There is a basic answer to problems

Editor,

Anger, fear, mistrust, hate and hurt feelings are the source of violence and disruption in our world today.

It comes out in many ways, such as the recent death of a policeman in a riot at a soccer match in Italy. So, what is the answer? To not allow fans to attend any matches not held in stadiums that have proper security. Is that getting to the source of the problem?

It comes in larger ways, such as the four year old invasion and occupation of Iraq by primarily American young men and women of our armed forces. So, what is the answer? To send more troops to attempt to quell ancient hates and divides in battles we don’t even understand. Is that getting at the source of the problem?

It comes in verbal fights in our own nation’s capitol, between Republicans and Democrats, each party charged with speaking and acting for the good of the American public, but each crafting differing and defining platforms set up for the purpose of control and votes. So what is the answer? To throw more and more greedy corporate money and selfish-interest-influence at these politicians in power who set agendas and legislation. Is that getting to the source of the problem?

Until there is a big change in personal attitudes, motivations and behavior patterns among those in leadership and positions of influence we will continue to have the lines of battle drawn resulting in chaos, confusion, killing, misappropriation of money, horribly out of balance distribution of wealth, country fighting country, young people’s lives being sacrificed, and a world bent upon its own destruction.

There is a better way. A person in sacred history who even feels very present to me even today; one whom I have depended upon most of my adult life is Jesus. He said it quite simply: ”Love one another.”

Sometimes I ask, in certain situations: “Just what did he really mean by that? Did he mean everyone?”

And, you know, the answer that comes back is always the same: “Yes, everyone. But do not condone bad behavior. However, you need to see beyond the behavior to the truth of their created beingness which is always love. The corrective action to error should always come from a position of compassion and understanding, not fear, anger and hate.”

Bob McClellan, Polson