THE LARGER ISSUE

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THE LARGER ISSUE

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Even if the Belligerent will not listen to us

We can listen politely to them

Even if the Belligerent will not behave respectfully towards us

We can behave respectfully towards them

Even if the Belligerent can not budge an inch towards considering

The merit of our position

We can decide not to shove them rudely out of the way

Because bigger than the issue at hand

Is the much more compelling issue of our humanity

Your humanity and mine

And the Standards of Conduct you and I hold ourselves to

Politeness, respect, non-violence

Will not solve all our current problems

But in the rarified air of political negotiations

Respect, politeness and non - violence

Will at least allow us to address the issues

In a sane and reasonable way.

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