Lori Dueck, Victoria, BC

We live in a world that seems to be thriving on negatives; such as anger, death and war. Media captures people’s attention by urgent headlines that exploit emotional triggers, natural human curiosity and negative bias. I read recently that human brains are evolutionary wired to prioritize threatening information for survival which is why happy stories are mentioned less.

I’ve been bombarded many years by the stories on the news. I have spent several years crying in my supper while watching the latest tragedy unfold. Finally I said enough. I couldn’t watch the mainstream news anymore. I still unfortunately hear most of everything that is going on; however I try to limit the amount of time listening to it and choosing the resources I give ear to.

I personally think the news coverage is unfortunately causing fear, worry and anxieties which may be driving more global trouble than necessary. Could this be triggering a domino effect on a massive scale? For me, I can’t stay focused on negatives as it becomes contagious.
I choose to have conversations with like minded people. I go to events where I learn information hoping I can be part of making a difference. I ask questions, for instance, “The work you started, how can I carry this forward, in my generation and beyond?”

I am part of various progressive groups who are banding together to work on these problems at a deep spiritual level.

Recently I have been able to have coffee and conversation a couple of times with Doug Roche while he was visiting Victoria. I instantly clicked with Doug, listening to both his life long experience and his similar views as my own. The second coffee was on the same day as the attack on Iran. Because he is a veteran Christian peace activist having written several books on the subject, I wanted to hear what he had to share on the subject. Due to this experience I was felt inspired to write my included poem. I find it comforting to converse at this level when dealing with the difficulties of this subject matter. These conversations help me reflect constructively. It was brought up by my companion that maybe Doug could have a conversation with Mark Carney and the pope.

Now my life includes these kinds of conversations with such prophetic people that I meet through small liturgical community, regular prayer, theological education, ICN meetings and Social Justice projects. This brings hope to me as I am doing as much as I can do in my own way for peace.

MASTERS OF WAR

Come you masters of war
You that build the big guns
You that build the death planes
You that build all the bombs You that hide behind walls
You that hide behind desks
I just want you to know I can see through your masks

Like Judas of old
You lie and deceive
A world war can be won
You want me to believe
But I see through your eyes And I see through your brain
Like I see through the water
That runs down my drain

You fasten all the triggers
For the others to fire
Then you sit back and watch
When the death count gets higher
You hide in your mansion
While the young people’s blood
Flows out of their bodies And is buried in the mud

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Bob Dylan
Masters of War (Witmark Demo – 1963) lyrics ©
Concord Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

FIRE IN THE SKY

Fire in the sky out of the blue and into the red depths
Time for you and I to try to fall asleep in the bed they’ve made us
All came crumbling down, tears in our eyes as it rained confusion
The whole world has changed
But I don’t understand how one can kill a man in the name peace, that’s ridiculous
They say, “I colonize,” so they fire from the sky and they come out of nowhere
Time for you and I to turn on the big screen, see what’s happenin’
And as those children die, pawns in the game of collateral damage
The whole world goes mad
Standing here on quick sand, the more we fight we sink
And vengeance gives us hope, at least that’s what we think, at least that’s what we think

Fire In The Sky Lyrics
Source: John Butler Trio

War No More
By Lori Dueck

When countries elect war hounds
Seldom are there any safe grounds
Not even our children are safe
Some to see the days of strafe
Dreaming of a world in peace
Hoping all the wars will cease
The ones who speak to make a difference
Risk their lives in every instance
The root of conflict is greed
How many more need to bleed
More representation by a dove
As the only answer is love