Honk for Peace

There was a demonstration on the downtown street corner this morning, as I drove past to the library.  Half a dozen people carried placards, and they were all surrounded by numerous signs of various sizes.   It was a Peace Rally, of sorts.   One of the signs said Honk for Peace.  Another:  Bring our Troops Home.

But there was one sign that so aptly expressed what I have felt for so long.  It said:  Peace is Patriotic.  My observations as a citizen, as a preacher, as an American, lo these meany years would suggest that largely, that has not been the prevailing sentiment!  Certainly during the years following 9/11, it seemed to me that to speak of peace was almost considered treasonous.  The notion that Peace is Patriotic got me to thinking.

Certainly, in my memory,  war has always been perceived to be much more patriotic than peace.  We are reminded often, (and rightly so) to support our troops.  As a nation, much of our economy, and definitely our politics, is based on readiness for war.  Our national identity is as the most powerful military force on earth. Presidential candidacies have lived and died by military service.

Peace has more often been associated with the radical fringe--hippies, liberal preachers, mothers.  It is not generally our national mantra.

I heard a presentation recently by a man who grew up as a young (German) boy in Nazi Germany.  He talked about how much he wanted to join Hitler's Youth.  They had exciting toys, guns, flashy ornaments, badges.  It's easy to see how a kid could be attracted to that  (without really understanding what comes with it).

Peace is never that flashy.  You can't really produce it in the economy.  You can't package it, or buy or sell it.  It doesn't come with rank or status.  It's more likely to get one crucified.

But at least for today, on that street corner, there was lots of honking.  That's worth something!