Letter From the Editor: Frustrated Peace Advocates Must Continue to Strive for Change

My daily ritual of newspaper reading is cancelled. I simply cannot stomach the reports about the war every morning. Instead, I read a few days' news all at once, and then feel sick for the remainder of the day. Schedule-wise, it works out better to be sick every few days, because I can schedule news reading recovery time around my classes. Death seems to be everywhere. When I read about the war, I find it difficult to concentrate on simple tasks for while a while afterward.

In a recent phone conversation, my father mirrored the admonishment that other relatives and friends have directed at me, saying, "Well, don't let it get to you." How am I supposed to go about being unaffected by the events of the world - specifically an unjust war being waged by our government? People choosing to "not let it get to them" seems to be the problem, rather than the solution - it encourages apathy and inaction.

And yet, even those who are deeply troubled by the war in Iraq seem to feel helpless to stop it. They search for new ways to protest and innovative approaches to rallying support for peace, but are often unsatisfied with their options. It is easy to become frustrated and to carry around the weight of your feelings with you constantly. My suggestion is that we try to make positive changes where we can as often as possible. This includes continuing to protest, to write to congressional representatives and to talk to others about peace… but I am also referring to creating positive change in other areas.

The world can use all the positive energy it can get at this point, so try focusing your energy toward community building, encouraging tolerance, and helping those around you as well as working toward peace. The interconnectedness of all of these activities is incredible. When you decide to work for positive change in the world, you help to create the world.

But, if you are still looking for specific ways to oppose the war, I have a suggestion: take action to oppose companies that are trying to profit from the war. No, I am not talking about the companies that are getting bids to reconstruct Iraq. I am talking about the companies selling war souvenirs that are being pitched as patriotic wares. For instance, the Highland Mint is selling "Operation Iraqi Freedom" silver collectors coins. They feature a quote from President Bush, and can be purchased for just $39.95 a piece. Also widely available are an assortment of "Support our Troops" T-Shirts with animated pictures and slogans. There is one being sold online that features a red, white, and blue animated hand making a peace sign - the caption reads: We're Back. Iraq 2003.

It looks like a concert T-Shirt. Buy a souvenir so you can remember the war, because when it's over, what do you have but memories? This is no good…