Making friends the Broede way.

I'd like to see a beefed up Peace Corps. And a reduction in our Armed Forces. In the long run, I think it would benefit the U.S. Yes, promoting peace rather than war and conflict. It might be a risky venture. But let's try to sell the idea to our perceived enemies. Tell 'em we'll be nice guys and do nice things for the people of their country. No strings attached. We'll build schools. Roads. Recreation centers. Parks. All kinds of public works projects. Just to show that our hearts are in the right place. Maybe we could test this idea in North Korea. See if it works. A friendly gesture. If the North Koreans want to stay our enemy after this, so be it. But I rather think, they might thank us. Especially if we say we want nothing in return. That our reward is simply in the act of being nice. Of course, maybe they'll think we're nuts. Or that we have a hidden agenda. That we're spies. Hatching a diabolical plot. But maybe with the test of time, they'll conclude that we're really nice people. Just out to treat people the way we'd like to be treated. And that if we get slapped in the face, we'll try to turn the other cheek. Because we're opposed to violence. We want peace instead. And what we're doing is giving ourselves peace of mind. Yes, that we are trying to learn to love our enemies. And make them friends. --Jim Broede