Posted by Kendra Hall on March 20, 2003 at 17:40:38:
In Reply to: Welcome to the Iraq Conflict discussion board posted by Deborah Weiner on March 19, 2003 at 15:11:32:
First, thank you for creating this forum. At times like these I long for an exchange of ideas with thoughtful people. It has been my (grateful) experience that UU folks are thoughtful in their responses.
Last night, as many were watching the TV for new of war, we here in Stockton were watching Michael Moore's "Bowling for Columbine". Its message (in part) was to highlight the climate of fear engendered in this country through political *warnings* and selective media coverage. I suggest that the timing for its brief arrival here was in fact perfect.
How can we, as UU people contest the waves of fear mongering? I know we can, and do, and have, protest the war itself, because war is not a solution, it is a problem. But, on a deeper level, how can we make ourselves agents of non-fear? Our message should be that things are NOT as dangerous as they are portrayed. Murders are down, but the coverage of murders is up, dramatically. I pretty much skip TV news to avoid buying into the climate of fear, but many do not. It seems that people want to be afraid these days. Perhaps fear gives their lives definition and meaning. Can we suggest a viable alternative? Can we, as thoughtful, caring people promulgate a sharing and caring society that does not need fear to keep it unified?
Please respond,
again, thanks for being here
Kendra Hall
Stockton, CA