Just War?

In today's world we naturally turn toward violence to resolve the majority of our conflicts. When faced with conflict, we turn toward the easy escape and resort to war and violence to solve it. However, I do believe that in some situations, it is possible to solve a problem with nonviolence. We are human beings with the gift of speech and thought, we should be able to communicate amongst ourselves without feeling the need to blow up the another country. Although it may seem nearly impossible, I believe that in some cases such discussion of peace is possible. However, I think that there are some conflicts that cannot be solved with nonviolence. There are some people out there who believe so adamantly in a cause that no one can make them see reason. We in our own community, however, can affect change and take steps toward a culture of life. We can speak out against the violence plaguing our own cities, and work to end conflict right in our own backyard by writing petitions and raising awareness. As a senior in high school, I do not have the capability to single-handedly solve the conflict in the Middle East that has been brewing for over 2,000 years. I do have the capability, however, to instill in my own world a culture of peace, which may in turn lead to a worldwide movement. A problem of this scale cannot be solved in a day; however, a change in the mindsets of those around me, may only encourage more people to turn to peace instead of violence.