Author wants to move beyond 'War on Terror'
If you go
What: Talk by author, activist Tom Cordaro of Naperville, Ill., who wrote "Be Not Afraid: An Alternative to the War on Terror."
When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15.
Where: Congregational United Church of Christ, 54 S. Jackson St., Janesville. Enter through the back door by parking lot.
JANESVILLE — Long-time peace activist Tom Cordaro believes there is an alternative to the War on Terror and will share his ideas when he speaks in Janesville on Sunday, Nov. 15.
The justice and outreach minister at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Naperville, Ill., is a national leader in the faith-based peace and justice movement. He is also the author of "Be Not Afraid: An Alternative to the War on Terror."
"I think I am not alone at being uneasy about what has happened in our country since the attacks of Sept. 11," Cordaro says, explaining why he wrote the 2008 book. "I remember how we were brought together and how the world was united behind us … Then the Bush administration declared its 'War on Terror' and started to divide the world between those who were for us and those who were against us."
Cordaro believes the War on Terror is fear-based and ignores some of the country's founding principles, including respect for human rights, the rule of law and international treaties.
He will share thoughts about what an alternative response to terrorism might look like and his belief that policies rooted in justice rather than in fear build a more genuine peace.
"We need to create a new vision of peace, which is true to our American character," Cordaro says.
The Lutheran Peace Fellowship of Rock County, the Peace and Justice Commission of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, the Rock Valley Fellowship of Reconciliation and the Unitarian Congregation of Rock County are sponsoring Cordaro's visit.
As the Obama administration begins to talk about its own response to terrorism—whether in policies toward Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Middle East or elsewhere—Cordaro said he wants to ask a fundamental question:
Will we be a nation motivated primarily by fear, or will we embrace an alterative rooted in freedom and hope?
Nov 11, 2009 at 1 p.m.
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“Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! …What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” Patrick Henry ----------------------------------- “Si vis pacem, para bellum” (“If you want peace prepare for war”) Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus ----------------------“You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having both at once.” RA Heinlein -------------------------------------
“Pacifism is a shifty doctrine under which a man accepts the benefits of the social group without being willing to pay; and claims a halo for his dishonesty.” Robert Heinlein ------------------------------------ “Since pacifists have more freedom of action in countries where traces of democracy survive, pacifism can act more effectively against democracy than for it. Objectively the pacifist is pro-Nazi.” George Orwell
Nov 11, 2009 at 12:56 p.m.
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Si vis pacem, para bellum.
Nov 11, 2009 at 12:39 p.m.
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"Why is Gazette presenting this as a story? It is propoganda and should be in the opinion section. Shoddy Shoddy journalism. Does Lux run the Gazette?"
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Interesting question...... The Gazette sure does seem to push a lot of religion at us, don't they? I don't think it's Anna's fault.
Nov 11, 2009 at 7:32 a.m.
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Are you still reading these posts, imjustsaying?
Nov 11, 2009 at 2:25 a.m.
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It would be a "Great" thing if we could say "Peace and Happiness to All on this place we call Earth". Unfortunately, that's a Fairy Tale. As long as these factions keep trying to kill Americans & our allies, there will always be a threat....We can't let our guard down! So, there is no alternative, we must stay at a high level of alert.
Nov 10, 2009 at 8:53 p.m.
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imjustsaying, let me guess, they hate us for the same reasons you hate us. Am I right?
Nov 10, 2009 at 6:39 p.m.
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Freedom and hope are well and good, and we sort of take them for granted.. iF our businesses or government are plundering the Middle East, or anybody else, they definitely should stop! But it seems to me it's their own government who monopolize their resources (like it's popular to say the war in Iraq was for oil, but then where'd it go?) No, they (radical Islam) hate us because we are "infidels". I've heard and read many things which make me not doubt that they (radical Islam) wants very much to see Sharia Law instituted in as many places as possible, and judging by Somalia and things happening in Sudan and North Africa, it seems to me these groups are quite willing to not only imprison and confine those not agreeing with them, but are carrying out a lot of killing of populations.. I don't really see a lot of peaceful options for dealing with these folks. If it were up to me, I wish there was a net we could gather them up in, put them on an Island somewhere under a dome where they could all live happily ever after but would be unable to be at large in any part of society in the world, as they really don't treat others very well.
Nov 10, 2009 at 2:56 p.m.
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Apparently nobody here has stopped to think why the people in the Middle East might hate us.
Nov 10, 2009 at 6:54 a.m.
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Thanks for the comments from those who recognize just what this guy is. What would sangus and the Gazette say if someone came to town with a book justifying Timothy McVeigh? That person would be made unwelcome at the city limits just as Mr Cordaro should be made unwelcome.
Nov 9, 2009 at 9:59 p.m.
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Agreed RichE95.
I plead with everyone who doesn't want to put on their turban and sing kumbayah with murdering Jihadists who want to chop our heads off to show up and protest his speech 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. Congregational United Church of Christ, 54 S. Jackson St., Janesville. Enter through the back door by parking lot.
Nov 9, 2009 at 9:47 p.m.
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None of Cordaro's criticisms of bin Ladin, Al Qaeda, and the Taliband made it into the story. No doubt his book is full of such criticisms.
Nov 9, 2009 at 9:21 p.m.
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sangus - your reply doesn't quite ring true. Please refer to a "story" by Ms Lux providing the same "service" for a radical far right activist. I also suggest you do a bit of research on the man's background and statements. I am a veteran and find his statements an insult just prior to Veteran's Day. Your insensitivity to those who protect rather than demonize America is troublesome.
Nov 9, 2009 at 8:18 p.m.
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Then the Bush administration declared its 'War on Terror' I think it was Bin laden that came here to the US to kill us and it was Clinton that pissed bin laden off in 1991 or so by trying to kill him, Bush had no choice but to go after him, he just went to the wrong country to look for him. This guy is a joke.
Nov 9, 2009 at 6:11 p.m.
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WHAT A JOKE! Thanks for the laugh.
Poor terrorists, let's go give all the murderers a big hug!
Nov 9, 2009 at 5:59 p.m.
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RichE95,
This is a short story promoting an upcoming speech in our community by a well-known activist and author.
The Gazette regularly publishes such stories to inform its readers of events in the area. We provide the same story and service regardless of the speaker's politics or idealogy.
Scott W. Angus
Editor
Nov 9, 2009 at 5:26 p.m.
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Cordaro fails to state one concrete thing that would further the cause of peace.
In order to have the opinions of that knucklehead, you'd have to totally ignore reality.
I would like him to report back to us after he presents his message to the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
Nov 9, 2009 at 5:16 p.m.
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Why is Gazette presenting this as a story? It is propoganda and should be in the opinion section. Shoddy Shoddy journalism. Does Lux run the Gazette?
Nov 9, 2009 at 4:37 p.m.
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i just re-read the article.
why can't we all just get along?
why?
because radical islamists want to chop off our heads.
and as much as he wants to blame it on bush, terrorists were very active before GW declared war on them and sent many on on their way to shangrila.
Attack on U.S.S. Cole, October 12, 2000
U.S. Embassy Bombings in East Africa, August 7, 1998
Somali Hostage-takings, April 15, 1998
Murder of U.S. Businessmen in Pakistan, November 12, 1997
Empire State Building Sniper Attack, February 23, 1997
Khobar Towers Bombing, June 25, 1996
Saudi Military Installation Attack, November 13, 1995
Attack on U.S. Embassy in Moscow, September 13, 1995
Attempted Assassination of President Bush by Iraqi Agents, April 14, 1993
World Trade Center Bombing, February 26, 1993
Attempted Iraqi Attacks on U.S. Posts, January 18-19, 1991
Pan Am 103 Bombing, December 21, 1988:
Naples USO Attack, April 14, 1988
Kidnapping of William Higgins, February 17, 1988
Berlin Discothèque Bombing, April 5, 1986
TWA Hijacking, June 14, 1985
Bombing of Marine Barracks, Beirut, October 23, 1983
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But then, why let facts get in the way of a good anti-bush, liberal tirade.
love is all you need -- and a very large gun.
Nov 9, 2009 at 4:25 p.m.
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sure he does. he should go to fort hood and give his speech.
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