"YOU CAN BOMB THE WORLD TO PIECES'

[La_Fourmi_Rouge]

I just need to pass this on because it is, simply, inspired prose:

Physicians for Social Responsibility

Physicians for Social Responsibility, Sacramento Chapter, has announced the winner of the 2007 annual Scholarship/Essay Contest based on the theme "You can bomb the world to pieces, but can't bomb it into peace." Here are excerpts from the winning entry:

"Your bombs are great, but do not speak of your greatness. Your bombs are sent in "peace", but received in war. Your bombs silence many, bur cannot stifle my anger. Much like the African proverb, "there is no phrase without a double meaning", there is no bomb without two impacts.

Your bombs took my child; I do not know you as the nation that heals children. Your bombs took my neighbors; I don not know you as the nation that helps in times of disaster. Your bombs destroyed my home; I do not know you as the nation that helps rebuild.

If you had sat with me and listened to my story, I might have heard you. If you had walked our streets to understand us, I might have traveled down a different path. If you had delivered a hospital, I might have believed your word of peace. If you had respected me as a person, I might have called you friend.

- snip -

Bombs are not the answer! Stop the war! If you do not stop, I will have nothing but memories. If I do not stop, you will have nothing but memories. It is time to stop and find a way to understand."

Elissa Ouchida, John F. Kennedy High School, Sacramento, California

I am actually weeping as I hit this "Post Message" button.

[SammyWinstonJack]

1. K&R!

[htuttle]

2. It's a great song, too

Both versions.

[B3Nut]

5. Yup...

though I do prefer the "Armageddon Version"....it's forceful, edgy, and direct. Michael Franti is a brilliant artist and a great human being...he has more character and integrity than our wretched misadministration currently infesting our country will ever have...

Todd in Cheesecurdistan

[ClayZ]

3. Kick and R

[pampango]

4. I've just been thinking how much easier it is to bomb and destroy,

than it is to build and achieve peace. Whether is is us destroying Saddam's regime and not building a peaceful Iraq in its place or the car bombers who can destroy markets, schools, etc but have little plan or desire to make Iraq a peaceful place either.