Trying to find Peace

[Maria]

When years ago, Rodney King,asked, "What can't we all get along?" do you think he was thinking of simply people or different nations? Lately, as I read more and more about different nations fighting one another, or, people within their own nation killing each other it makes me wonder and agonize the question of peace.

Especially when we have two well known American celebs berating each other in the news. I am sure you know I mean, Rosie and the Donald. They are both so foolish. Then the last couple of days two mother's of middle school kids (13 year olds) are arrested for fighting with their girls. When I see these two examples of stupidity, then I guess it makes me even more confused as to how we could ever have world peace. All so sad.

Again, "Why can't we all get along?"

[Mark]

I think that's asking us to ponder that which is imponderable. However, having said that, in my humble opinion it mostly boils down to greed and selfishness.

If we could all follow the Golden Rule, as we have stated as our goal in our Mission Statement, most of the activity that you bemoan so eloquently would simply cease to occur. That's what must be inculcated somehow in our youth and reinforced as they grow into adulthood.

[Alex]

As long as man exists there will be no lasting peace. Quote taken form "The Wisdom of a Black Cat" by Alex.

[Mark]

Is that before or after he wrote "Zen, and the Art of Litterbox Maintenance"?

[Maria]

Can you imagine two wealthy people who have so much being so petty? But isn't that how disagreements get started, over little things?
Worse yet, it seems the news and entertainment media can't seem to get enough of that junk.

[Mark]

Well, I've never cared for either one particularly. However, even though I find beauty pageants exploitative and all that, if they are legal, and if that's what the contestants want to do, then more power to them. If there was some breach of some rule by the reigning Miss whatever, then it is up to the pageant's owners/judges/etc to rule whether or not they have to relinquish their crown. I think Donald Trump, whatever one might think of him, was within his rights to do what he did, no matter who might disagree with his position, and I think it was really impolitic for Rosie to speak out as she did - she was the one who got personal first.

If Rosie had done one thing - follow the Golden Rule, the ensuing fracas would not have occurred and the participants would not have both made themselves the laughingstock of the airwaves.

That's my opinion - what's yours?

[Maria]

I agree that Donald had the right to do whatever he wanted (within the contract signed). Also I think it was rather nice of him to give the girl a second chance. As one who had been in several beauty pageants--as a winner and loser--I do think they are all about the outward appearance not much else. Do I think that some women are able to make a career of these and make money? Yes, is my answer. But then there are plenty of females who enjoy being strippers or Playboy Bunnies. I think it is disgusting and demeaning.

I think each of them should have just kept their mouths shut and ignored any remarks. People that live in glass houses should not throw stones. That applies to each of them. More than you wanted to hear?

[Mark]

You're right, of course. However, Rosie did make an unnecessary remark. If I had been Donald, I would have said something to the effect that "Rosie has the right to her opinion, however incorrect I may think it is." But by replying the way he did he opened the flood gates. I'm sure, having seen Donald in person and having heard him use F words and other expletives that would make a sailor blush, that he probably said some things that were too unprintable to make the news...