Peace through food

Another slight detour (mostly because I was gone so long from here).

I thought that today would be a good chance to discuss the more practical side of peace. Many people think that peace can only be attained through violence. If you squash the violent segments in society you can see peace. However, as I have said many times now, violence really only generates more violence. In fact, peace is gained in situations where there is common ground reached. Take, for instance, the Christmas Truce of 1914 (more on that one later) or some of the civil rights protests of the 60's that sought, without violence, to reach out to people outside the protesting group and make their issues more universally felt. I'll talk a little about these situations later in this project's lifetime, but I do want you to know some situations where this concept has worked in the past. For today, however, I would like to discuss the most universal common ground of all time: food.

I may be on this kick because my wife and I just picked up some new china for our upcoming anniversary, but it really is of little importance. Growing up my parents were very interested in social justice. My mother, who grew up a Quaker, learned that food was a great means of having a conversation. She cooked for all of our friends, for people in the community who needed the help, she has large Thanksgiving and Christmas meals with families in need and friends, and I think she would cook for the enemies in a battle to try and find common ground. And this passed on to me. I love to cook for friends and anyone who needs it. I would cook food for all sides in a war because people rarely use physical violence when a good meal is present and tend to converse more civilly on a full stomach. Do I think that food will end the wars in Libya and Afghanistan? No not really, but I do know that their is a need to find common ground.

Let's take a moment to postulate. We sit down the leaders of both sides in a war in the same place. Less likely to lead to bombings or open firings from the soldiers if they think they will hit their leaders. We have a wonderful dinner prepared that is culturally sensitive and host the party with some top class mediators. So we have Michael Symon and Bobby Flay in the back making a five course meal and everyone is sitting together and conversing with these two fantastic mediators. The only requirements for those attending the meal are no weapons and an open mind. Ok, so this isn't going to necessarily lead to a solution, but it does get people together. Peace can arise through these situations and it never hurts to try.

Let's take it back a little ways. We make certain that food is available to the world. We strive to end hunger and help the poor have a meal. One of the needs for security is regularly met for all people and the perceived need for violence to eat is eliminated. You take the time in your day to help people eat and invite friends and others over for meals. Your efforts to help people feel safe and cared for leads them to do the same and so forth. Even though it won't end a war it can touch a life who can touch a life who can...etc. We may be abe to deal with some of the problems that lead to war before they arise.

I want to finish this post with a request. Food Network®, one of my favorite channels, has been on a campaign for months to try and end hunger in America. Please, visit strength.org and find ways to help people in need and to share ways you have tried to end hunger in your community. Please know that I was not paid to say this (like they would pay a blog with as little traffic as mine) nor do I want or expect anything from this mention. I simply care about the cause. Please support them.