LETTER: Wars & earthquakes

EDITOR: My personal feelings about war are summed up by
Jeannette Rankin who said, ³You can no more win a war than you can
win an earthquake.² The Japanese Samuri believe war to be the
lowest resonance of human relationships, and their goal is never to
draw their swords or step onto a battlefield. My heart goes out to
anyone, anywhere who is engaged in any type of warfare, whether
personal or political.
Reading the letters and commentaries in your newspaper, I am
often deeply moved by the voices of the people with whom I share
this community and county. I feel blessed to live here.
At other times, I feel great pain when I bear witness to the
warlike way some individuals express their point of view. At such
times, I become aware that words can be wielded like a weapon when
the energy and intent behind them are hostile.
I was especially moved by Officer Dennis Colthurst¹s creative
expression in sharing a-day-in-the-life-of, as he made his rounds.
I think it took courage to write that piece, and to risk sharing it
with the community.
We are living in challenging times. My hope is that we can each
take time for inner reflection, and work on releasing any hurt or
hostility which arises. To enter into dialogue with an open,
empathetic heart. And to remember we¹re all in this together.
– Sahedran Ann Shelborne, Sebastopol