Melvin B. Miller
Editor & Publisher

For peace on Earth

The universal expression for the spirit of Christmas has always been, “Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men.” Despite conditions in the world, people have always been able to connect with a sense of humanitarianism during the holidays. But the real spirit of Christmas seems to be muted this year.

Perhaps the reason is the opposition to the war in Iraq. People have become more aware that the world is full of “wars and rumors of wars,” as it says in the Bible. There has always been violence in the world, but the ill-conceived war in Iraq makes Americans feel responsible for an even bloodier conflagration — civil war between the Sunni and Shia denominations of Islam.

Television news reports have been able to bring live accounts of many violent conflicts into the family living room — the Taliban in Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Darfur in Sudan, Somalia vs. Ethiopia, Lebanon, Hamas vs. Fatah (the PLO) in Palestine and both against Israel. Since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York’s World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the notion of war is no longer a remote abstraction to most Americans.

A most disconcerting aspect of the prevalence of “war and rumors of war” is that religion does not always bring peace. Some Christian fundamentalists are re-enacting the Crusades. Islamic jihadists are calling for holy war, and Israeli extremists insist on maintaining control of Judea and Samaria (the West Bank). Historically, the politicization of religious interests has often led to bloodshed.

Despite a world full of armed conflict, there still exists a human yearning for peace. It should be clear that the quest for “the peace of God which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) is an individual effort. Religious affiliation can be helpful, but the quest is nonetheless an individual journey.

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace. But peace will come only as the product of love in the hearts of individuals, for themselves and for humanity. No love, no peace!

Party poopers

Deval Patrick made it abundantly clear during his campaign for governor that he intended to involve everyone in the workings of government. Not just those who have felt ignored and forgotten in the past, but everyone.

Now some journalists seem disappointed that Patrick has not shut out corporate executives and partners in major law firms who have always enjoyed access to the governor’s office. But that was never the plan. The intention is to provide the same access to the less affluent.

There is no reason for Patrick to eschew corporate contributions to his inaugural festivities because it is well understood that their funds will no longer purchase special privileges. Patrick has demonstrated that his campaign has become a political movement capable of financing any re-election effort. Corporate funds will not have the power to buy bad government.

Patrick ran a big, tough campaign. It is quite appropriate for his supporters to have a big, even indulgent, inaugural celebration. They deserve it after a solid year of hard work and self-sacrifice. It is also important for Massachusetts to acknowledge and celebrate in a grand way the historical significance of the election of Deval Patrick as governor. And not one dime of taxpayers’ money will pay for the celebration.

It is disappointing that a number of journalists are incapable of assessing the character of Gov.-elect Patrick as a man who will never sell out the interests of the citizens of Massachusetts for a few financial contributions. The impaired vision and understanding of the press have induced them to cast an undeserved pall on what should be a glorious occasion.