Conscientious objector - drawing the line in the sand between peace and violence

 A conscientious objector is an "individual who has claimed the right to refuse to perform military service" on the grounds of freedom of thought, conscience, or religion. - Wikipedia

When an individual makes the commitment to declare peace, it is like drawing the line in the sand and making a declaration that it will not be crossed.  But the implications of making such a declaration encompasses every aspect of life and the consequences are equally profound.  Lots of people say they want peace, but who is prepared to do what it takes to be peaceful? 

The conscientious objector is somebody who refuses to physically fight in a war, but the violence is far reaching and more invasive that most people are willing to admit.  Not supporting, owning shares or working for the military industrial complex is one step to ensure that the weapons that kill people are not produced by the hands of those who declare peace. But who funds those corporations?  Who are their customers?  Governments.  So now we are confronted with the realization that our tax dollars are being used to purchase the products from these corporations.

Now the government not only draws from their citizens the men and women to fight their wars, but they also draw from their citizens the resources to fund and equip that war.  So if I really want to be living a life of peace, suddenly I'm confronted with having to withdraw from the state in order to maintain that peace.  I would be a hypocrite to suggest I am peaceful yet I continue to support the state in its war efforts.

Does this go even deeper?  The state itself is founded on the principle of governing those who consent to being governed and they claim a monopoly on force and coercion to do it.  Democracy itself is nothing short of mob rule, the majority forcing their will over the minority and using coercion and force to do it.  If I was to be brutally honest with myself, I must recognize that even my voting or participating in a political system that is based on violence or coercion means that I consent to the use of that violence against my neighbour.  That is not peaceful either.

How can I reconcile my desire to love my neighbour as myself and be peaceful when my participation in a system violates those tenants I hold dear?  It is not possible, so now I must withdraw from that political system too if I want to be peaceful.  This whole journey begs the question: What other actions or inaction results in violence or harm against others?  Suddenly, my whole life is being examined to ensure that my desire to live a peaceful life is actually peaceful.  

Everything I do goes through this filter for evaluation and it is decidedly inconvenient.  It is this inconvenience that provides the temptation to cross the line every once in a while to make a point or gain some sort of benefit or privilege.  Despite my efforts, I still cross that line from time to time.  It is tough when I lived most of my live on the other side.  

In the end, I am always searching for ways to end the violence in my life and it has helped me to be a better, more loving, compassionate and caring individual.  It requires much sacrifice and that is where most feel the price is too high.  I still have a long way to go, but the learning is in the journey, so I do my best along the way.  We all make mistakes, but it is up to us to remedy them.

I've been called crazy and a whole bunch of other words by people who disagree with my views and outlook on life.  Perhaps I am.  What I do know is that it has opened up a whole new world for me and it is very difficult to be a witness to that world.  Ignorance really is bliss and when we really open our eyes to see just how violent we are and how much of it is justified or even made legal, it would make our ancestors turn over in their graves.  

When we draw that line in the sand, we are setting up boundaries, which are critical for having healthy relationships.  It forces us to find new ways for interacting with one another and provides the foundations for physical, emotional, mental and even spiritual growth.  But if the line does not mean anything, then perhaps it is just too inconvenient and the temptation to justify violent behavior is just too much to pass up.   

At that point, is it safe to say that the violence is now an addiction?  Oh the masks we wear to deceive ourselves. What I do know is that by removing myself from the state and living on the land, I've done more to heal my relationship with the indigenous peoples than the state EVER did.  I have more respect from them as a result of our efforts to walk this path of peace.  That to me says volumes regarding our efforts to end the violence and live a peaceful life.