So, What's Somali Peace to Me?

"Peace is not an absence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice". - Baruch Spinoza



Welcome



Spinoza. A prophetic soul who lived through the 17th century, understood a concept which the Somali people must grasp before we can deserve, let alone achieve, peace in Somalia. Spinoza was relating the idea that the manifestation and endurance of true peace is dependent on the character of the men and women of the society which desires the peace. Based on this thesis then, let's try and take the next step and see where Somalia meets and or fails to meet this "theory of peace".



Somali natives overwhelmingly want peace! They're sick and tired of instability, so the question is really what's stopping them? Personally I believe the answer is that we don't trust each other, mainly as a result of tribalism, greed, ignorance, poor leadership and complex networks of greedy Somalia profiteers. The Somali people suffer tremendously from these issues, and if we ever hope to get free of these curses we have first have to acknowledge their existence, and thereafter work to re-establish trust and eliminate these things. In a society which is so fragmented its no wonder why the only successful government was a military dictatorship which ruled with an iron fist. The truth is I don't think Somalis were prepared for a democracy mentally, their "state of mind" was still contentious with their neighbors based on their lineage and birth right. It's a disaster. Worse, it's a shame.



Yes, the situation is a huge shame, but this is not the end game, as long as Somalis can overcome these vices. The reality is that Somalis have more uniting them then any other African nation: A common faith, ethnicity, language, history, the list can go on! Which is why we must have a "restoration," similar to Japan's Meiji Restoration, in which our own conscience and the government work side by side in integrating our common goals while eliminating threat of tribalism.



I believe that there is a time when almost every Somali youth who has grown up in the United States has taken a moment to grasp the depth of tragedy in their home country. However the unfortunate reality is that their lament all too often fails to translate into action. Albert Einstein's famous quote goes something like "Religion is lame without science, and science is lame without religion." Well, I believe that belief is lame without action, and action is lame without belief.



I urge any one who reads this blog to at least try to take action. We should all unify and join the ranks of those who will not accept a Somalia which remains in perpetual conflict, both externally and within the minds of the people.



I've started my personal journey to give 10,000 hours to Somalia over the next 5 years with the ultimate goal of national peace. My purpose in writing this blog is simple, I hope it will inspire you, and me, to continue making an effort for Somalia.



Salaam