To the editor:

First, I would like to thank David Burress for making the Journal-World the means of dialogue for the peace community in Lawrence. We are so many now that we need to use the local news media to reach us all. This is wonderful.

I have been an anarchist for a half century and I take issue with Mr. Burress’ portrayal of this honored philosophy.

For instance, I feel that “Peace can only mean the rule of law” is a narrow and barren view. When our justice system is working at its best, it is still unable to change the culture around it to ensure justice for all citizens. The country still perceives, for instance, that black men are statistically more likely to commit crimes than the same demographic among white men, while, in reality, black men are more likely to be victims of crimes than the same demographic among white men.

I raised my children, without threats or name-calling, to realize that people, not property, have rights, that people, not organizations, have rights. And since only people have rights, only people have responsibility. I taught them to act on decision rather than reaction or indecision. I raised them to believe that all creation was a necessary part of their own existence. It is only when each individual takes responsibility for his/her actions that the peace that is within and without will reign throughout the world.

Thank you again, Mr. Burress, for opening this discussion for us.

Peace.

Christine Smith,

Lawrence