Peaceful overtures have been made to Iran, to a host of Muslim nations and others with whom we figured we'd never need to deal. That would apply even if the superpower were to plant an oil rig on every scenic treasure and never need to deal with petrol sultans. We realize again the need for dealing with far-off conflict. This brings up the lonely crusade of Colman McCarthy, the former Washington Post columnist who once was a syndicated voice. In 1982 he founded the Center for Teaching Peace.
Hawkish voices are always in demand.
McCarthy, a deeply avowed pacifist, has to seek out audiences. It makes you wonder if a certain pacifist of Biblical times would have had to take out paid ads. So much for such a voice. But what McCarthy says needs to be heard. As a society we are devoted to studying war.