Dona Nobis Pacem

Posted: Thursday, November 06, 2008 by Travis Cody in
104

From Mimi, the originator of Blog Blast for Peace:

Welcome to the 2nd anniversary of BlogBlast For Peace! This post will stay up through Sunday so that bloggers may have time to visit, as many are still contributing globes and posts. Thank you for blogging for peace today and sharing your stories. Please sign the Mr. Linky so that I can keep up with your peace posts and document the day. One hundred and ninety bloggers have already signed at this link. Feel free to do so again here. I hope you will take time to read and visit everyone. The globes are beautiful and the posts inspiring. Wherever you find your peace today, may this be a day of hope and goodwill.

Brava to the blogosphere! Our voices matter.


I voted for Barack Obama.

I waited until after the election results to write this post. I had to. The spectre of this election has been all consuming for me. My thoughts would not open to this post until I knew what my fellow Americans had decided on Tuesday. The call for change went out, and it was answered.

President-Elect Obama said...

"Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, 'We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.' And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too."

But what does it mean? I don't know what it means to you. I won't speak for you.

To me, those words mean that if you cannot find it within yourself to embrace the opportunity before you today to participate in this democracy, to speak out reasonably and rationally when you disagree, and to resist the urge to shout down those who don't think as you do, then the problem lives in you. If you don't like what you see, then speak to what you don't like. Write to your elected representatives and tell them so. Be active in your community.

Your President-Elect has called you to duty. He has invited you to participate. Will you?




Do something. And do it in a positive way. Don't spread fear and lies. Don't be intimidated by the daunting challenges before us. Have the courage of your convictions. Own your words, your actions, and your philosophies.

Stand up.

My courage has been lacking. The deed to my convictions has been locked in a cold box for a long time. NO MORE I say.

I am a Democrat. I am a Progressive. I hold many liberal social values. I hold many conservative fiscal values. I respect all opportunities to learn new things and to expand my knowledge base. I am a compassionate person. I am a tolerant person. I am a respectful person.

I hold these truths to be self-evident, that all are equal. We all have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

I love my country and my fellow citizens.

And I am an Idealist.

I believe that idealism has been at stake. I believe that our "better history" has been at stake.

With one choice, with this choice of Barack Obama, I believe we have reaffirmed that idealism is not a quaint and naive notion. We have rejected the assault on the ordinary kindness and tolerance and respect on which an enlightened society stands.



You may disagree with me and I shall defend your right to do so.

But that is my opinion, and I own it. I intend to be a citizen of the United States of America in the way that seems best to me, and I encourage you to do the same.

Citizenship is hard work. It demands your constant attention. And my attention has wandered for far too long.

We have difficult challenges ahead of us. And it will take all of us to face those challenges, and to overcome them. We must rely on each other. We must not divide ourselves into small factions. We must embrace our differences and listen to each other. We must come together and heal.

We must have a unity of purpose that respects and encourages ideas. No one has the one true vision. But we must participate in the process and drive our nation forward.

Let it be about hope. Let the hope lead to positive actions to the betterment of all.

May you find the strength of your convictions and may that strength guide you in your work for Peace in the world.

Dona Nobis Pacem.

104 comments:

  1. Barbara says:

    Peace be with you and those you love.
    I'm so excited to have this Blog blast follow this memorable election too !!!!!

  1. Lizza says:

    Powerful post, Trav.

    Peace!

  1. Those are wonderful words. Peace :)

  1. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh, YES!! I stayed up all night and into the next morning...watching our voting results. I have been 'for' Obama since the beginning [even was on the podium with him on TV!---I will always be an Obama backer!]

    Wonderful, wonderful "Yes we Did" post on freedom of speech, AND a peace of mind for our country if you ask me.

    Come on over, and read my impressions of peace if you can find time today.

  1. Barb says:

    Peace, Trav. I pray it will be.

  1. DrillerAA says:

    Excellent post.
    And yes, you and I are often on different pages politically. I am a social conservative and probably a fiscal moderate, but I will support the President as long as he gives me reason to do so. I tend to vote Republican, but I will vote for the person over the party. It's just a little independent streak that I have in me.
    I would hope that most Americans are "Progressive" in that we are constantly searching for a brighter tomorrow.
    Have a great week Travis.

  1. Dr. A says:

    I've always enjoyed that Ghandi quote. Peace to you! http://tinyurl.com/6zst7b

  1. PERFECT TRAVIS!

    I, like you, have taken my rights as a citizen for granted and also feel the need to participate and not be dragged around because of my beliefs...

    May Peace find us all and wrap us in it's warm cocoon.

  1. j says:

    Peace be with you Travis.

    I saved my post several days ago. Being a conservative, I am going to edit the post right now because I mentioned peace in bleak times. I am afraid that it will be read as sour grapes due to Obama's win. I plan to pray for my President and not speak ill if him. I plan to be a Peaceful American, and strive for the Unity implied byt 'United' states.

    Be blessed Trav. Your globes are lovely and I am glad you included your Lady.

  1. Outstanding job here. The globes are terrific and you post is incredible!

  1. Anonymous says:

    Peace and hugs, Travis!

  1. Julie says:

    Travis.....very very good! You are such an intelligent and strong man. You give hope to everyone who reads your thoughts. Thank you!

  1. Gattina says:

    I only wish you Peace and Love, I am not American, but I also live on this planet.

  1. Peace trav.

    I am an Idealist also, just different ideals. I commend you on you ability to put you feelings to words. In my own way I made an attempt to express my point of view yesterday, maybe I will try again.

  1. peace and cake trav...

    smiles, bee
    xoxoxoxoxxoxo

  1. Dianne says:

    Diversity needn't be Divisive ...

    Beautiful Travis

    Peace

  1. Michelle says:

    Peace blessings and wishes to you.

    Your globes are both very nice. I especially love the red rose one. Very beautiful.

  1. Ivanhoe says:

    I wonder if Mimi had a hunch that Obama will win when planning this BlogBlast for peace. They go so well together :o)
    Peace & love to you, Trav!

  1. "Own your words, your actions, and your philosophies.".....I believe we have reaffirmed that idealism is not a quaint and naive notion. We have rejected the assault on the ordinary kindness and tolerance and respect on which an enlightened society stands.

    Powerful.

    I believe you own these words, Travis. We should all be this passionate about the process of change and transition, which is always painful to begin with, but brings great reward at the end of the birthing. This gives me hope that olive branches exist....alongside blue marbles in a bowl.

    Peace to you and yours.

    P.S. And don't ever stop writing.
    Thus spaketh the Queen

  1. well said travis.

    great globes
    (not a phrase I say often)

  1. Kanani says:

    A nice read, and a good explanation of who you are. A pleasure.
    Peace be with you!

  1. Jeff B says:

    The wave of excitement and patriotism that you so eloquently portrayed in this post is powerful. I feel it surging through the streets these past two days and hope and pray that it will continue through this new era of change.

    Great words Travis!

    Peace be with you and with us all.

  1. Anonymous says:

    I read this through carefully, and I'd say you are speaking for me, becaue I am in complete agreement. Peace to you!

  1. That was an AWESOME post, Trav. This election I was far more involved than I have ever been even when I was in my 20's and Bubba was playin sax on Arsenio.

    As you know I had reservations about Obama to start and I think partly is was cynicism at seeing the old change card played again. That and some of his supporters just made me roll my eyes :P

    But in the end I decided to have a bit more faith in the American populace than I might usually have and it paid off.

    My biggest concern is that the folks who got caught up in campaign fever will not step up and DO SOMETHING in their communities after this.

    Personally I have decided to look into working for the Dem Party in Oregon as a volunteer and I want to try to do more in my community, time and health allowing.

    A great country is not a right, it's a privilege for those who WORK for it.

  1. Linda says:

    I am going to try to remain hopefully optimistic that the new administration, once they get sworn into office, will accomplish the things that have been shouting from the rooftops since this whole election began a very long time ago. Otherwise, we are going to have one very large disappointed nation and I, for one, don't want to see that.

    Oh, and trust me on this one, I am really, really good at writing to my elected representatives and letting my voice be heard. It's the main reason that I vote in every election as even if my candidates of choice don't win at least I am protecting my Constitutional Right to Complain!

    Great post and let's keep our fingers crossed for great things!

  1. I share your desire that we work together to make the world, somehow, a better place - a place of freedom and peace. Thanks, Travis.

  1. Peace to you and yours.

  1. A lovely post. Something that was always instilled in me from my government class in high school (I am old enough to have had to take one). In a democracy it isn't just our right to speak out when we dislike what our government is doing but our responsibility as it is being done in our name. If I am saying this is not okay, then that is speaking out. Name calling is not about speaking out at all. Somewhere in the last years we have forgotten that and I hope President Elect Obama will bring that back.

  1. Mojo says:

    Incredibly well put Travis. And I love the quote on one of your globes that says "Diversity needn't be divisive". That too me speaks volumes.

    It feels to me like the vast majority who have been silent for so long, senses dulled by apathy and ennui and a feeling that nothing could change sensed the possibilities in this election. They woke up -- and they woke up grumpy. They spoke with a voice that was strong, powerful... and unified.

    And if that momentum that gathered during the campaign can be maintained there is literally no limit to what we can accomplish in the days ahead.

    Thank you for a lucid, reasonable and thoughtful post. And peace be with you and yours, this and all days.

  1. Carver says:

    Great post and both of your peace globes are beautiful. I also voted for Obama and I am thrilled by the outcome. You did a great job of summing up the challenges. I am so happy that my state of NC has FINALLY gone blue again in a presidential election. I am elated. Dona Nobis Pacem

  1. Beautiful and well said Travis!
    Sending *Peace*Love*Light* to ALL!

  1. Akelamalu says:

    What a wonderful post Trav. I first met you when you visited to read my first ever Dona Nobis Pacem post, thankyou. x

  1. Lux says:

    I've come bearing peace wishes for you, Travis! :)

  1. Anonymous says:

    That's a great peace speech. I've always thought that we humans are such idiots (lol) that hasn't learned to work together properly yet after soooo many years of high intelligence (?).

    LOVE & PEACE

  1. "I hold these truths to be self-evident, that all are equal. We all have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

    I love my country and my fellow citizens."

    Makes us proud to be Americans!

    From one American to another,
    From one person to another,
    Across the miles,
    And across the pond,
    Peace to you.

    Opus and his human

  1. Raven says:

    Standing up and cheering! Beautifully spoken. I realize I have been a very bad blog person. You visit me often and I have not repaid that kindness. I apologize for that. Wonderful post. I love both your globes. I think better and more peaceful days are ahead. I have hope.

    Peace.

  1. Jeni says:

    Travis, my friend - your words speak legions here! As so many others have commented, I too especially liked the diversity/not devisive! So true, so true! We are all, each in our own way, diverse and yet, that doesn't need to make us "different" as we all eat, breathe, sleep, bleed red too. A very admirable post, words I will keep in mind too as we all try to come together, find common ground, work for unity -and yes, peace.

  1. ShannonW says:

    Peace to you! Excellent post.

  1. Carletta says:

    Wow, what a post! Well done.

    Peace to you and yours Travis.

    Thanks for stopping by mine earlier today.

  1. I enjoyed your Peace Globes and found your message ‘on point’ … so thanks for sharing so eloquently and for visiting all three of my Peace Posts today. Thich Nhat Hanh teaches that ‘Peace is in every step’ … a choice in every instant no matter what’s happening around or within us. As each of us blogs for peace today, we join our minds and hearts together to create this reality in our world.
    Hugs and blessings,

  1. Peace to you and your family :)
    I like your post!!!
    Thanks for stopping by :)

    Purrs Mickey,Georgia & Tillie

  1. I love the Gandhi quote, Trav! Peace and love to you and yours today and every day! :)

  1. Copito says:

    Paz for Travis

    ='·'=

  1. Unknown says:

    Thank you for stopping by our blog. Peace to you and yours as well :) !

  1. Tina says:

    your rose is beautiful on your globe and your quote fits perfect.

    peace to you and yours

    thanks for stopping by and seeing both my globe posts :)

  1. Powerful words and feelings you expressed here--just wonderful!

  1. Anonymous says:

    This is a fantastic post, Travis, and you have articulated beautifully what I have been feeling. Like you, I was consumed prior to the election. I had hope that America might get this election right, but I also had fears that cynicism would prevail once again. Let's hope that the majority can put aside differences and prejudice and work for what is best for all...not what will reward few.

  1. I love these lines of your post: Citizenship is hard work. It demands your constant attention. And my attention has wandered for far too long.

    I worked very VERY hard for Senator Kerry and when he lost so heartbreakingly to Bush, part of me gave up. I found that spirit again among my neighbors, my fellow citizens, in that peaceful celebration in Grant Park Tuesday night. So I understood your post, and it touched me.

  1. thanks for stopping by, i love the peace globe and the post that comes with it.
    peace out to you!

  1. Anonymous says:

    Wonderful post with encouraging words! Peace always!

  1. Mary says:

    This is an awesome post, Travis and I agree with you wholeheartedly. We all need to look inside ourselves, for we must be at peace there before we can pass it to others.

    Blessings and peace,
    Mary

  1. Peace and love to all! We are purring for peace!

    The Island Cats
    Wally, Ernie & Zoey

    Thanks for stopping by our blog!

  1. Thank you for the Peace Globe that you made for my mom! She likes it and so do I! It looked really good and thank you! It meant a lot to my mom. Thank you!!! Diva Daughter

  1. I love both of your peace globes - being a rose fan, and all, the first one is just lovely. I really like what you wrote on the planet about diversity. Happy Blogblast For Peace Day!

  1. Meribah says:

    I knew you would have a Peace Globe up, and you didn't disappoint. A nice post, my good man! Peace to you and all your household! :)

  1. Patti says:

    Cool peace globes, Travis.

    Peace to you and yours.

  1. SjP says:

    Much obliged for visiting Sojourner's Place on this BlogBlast for Peace Day! Let us all pray for peace because War is NOT a card game!

  1. *jean* says:

    Great post...and I couldn't agree with you more...

  1. Marilyn says:

    What a great post.

    I've been thinking that all that energy and positive conviction that caused dozens of volunteers to call me in the weeks before the election could do some great things in this world.

  1. JEWELGIRL says:

    Peace to you and yours!
    - Jewelgirl & Family

  1. Ralph says:

    The globes, and sentiment are what we need - Peace begins with us, and can infect all with a sense of peace, as long as we ARE at peace, individually.

    I voted differently, yet Obama is my president on 20 January 2009. The campaigns have ended and we need to work to a new and exciting future. We must pray for the best for the new administration.

    We wish for a peaceful future!

  1. Anonymous says:

    Beautiful rose on your globe :)
    Peace to you and yours!

  1. Trav, I have always respected you but this post just really sing to me and makes me proud. If only more people could think this clearly and passionately.

  1. Very well said sir. Let's hope for some peace in the future.

  1. Unknown says:

    I resonate with your words!

  1. Gattina says:

    I read your comment on "Sarge Charlie"'s blog and am happy that you answered him in a just perfect way. The fact that he participated in the peace movement has no sense. He already fights here with all people who don't have the same opinion as him. And as a very vulgar person he insults when he feels that he is trapped. I for example was a left dope (lol) ! He will never understand. His QI is not hight enough otherwise he would be an Officer right now and not remain a little sargent for lifetime.

  1. Travis...I have enjoyed reading all the wonderful responses to your excellent post all during the day.

    But I need to respectfully respond to one comment that has been made....not to you Travis.

    While I do not always agree with the sarge...or the way he makes his points...I believe him to be an honest intelligent man...with heartfelt convictions.

    A man who has served in war defending my freedoms is the perfect person to participate in Mimi's blogblast for Peace. Who knows better than men and women who have served in war the concept of peace?

    To me...He is a hero. His rank is an honor. Not to be belittled. Especially by one who is not living in...or a citizen of the United States of America.

    Sarge and I may not see eye to eye on much....but here I stand with him.

  1. jmb says:

    Great globes Travis. I saw them at Mimi's site. Peace be with you and yours and eventually with us all.

  1. This is a great post, my friend.

    I send you thoughts of love and of Peace.

  1. Anonymous says:

    Whoof!!! I'm so peaceful that I'll even leave you a doggy cookie... and you know how much I love my cookies. Arf!!

  1. Kanani says:

    Travis,
    First, thanks for visiting my peace blog!
    I saw your reply to Sarge.
    I thought it was spot-on, and you did it very well. You are very articulate and stay on point!

    I wanted to point out to others that there was so much bashing on the blogs, I wonder if some divisions will ever be bridged. Sarge got his swipes in, but on the other hand he also had the gumption to let everyone post on his blog, whether or not he agreed with them. Not all bloggers are willing to do this.

    I don't think he's one to harbor long term grudges. I do think he's a fierce competitor, a bit of a needler, and overall --a really great guy.

    He and I probably would disagree heartily on many issues. But I never sensed Sarge is a "my way or the highway" type of person. I think he and Empress Bee are much wiser than that.

  1. Felisol says:

    Strong, burning post.
    I think if you can keep this flame burning the world will really see a change for the better in the time to come.
    From Felisol

  1. Better late than never... :)

    I love the Gandhi quote. Peace to you and your loved ones.

    Big Eyed Gal
    Wapsicle Popsicle

    The Chronic Shopper
    Vital Sighs

  1. Robin says:

    A new day has indeed dawned, but what it will be depends on what we make of it. Excellent post.

  1. ~ej says:

    fantastic words. it all starts with us...well said :)

    thx for visiting my peace post :)

  1. Gattina,

    I disagree with Sarge Charlie politically, and I have tried to do so respectfully.

    I disagree with the methods of expression Sarge sometimes chooses, and I have tried to do so respectfully.

    But your insensitive attack on Sarge Charlie's military service is out of bounds, Madam.

    Our military runs on the strength, courage, dedication, intelligence, and honor of its non-commissioned officer corps. As a Sargeant in the US Army, Sarge Charlie was responsible for the safety, training, and integrity of the men under him. He was also responsible for the safety and combat training of many young Lieutenants that served with him.

    Were you aware, Madam, that young 2nd LTs learn how to run platoons from the Sargeants with whom they serve? NCO's are the very backbone of our military.

    Charlie served with distinction and honor, and I have no doubt that he saved lives in Vietnam.

    There is certainly no doubt that he served with honor during one of the most divisive times in my nation's history.

    As a man of honor, integrity, and dedication to the service of his country, I have the highest respect for Sarge Charlie. My disagreement with his political and social opinions in no way diminishes that.

    Thank you.

  1. Katherine,

    Thank you for your comments.

    As anyone who has read my blog may know, one of my highest ambitions was my desire to enter the US Marine Corps. My goal within the Corps was to earn the rank of Gunnery Sargeant.

    The single greatest disappointment in my life was when that ambition was taken away due to a severe injury.

    As I stated to Gattina, I have the highest respect for Sarge Charlie's service. As a Sargeant, I would have looked to his example and sought out men like him after whom to model my own career.

    My political disagreements do not in any way diminish that respect.

    Thank you for speaking out.

  1. Angell says:

    Wonderful, thoughtful post as always Trav honey.

    Peace and love to you and Pam.

  1. Lisa says:

    Wonderful post! I'm glad you let your enthusiasm shine through for the rest of us to enjoy!

  1. Anndi says:

    Excellent post my friend.

    Peace and being an active citizen goes beyond country boundaries... it's a question of humanity and we must look out for every being on this planet. Everyone matters.

  1. Ferd says:

    Well said, brother!
    Peace to you!

  1. Pam says:

    lovely peace globes! i, too, voted for obama. thx for stopping by my blog.

    peace to you & yours! :)

  1. Anonymous says:

    Does anyone know how President Obama plans to keep peace when plans to cut defense spending?

    Video of Obama in his own words: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sj91NH5fvw

    Peace to you and yours.

  1. Laura says:

    Sending peace, and thanking you for visiting my blog!

  1. Carol says:

    Beautiful and inspirational.

    Thank you!

  1. I am a little late in returning to your post and globe. Beautiful just beatuiful...
    Thanks for stopping by my blog.

    Peace and Love.
    PPam

  1. TopChamp says:

    Muchos respect, Mr Travis. This is a lovely post.

  1. Thank you for visiting Travis. Peace to you and Pam.
    Pwace to the World.
    Let us make it so.

  1. Thank you for visiting our blog...and for sharing our dream of Peace. Our voices are strong and WILL be heard!

    Your words are moving and motivating and I hope many, many read them!

    Peace!

  1. Anonymous says:

    Love and Peace to you and yours :-)

  1. I'm speechless, Travis. Your words have moved me to wordlessness.

  1. RW says:

    Peace to you and yours Trav sorry I am so late getting here, but it's never to late for peace!

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