Dear editor,
Some common objectives of today’s American foreign interventions have centered on the protection of U.S. citizens, counterterrorism, foreign regime change, nation-building, territorial expansion, promoting democracy, enforcing international law, and identifying economic opportunities.
With this in mind, it appears that the levels of conflict on both international and domestic fronts continue to escalate with every passing week.
Ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions, such as the war in Ukraine and the hostilities in Gaza, are posing threats to international security and stability. Pandemics and the inequitable distribution of healthcare resources continue to have a profoundly adverse impact on global health. For millions, extreme poverty remains a life-threatening challenge. Rising inflation is eroding purchasing power, thus creating economic hardship both abroad and at home. Within our own government, political division and a lack of bipartisan cooperation hinder progress on many critical issues.
Amidst all the ongoing chaos and the consequential unresolved impact of each controversy, the topic that received the most news coverage this past week was the deterioration of the relationship between Elon Musk, former senior adviser to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and President Donald Trump.
Differing views over the “Big Beautiful Bill” and its impact on the federal deficit contributed to their split, which the media dubbed “from bromance to break up.”
I find myself asking: Does such coverage of the back-and-forth tweets between these two men serve any purpose in moving our country forward toward a resolution that improves the well-being of this nation?
On an evening following Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, in a room where the disciples gathered together, Jesus came, stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19) Jesus’ salutation was not only about wishing one another a peaceful existence, but it also serves as a reminder that, as Christians, we must actively build harmony where there is dissonance.
Perhaps both our president and Mr. Musk, and even our elected members of Congress, would be well served by adopting, with intentional forethought, the quintessential Franciscan prayer: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love.”
Peter Wibell, Rutledge