Hatred never ceases through hatred, but hatred ceases by love alone.
I heard on the radio yesterday a commentator describing a hate crime in the US as "terrorism" (this term was key) because the perpetrator was Muslim. He went on to point out how this was the sixth such incident since September 11. He seemed to want listeners to be outraged over the lack of media attention to numerous domestic terrorist acts. I wanted to call him and ask about the daily hate crimes--all meant to instill terror--committed against gays, ethnic groups (or any other than self), and all sorts of average every day Americans, homegrown and fitting the usual look and religious predilections of US citizens. Why should I be up in arms about one horrible incident more than another? Is there any violence or hatred that is justified? Is it morally possible to choose one set of haters or killers over another?
Zippy usually helps me smile even when talking about unhappy things. Today even Zippy seems a bit sad.
Thank goodness for the Buddhist Peace Fellowship and others who acknowledge with compassion the pain and hurt but continue to hope and rally for peace.
Or listen to the Black Eyed Peas' Where is the Love, opening lyrics included here for your contemplation:
What's wrong with the world, mama
People livin' like they ain't got no mamas
I think the whole world addicted to the drama
Only attracted to things that'll bring you trauma
Overseas, yeah, we try to stop terrorism
But we still got terrorists here livin'
In the USA, the big CIA
The Bloods and The Crips and the KKK
But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah
Madness is what you demonstrate
And that's exactly how anger works and operates
Man, you gotta have love just to set it straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love, y'all
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