Peace Be With Us!

Repost of my column in MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR (IN MY OPINION) from Friday, October 19, 2012 with friendly permission of publisher Marietta F. Siongco.

Peace means "calm". Peace means "freedom from war, disturbance or hostilities". Peace means "being free from tumults".

All of us, individuals, groups or nations, as well as societies, have to survive in a life full of uncertain, dangerous and unsure elements. Nobody and on politics on earth, where ever we are living can guarantee a total safety on this existential level. Nevertheless, it's a fundamental task and duty to state politics to flag danger and unsureness in humans living together. The modern state is therefore responsible for inner safety thru a functional legislation and police, for social safety thru organization and formulations of law. External safety by means of military and bilateral diplomacy is imperative. External safety means the threat of national territory and peace-and-order coming from other states.

International relations developed within the last centuries. Safety politics become more and more part of national politics.

...

Globalization has enormously changed national and international safety politics. During the Cold War, the number of conscientious objectors increased dramatically. After the Cold War, state symbols and ceremonies lost their military character. The Europeans are still living now in a so-called "post-heroism" in which the doctrine "to kill other people because of defense through military actions" fades more and more.

...

Talking about peace: One historical example is this: Chief peace negotiators of the Philippine government and the MILF on Monday (October 15, 2012) signed the framework agreement which lays down the groundwork or the final and enduring peace in Mindanao. "In full view of the Filipino people ... we commit to peace. A peace that will be sustained to democratic ideals," President Aquino said.

When I stepped on Mindanao soil for the first time in 1976, I experienced a lot of fearing adventures. I came back in 1982. Then 1983.

I hope and pray, that Mindanao is now free from disturbances and tumults. I stay here for good. I love to live in Mindanao, especially in Davao City. Peace be with us all!