dr. Martin Luther King, Ghandi, Mandela and yes…  Desmond Tutu.  For a moment, there was a whole group of people who together saw and abhorred the evils of racism, poverty and the use of violence in the earth.  And for that brief moment I was transported with delight.  But tomorrow…  Well, count me a realist, a cynic, even a jerk if you like…  but will these six thousand people be pacifists tomorrow?  Will they speak out about the Iraq war tomorrow?  Will there be any talk of justice – not western retributive justice – but the redress and restorative justice that restores balance?  Will there be any talk of putting an end to poverty tomorrow?  Of changing our world and leaving it a more beautiful and peaceful place for our children?  Or will these six thousand people go back to a normal American life where African conflicts are a world away, voting for individuals who will chose violence with the goal of peace, and torture, rendition, Gitmo and other abhorrent atrocities are used by OUR OWN GOVERNMENT?!  The fruit of peace never grows on the tree of violence.  Never did, never will. 

So I have mixed feelings about the event where we heard Desmond Tutu speak.  For a brief moment we had a glimpse of a world – not as it is – but as it could be.  And it was good.  It was the triumph of good over evil, shining light over the dark void, enlightenment over ignorance.  We applauded this man who stood strong and true in a dangerous and dark world with blood and pain all around – half a world away – while we went about our lives.  It’s easy to jump on a hero after he’s proved himself.  But while he is in a dangerous place all by himself – standing firm – then he’s just another lunatic.  And the world didn’t bow at his door then as they do now.

Ok, really, if I’d have had the chance to hear Desmond Tutu speak, minus all the pomp and circumstance – I’d take that chance.  This was not that.  Oh well.  He’s energetic and enthusiastic and a joyful and slightly irreverent man.  I adored his message and I hope it turns up on Youtube somewhere.  I have the slight feeling that it’s the same speech for every honor he receives, and the list is so long that his mind couldn’t list them – even if he had the heart to try.  Something in me still resists this though.  Sure, it’s easy to jump on this band wagon and bless this man now that he has survived and become very popular.  But what about back then?  When the injustice was fresh and bloody?  Evil triumphs when good people remain silent.  And for those who were silent about ‘just another bloody African conflict’ back then, shouldn’t get to stand on stage and laud this man now.   But of course I don’t know all these wonderful Majors, Trustees, Ambassadors and other such grand poobas and big cheeses.  Maybe I’m just being a harsh judge for people I do not know.  Who am I to judge anyway?

I’m still a pacifist.  I’m still mightily annoyed by the Iraq War, Gitmo, rendition, torture and a host of other evils perpetrated by my own government.  I struggle to put those thoughts into words and I may never do it as well as Desmond Tutu does, with as much grace or humor.  But tomorrow I’ll still be the same person as I was the night he spoke.  I’ll still be seeking to love justice, mercy and walk humbly – just like Desmond Tutu in the days when the battle raged at his doorstep.