As a pacifist who has spent a lifetime preaching nonviolence and peaceful conflict resolution, I feel compelled to write this letter. The writings of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have provided me guidance in living my life during this time of high conflict and violence in the world.
Gandhi said, “Everyone holds a piece of the truth.” We have lost the ability to listen to others whom we disagree with. I see this happening on all sides. We have a bias of only listening to those with whom we agree. Unfortunately, many seek to silence those who express opinions in opposition to their beliefs. This is violence at its worst. We most recently saw this in the assassination of an individual expressing conservative views of which I disagree.
Gandhi, however expanded on violence when he said, “Any attempt to impose your will on another is an act of violence.” Whenever we seek to silence others through fear, intimidation and power we are committing acts of violence. Violent behavior is not just inflicting physical harm. There are many ways to silence criticism.
Finally, let me share King’s words: “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
Let us find a way to respectfully listen to each other and, at times, learn to agree to disagree.
Bob Brinker
Greensburg