There is a bit of a dry spell on conflict in Chicago. We are over the brunt of the pandemic, the vaccination/mask debate has quelled, it’s not an election year, and the Chicago Teacher’s Union contract is not yet up for re-negotiation. There is not a side to choose, someone to make wrong or a clear path for being right.


Whoa, what are we going to do!?

To actualize peace in our world, we must first understand the meaning and value of peace. Peace is not a cease fire or a compromise. It is not something that might ensue after a dispute or conflict has run its course. And it is not something to settle for. These are limited and misconstrued interpretations of peace. We can claim much more.

Today we face an inescapable fact: every economy, industry, business, community, family and individual is threatened by an unprecedented pandemic. For the first time in recent history, there is a real and immediate necessity for selfless interdependence and collaboration among individuals, communities and nations – and a consequent need for leadership. But the “leadership” that is required by this pandemic is not simply a wielding of power, or a keen sense of political strategy. Rather the unique characteristics of the COVID-19 pandemic compel two key, interrelated components of leadership: (1) the de-prioritization of short-term or egoistic interests, and (2) a global and humanitarian consciousness that prioritizes the well-being of all over the privilege of few. Some will swiftly rise to meet this challenge because they naturally embody these two principles in their character and ideologies. But others will delay and fail. In the end, much will be revealed, and these revelations will inform a transformed polity and world.