The Goderich Signal-Star, 1986-09-24, Page 4•
PAGE 4 —GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, WEDNESDAY,, SEPTEMBER 24, 1986
It is shocking and painful that peace has
become a disruptive word on which opinions
are divided in the manner of disputes over
the color of margarine or the sale of beer in
the grocery stores. I find it incredible.
Far too many minds appear to be slowly
and carefully treading on the narrow foot-
path of yesterday's attitudes, habits and
promises while the new sophistication of
modern technology is racing on a highway
with no speed limit, so far ahead of us that
we lose sight of the dimensions of its tools
and weapons.
The alternative to peace is no longer war
(one could win wars) but inescapable
destruction. Peace alone secures mankind's
survival. It sounds so trite to say it. It would
be irresponsible not to say it.
To commemorate the International Year
of Peace, individuals and groups have
created modest symbols of a sober and
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thoughful commitment to survival and con-
tinuity.
ontinuity. A peace torch is on the way to encir-
cle our planet, to return to the New York
headquarters of United Nations before
Christmas.
In our country a special peace stamp and
a gold coin have been issued. In many com-
munities, peace gardens have been created
– small green areas with flowers where one
can visit in quiet refleciton and dedication.
Toronto has a lovely oasis of a peace
garden in a corner of Nathan Phillips
Square. Other places, have their versions,
some created simply and without controver,
sy, others born out of accusations and objec-
tions, mainly from veterans' organizations,
as one notices with sadness. The London
peace garden, initiated by Ploughshares, is
Opinion
in this unfortunate category.
I find it impossible to understand the
logic, feeling or standard that regards a
peace garden and a cenotaph as incompati-
ble in the same public park. It is like saying
that a synagogue and a cathedral cannot be
built in the same city block =