From the Friends Committee on National Legislation Statement on the Peace Testimony and Ukraine, October 26, 2022
Unquoted possible interpretations by C. Jenny Walbridge; quotes from Statement
“We continue to seek to build the institutions of peace.”
We initiate and continue to uncover participation in the songs and games of peace. We realize that our living Planet (why not? Treating Earth as mechanistic is certainly creating problems for all!) wants to be known as a pleasant place to stay and dine, so desires that we get rid of starvation and rapine (in its meaning of seizing property—or body—of another. In harmony with American idealism of freedom to accumulate goods, equity can perhaps be reached through charity, where charity means sharing of substance, not surplus).
“Justice with peace requires binding frameworks of international law and restorative justice,…”
Living in justice—in peace—naturally follows from restorative justice and finding and nurturing our creative selves,
“…as well as global investment in violence prevention at the community level.”
…as well as global interest in positive expression of assertion at the community level and beyond, such as utilizing the fight-dance of Brazil—capoeira—to interact healthfully—and/or, sex.
“…Whichever way this war ends…”
…However this war ends, we are realistic that healing and sustainable peacemaking will naturally follow from the emotional movement and inspiration of people—and that can happen overnight! It will be defined by inclusivity (all are needed to play the song/game of to-get-Her: to finally understand, to feel our third rock from the sun in a way we’ve never been able to before). Also, it requires sustainable, expressive, documented processes from the international to the local or vice versa. Alternatively, it will occur all at once. We cannot imagine this event or series of happenings, but feel highly committed to its occurrence. We pledge to think about possible celebrations on a Planetary scale. If not fun, why done?
“We are ready to play our part[!]”
Alright!
Why I don’t support the war in Ukraine:
When Russia gave away, peacefully, many of its territories, no empire had ever done that before. Yet upon Gorbachev’s rule, the USA did nothing to support democracy in Russia, making Gorbachev look like a child. The ensuing environment supported oligarchs like Putin rising to power.
It would be better for the USA to treat people like Putin as individuals, not abstract personages. Putin, for example, is a macho guy. Putin plays the game, dressing in a suit like all of the rest of the world leaders, with the possible exception of the Arabs.
Zelensky, meanwhile, insists on wearing a comfortable-looking outfit—the attire of future heads of state and most citizens, possibly, when we finally realize we work/play better when more relaxed. He has charisma, but so does Putin—at least in the eyes of folks like Trump.
The USA and NATO teased Russia by communicating that they might put weapons near Russia, in Ukraine. From Putin’s point of view, this was a dare. I understand Putin’s discomfort with this arrangement; we are not a world of principles, or at least not fully; nations, today, have leaders, who are flesh and blood (and hormones).
I am aware that if we let this invasion happen, other abuses from other countries might follow—the precedent would be set. However, the Quaker value of refraining from killing should get consulted here—now that killing is going on, we need desperately to find common ground to halt it! When Putin intimates that he might be willing to step up to the table, we must put aside our macho USA-is-the-best-ness and tell Zelensky that he doesn’t have our support after the war unless Zelensky makes peace! because that is what world leaders do—does Biden know that? I would think so, he has been in the White House for many years. Alternatively, VP Harris should be guiding the President to treat people as human—with foibles; but human, nonetheless.
The situation—bullying—does not require any deaths to get resolved. Zelensky should know how to interact with Putin—Zelensky has been a comedian and actor; what has he learned from that experience?
After a major shot in the arm of the American defense industry, which has—sadly and despicably—been good for our economy, I assume, it is time now to posit about the future, and cleaning up Ukraine’s messes. That will cost money, I figure. However, my patience is running low, as our nation has its own expensive problems.
In the meantime, the USA is supporting a guy who was anti-government in Venezuela. We destabilized that country like we have done to others because they were not excited enough about the USA. Is the real world problem the attitude of our great country?
We the people must be willing to play! Tell that to all the guys, Zelensky, Putin—and Biden and the rest! Wise up, crack up—what’s so funny? Peace is active! The world is not static—not a chess game but water polo or capoeira instead! If not fun, why done? Okay, it’s ridiculous—let’s smile!
I heard that Putin wanted to be photographed bare-chested sitting on a horse. (I am a horse-lover, born in the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse. I told you he was macho.) I say, yes, let him! How to play together so people’s needs do not have to be met by bullying? They have these Akhal teke horses over there which have golden-shiny coats—the most beautiful horses in the world. How about a United Nations-declared international horse festival year to bring the nations into mutual admiration? I would support, research and plan this—and document it in art. How is that worse than war?
To negotiate—to work together to solve problems—requires humor and compassion—not just fingerpointing. It takes a bit of playing—together!