It is possible to act in peace.

When we lose lives, we become angry. When we get angry, we want revenge. So the cycle continues.

I feel that, though we DO need to act, we need to act of dignity and rationality -- not out of our rage. We need to act because we are strong and we see that act as a sacrifice for the improved time of peace we hope it will bring.

The stories about "I was a pacifist until..." are sad. No one EVER said peace was easy and we shouldn't expect it to be. It is NOT a hearts-and-flowers hippie concept. It is not a concept that you only use when you don't need it. Hell, they killed Jesus for even suggesting it. It is a FAR more difficult ideal to work with than the strike-and-revenge model. It is precisely when it is MOST difficult that we need to act out of desire for peace. Because we all do deplore this tragedy, don't we? If we deplore it, if we are angry, sad, lost, let us recognize that those reactions are CAUSED by those without the thought of peace. That hatred of peace is what we must work to eradicate. Are we not a strong, generous, brilliant nation? Then let us respond carefully, thoughtfully, and with dignity. Of course it will mean loss of life. But there can be no peace without justice.

I just hope that we can think without hatred. Hatred caused this. And don't fool yourself into thinking that a few bombs will take care of the problem. It's a bigger problem than that. I suggest there is something we can do, right away, and that is to act with unity as Americans in our hearts, to stand up against bigotry, hatred and injustice wherever it is found, within or outside of our shores, and do what we can to improve ourselves and the world.

Those who suggest peace are not suggesting passivity. They are only suggesting that our actions be rational and thoughtful and unified.