A Tribute to LEADERSHIP
Today is a day of hope. How refreshing it has been to see how differently people respond when we talk with one another vs. bomb, maim, and destroy. When has violence built trust and mutual respect? When has the policy of the powerful outwardly, publicly, working to humiliate, degrade and isolate others brought about enduring peace for all people?
Who knows what went on behind the scenes to free the British soldiers in Iran, but I must say it was hopeful and refreshing to watch diplomacy in action from Great Britain in recent days ---- a peace-generating method that we've seen so infrequently in the last six years. This pending diplomatic resolve and result was perhaps a poignant moment of human redemption for Tony Blair symbolized by his remarks of reconciliation with IRAN---- thanking the Iranian people, making a sincere statement of respect for the Iranian culture and its people, and more importantly, communicating with the Iranian people that "any disagreement we have with your government, we wish to resolve peacefully through dialogue."
Even Iran's Ahmadinejad, also in a diplomatic stance spoke, "Under the influence of the Muslim Prophet forgives these 15 people and gives their freedom to the British people as a gift."
How have we forgotten the powerful tool of calm, respectful dialogue?
As I've watched the situation unfold, I flashed on Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Desmond Tutu's council to both Bush and Blair in 2004, challenging them to "Apologize for the 'Immoral' War" in Iraq (Independent/UK by Nigel Morris), which has a stunning parallel in what has transpired with the release of the British soldiers:
"Delivering the Longford Lecture, sponsored by The Independent, the emeritus Archbishop of Cape Town will argue that the turmoil after the war proved it is an illusion to believe that "force and brutality" leads to greater security.
How wonderful if politicians could bring themselves to admit they are only fallible human creatures and not God and thus by definition can make mistakes. Unfortunately, they seem to think that such an admission is a sign of weakness. Weak and insecure people hardly ever say 'sorry'.
It is large-hearted and courageous people who are not diminished by saying: 'I made a mistake'. President Bush and Prime Minister Blair would recover considerable credibility and respect if they were able to say: 'Yes, we made a mistake'."
Sparking a New Beginning?
Could this be a sign of HOPE for the world that we are reaching the tipping point, where we redeem ourselves, recognizing that we are designed to live together in peace not war? Oh, many will argue otherwise. "It has always been that way! "War has a purpose," I am often told. I agree! It does indeed! It kills and maims and destroys --- and it robs the many, filling the pockets of the few. The more difficult realization is that it is only through US --- yes, you and me --- that peace has a chance. It will be our collectively change in consciousness and our voices, actions and determination that will stop the madness we are paying for in human treasure, hard-earned dollars and quality of life for all people.
Another hopeful sign comes in Speaker Nancy Pelosi bold act of BIG LEADERSHIP this week, opening perhaps a pathway for communication and a new peace process. It is curious how this progress comes with White House rebukes, stating that such diplomacy is undermining the BUSH strategy to isolate Syria. President BUSH's isolation and war techniques so far has not produced results or peace. Although, Nancy Pelosi's "results achieved" may seem measurable small, it is through the cracks in the darkness that new light can come in to begin paving a new pathway of possibility. All acts of responsible leadership should be applauded.
As we move through this time of rebirth around the world, there are lessons to take with us. Last night, at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, the globally known house of prayer for all people --- the one that opened its doors to all faiths as a place of dialogue --- held a Stations of the Cross service during Holy Week. It was a moving experience. I was particularly struck by Jesus words to us about our acts of violence, spoken in his final journey, "Put your sword back in its place...for all who draw the sword will die by the sword."
Dialogue as an Alternative to War
Dialogue as an alternative to war builds understanding, acceptance and ownership for new possibilities of peace. If you don't believe it, see the shining example of the Interfaith Encounter Association (IEA) in Jerusalem in articles I wrote some time back, MIDDLE EAST PEACE TALKS and PEACE TALKS IN JERUSALEM. They demonstrate what people can do when we are freed from governments to be together. The example teaches us what Gandhi spoke about: "It may be long before the law of love will be recognized in internal affairs. The machineries of governments stand between and hide the hearts of one to another."
King Hussein of Jordon also affirmed what we have witnessed with the gatherings in Jerusalem. In his life's work, we can learn from his leadership and powerful experience of dialogue vs. war. "We decided on a dialogue between our people... I often witnessed the wonderful discovery that occurs when people suddenly realize that they are the same, that their problems are the same, that their fears are the same, that their hopes are the same, that their aspirations are the same."
As we finish this week, it seems we have an opportunity to celebrate the power of dialogue in bring us to a place of mutual respect, forgiveness, redemption and HOPE for a better more equitable and peaceful world for all people.
Debbe
Debbe Kennedy
author and founder
Global Dialogue Center and Leadership Solutions Companies
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