Stop Signs

On my travels through the neighborhood this morning I noticed something that struck me as both funny and sad. It was a beautiful morning, sun shining, birds chirping and a lovely breeze whisked pollen across the state. I was thinking my daily affirmations as I strolled and in the midst of these positive thoughts I saw a stop sign. Now normally this would not to break my reverie but this particular stop sign (and many that followed) had the word STOP and beneath it, written in white paint was BUSH. I chuckled at the unknown political advocate's creative choice. As I continued through the neighborhood I saw that there were many more stop signs identical to the first that I'd seen with the same words. I began to consider that perhaps these signs were a wake up call to the public. Questions began to roll through my mind. I did not vote for Bush in either election and don't support his administration. I find his views to be provincal(sp?) and very out of touch with the world at large. It is disturbing that his claims for peace, democracy and freedom are at odds with his actions. Invading impoverished countries, killing already destitute and fearful people, and for the love of Mike, the Patriot Act. These are not democratic, peaceful actions of an administration bent on making the world a better place. I do support our troops, they are obeying orders and I cannot fault someone for the path that they've chosen. My greatest wish, my hope is that as human beings we learn to respect each other, care for each other. I guess my question is, if anybody has experienced a death of a loved one, the pain, the loss, and the soul searching that is created after such an event, why on earth would you want to inflict that on someone else? Is the suffering OK if it's a complete stranger? Is it all right if that death is of someone who is not of your chosen religious beliefs? The pain is still the same, the loss of life is equal. So why do we continue to do it? Wouldn't it be better to offer compassion and support rather than destruction? Whether we choose to admit it or not, mankind is linked together, a tapestry of different beliefs, cultures and thoughts. We are all one. What we do to others we do to ourselves. Wouldn't it be great if we could accept diversity, encourage each other and live peaceful lives? This is not an easy process and requires awareness, diligence, trust and honesty. I have an idea that it's easier to turn a blind eye and change the channel than it is to really examine what we do to ourselves and each other.