December 31, 2004

A Final Act As Mayor

World leaders can make history with needed compassion

By Alan DeBoer
Mayor of Ashland

As I leave the mayor's office of a small town in Southern Oregon I have a few wishes for the next year.

The tragedy of the tsunami that has affected so many lives makes us stop and ponder how fragile our existence is. I would like to ask everyone to pause and think how we can help each other.

To those world leaders that believe that violence is the only answer; could we pause and enter a year of peace and direct our efforts to help the areas affected by this natural disaster that has ravaged so many lives.

To Osama and others, reach out and offer a cease fire. No suicide bombers. No terrorist threats. Instead, offer a note of peace. With our children, we call it a time out. The thought of a peaceful election, a chance to self govern can't be so terrible you must kill your own citizens, children and those of your enemies. Certainly our religions and beliefs must support a "time out" to help our own to recover.

The resources used for war could be invaluable for reconstruction and humanitarian aid. Let's show that humankind is capable of compassion and leadership. Let's see real Leadership, the kind that stands out in history.