"The greatest of these is love"--it isn't just a sentiment for individuals, lovers and friends. It applies to nations and our global family, too! When the crazy time started with September 11, 2001, and the Bush administration began to threaten prosecuting a War on Terrorism in early 2002, my late Dad and I pounded a sign into his frozen yard saying, "War is not the answer!" In fact, warring becomes part of long-lasting hatred and intentions of revenge. I said it then, and I'll say it now--the best thing to do is to be more understanding and compassionate. Make THIS the job of the President of the United States...travel the world and visit with leaders and wise stakeholders to truly understand the issues, and act in ways that show compassion, courage, sensitivity, understanding and love to the people's of all nations. Until it hurts. Because war is not the answer. It creates much larger problems. If we are a nation founded on principles that respect the rights of our citizens and the humanity of all people, regardless of race, culture or creed--then it is intolerable when we are intolerant of others, and when we hurt others in the name of our own interests. I know this is not a simple or easy guideline, it is probably the most complex undertaking of all in a very complex time. But that's what it will take to bring a higher level of maturity to a hurting world, and to be ambassadors of love to those who hate. What would that look like? I don't know--but I want to see it.
Brian Carlsen
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