To our American friends, have a meaningful and warm Thanksgiving!
We especially thank Douglas Mackey and Dennis Mills for the tele-conversation we had with students of Olympia High School and Evergreen State College, as well as Amy Goodman for speaking to us in our Afghan silence.
Please watch the Afghan Youth Peace Volunteers’ 2 a.m. conversation with Amy Goodman, & speak of
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uXtO0e0_KE
In this season of decisions over Afghanistan, the cold has set in.
“I was sick last week. I had fever & was shivering. I kept warm while I slept at home. Now I’m well & warm at heart. I think that friendship is warmth. Home is warmth!
But war is cold & war freezes friendship. “ Abdul Raziq
Video excerpt of Amy Goodman's 2.30 a.m. conversation with the vigilers on 25/11/2009
Hello! Salam to you Amy!
I want to ask you why you’re doing what you’re doing?
شما چرا این کارصلح را انجام می دهید؟
We want to raise the voice of peace in Afg & the world. We’re hoping for Obama’s answer to our peace message
Blood cannot wash away blood ( an Afghan Proverb ).
Hate cannot wash away hate.
War cannot wash away war.
خدا حافظ !
God protect you, Amy!
Winter & the cold have arrived in Afghanistan.
Some places, the water at the spring freezes & the roads get cut off.
We have to collect precious fuel to keep warm.
We can bear these physical challenges better than lies, war, violence & pride which make our souls shake with their cold indifference, their isolation & their separation.
We sometimes wonder what we should expect from life, from history & from humanity. Perhaps we shouldn’t expect much because unrealistic expectations may silence our hopes.
We comfort one another in saying, “It doesn’t matter. God is kind.” You may think that we should be able to do better than to just have comforting words
Even if we don’t live through this winter, love would endure, love would last.
Is war the sole answer to the problems of Afghanistan?
Can’t life offer us more creative & noble alternatives?
Yes, love would survive another winter.
Yes, love is how we’ll ask for peace!
"The way of peace is the way of love. Love is the greatest power on earth. It conquers all things." Peace Pilgrim
Peace stands together in love, giving thanks for warmth in the cold Afghan winter
Excerpt of Obama’s Thanksgiving speech 26/11/2009
But this Thanksgiving also takes place at a time of great trial for our people.
Across the country, there were empty seats at the table, as brave Americans continue to serve in harm's way from the mountains of Afghanistan to the deserts of Iraq. We honor and give thanks for their sacrifice, and stand by the families who endure their absence with such dignity and resolve.
I have seen this strength firsthand over many months…. in young Americans enlisting in a time of war..
It is a testament to our national character… that we want that American Dream not just for ourselves, but for each other.
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