some words on mercy in a time of war & torture

[bronxiteforever]

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew Chapter 5).
The dictionary defines mercy a, "compassionate or kindly forbearance toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power." It also gives, as a synonym, forgiveness.



The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.

----- Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, act 4, scene 1

We have learned that we cannot live alone, at peace;
that our own well-being is dependent on
the well-being of other nations-far away.
We have learned that we must live as men,
not as ostriches, nor as dogs in the manger.
We have learned to be citizens of the world,
members of the human community.
We have learned the simple truth.
Emerson said that "the only way to have a friend is to be one."
We can gain no lasting peace if we approach it
with suspicion and mistrust-and with fear.
We can gain it only if we proceed with the understanding
and confidence and courage which flow from conviction.
----FDR 1945


Are we like the God of the Old Testament, that we in Washington can decide which cities, towns, and hamlets in Vietnam will be destroyed? Do we have to accept that? I don't think we do. I think we can do something about it.
---Robert F Kennedy 1968

[globalvillage]

1. Humanity

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB2xtkz5VYE

Carole King's "Humanity" is appropriate, I think.

[bronxiteforever]

3. Excellent Video-Thanks

[Olney Blue]

2. Thank you, bronxite. This reminds me also of families of victims who come

to the conclusion that the death penalty will not solve anything.

[bronxiteforever]

4. Where is the spirit of fdr now? hopefully waiting in the wings!!!

[G_j]

5. nice post

thanks!

[CrispyQ]

6. The FDR quote is fantastic! Thanks for sharing.

I especially liked this part:

We have learned that we cannot live alone, at peace;
that our own well-being is dependent on
the well-being of other nations-far away.


Will we ever learn?