AGR fosters Gandhi letter wars

I'm not sure that, almost 59 years after his death, we can be certain how Gandhi might react to a situation today. Stewart David (AGR 09/21-27) assumes he would be "deeply saddened" and "appalled" at a non-vegetarian meal associated with his memory. As a planner of the Peace on Earth, Peace with Earth Day event (and a strict vegetarian), I would tend to think that the Mahatma would be pleased to see folks coming together in unity to celebrate nonviolence and to hope for a peaceful world, and this would offset any displeasure at a handful of meat dishes on a largely vegetarian table spread. In fact, as a young man, Gandhi was a meat eater. He later became a vegetarian, then a fruititarian. So Gandhi might ask us today to be more tolerant of others, including those who do not share our dietary preferences. He said, "Intolerance is itself a form of violence...." Indeed, violence takes many forms. He also observed, "I have known many meat eaters to be far more nonviolent than vegetarians." Regarding the doves, those beautiful symbols of peace, I did not detect any mistreatment. They did not appear to be bothered by the loudspeakers. In fact, upon release, several of the birds had to be encouraged to take flight and join their companions in the air. Regarding the danger of predation and collision with manmade structures, domesticated birds would seem to have less risk than their wild cousins since they have less exposure. But I am concerned and will be more circumspect in the future. So I am with Stewart David in spirit. We both have respect and compassion for animals. We can build from there. As Gandhi said: "I offer you peace. I offer you love. I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings. My wisdom flows from the Highest Source. I salute that Source in you. Let us work together for unity and love." Peace on Earth; Peace with Earth, Kim Carlyle