perspectives

Learning from Gandhi

In several places in my home, I have small framed signs with one of Gandhi's messages strategically placed to catch my eye during the day, "My life is my message." It is interesting how those five words have shaped so many days --- so many actions --- so many decisions. They place the question of rightness to every action and decision. It is humbling on many days to realize that my humanness has kept me from living up to this proclamation in the way I wished I had.

GANDHI's Message
The story goes like this:
Gandhi remained silent one day a week. He was traveling on a train on the one day a week when he did not speak. A journalist came up to his window, screaming out to him, "Do you have a message for me to take back to my people." Gandhi scrawled a few words on a piece of paper and put them up in the window... "My life is my message."

Over the years as I've thought alot about the commitment this message takes, I realize that if each of measured our behavior by it every day with a new kind of consciousness about all we do, we could change the world in short order, don't you think? How many things would be different throughout the world? Think of it.

In my book, Putting Our Differences to Work, recount Gandhi's warning to us about the personal traits that are the most perilous to humanity. Imagine how we could change the realities today by changing and measuring our behavior and actions. I also introduce Five Distinctive Qualities of Leadership and propose each of us add them to our portfolio. The one that seems to embrace all the others is "make mutualism the final arbiter" for all actions and decisions (e.g., behavior, products, services, profit-making) measured by just six powerful words:

Everyone benefits; no one is harmed.

With this conscious shift in our thinking and actions, we could reverse those personal traits that caused Gandhi worry. Think of it...

• Wealth with Work
• Pleasure with Conscience
• Science with Humanity
• Knowledge with Character
• Politics with Principle
• Commerce with Morality
• Worship with Sacrifice

How does your life stack up and contribute to these virtues?
I leave you as I ponder this question myself.

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
founder, Global Dialogue Center
author, Putting Our Differences to Work

new book!
Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership and High Performance
by Debbe Kennedy ▪ Berrett-Koehler ▪ 2008 – Hardcover
ORDER a copy at AMAZON.COM

Putting Our Differences to Work was selected as as among
"the very top business books" for review in August, 2008.
Read it!

Also available in DIGITAL DOWNLOAD at Berrett-Koehler

Dr. MARTIN LUTHER KING's Wisdom for TIME OF WAR

IN COMMEMORATION of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Legacy
Young Martin
Original Oil Painting by Bay Area artist, Sally K. Green
www.sallykgreen.com, see leaders with a lasting impression

At this moment in our history, we have experienced a week where the realities of an escalating war are suddenly confronting our consciousness. Its truth is coming at us directly from governmental actions, in what appears an abuse of power, most likely covert plans and rumors of a deeper level of war, killing and destruction. It is as if Dr. Martin Luther King is speaking to us across time. He seems to be tapping us on the shoulder to remember for reasons that may be more important now than ever before in our lifetime.

Take in his wisdom...challenge yourself to step up to be part of creating that tipping point where all of us change our misdirected course, demanding that our country live up to its values. Peace doesn't come from war. War begets war. Hatred and violence multiplies hatred and violence. We must ask...
How can MORE KILLING hold the answers we seek?

CONSIDER DR. KING's WISDOM...

OUR ROLE IN PEACE
"When evil men plot, good men must plan. When evil men burn and bomb, good men must build and bind. When evil men shout ugly words of hatred, good men must commit themselves to the glories of love. Where evil men would seek to perpetuate an unjust status quo, good men must seek to bring into being a real order of justice."

LESSONS FROM WAR
"...The only change came from America, as we increased our troops commitments in support of governments which were singularly corrupt, inept, and without popular support. All the while, the people read our leaflets and received regular promises of peace and democracy and land reform.  Now they languish under our bombs and consider us...not the real enemy. They move sadly and apathetically as we herd them off the land of their fathers into concentration camps where minimal social needs are rarely met. They know that they must move or be destroyed by our bombs, and they go, primarily women and children and the aged. They watch as we poison their water, as we kill a million acres of their crops, and they wander into the hospitals with at least twenty casualties from American fire power to one ["enemy-inflicted"] injury. They wander into the towns and see thousands of children homeless, without clothes, running in packs on the streets like animals. They see the children selling their sisters to our soldiers, soliciting for their mothers."

ISN'T WINNING MORE ABOUT RULE OF LOVE not War?
"The past is prophetic in that it asserts loudly that wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows. One day we must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal. We must pursue peaceful ends through peaceful means. How much longer must we play at deadly war games before we need the plaintive pleas of the unnumbered dead and maimed of past wars?''

"Our freedom was not won a century ago, it is not won today; but some small part of it is in our hands... If we assume that life is worth living and that man has a right to survival, then we must find an alternative to war. In a day when vehicles hurtle through outer space and guided ballistic missiles carve highways of death through the stratosphere, no nation can claim victory in war."

BOOK REFERENCES and ARCHIVAL VIDEO of Dr. King's Wisdom
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Words of Martin Luther King Jr. and The Trumpet of Conscience
Selected by Coretta Scott King

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Visit to Grace Cathedral in 1965
Story and video of his message

What difference will you make to move us to the rule of love?
How will history record our response?

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
author and founder, President and CEO
Global Dialogue Center and Leadership Solutions Companies

New Book! Putting Our Differences to Work (June 2008)
Learn more: www.puttingourdifferencestowork.com

ECONOMY: Examining Our Wants and Needs

Yesterday on a newscast, I heard an economist suggest that the way to stop our economic troubles was for us to SPEND. My first question was who would benefit from this kind of spending? I admit I flashed back to few years ago when early indicators showed that we had economic troubles brewing, security in question, and an ill-conceived war raging out of control. President Bush invited us to "go shopping" as I recall. Since that time, much has happened in the world to demonstrate the lack of wisdom in such short-term fixes. The wake-up call was one I badly needed and I recognize that what I've seen has been just a tiny glimpse of the far-reaching reality of what we've created for ourselves and our human family across the world.

I've been reading in a book, The Lessons from St. Francis: How to Bring Simplicity and Spirituality into Your Daily Life. It seems much of our lives are driven by wants. BIG wants, not needs. I think many of us don't even realize how our wants have turned into greed and self-interest unknowingly --- and that our choices are having negative impacts our future, the environment, and the lives and future of others whose lives are filled with needs unfulfilled.
Have you given this any thought?

Author, John Michael Talbot offers this simple formula to help us distinguish between our wants and needs:

• Food is a need. But a medium-rare T-bone steak smothered in onions is a want.
• Clothing is a need. But a designer suit with matching shoes is a want.
• Housing is a need. But a split-level ranch house with a semiattached garage, walk-in closets, and three bathrooms is a want.

Not all wants are bad, he reminds us, but moving through life with a higher consciousness about them and their implications on others is where change begins.

"Live Simply so that others may simply live." ---Gandhi

St. Francis left us with his call to action. Bay Area artist, Sally K. Green, shares three of her original paintings in oil with St. Francis messages to us all:

• Brother Sun
• Saint Francis of Assisi
• Saint Francis of Assisi 2 with Jane Goodall

I leave you pondering my needs vs. wants.

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
founder, Global Dialogue Center
author, Putting Our Differences to Work:
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership, and High Performance
Learn more... www.puttingourdifferencestowork.com
Blog... www.globaldialoguecenter.blogs.com/differences

Sometimes It Feels Good To Stand UP and Be Counted

Last night as I watched the people of South Carolina stand up for a new kind of politics and a new kind of leadership, I felt something deep inside. The faces, the energy, the possibilities, the new thinking, and Barack Obama's inspiring message to us all brought a new level of HOPE for America and the world. I admit it, I sobbed --- mostly it felt like eight years of grief for the blood, loss, corruption, and human tragedy we have experienced watching what happens when a president sees war as his unilateral vision and drills it into the fabric of our country.

I also think part of it was the feeling of being duped by the Clintons. Over the years, I've had my struggles with their style of leadership. I am grateful for the good that came and I have been willing to forgive them for the disgrace and detour we were forced to endure during their reign because of Bill Clinton poor judgment. This past few weeks, I have been so disillusioned by their very deliberate attempt to diminish this young, powerful leader with vision that is igniting people all over the nation. One would expect so much more from two political elders, who have had they day and professed their beliefs in equality for all people. Bill's intentional "code words" were not unnoticed. As far as Hillary --- I can say, I look forward to seeing a woman in the White House someday, but I do not want a woman to win that brings the same shoddy, dirty tricks politics that men use as sport. I do not want a woman that lies or feels called to diminish anyone for her own political advantage. We can do better than this. Instead I envision a leader that will inspire the greatness in all of us --- by their own greatness in who they are and what they bring to leadership, not just in experience, but in character and practice day-to-day.

Caroline Kennedy's Op-Ed in the New York Times endorsing Barack Obama said so much about how it feels to me and others I talk to that have experienced what Barack and Michele are bringing to this year's presidential campaign. There has never been another time since John F. Kennedy that this country felt such possibility and responsibility because of a leader with a clear vision. I share it here as it shouldn't be missed:

A President Like My Father
by Caroline Kennedy
January 27, 2008

OVER the years, I’ve been deeply moved by the people who’ve told me they wished they could feel inspired and hopeful about America the way people did when my father was president. This sense is even more profound today. That is why I am supporting a presidential candidate in the Democratic primaries, Barack Obama.

My reasons are patriotic, political and personal, and the three are intertwined. All my life, people have told me that my father changed their lives, that they got involved in public service or politics because he asked them to. And the generation he inspired has passed that spirit on to its children. I meet young people who were born long after John F. Kennedy was president, yet who ask me how to live out his ideals.

Sometimes it takes a while to recognize that someone has a special ability to get us to believe in ourselves, to tie that belief to our highest ideals and imagine that together we can do great things. In those rare moments, when such a person comes along, we need to put aside our plans and reach for what we know is possible.

We have that kind of opportunity with Senator Obama. It isn’t that the other candidates are not experienced or knowledgeable. But this year, that may not be enough. We need a change in the leadership of this country — just as we did in 1960.

Most of us would prefer to base our voting decision on policy differences. However, the candidates’ goals are similar. They have all laid out detailed plans on everything from strengthening our middle class to investing in early childhood education. So qualities of leadership, character and judgment play a larger role than usual.

Senator Obama has demonstrated these qualities throughout his more than two decades of public service, not just in the United States Senate but in Illinois, where he helped turn around struggling communities, taught constitutional law and was an elected state official for eight years. And Senator Obama is showing the same qualities today. He has built a movement that is changing the face of politics in this country, and he has demonstrated a special gift for inspiring young people — known for a willingness to volunteer, but an aversion to politics — to become engaged in the political process.

I have spent the past five years working in the New York City public schools and have three teenage children of my own. There is a generation coming of age that is hopeful, hard-working, innovative and imaginative. But too many of them are also hopeless, defeated and disengaged. As parents, we have a responsibility to help our children to believe in themselves and in their power to shape their future. Senator Obama is inspiring my children, my parents’ grandchildren, with that sense of possibility.

Senator Obama is running a dignified and honest campaign. He has spoken eloquently about the role of faith in his life, and opened a window into his character in two compelling books. And when it comes to judgment, Barack Obama made the right call on the most important issue of our time by opposing the war in Iraq from the beginning.

I want a president who understands that his responsibility is to articulate a vision and encourage others to achieve it; who holds himself, and those around him, to the highest ethical standards; who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again that our country needs every one of us to get involved.

I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president — not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans.

Caroline Kennedy is the author of “A Patriot’s Handbook: Songs, Poems, Stories and Speeches Celebrating the Land We Love

It feels good to stand up and be counted.

How about you? What's you view?

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
author and founder, President and CEO
Global Dialogue Center and Leadership Solutions Companies

MICHAEL VICK's Apology: "There but for the Grace of God, go I."

I don't know much about Michael Vick. I admit I am not a sports fan. His reported behavior and abuse of dogs is beyond comprehension. However, I would like to cast the light on his public apology.

Michael Vick's public apology was one of the best --- and one of the first heart-felt apologies --- I've heard by any world leader, public official or celebrity in many years. It took a lot of courage for Michael Vick to stand up and make the admissions he made today on a public stage from his heart. I can't remember seeing such a "true confession" by a celebrity or leader at any level. No excuses. No half-truths. No blaming. His face and eyes and words came across as TRUTH and by doing so, he set a new standard for accepting responsibility for one's mistakes, poor judgment and its implications on the lives of others --- and in this case the lives of innocent animals. Thank you, Michael Vick.

What's been ringing in my ears for days when I've heard the reports on Michael's case is "There but for the Grace of God, go I." The reports that have been the most distressing are the ones with finger-pointers with their mean words thrown out carelessly, blaming, calling him names and yelling in modern day terms, "Crucify him." It makes me wonder about our capacity for compassion for one another. I wonder if those with mean-spirited words for Michael Vick have examined their on lives lately? Or if any of them have ever stood up publically with such courage?

Every time I've thought about his mom and family, or imagined how devastating it must be for him to wake up in the morning, knowing he has demolished at least temporarily a pretty remarkable life with promise that he had going --- all in the name of momentary power and few poor decisions, because he could. It makes my heart ache for him.

______________________________________________________

"There but for the Grace of God, go I."
Inspired by following Michael Vick's story in the distance, Bay Area artist, Sally K. Green, traced the history of this famous quote that we hear so often and discovered it was said by John Bradford in a moment of compassion for someone else in the year circa 1555. She painted a painting of John Bradford today with the story to remind us to have compassion for others in the human family in distress.
Go see the painting and story.

______________________________________________________

MICHAEL VICK IN CONTRAST TO OUR LEADERS
It is interesting to contrast of Michael Vick's courageous apology with that of the lawyer written apologies, half-hearted apologies, or non-existent apologies of our most powerful leaders of the world.

As an example, Desmond TuTu commented sometime back on the value of saying we are sorry and the BIGNESS it takes to do so. He shared his perspective related to  George Bush's and Tony Blair's inability to make amends for their blunders in the Iraq War. Desmond TuTu shared his comments several years ago --- the war rages on with no end in sight --- and no apology or admission of wrong doing. One must note that there are far bigger implications and costs in lives of people, soldiers, and animals in their mistakes, as well as destruction of infrastructure, fraud, displacing millions of people from their homes, misappropriation of public funds, abuses to our fellow citizens, lies and poor judgment. But rumor has it that they won't be either accepting, or be held to any such accountability as Michael Vick is called to do. This is certainly a clear example of a double standard laws of our broken society and governments.

INSIGHTS FROM DESMOND TUTU
"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'.

...We've seen it at home in South Africa in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission when people who had made, I mean, perpetrated some of the most ghastly atrocities say, "Sorry." It has an incredible capacity to change the dynamics of a situation. Well, those of us who are married know just how difficult it is. It is the most difficult set of words to say in any language. I find it difficult to say it in the privacy of our bedroom, to say, "Sorry, darling, I -- yes, I'm sorry." But what it can accomplish. You say sorry. It pours balm. We've seen it do that. A country that should have gone up in flames, South Africa, was saved by the fact that people were ready to forgive, and people were ready to say, "Sorry." That would be the first step."

FORGIVENESS for Michael:
"There but for the Grace of God, go I."
What has really touched me about this case with Michael Vick has been watching how easily we can fall from Grace. A few wrong turns and we've ruined our reputation, lost our careers, disappointed those who looked to us for leadership, left our mothers heart-broken and left a long and winding road to walk to reach redemption. It is one of those times, when you think of many temptations in your own life that could have so easily led you down a life-altering road and it makes it easy to say, "There but for the Grace of God, go I."

To Michael Vick --- Thank for your leadership today. It was refreshing. I forgive you. I look up to you for setting an example for us all in how to say we are sorry.

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center and
Leadership Solutions Companies
www.globaldialoguecenter.com

REFLECTIONS on MEMORIAL DAY

IN COMMEMORATION: 106 soldiers (101 US, 3 UK, 2 other) and over 1536 Iraqi Security Forces and Civilian deaths this month so far.

How many deaths will it take before we stop a war that should never have been started?  Supporting our troops doesn't mean leaving them there ill-equipped amidst a civil war for a cause that is founded on lies, greed, profiteering and poor leadership judgment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tomorrow is Memorial Day here in the US. My dad was a "war hero". Funny, it wasn't something he ever bragged about---in fact, my knowledge of his two Bronze Stars didn't come from him. They came from reading clippings in a box he left behind and a glimpse here and there from members of the family.

Now that I am older and have had a time to think and question WAR, I know why he didn't mention it. He didn't believe in it either. I doubt that he could reconcile its value and rightness with what he witnessed and experienced---bombings, death and destruction. You see, he was a Chaplain. What he brought to this entrusted role was that he made a conscious decision to stay with the men on the frontlines and in the process, he was called upon to do some heroic acts in the line of duty that saved lives. However, I am quite certain, he too must have questioned how war and rumors of war were aligned with loving one's neighbor.

I don't like to remember him as WAR HERO...I like to remember him as my dad and somehow I am certain that out there in the distance are many daughters and sons, who feel the same today. So instead of talking about WAR, I wanted to share a story of one of my favorite early memories of dad in commemoration for his love, his bravery, his courage to serve and for being my HERO:

MY DAD and ME
Interestingly, most of my early memories start just as I was turning five. It was a year of great change. Just before this time, I have one memory I cherish. I was three, maybe close to four.

My father was a prominent minister in the East in a small church.
He was called to a larger church in California.
The family moved across country.

I remember walking out of the new house with him,
all dressed up in a fancy dress with my best shoes.
The house was right next door to the new church.
The walkway was lined with yellow rose trees.
He held my hand and warmly coaxed me to come along with him.
He had a warm presence that drew people to him.
I was one. I adored him.
He called me Honeybear.

He led me to the church steps.
Long and steep from my perspective,
reaching up and up and up to the big doors.
His encouragement made all things possible.
I climbed step-by-step alone---about halfway
I sat down, fixing my skirt,
then posing with with a smile meant for him.
He took my picture.

Epilogue...

After he died some years back,
I found this picture among his cherished things.
It confirmed my sacred memory of that day,
When he captured the picture of the two great loves in his life into permanence.

When I was five he went away.
It would be years before I understood why.
...and years more until I knew it wasn't about me.

IN COMMEMORATION of all the brave dads. May we find our way to PEACE for all the people. May we find the courage and care inside to SPEAK-UP! STAND-UP! and SHOUT-OUT! to until we, the people, turn the tide on this ill-conceived war of greed and profiteering and bring our toops safely home.

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
www.globaldialoguecenter.com

IRAQ RAGES ON: Our leaders debate, demand and veto

NEWS FLASH! AS I WRITE:  9 More US Soldiers Dead in Iraq

For weeks, our airwaves have been full of governmental rhetoric about resolutions to end the war in Iraq. The Senate and Congress have debated, demanded, declared and postured, belting their opposing party positions over and over again on the IRAQ WAR. The media has followed their every move, sound-byted their every claim and brought in the pundits to argue their respective party points of view over and over again. The President too has contributed to the empty words as he has blustered out his threats and conviction to veto any resolution that requires accountability or results, helping us once again affirm that under his leadership, there is no openness for new ideas or earnest attempts for a course correction called for by the American people. While all this impotent talk has been going on, in just the last 28 days of April with no resolution in sight, 90 US and 11 UK military and a reported 1423 Iraqi security forces and civilians have died. Lives lost while our leaders are still talking.

Where is the conscience of the world's most powerful leaders???

You would think that our President and every leader in Washington would be working night and day, lots of overtime, all leaves cancelled, no vacations, no entertaining basketball teams or baseball teams at the White House, no trips to their ranches and resort homes, until a detailed, benchmarked plan was ironed out to stop this war.

Why are strategic benchmarks to measure effectiveness questioned?

If you've ever run a business, it is unimaginable that any entity would continue to execute a failed plan without tough measurements. A business would never continue to pour its assets and billions of dollars into a violent strategy that has been inefficient and ineffective in "achieving results." A reputable, value-based business would never agree to continue to send more and more of it's human treasure to be wasted because of a strategy peaking at the top of the diaster scale, such as BUSH's proven ill-conceived, self-initiated Iraq death trap without a clear mission, a concrete plan for resolution with high emphasis on diplomacy and full accountability. In any businesss, he would have been fired long, long ago. Instead, in a much more dangerously powerful assignment, we sit helpless six years into it.

It is also hard to imagine how the most powerful leaders in the world do not practice or realize the sweeping influence of setting the example for others as a means of bringing peace at home and abroad. The obsession of violent, hateful approaches has proven ineffective. Doesn't BUSH see the erosion of the world's view of the US since he began his reign? Is he so blinded by his ego that he doesn't feel any responsibility to find the best answers to resolve the fatal mistakes that have been made? I ask these questions, knowing the unfortunate answers and recognizing that he continues for one reason ----
BECAUSE HE CAN.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. found himself at the same crossroads of conscience like many of us do at this time in history, while he looked at the reality of violence in our neighborhoods and in the Viet Nam War. His message rings out in parallel to our time as we face the realities of growing violence today at home and in IRAQ and other hotspots of injustice throughout the world. He said:

"...it grows out of my experience in the ghettos of the North... As I have walked among the desperate, rejected, angry young men, I have told them that Molotov cocktails and rifles would not solve their problems. I have tried to offer them my deepest compassion, while maintaining my conviction that social change comes most meaningfully through non-violent action. But they asked, and rightly so... if our own nation wasn't using massive doses of violence to solve its problems, to bring about the changes it wanted.

Their questions hit home, and I knew that I could never again raise my voice against the violence of the oppressed in the ghettos without having first spoken clearly to the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today: my own government." For the sake of those boys, for the sake of this government, for the sake of hundreds of thousands under our violence, I cannot be silent." --- Trumpet of Conscience

I don't know how to change things, but I know it has to do with our collective will. I read once, "The biggest engineering feat is that of human will."

How and why do we remain silent and indifferent to the injustices we see?

Stand up! Speak up in any way you can!

Debbe

HOPE for PEACE: Replacing Our Need to be RIGHT

Our country and our world is in bad need of a revival of creative thinking and bold, innovative leadership in many directions. I don't know about you, but at least the polls, for what good they do, demonstrate a majority of us are tired of the senselessness, greed and tragedy of war. Currently, it seems we are in a fierce battle of egos, ideology and power ---- little of it having to do with what is in the best interest of the people throughout the world.

A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right.
--- Thomas Paine

I know. I know. I am an idealist. Perhaps!  When I wrote previously my heart was filled with HOPE, seeing a few leaders across the world giving us the impression they were sincerely reaching out beyond the wrongs, faulty methods and failed strategies that have not worked, to find a common ground upon which to build diplomacy and perhaps a genuine bridge to new HOPE for PEACE.

Unfortunately, no sooner had new possibilities begun to sprout through Tony Blair, Ahmadinejad, Nancy Pelosi and the released British soldiers, than the war of "killing the messengers and the victims" began with enraged criticism and hate talk for everyone who did anything --- from those who stood by and did nothing. The pundits, government officials in countries unwilling to give-an-inch and the media tore anything good all down with harsh words for everyone's motives and actions. Even the brave leaders who dared, seemed to back track, shrinking behind their words and actions --- degrading their own leadership --- to show what we witnessed was no more than business as usual. Politics, ego and a need to be RIGHT continuing its fierce grasp, holding the world's peoples and their resources captive.

How can we change the world, when we are so very closed to new ideas?

How can we stop the warring, killing and maiming, hunger, injustice, greed, threatening issues like global warming, if we are so set on having to be RIGHT?

It is difficult to innovative if all new ideas are squelched, squashed and the messengers discredited. It is hard to find creative solutions to the problems we face when we are unwilling to change course or recognize the failures and risks of continuing down the same path. More of the same with greater risks makes no logical sense. Six years of failed policy seems ripe for new thinking, new approaches and leadership from anyone willing and able to step forward and lead in their own right to build bridges, making resolution an open, earnest and mutually respectful solution. I come to this conclusion not from a political point of view, but from a pragmatic leadership perspective and as a humanitarian.

General Omar N. Bradley's earned wisdom speaks to our closed minds:

"Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about killing than we know about living. We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount."

How do we ask others to disarm, when we belittle them with our words, threaten them with our might and refuse to talk with them? When has this approach worked effectively for enduring peace? How do we ask people to do what we are are unwilling to do? How do we lead without setting an example ourselves? Have you checked out how the cards are stacked country to country recently?

Wisdom long before General Bradley, credited to Hierocles, spoke of how eye-for-an-eye works: "We ought always to deal justly, not only with those who are just to us, but likewise to those who endeavor to injure us; and this, for fear lest by rendering them evil for evil, we should fall into the same vice."

As our leaders, and perhaps many of us, stubbornly keep our heels dug into the ground so sure about the importance of being RIGHT at all costs, the headlines read, 10 US troops die in Iraq; 6 on Sunday. The account of the violence, executions and demand for us to leave as "occupiers" takes one's breath away.

There must be a better way.

As I write, I hear Maya Angelou whispering in my ear with a recipe for us to consider, "We cannot change the past, but we can change our attitude toward it. Uproot guilt and plant forgiveness. Tear out arrogance and seed humility. Exchange love for hate --- thereby, making the present comfortable and the future promising."

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
author and founder
Global Dialogue Center and Leadership Solutions Companies

UK - IRAN: The Power of Saying SORRY

 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

IRAQ: War is still a racket!

For several days, I've been contemplating what to write as still another year unfolds for the War in Iraq, which by all standards of sane measurements appears to be raging out of control from just about every aspect you consider. It seems the American people appear to be watching a very different movie than President BUSH. Today, he boasted of "signs of progress of the security crackdown" in Baghdad. Look at the military death toll YTD through the first 19 days of March and compare the same period year-to-year and PROGRESS isn't selling.

JAN 2007- MARCH 19
  217 American military lives LOST
     8 Other coalition forces
4197 Iraq Security Forces and Civilian Deaths (based only on confirmed news reports; actual is higher)

In 2006, for this same period the same totals were 2880 
2007 totals are up by 150% year-to-year

President BUSH's comments apparently demonstrated still another change in his rhetoric from speeches he made in past anniversaries of the war. As we enter the 5th year, he not talkin' victory anymore, just resolve. NPR reflected on previous years promises today. In 2005, Bush said,  "The victory of freedom in Iraq is strengthening a new ally in the war on terror, and inspiring democratic reformers from Beirut to Tehran." It is hard to credit him or his wars for "inspiring" anything but violence, killing and destruction and weakening our country --- no embarrassing our country and shaming it with a long list of lies, waste, mismanagement of our assets and other countries assets...oh, it is easy to go on.

In 2006, Bush said, "We are implementing a strategy that will lead to victory in Iraq… and victory in Iraq will make this country more secure." This year, after destroying neighborhoods, leading the charge that has killed and maimed thousands and displaced an estimated 2 million people, driven our military readiness in the ground, under-paid and shamefully mistreats our returning soldiers, it is clear that this goal was not achieved either. This  year, he has changed his tone:

"Until Baghdad's citizens feel secure in their own homes and neighborhoods, it will be difficult for Iraqis to make further progress toward political reconciliation or economic rebuilding, steps necessary for Iraq to build a democratic society."

The words sound hollow. I wish for our country, soldiers and citizens and for all of Iraq we had more to offer than the emptiness of words.

JUDGE NOT...
However, I recognize that I am really not in a position to judge from experience when it comes to war. So, again, instead of pointing fingers, I pulled a highly credible book from my bookshelf today --- one that seems to cut across our all our differences, asking us to take pause from our unique vantage points in the world --- to consider the point of view from veteran of another war with the medals and honors that earned him the right to ask for our willingness to listen, think and question at least for a moment the realities of WAR:

"War is a racket. It always has been. It is possibly the oldest, easily the most profitable, surely the most vicious. ...It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and losses in lives.

A racket is best described, I believe, as something that is not what it seems to the majority of people. Only a small "inside" group knows what it is about. It is conducted for the benefit of the very few at the expense of the very many. Out of war a few people make huge fortunes (current day example).

...It would have been far cheaper (not to say saver) for the average American who pays the bills to stay out of foreign entanglements. For a very few this racket, brings fancy profits, but the cost of operations is always transferred to the people --- who do not profit.

I spent 33 years in the Marines, most of my time being a high-class muscle-man for big business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer for Capitalism"

--- Brigadier General Smedley D. Butler
Author, War is a Racket Read it FREE
written by America's Most Decorated Soldier, 1935

So how do you feel about the war at this moment in time?

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
author and founder
Global Dialogue Center and Leadership Solutions Companies