‘The old way doesn't seem to be working well'

To the editor: The continuing violence in Iraq and the escalating conflict in Israel and Lebanon point out the terrible toll that war takes on individuals, governments and cities. That there is another way of dealing with conflict is often forgotten. Along side history’s famous armed struggles are examples of nonviolent action. These are often forgotten, though many instances of nonviolent action, in many parts of the world, have proved remarkably successful: The U.S. Civil Rights movement, the Solidarity movement in Poland and India’s struggle for independence are perhaps the best known, but there are others many may not be aware of. The Albert Wisner Public Library provides resources about methods and uses of nonviolent action. Two new books were recently donated: “A Force More Powerful: A Century of Nonviolent Conflict” and “Taking a Stand: A Guide To Peace Teams and Accompaniment Projects.” A DVD, also called “A Force More Powerful,” highlights six successful major nonviolent victories in the twentieth century and will soon be available at the library as well. Wars have a way of sowing the seeds of future wars rather than coming to terms with underlying issues; no military victory can be viewed as permanent. Perhaps it’s time to explore seriously other possibilities for dealing with conflict. On the national scene, Rep. Dennis Kucinich has introduced a bill (H.R. 3760) to create a Department of Peace, which would study alternatives to violence on the world stage. (See: www.kucinich.us/issues/departmentpeace.php> for information.) But simply finding out more about the power of nonviolence ourselves through reading and films could open a new way of thinking. The old way doesn’t seem to be working well for us today. Mary Makofske Alice McMechen Warwick