D-Day is for Diversity

D-Day, the day in which an alliance of Western nations joined their forces to invade the rocky beaches of Normandy for the purpose of ending World War II, was planned. However, for all their planning, no one could predict when the last gun would be put down. Peace is sometimes like that. We can make targets, plan ceasefires, organize withdrawals, start talks and negotiations, conclude reconciliations, pass laws and announce Hallmark days. But if you were to ask the average person on the street, 'When is the best time to start peace?', the answer would likely be, 'Now.'

 Starting a blog is sometimes like that. There are so many days set aside to recognize peace or diversity, and so many tragedies to commemorate, that there are no shortages of significant dates in which to coordinate one's own efforts. (That has been a common political practice in Latin America.) I often thought about the dates on which I could launch my blog. I spent significant time planning it. Ultimately I decided, 'why wait?'

The greatest acts of peace are not so much about great powers setting great achievements on great dates. It has more to do with individuals deciding on 'Now': 'Now is when I decide violence is not worth the cost', 'Now is when I tell my friend I'm sorry', 'Now is when I'll listen even though this person is annoying me', 'Now is when I'll help that stranger because I can'.

 Today I started a blog on peace and diversity. What are you going to do today?