In May of 2004, Philadelphia native Nicholas Berg became the first American civilian contractor to be abducted and beheaded in Iraq by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and his thugs. The experience turned Michael Berg, Nick's dad, into a very busy peace activist and critic of the Bush administration's war policies.
While it's likely that many (indeed, perhaps most) parents in that kind of situation might instinctively react with bitterness and a thirst for revenge, Mike Berg seems to be more highly evolved than that.
Yesterday, just a few hours after the news of Zarqawi's death hit the airwaves, I received a message from Mike which provides a good example of why I've come to admire him so much after meeting him almost two years ago at a local rally for social justice.
Here is an excerpt from Michael Berg's note (which he requested be shared):
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I was awakened at 4:30 AM with the news of Zarqawi's death. I have said to over a dozen reporters so far today, that every human death diminishes me. I have said that Zarqawi's death is a triumph for revenge, for revenge is what killed Nick. I have said that Zarqawi's death will inflame the Iraqi resistance and perpetuate the endless cycle of revenge begetting revenge begetting revenge. I have said that the cycle must end, and that it ends with me. I take no joy in Zarqawi's death.
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Wow.
Imagine how much healthier and happier the world would be if more people shared this man's attitude.
Imagine indeed. I have immense respect for Michael Berg and the calm, rational manner in which he made the case for peace yesterday. I feel nothing but shame, bewilderment and disgust for my church, the Mennonite Church, no less, whose official position on the Iraq war is "Uh, please, uh, sir, Mr. President, uh, you know we're Mennonites so, uh, yes, we are against the war, but we want to be some of those good little Americans who say they will suppport the military in their time of need." NIMN. God send us more Michael Bergs.
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