Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Posted here Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 6:56:38 AM     To try to suppress violence is a route to worse violence. But the sources of violence in circumstances that lead to it can be understood and dealt with, creating gratitude if not  friendship. Violence is a deep part of the human repertoire. It may even be a need, to, like sleep, occasionally break things apart toward some kind of renewal of psychic space. The result is that violence will be met, by many,  with violence, and the opportunities for violence seized upon by many. That may be in horror, or in participation, but in each case, the person is drawn in. Leadership is to not go down that path, to find alternatives, and lessen the number of circumstances that seed the process, through resentment, real or imagined.  Bush, unfortunately, was ready to take that path, and us along with him. And all of us, in a variety of ways, co-participate. In reaction, voyeurism, participation, or demonization. Hatred rather than compassion. Reaction rather than thoughtful strategy.   ********