Some examples:

LOCKED DOORS

When I approach a door and find that it is locked
or being slammed in my face,
I do not stand there and pound upon it.
I step back
and examine the hinges, evaluate the frame,
and measure the keyhole.
There is no door that is locked forever;
however, it is up to us to find the portal of entry.
There are several choices:

1. Knock it down

2. Bang on it until they surrender begrudgingly

3. Beg, cry, and plead for someone to help

4. Sit and wait for the day the door opens

5. Go build another door and leave it open for others to enter

I choose to build another door so all may enter!

Greg Smith
December 1999

Peace will also start with the children!
If we can get the children to lose the hate,
we can get the world to stop hating and with that
we can make the world a much better place.

Greg Smith>br? The Oprah Show
January 13, 2000

WE CAN CREATE NEW IDEAS!

I dream of a world
that can utilize its knowledge
and resources
for the advancement of mankind
not its detriment.
I dream of the day
when corporations
will discontinue -- on their own --
the production of products
that are harmful to humanity
and the environment
-- no matter what the financial loss --
the moral choice will be made
when there is evidence
that a product is causing
illness and damage.
There is so much violence
in our movies, TV shows, and games.
Do you ever ask why?
I will tell you why -- it is because
WE BUY THEM!!!!!!
IT IS ELEMENTARY ECONOMICS!
If the market goes away,
then the products will disappear
and the industry
will create new ideas.
WE HAVE THAT POWER!!
YOU HAVE THAT POWER!
CREATE NEW IDEAS!

Greg Smith
September 2000

I don't remember any children declaring war on nations - then why are we in the midst of the bombing, pillaging, raping, and mass destruction? I wonder how many wars there would be if the leaders of each country engaged in the conflict stood defenseless in the streets of our cities, as we the innocent children do, and watch their homes and families be mercilessly destroyed. I would like them to imagine spending one day in the streets alone, surrounded by flying bullets, explosions and fire. I am sure we would quickly see alternative solutions to war.

IT TRULY SADDENS ME TO REALIZE THAT OUR INNOCENT LIVES, IN THEIR EYES, ARE WORTH SACRIFICING!

Greg Smith January 2000

WE MUST MAKE EDUCATION OUR PRIORITY

How can we learn when we are frightened in our classrooms because an angry youth might attack us with guns, bombs, and knives?

How can we learn when verbal violence (profanity) is now the vernacular of many teachers, political leaders, celebrities, sports figures, and even cartoon characters?

How can we learn when academic achievement is ridiculed by images portrayed in our print and broadcast media?

How can we learn when our books are riddled with errors; our technological equipment is outdated and in need of repair; and our teachers are over-worked and grossly underpaid?

How can we learn when there are metal detectors at the entrance doors and armed security has to patrol the halls?

How can we learn when our schools are infested with insects, and mold and other indoor air pollutants dangerously deteriorate the air quality?

How can we learn when we are hungry; when we are sick; when we are bruised from being beaten?

How can we learn when every time we hear a plane we fear it is dropping a bomb?

WE NEED OUR GOVERNMENT'S HELP! WE NEED THE ADULTS OF THE WORLD TO HELP! WE NEED YOU TO HELP!

Greg Smith December 1999

Writing is the windowpane to my soul through which the world can explore the catacombs of my mind. Diversity of expression creates platforms of communication, one of which will hold the key to unlock the spirit of peace within each of us. Creative writing and poetry offer reflective moments of relaxation and intuitive exploration of my inner self.

Greg Smith December 1999

Peace will begin with the children of the world as we reach out to them and educate them before they learn to hate. It is our responsibility to teach others that through love and compassion we can resolve our differences and join together in a world of PEACE. This is a difficult path to follow but I have pledged my life to this pursuit. For centuries we have repeated the cycles of war, as we walk into a new century we can change this trend and live in a world where no child exists in fear. Let us be the generation that finally puts WAR in its proper place

....The History Books!

Greg Smith September 1999

WE MUST END WAR …FOREVER

Can anyone possibly believe that children will not remember that their parents, families, homes, and communities were destroyed? The fighting might have stopped but what has changed? Instead of freeing the innocent children, the war has condemned them to another generation of violence. The war just keeps killing them over and over again when they are awake and in their dreams. They will seek revenge and so the cycle will continue. The hate will never end until we make war and violence end.

WE have had enough!

Greg Smith April 2000