When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. 

—Jimi Hendrix

I’ve been accused of being naive a time or two because I continue to hope that love will mostly be our answer to the world’s problems rather that power or force. I am not silly enough to think that we are even remotely close to such a worldwide state of mind, but I refuse to give up hope that most of humankind will choose love over power in everyday situations. If we get even a modicum of people thinking that way we will indeed see the kind of changes that are more likely to lead to peace than using force.

I once spoke with a man who believed that there is never a good reason for war. His arguments were sincere and well conceived but we all know that sometimes in spite of all of our efforts to be neutral we have to take a stand and engage in war. I would not expect the people of Ukraine to simply sit back and lovingly embrace the Russians who have invaded their country with plans to lay claim to their lands. It is right and just that they are fighting to win their freedom from tyrants and we should help with our support.

As I explained to the man so intent on being a pacifist sometimes the loving thing to do is to defend ourselves and the people around us. We learned that in World War II. it became impossible not to take sides in that conflict. The Japanese made our decision to join forces with our European allies when they attacked Pearl Harbor and when Hitler declared war on the United States as well. It was a terrible time filled with so much death. I can’t imagine why it did not become the perfect example for avoiding war at all costs and yet here we are almost a hundred years later with conflicts all over the globe and even some of our own citizens advocating for civil war in the United States if they don’t get their political wishes fulfilled. There seems to be some bizarre trait in the human psyche that keeps fueling warlike attitudes.

We are in a dangerous place right now because we have lots of people stirring an already bubbling pot. Some would say that our efforts to go high when some have gone low have been totally unsuccessful. Somehow the divisions between people both here and abroad are as serious as they have ever been. Some even almost gleefully predict that we are on the verge of all out war across the globe. The war to end all wars that ended in 1918, obviously did little to quell the quest for power that seems to linger in the darkest souls among us. Too often we overlook the power of love and align with those who would turn us against each other, people who take joy in riling us up. 

I think that Jimi Hendrix understood that we don’t have to rally around strongmen seeking to overcome those that they despise. We can accomplish so much more with love if enough of us are willing to rebuff the ideas that we are somehow enemies of one another simply because we have differing ideas about how to make the world a better place. 

I have reached a point in my life where I have had so many wonderful experiences. I found a loving husband and have a beautiful family. I had the privilege of earning two college degrees and working at a job that provided me with joy and a nice income. I was able to purchase a nice home in a secure neighborhood. I have traveled and had the care of outstanding doctors. I have many friends and an extended family that have always supported me in reaching all of my goals and dreams. I will turn seventy six in November and I have a different outlook on the importance of my votes than I did when I was young and just beginning my journey. 

The focus of the world should no longer be on me and people like me. The future belongs to my children and grandchildren, not me. I am ready to assume the role of someone who votes for the future, not a return to the past. I am not interested in power. I am only concerned about insuring the kind of opportunities that have been mine will be passed down to the next generations. I am willing to sacrifice and compromise to provide them with peace. My love for them supersedes my possessions and my power. I want to vote for what they need because long after I am gone they will still be dealing with the world that I and those in my generation have left them. It is time for me to share the power with them. It is time for me to share the wealth with them. It is time for me to help them to secure a peaceful future, not one marred by wars in which they will have to be the foot soldiers

I am not naive at all. I know that what I describe will not come easily. I understand that in spite of all the loving efforts peace will be elusive. What I also know is that if we don’t even try our world will be an ugly place. That does not work for me, so I will keep trying to spread love and generosity one person at a time with the hope that we will one day turn away from those who only seek power in favor of those who seek love. So be it if that makes me naive.