Convenient pacifism
In response to “Conscientious” (Jan. 30): Wherever religious Mennonites locate in the world, security is usually provided mostly by others. Others suffer and die in their place, while Mennonites denounce their work, reap the benefits and are secretly grateful.
If Mennonites acknowledged everyone’s dependence on compromise solutions and participated in those solutions, their views on military excesses would be heard. Currently, few listen.
Most Mennonites are good at peaceful living, which is great, but many do harm with fake pacifism. Please be honest. Please be more realistic and less emotional about crime, violence and war. Feasible solutions are greatly needed.
Nonviolent methods, like diplomacy, should be used to the utmost. However, strong militaries and alliances also prevent war. So they’re essential, too, unfortunately. We must accept this fact, not deny and avoid it. Peace is within, first and foremost. Outwardly, we must often compromise.
—Howard Boldt, Osler, Sask.
(Graphic by Betty Avery)
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