Ask citizens all over the world <br />to invite people of a different race <br />(and/or religion) <br />to their homes on Sundays - <br />for lunch and then a chat. <br /> <br />They might enjoy the taste <br />of unknown recipes. <br />They might have fun <br />and soon make friends. <br /> <br />The man or woman on the street <br />does not want war... <br /> <br />Ask politicians (or better, <br />oblige them with a law) <br />to study compromise, fair play, <br />and how to just give in a bit <br />whenever possible... <br /> <br />(Though I realize, sadly, <br />that at times that can't be done - <br />with Hitler for example...) <br /> <br />They could receive a doctorate, <br />but it would take them many years: <br />would-be leaders are not talented <br />in such mild ways... <br /> <br />The works and life of GANDHI <br />would NOT be an optional subject. <br /> <br />They would learn that negotiations <br />can go on, and on, and on, <br />and need not usually be hurried, <br />and that war is only an ultimate, <br />ghastly, desperate resort. <br /> <br />Leaders are stubborn critters <br />and obsessed with giving orders. <br />Once they have the bit between their teeth <br />they find power hard to leave, <br />as if they wore Tolkien's ring. <br /> <br />They're basically control freaks. <br /> <br />All you have to do <br />to be a well-paid politician <br />is go to party meetings from an early age. <br />If you hang on in, you eventually <br />become a Minister. <br /> <br />Come to think of it, <br />that's what I should have done myself <br />(anything's better than teaching English!) <br /> <br />They could also be required to live <br />(for several years) with poor families, <br />to improve their grip on reality. <br /> <br />WE should be controlling THEM <br />(not the other way round - <br />and not just at election-time...)<br /><br />Robert Melliard<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/peace-375/
