POLARIZATION - Or - CONFLICT RESOLUTION

From My Perspective - - -

It is obvious that polarization (a sharp division, as of a population or group, into opposing factions) is a reality within our nation. In an effort to address conflict on a secular level, someone has developed a list of 8 Possibilities For Conflict Resolution as a starting point: 1) Know Yourself and Your Vulnerabilities – Take Care of Yourself So You Don’t Capitulate Inappropriately Just To Achieve Resolve At Any Cost; 2) Clarify Personal Needs Threatened By Dispute or Misunderstanding; 3) Identify A Safe and Neutral Place for Discussion or Negotiation; 4) Be Ready To Listen As Well As To Interact; 5) Assert Your Needs Calmly, Clearly and Specifically; 6) Approach Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution with Flexibility; 7) Manage Impasse with Gentleness, Patience, and Respect; 8) Develop A Realistic Agreement that Can Result In Mutual Resolve. These steps should be able to begin a conversation and dialogue between individuals and/or groups. There are some “impasse” circumstance (a position or situation from which there is no escape; deadlock) that make any effort challenging and difficult. Many Divorce Circumstances have reached the “Impasse” level before counsel is sought or desired. Currently, the Conflict between Israel and Hamas (Gaza) represents a situation of great concern but one that is not ripe for resolution at this moment. One has to search to find those moments of national unity within our own nation – such moments, like September 11, 2001, evaporate all too quickly and the nation reverts back to its polarizing body politic. One wonders - ponders: Can Peace – Will Peace ever be a national reality again?

In a recent NEWSMAX Article (December 23^rd, 2008), Jim Walters reported: U.S. MILITARY PREPARING FOR DOMESTIC DISTURBANCES. The report contains the following: “A new report from the U.S. Army War College discusses the use of American troops to quell civil unrest brought about by a worsening economic crisis. The report from the War College’s Strategic Studies Institute warns that the U.S. military must prepare for a violent, strategic dislocation inside the United States that could be provoked by unforeseen economic collapse or loss of functioning political and legal order…Widespread civil violence inside the United States would force the defense establishment to reorient priorities in extremis to defend basic domestic order…An American government and defense establishment lulled into complacency by a long-secure domestic order would be forced to rapidly divest some or most external security commitments in order to address rapidly expanding human insecurity at home. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn warned last week of riots and unrest in global markets if the ongoing financial crisis is not addressed and lower-income households are beset with credit constraints and rising unemployment, the Phoenix Business Journal reported. Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma and Rep. Brad Sherman of California disclosed that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson discussed a worst-case scenario as he pushed the Wall Street bailout in September, and said that scenario might even require a declaration of martial law. The Army College report states: DOD might be forced by circumstances to put its broad resources at the disposal of civil authorities to contain and reverse violent threats to domestic tranquility. Under the most extreme circumstances, this might include use of military force against hostile groups inside the United States…"

Consider these things with me - - - Functional Axioms are: “It’s never right to do wrong so that right can occur.” The Biblical Approach is simply (Psalm 122:6-9): “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (or Washington, DC, etc.): May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, Peace be within you. For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.” It is a focus away from self-serving interests and wants to a collective consideration – what is best overall and will serve the best interests of the greater number. Additionally (Psalm 34:11-14), “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” These are first-steps on the path and road to Conflict Resolution and the lessening of Polarization. Try It! You Might Like It!