Under the Baobab: Lay Down Arms, Embrace Peace

A Life of Travel and Reflection on War

During my four score years on earth, I have found myself in various countries whenever my own country has been at war. In the late 1960s, I was visiting France, Spain, and North Africa while up to a half million American troops were fighting in Vietnam. At that time, the war had become increasingly unpopular in the United States, but people overseas, especially young people, were very critical of our country. The conflict ended tragically for the American commitment, with more than 50,000 U.S. troops and millions of Vietnamese losing their lives. Today, the U.S. is one of Vietnam’s primary export trading partners.

I was serving as a Fulbright Fellow in South Africa when the U.S. invaded Iraq in search of elusive “weapons of mass destruction.” This effort led to the toppling of Saddam Hussein’s regime, leaving the country in a shambles. I was asked to present a play to the Cape Town diplomatic community, explaining our country’s motivations from a personal perspective. The play, titled “9/11: A Day in the Life of a People,” was performed each year on the anniversary of the 9/11 attack, including at the National Constitution Center. When we invaded Afghanistan in 2001, there was much sympathy around the world, seen as retaliation for the World Trade Center attack. However, there was not much sympathy when we invaded Iraq, which was not involved in the September 2001 attack.

I am writing this piece from Berlin as our country initiates war against Iran. On the first day, a likely U.S. military error resulted in the tragic bombing of Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school, reportedly causing at least 165 deaths, mostly children. It is ironic that I am working on a film in a country symbolic of aggressive wars from the last century. Germany under the Nazis attacked, invaded, and militarily brutalized weak countries all over the world. Their hubris led to their downfall, but not before 60-75 million people perished. Six million Jewish people and millions more from groups targeted by the Nazis were killed in the Holocaust, the bloodiest war in history.

The German people learned the lesson—aggressive wars against seemingly weaker nations do not work. Everywhere I go, people ask why Americans have not learned this as well. The nuclear standoff during the Cold War led to a nervous peace, built on fear of potential retaliation and annihilation. If we are to survive, we must construct a peace built on love and concern for others, all others.

Despite what some people say, the United States is not admired for military might, economic power, or Disneyland. Rather, it is because we are the oldest sustained democracy, a beacon of hope. Our ancestors struggled to build a community based on the belief that we the People, ALL the people, “endowed by their creator with inalienable rights … life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” are entitled to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Put down the guns, brothers and sisters, and the drones and the rockets. Let us open our arms to each other. Open our minds to the possibility of peace. Give it a chance. Embrace the children; don’t bomb them.

Other Happenings

This is Oscar weekend. Our Centre County neighbor, Delroy Lindo, has been nominated for best supporting actor for his role in “Sinners.” Of course, it is an honor to be nominated. In Delroy’s case, it would be a veneration bestowed for a life of distinguished work in the craft.

Congratulations to Connor Hill, a 17-year-old State College Delta High School senior, who earned the $250,000 top prize at Regeneron Science Talent Search, which “recognizes science and math research conducted by young scientists across the U.S.” Competition sponsor Society for Science honored Hill and his achievement at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Congratulations, Penn State wrestling and ice hockey.

Charles Dumas is a lifelong political activist, a professor emeritus from Penn State, and was the Democratic Party’s nominee for the U.S. Congress in 2012. He is a Lions Paw honoree. He lives in State College with his wife and partner of over 50 years.

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