The common thread

[Voice for Peace]

I'm starting this, but I hope people will contribute, kick and rec.
In order to win, we need vision.

To work together & make progress in America we need to stand together on high ground.

ALL human beings have a great deal in common. What is most fundamental, we share. We were born and we will die. We grieve, we rage, we celebrate, we rest, we yearn.

We all need air to breathe, and food, we need clean water to drink. We need shelter.

We also need peace. Not just peace in the world around us, but peace in our own hearts and minds. Everyone needs this.

We need compassion, wisdom, and courage. We need hope. These things are within us already. This is where our real power lies.

To defeat hate & ignorance in our world, this is the power we need to call forth. It's a free choice, to do so. There is an unshakeable strength that comes from deep within us, if we reach for it, seek it out.

Standing on the high ground doesn't mean looking down and scorning or hating those below. It means recognizing that everyone can and must reach high ground, or we won't succeed as a human race.

It means recognizing that everyone has the same need and urge to be free, safe, well, and happy. Whether a Clinton supporter or an Obama supporter or for that matter, whoever we are, if we are human -- what we have in common is far more important than our differences. It is URGENTLY important.

When we focus our attention solely on differences, they are magnified, and we develop tunnel vision; we stop being able to see the big picture. Everyone has a unique point of view, that's a given. Even when I agree with someone, I see things differently than they do. With some people, I see things VERY differently.

But I don't have to hate them, condemn them, or try to bring them down. Seeing differently doesn't mean that they are wrong and I am right. A house divided can not stand. We need to stand together on high ground; our strength is there, our human dignity is there.

"All of us are struggling; none have come far.
Put away your arrogance, and look around inside" - Kabir

[ClayZ]

1. Rumi

Cause and Effect

"This world and yonder world are incessantly giving birth: every cause is a mother, its effect the child.

"When the effect is born, it too becomes a cause and gives birth to wonderous effects.

"These causes are generation on generation, but it needs a very well lighted eye to see the links in their chain."

~ Jalal ad-Din Rumi 1207 - 1273 CE

[Voice for Peace]

2. It's a little disheartening how little enthusiasm there is here for common ground.

Thanks for the Rumi quote. Beautiful Rumi.

One of the main reasons I like Obama is his vision of the innate integrity & common goals of humankind.

Without more of that, humanity isn't going to make any progress except in more death, destruction, pollution.

LOL.. as somebody said once, "if I don't laugh, I'd have to cry."

[not_too_L8]

3. worth some words

[Voice for Peace]

4. nice, thanks. good sig line too.