Political Divisiveness in a Time of Financial Crisis I woke from a dream this morning that John McCain and Barack Obama had met and declared a moratorium on attacks on each other and had made a commitment to bring the American people together in this time of crisis.                                                                                                                There is something deeply disturbing about the divisiveness and rancor that is going on politically. When our financial system is in a state of total breakdown this is not helpful.  Continued verbal attacks are dangerous, might lead to physical violence,  and certainly will drive Americans  further apart.  A mark of true leadership would be to start working now to bring us together. Powerlessness Underneath Sarah Palin’s Attacks For the past two weeks I have been very disturbed by the conduct and words of Sarah Palin.  I was obsessed with her and was not at peace.  I had to inquire into this or I could not live with myself.  After much soul searching here’s what I found:  behind her folksy demeanor, Ms. Palin is a very angry woman. Life has taught me that underneath anger there is always an emotion that human beings are desperate not to feel-powerlessness.   Suddenly I saw why she had become a politician; it was the only way she could be powerful in a fast changing world that was leaving her small town, evangelical Christian world behind.  Feeling victimized and powerless is a human experience I know well.

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In long-term intractable conflicts I often hear a complaint from people who experience themselves as victimized or wounded in the apparently never-ending violence and hatred that they or they group is caught up in. It is a conversation that is directed toward well meaning people like me, who suggest that listening and dialogue might be helpful. “I am so tired of listening. I don’t want to talk. Talk doesn’t change anything. What we need is action!

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The other night I ran into a woman I hadn’t seen in a long time and was surprised to discover that she has become a passionate, and incredibly busy peace activist. This woman, who has always been a fierce, proud and strong woman, is now more fiery than ever. Her sons are teenagers and she is doing everything she can to keep them out of the hands of military recruiters. I understood, as she spoke about this, how deep her love for her sons is, and that she is absolutely committed that her sons not be killed in a senseless war she completely disagrees with. She has also become convinced that 9-11 was an inside job, and is totally certain a conspiracy took down the Twin Towers–a conspiracy of the US government. What is it that spurs her on in her quest to enlighten others about this conspiracy theory?

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As US planes head off into Operation Swarmer with Iraqi forces to carry an offensive against a pocket of insurgents, I find myself wondering about power. President Bush said today that first strikes or the ability to wage pre-emptive war remains one of our most important weapons in the War on Terror. You hurt us or you even threaten to hurt us and we’ll hurt you so bad you won’t even know what hit you. You know, the old shock and awe idea. If your enemy is dead they can’t threaten you anymore. Sadly, we have found out in the years since 9/11 that this idea doesn’t seem to work in reality.

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