Petition preface
A Petition to Every American Citizen
Unless we can learn to see and respect each other as people instead of polarized parties, the future of our nation is dim.
The Articles of Peace (below) suggest one overarching possibility: How we talk to each other is everlastingly more important than what we’re talking about.
We hope you will join us in bringing a sense of peace to social and political conversations- a peace that could drastically change the course of our country and our lives.
John Canaan - January 14, 2021
Articles of Peace
Positive, Ongoing Dialogue.
Until we actually need to vote on an issue, person or party let’s keep the conversation; going i.e. peaceful, positive, respectful, exchanges of perspectives and a willingness to live in the question vs. the answer for as long as possible.
Challenging our own bias and fully hearing another’s perspective can in itself be transformational. Being undecided for a little longer or even changing our mind from time to time can open us to more educated and thoughtful conclusions.
After all of our conversation and deliberation, if we end up at the same place, perfect! Here’s the amazing news: Trying to understand different view points makes us more empathetic, reasonable and compassionate- the very qualities we need to influence people toward what we believe is the best path.Action In Mind.
We agree that our conversations about issues should have in mind our desire and willingness to discover and be a part of win-win solutions. In this sense, one plate of cookies to a struggling neighbor might be better than a thousand conversations, articles, or youtube videos on how how wrong and dangerous the other political party is.Respect, Reverence & Understanding
We respect each person’s right to his or her’s views and conclusions. More so, as important as it is for us each to seek a clear view of reality, continuing to beat each other over the head with “the truth” isn’t getting us very far.
Our directives: Share. Listen to understand (not to argue). Seek to expand your own perspective while at the same time, respect and reverence each other’s conclusions. Gracefully allow and even celebrate each person’s right to have a point of view. Isn’t it wonderful!?
Finally, remember that truly hearing someone and understanding why they feel as they do does not commit you to agree. Down deep, no one really needs your agreement. But everyone needs your love.Peace is the destination.
We assert that our conversation about an issue is more important than the issue itself. Peace is not just the way we travel. It is the destination. At the end of the day, without peace, there are no relevant issues.Refusal to Participate In Gossip.
We agree to avoid forwarding or promoting political information that has not been fact checked by a reputable fact checking source. In other words, we will focus on facts to the best of our ability and refuse to gossip.
We assert that people are innocent until proven guilty (not the other way around). We resolve to treat public figures with the same care & respect we would our own Mother, sibling or best friend, even when there seems to be a smoking gun. Facts first. Care and respect first. Perspectives and appropriate action 2nd.Influence vs. Put Down.
Posting political ideas on Facebook or sharing with friends can be uplifting and helpful for all of us as we train our selves away from making (or posting) sarcastic or nasty comments. Putting these kinds of comments in colorful frames or with funny pictures doesn’t diminish their sting. But it does diminish the chances of influencing someone.Appropriate Action, as Needed.
Peace is not mutually exclusive with appropriate action as it's called for. As needed, we will act swiftly but peacefully in defending our liberties.The Real Plot.
We propose what we consider to be the central issue. It's not women’s rights, baby’s rights, borders, tax plans, vaccines, racism or anything else. It's peace vs. enmity. That's the issue.
We believe there are forces of darkness seeking to divide Americans. Only through prayer and humility is it possible for us to navigate to solutions and end our “uncivil war.”
Peace and the love, and compassion that goes with it, will foster:
a) our ability to fully see each other's point of view and
b) the unfettered creativity needed to discover synergistic solutions. This is the winning formula to a happy, fun, neighborly America.God's Grace.
We acknowledge the near impossible feat of living in the question, not making others wrong, seeking to understand, keeping the conversation going and consistently challenging our own bias. We realize that our only hope in any of this is in the grace of God.
To sign our “Petition for Peace” just post “I’m in” below, along with ideas for improving the “Articles of Peace.” You can even “comment as a guest” if you’d rather not give your email. After signing, please pass this petition along. Let’s learn to peacefully navigate issues in 2021!