Blogs by Flo Fitzpatrick
Give Peace a Chance
2/12/2026 7:24:51 AM
“All we are saying, is give peace a chance.” A simple message, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney (actual title is Give Peace a Chance) and recorded in June of 1969. Fifty-seven years later, the message is the same but instead of singing, a group of Buddhist monks are walking it. They’re not trying to convert anyone to Buddhism. They’re not trying to change anyone’s beliefs. They’re asking people simply to try to incorporate the concept of peace in their daily lives and promote unity among all beings. They’ve walked for the last 15 weeks, facing the harshest weather conditions imaginable. They’ve been met with a mix of support and outrage (fortunately more support than outrage).
Yesterday they held a ceremony in Washington D.C., joined by faith leaders from any and all religious backgrounds imaginable (and their adorable dog Aloka).
The leader of the walk, Bhikku Pannakara thanked all the people who have supported them and helped them throughout this journey (including law enforcement officers from each state). And he asked everyone to choose love and kindness, to choose the “pause” button (my words) before speaking. His word: “If each person takes just one second to ask, will this hurt anyone? The world today would be kinder.”
I watched part of the ceremony and was struck by the expressions of all the faith leaders. They exhibited so much such calm and simple happiness, I could feel the emotions a thousand miles away.
I couldn’t help but note the contrast in the so-called “prayer breakfast” where people professing to be Christian applauded the ramblings of a snake-oil salesman, convicted felon, accused pedophile, who has ordered the murders of innocent people. And their expressions were closer to the Evil Queen in Snow White looking into a mirror reflecting nothing but ego and hate.
Later yesterday, I made the mistake of watching a reel of Karoline Leavitt testifying before Congress. I’m sure “lying to protect pedophiles” as part of a job description can twist anyone’s features but the venom and hatred in both her words and expression were nothing short of terrifying. And sad.
I watched country singer Lee Brice during the “alternate” half-time show talking about wanting to just get back to drinking beer and cutting grass and wearing his boots and feeding his dogs. Fine. I don’t drink beer (give me a margarita any day), and I pay a guy to mow the lawn, but I do love wearing boots and I definitely feed my dog. But then he goes on to complain about trans people, oddly claiming he’s not allowed to complain about trans people. Well he totally pissed me off with that, but what struck me was how miserable he looked. I couldn’t watch. I found I was getting too angry and depressed.
And I watched Bad Bunny et al - and the joy in the performance (whether one enjoyed the music or not…confession…I loved it !) was palpable. Infectious. I felt happy after watching.
What’s bothered me ever since MAGA decided they had the only path to “making America great” is that their path is racist, xenophobic, homophobic, misogynistic, and not a bit peaceful. And I can’t help but notice that all of them, the leaders and the followers, those in power and those without, yelling at rallies, screaming their speeches…display so much anger and misery. The hate behind the policies, the hate they must feel for themselves to have the kind of hate they express toward others…it’s just… sad.
I truly hope, for their sake..and that of a world suffering because of this hate…they will wake up and go with a message that asks for kindness and not harm.
Give Peace a Chance
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